We first wrote about Montezuma in 2012, when it already had a reputation as one of the most relaxed beach towns in Costa Rica. It has grown since, but the village is still small enough to walk end to end. For hotels, restaurants and local news, Montezuma Beach is the town's long-running local guide.
What it's like
Montezuma started as a remote fishing village near the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula and has drawn budget travelers, backpackers and nature lovers since the 1980s. Today it mixes residents from Costa Rica and abroad with visitors who come for the beaches, rivers and waterfalls around town. Most services, such as banks and larger shops, are in Cóbano, 8 km up the hill.
The town beach, Playa Montezuma, has soft, light brown sand and rocky points at either end. Walk north along the shore and you reach quieter stretches, including Playa Grande and Playa Las Manchas. The coastline here has rocks, reefs and currents, so ask locally before swimming and pick a calm spot.
Things to do
Montezuma waterfalls. A short hike from town leads to a series of cascades and pools. The trail follows the river and can be slippery, so wear shoes with grip and go in daylight. Swim only in the pools that look calm, and skip cliff jumps.
Cabo Blanco. The Cabo Blanco reserve is about 17 km south, past Cabuya. It's the best forest hike in the area. Remember it's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Curú and Isla Tortuga. Curú Wildlife Refuge, toward Paquera, is an easy place to see monkeys and deer, and boat trips run from this coast to Isla Tortuga for snorkeling.
Santa Teresa and Mal País. The surf towns on the other side of the peninsula are a short drive away. See our Santa Teresa beach page.
Getting there
From San José, drive to Puntarenas and take the car ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya to Paquera. From Paquera, the road south via Cóbano takes about an hour. Coming from Guanacaste, you can drive down the peninsula instead and skip the ferry. The roads into Montezuma are steep and winding, and a car with good ground clearance helps, especially if your hotel is up a hillside.
Tambor has the nearest domestic airport, with flights from San José. Taxis run from Tambor and Cóbano.
How long to stay
Two or three nights give you a waterfall morning, a Cabo Blanco hike and a lazy beach day. If you're combining Montezuma with Santa Teresa, split the time or base yourself in one and day-trip to the other. Our Nicoya Peninsula guide shows how to fit it into a wider route, and Barceló Tambor is the closest large resort on this site.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Montezuma?
Not in the village itself, which is walkable. A car or taxis help for Cabo Blanco, Curú and Santa Teresa.
Can you swim at Playa Montezuma?
Sometimes. There are rocks and currents, and conditions change with the tide and swell. Ask locally and choose calm water.
How do I get from San José to Montezuma?
Drive to Puntarenas, take the ferry to Paquera, then drive about an hour south via Cóbano. Or fly to Tambor and take a taxi.
Is Montezuma good for surfing?
Montezuma is more for swimming, hiking and waterfalls. Most surfers stay in Santa Teresa or Mal País, a short drive away.
