Last Updated: September 11, 2025
Not long ago, Costa Rica was known for its bumpy dirt roads that led only the most determined explorers to pristine beaches and virgin jungle. While many destinations have been built up significantly since those days, Montezuma has maintained its off-the-beaten-path feel. We first visited this laid-back beach town over 15 years ago and have made several trips back since then. In this post, we’ll give you all the details you need to plan your visit, including recommendations for the best hotels, activities, and restaurants.
About Montezuma
Montezuma is located on the very southern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. This area of the country is more remote, making Montezuma a little difficult to get to and, therefore, not overly crowded. The people who make the trek are typically a mix of backpackers, young families, and couples looking for a romantic getaway.
The draws of Montezuma are its many quiet beaches, thick forest, and wildlife like monkeys, butterflies, and birds. One of the things that makes it unique is its almost bohemian feel. Though small, Montezuma is a vibrant community, made up of like-minded expats and locals. Adding to this, Montezuma has an impressive selection of restaurants serving food from all around the world (see our picks below).
Getting There
Visitors have several options for getting to Montezuma.
Public Bus
If you’re on a budget, the public bus is the best choice. When we first visited as tourists, we took the direct bus from San Jose and really enjoyed it. Although it is a long trip (around 6 hours), it includes a scenic ride on a ferry.
The bus leaves San Jose daily at 6:00 a.m. and costs around $14 (includes ferry ticket). The bus company is Transportes Cobano.
Shuttle
Shared or private shuttles are another faster way to get to Montezuma.
Shared shuttles leave at a set time and make a few stops along the way to pick up and drop off other passengers. They cost around $70 per person from San Jose. One reliable company that offers shared shuttles in Costa Rica is Interbus.
Private shuttles are another option. These are more expensive (around $325 from San Jose or Liberia), but leave at a custom time, are only for your group, and include time to stop along the way. If you’d like any help arranging a shuttle, feel free to reach out through our Shuttle Transfers page.
Rental Car
For the most flexibility, rental cars are a great option. Although you don’t need a car for Montezuma if you’re staying near the main area of town, one can be nice to have to get to area attractions and visit nearby towns on day trips.
Tips for Driving to Montezuma
If you’re planning to drive, as of 2025, most main roads around the southern Nicoya Peninsula are now paved. Unless you’re staying at a hotel or vacation rental in the hills or outskirts of town, you probably don’t need a 4×4 vehicle. Still, if you plan on doing some exploring, we recommend an SUV for the higher clearance and a four-wheel drive in rainy season (May-November). Once you get off the main routes, it can turn to dirt and get bumpy fast.
Here is a link to our Rental Car Discount page to save 10% through one of Costa Rica’s most reputable companies.
If you’re traveling from San Jose International Airport or the central Pacific coast, you can speed up the trip by taking a ferry from Puntarenas across the gulf and then continuing by car from Paquera. For more information about the ferry, read our post Taking the Puntarenas-Paquera Ferry.
Things to Do in Montezuma
Montezuma’s jungle-backed coastline has a lot to offer for activities. While you could spend days staring out at the crashing waves or looking overhead for monkeys, there’s plenty to do if you want to be active.
Beaches
Just north of town is Montezuma’s most popular beach, Playa Montezuma. Here, you will see people sunbathing on the sand, camping under the palms, or taking a swim in the choppy water.
If you are up for a little adventure, continue walking north to explore more beaches and secluded coves. About 15-20 minutes away is a spot marked with dozens of makeshift rock sculptures called cairns and also a small waterfall.
If you keep going (bring some water and snacks), you’ll follow a trail on and off the beach to Playa Grande, about 45 minutes away. Playa Grande is a long, beautiful beach and one of the best in the area for surfing. The walk out to Playa Grande is backed by really nice jungle, so keep an eye out for animals and birds.
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
For more serious hiking, head to Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco.
This was Costa Rica’s first national reserve and its creation helped to shape the country’s conservation efforts. Besides being an important part of history, there is abundant wildlife to see, including monkeys and birds. At the end of the trail, you’ll also find a remote beach where you can take a dip to cool off after the long hike.
We have been to Cabo Blanco a few times and it never disappoints. See our post Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve for more info.
