Montezuma is my favorite beach in Costa Rica. Located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, it is only a few hours away from San Jose. It is a small beach-front town, with a very eclectic and relaxed ambiance.

To get to Montezuma from San Jose, you first take the bus to the port city of Puntarenas,which leave leave several times a day and takes approximately 2 hours to get there. Once in Puntarenas you take the ferry over to Paquera. There is actually a new ferry boat, which is operated by the spanish hotel chain Barcelo. It is ample and very stable. My favorite is sitting on the top deck where you can catch a glimpse of the islands in the Golfo de Guanacaste. You can buy all sorts of things on the ferry, from beer to ice cream. The 1 1/2 hour ride finishes at Paquera, where you can either take a bus or a taxi to Montezuma, which takes another 40 minutes.

Montezuma is quite small, and mostly everything is within walking distance. On the main street you can find the 2 most useful business in town: Hotel Montezuma, and Chico’s Bar. Hotel Montezuma is an affordable hotel that overlooks the main street. Rooms have air conditioning, TV, safe, 2 large beds, and a hot water showers. The only thing to note is that if you are an early sleeper, this may not be the place for you, as the music from neighboring bars can be heard until the early hours. One of these bars in Chico’s which is right across the street. A large establishment that plays many types of music, will be packed every night with people from all over the world.

Montezuma is also a natural beauty. Perhaps its most famous attractions are its waterfalls. One of these is located inland after traversing a slippery path along the river. The first waterfall is about 90 feet tall, it’s impressive and beautiful at the same time. Many adventurous (or dumb) people have chosen to dive off the top of this waterfall… consequence has been death for a couple unlucky ones. There is more to this place… if you climb along the back wall, you will traverse a steep path to get to the back of the large waterfall where a smaller, but still scary drop can be found. This smaller waterfall is about 60 feet tall, and it safer to jump from because of its angle and pool below.

If waterfall diving is not your thing, you can also go horseback riding, bodysurfing, hiking, or kayaking along the coast. 20 minutes away is the surfer mecca of Malpais. Montezuma appeals to those looking for seclusion, simplicity, and relaxation.

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Filed under: Travel on July 20th, 2007