Montezuma Beach

Chances are that if you're traveling through the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula you'll be interested in visiting Montezuma. The town is a lively mishmash of national and international characters whose bohemian, open-minded attitude has helped to make the place famous. It's composed of a few small streets that border a lengthy, wide section of beach. From Montezuma, walks can be made either north or south to scout out different sections of shoreline.

The area in front of town is picturesque but not the best place to swim. Heading in either direction will lead you to spots that are less crowded and more beautiful. A variety of trees line the coast and offer up a place to relax in the shade. Like other beaches in the area, volcanic outcroppings dot the shoreline. These help fashion both mini tide pools and small coves to swim in. The swimming here is generally fine, although the rip tides can be strong, so be careful. Some of the areas to the south have good snorkeling in offshore underwater canyons. Snorkel gear can be brought from home or rented in town.

It takes about 30-45 minutes of driving along a bumpy road to reach Montezuma. Taxis can be hired to make the trip, but if you’re doing it on your own you will want a car with four-wheel drive. As you near Montezuma, you may want to stop and see the waterfalls. This impressive series of falls is on the bucket list of many travelers, and for good reason. They offer swimming, sunbathing and photographic opportunities. You can fly off the rope swing or jump off the smaller waterfalls. It should be noted, however, that jumping off the highest waterfall — which is around 80 ft tall — is extremely dangerous. People die every year jumping off the fall into the shallow water below.

Hotels in and around Montezuma

Hotels in and around Malpais

Links of Interest

Beaches in and around Malpais