Montezuma Waterfalls
Probably the most popular activity in Montezuma are the waterfalls just south of town. The Montezuma Waterfalls are a set of three cascades that have something for everyone. While some just relax or picnic at the largest waterfall (almost 80 feet/24 meters tall), more adventurous types jump and swim at the other two.
The falls can be visited two different ways. One includes a cool hanging bridge and the other goes up the riverbed. We have done both and wrote about it in our post Montezuma Waterfalls: Best Ways to Access.
Snorkeling at Tortuga Island
A popular tour from Montezuma is the nearby Isla Tortuga (Tortuga Island). This small island is about an hour away by boat and has volcanic rock structures that create favorable snorkeling conditions. The island has a beautiful white sand beach where the tour company will prepare you a BBQ lunch.
The ride out to the island is a tour in itself as you take in the beautiful coastline. Sometimes dolphins, turtles, or other marine life are spotted from the boat too.
This is a great tour for both couples and families. Our family really enjoyed it.
If you’d like to book it, feel free to reach out through the link below and we will reserve it with the local operator in Montezuma. Booking through us costs the same and helps support our website!
Isla de Cabuya
This tiny island sits right offshore in the small fishing village of Cabuya, just south of Montezuma. It’s so close to land that you can even walk to it at low tide! Isla de Cabuya is best known for having a cemetery, and a walk through the grave sites is a unique and spiritual experience. The entrance is marked by a whitewashed archway and throughout the island you will see rows of agave plants and seashells adorning the graves.
Be sure to check the tide chart before heading out and don’t get stuck when the water level rises as the island is rumored to be haunted.
El Chorro Waterfall
For a lesser-known waterfall, there’s the unique El Chorro Waterfall, which flows right into the Pacific Ocean. You can access this hidden waterfall north of Montezuma a few ways: by hiking along the beach, horseback, or driving and doing a short hike in. No matter how you arrive, though, you’ll be well-rewarded with gorgeous views of the waterfall flowing out of the rocky landscape into the ocean.
Learn more about access with our post, Catarata el Chorro: A Waterfall that Flows Into the Sea.
Restaurant Recommendations
Playa de los Artistas
This beachfront gem offers amazing food with your toes in the sand. The handwritten menu at Playa de los Artistas changes daily but focuses on Mediterranean fare, especially fresh fish. We loved the tuna tartare with pears and mustard sauce, mahi-mahi ceviche with coconut and passion fruit, and savory polenta with turmeric and mushrooms.
The setting is gorgeous with tables close to the sea or under a covered area. Very popular with locals and limited hours, so be sure to make reservations. Open for lunch only, Thursday-Sunday from 12-4 p.m. Prices are on the high side but the quality is very good.
Cocolores
This was one of our favorite restaurants on our first visit to Montezuma. The fact that it is still around is a reflection of the innovative and delicious dishes that they serve. Exotic curries, soups, seafood, kabobs, and high-quality steaks are among the variety of cuisine you’ll find at Cocolores. The atmosphere is great for couples with candlelit tables at the ocean’s edge, but fine for families too. Open from 1:00-9:00 p.m. Closed Monday.
BejuKo Montezuma
Head to this peaceful jungle spot about 10 minutes from town for some of the best sushi around. The outdoor dining area has gorgeous ambiance, with tropical wood furniture and stunning jungle views. Next to the kitchen is the small main restaurant area. There’s also a deck with a few tables along the edge of the property. The ambiance is lovely and especially romantic at dinner. Friendly service. BejuKo Montezuma is open for dinner every day but Sunday.
Butterfly Brewing Company
This small local brewery just outside town has been serving excellent craft beer for years. We’ve been a few times and they usually have around five beers on tap plus craft sodas and homemade lemonade.
The food at Butterfly Brewing Co. is solid with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and vegan options. Everything is homemade right down to the sides. We enjoyed the shrimp sandwich with yucca hash browns and black bean veggie burger. It’s a chill spot, popular with local expats. They also have a butterfly garden you can visit for free while eating, which our kids loved. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 1-8 p.m.
