Montezuma, Costa Rica
Montezuma is a long-time favorite for travelers in Costa Rica. The picturesque little town is famed for its bohemian flair and the stunning beauty of the surrounding nature.
Montezuma center looking upon Chico's bar
The town's center feels like the cozy open-air living room of the community where a continuous mellow party takes place. Just sit down in some bar or eatery and watch the scenery: rastafarians, hippies, tourists and beauties with eccentric tattoos and piercings catwalk amongst the colorful stands of itinerant artists who are chatting and joking with their neighbors.
Itinerant artists in Montezuma
At night the most happening place is Chico's Bar right in the center of Montezuma where music, from reggae to salsa, is played until late in the night.
Instead of partying you might also go for a tranquil cinema night with American movies, a live piano play, or hang out at a bonfire on the beach.
The market in Montezuma
Locals love to go to the small organic market held each Saturday morning. Here the hippie roots of Montezuma
are the most palpable: apart from food, there are handicrafts and flowers sold, while friends meet each other and
musicians gather for a jam session.
Gourmets will appreciate the fine dining options in Montezuma. Restaurants serve vegetarian fare,
Mediterranean dishes or cutting-edge concoctions in a romantic atmosphere. As Montezuma faces east, towards the Gulf of Nicoya,
beachside dining is sometimes graced by the moon shimmering over the water.
Montezuma bay
Nestled into a landscape reflecting the tropical paradise, Montezuma draws eco-tourists, beach lovers and offbeat tourists alike.
The small village is cradled by high rising cliffs overgrown with lush
tropical jungle. Small streams flow down from the hills and form scenic waterfalls and
natural swimming pools. Groups of capuchin monkeys live in the forests and are
easy to spot.
Those who are looking for beach and sun can throw down their towel on Playa Grande, a few steps from the center of Montezuma, or go for a walk along the beach to discover secluded coves and tidepools. See: Beaches, rivers and waterfalls around Montezuma
Rustic but scenic beachside table
Tour operators in Montezuma offer a range of packages to nearby sights and activities. A day jaunt to the nearby Tortuga Islands includes snorkeling in crystal-clear water and a barbecue at night. One kilometer out of Montezuma you can go on a canopy tour through a verdant river valley topped off by a waterfall. You can also go scuba diving, sport fishing, kayaking or horseback riding - the choices are endless.
Hotel in Montezuma
To get to the mainland of Costa Rica there are speed boats to whisk you from Montezuma across the pacific ocean to Jaco.
During the 45 min trip towards the rising sun you may sometimes see dolphins, manta rays or whales.
A not-to-be-missed for nature lovers is the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, located 9 km south of Montezuma.
Hotels in Montezuma offer accommodation for every taste and budget. In high season however (Dec - March) the little town fills up and it is advisable to make advanced reservations.