Ice Dream
Head to this coffee shop in the center of downtown for a quick pick-me-up or meal. Their espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffees will give you a nice jolt. They also have delicious gelato and casual food like baked goods, croissants, breakfast sandwiches, salads, and veggie roll-ups. With a good Wi-Fi signal and A/C, you could easily spend a couple of hours sipping some java or having a long lunch. Open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
Chelo Pizzeria
If you’re craving pizza, Pizzeria Chelo’s Italian cuisine is really authentic. They have a wood-fired pizza and bruschetta menu as well as salads and homemade pasta. On weekends, they offer grilled meats. We tried the bruschetta with locally smoked fish and would go back just for that. The pizza was also great. Open for dinner only. Located on the main road to Cobano, about 5-10 minutes from Montezuma.
Puggo’s
The diverse menu at Puggo’s has something for everyone, from barbecued meats, to tuna tartare, Vietnamese rolls, and many Middle Eastern favorites like moussaka, falafel, and tandoori chicken. The BBQ ribs and sushi were very good, but our favorite was the hummus and crispy fried olives appetizer. The atmosphere at Puggo’s is also really nice. Sundays are popular for brunch. Located in the hills of Montezuma, about 10 minutes from town. Open for dinner only.
Hotel Recommendations
Budget Hotels
Montezuma Pacific Hotel
On a visit to Montezuma several years ago, we arrived in town without accommodations reserved. We were lucky to find a room at Montezuma Pacific Hotel and even wrote about it in our book, Two Weeks in Costa Rica. This is a simple, no-frills hotel but the rooms have everything you need, and the owner, Carlos, is very friendly. The hotel is located on a quiet side road but only a minute walk to restaurants and shops. Double rooms, including A/C and hot water, around $60-80/night.
Luminosa Montezuma Hostel
This friendly hostel is in an ideal location, right on the beach, with hammocks to relax and take in the view. Rooms at Luminosa Montezuma are basic with a few private rooms in the two-story house and shared dorms. The main area of Montezuma is about a 15-minute walk away. The hostel has a well-equipped kitchen. $10-15 for a shared dorm; $24-55 for a private room. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Mid-Range Hotels
Amor de Mar
Amor de Mar is a nine-room hotel just outside town and directly across from the river that leads to the Montezuma Waterfalls. They also have two spacious villas that offer a kitchen, A/C, and a private porch. The property faces the ocean and has several comfortable areas for lounging and taking in the view. Rooms are rustic but nice and most have private verandas. $65-300, includes A/C. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Casitas Sollevante and Casa Frangipani
These are separate properties located on the same road, up a hill outside town. They both offer amazing ocean views and are good options if you’re looking for some privacy.
Casa Frangipani ($145-210 double occupancy) has four contemporary villas set in the jungle.
Casitas Sollevante is a slightly cheaper option ($95-210), and has a mix of standard rooms, villas, and houses. Both are best accessed with a rental car.
Check Rates and Availability for Casa Frangipani and Casitas Sollevante.
High-End Hotels
Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
Ylang Ylang is the most high-end option in Montezuma. Located on an isolated part of the beach north of town, this resort offers private bungalows for a romantic couple’s getaway as well as family suites and tent cabins in the canopy.
As we toured the beautifully landscaped grounds, we saw wildlife like monkeys, birds, and agouti. To make it even more appealing, the property overlooks a secluded beach. There is also an onsite pool and a restaurant that focuses on organic, healthy cuisine. $200-425 double occupancy, includes breakfast and dinner. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to relax and unwind, the beaches and jungle of Montezuma may be the perfect fit. Although it may seem out of the way, it is actually a great place to start your trip in Costa Rica. From Montezuma, you can easily head north to more laid-back beach destinations like Samara or Nosara, or grab the ferry to busier beach towns like Jaco or Manuel Antonio.
Have a question about visiting Montezuma? Ask us below.
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Check out the links below for more practical info for planning your trip to Costa Rica:
The Costa Ballena – If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path feel, you might also like the Costa Ballena. This region on the southern Pacific coast has amazing wildlife, waterfalls, and surfing.
La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination – La Fortuna can be easily combined with a visit to Montezuma. It’s a great area to experience volcanoes and get in any adventure activities you’d like to do.
Best Hotels Near SJO – We’ve stayed at and toured many different hotels near San Jose international airport. Read our recommendations for the best places to start or end your vacation.
Destinations – Plan your whole trip with our Destinations page. We cover 50+ towns/cities all around Costa Rica.
Beaches – Looking to explore more beach towns on your trip? Our Beaches articles share 40+ of the best spots on both coasts.
