Costa Rica, Montezuma
Montezuma Playa Grande
Walking a few steps north from the center of Montezuma is a wide beach which is perfect for bathing. Take care however, as the surf can sometimes be a bit rough.
If you crave more solitude you can venture further, following the scenic trail which alternates between the beach and a path through the
forest behind the rocks. You will pass by pristine, secluded bays fringed by the dense jungle of the Montezuma Biological Reserve.
After 3 km you arrive at Playa Grande, a long expanse of white sand beach which offers good swimming.
8 km out of Montezuma you reach the waterfall of Playa Cocalitos, where fresh water cascades off an escarpment into lava rock swimming
pools and then into the ocean.
If you don't feel like walking you can also explore this coastline on a horse tour.
Beach south of Montezuma
For a walk south of Montezuma choose low tide to walk around the rocky headlands.
You will find many tide pools where you can marvel at maritime mini eco-systems, or sit in and have a refreshing bath.
After two kilometers you arrive at Playa Las Manchas, a beautiful white-sand beach with turquoise clear waters.
Take care of a strong rip current towards the south of the bay. There is a rescue line in the water.
See also: South of Montezuma: Cabuya
Natural swimming pools in the Rio Montezuma
If you feel more like bathing in freshwater, you can hike up one of the many rivers around Montezuma. You will find natural pools and sparkling jacuzzis amidst the amphitheater of the jungle rising up steeply around you.
The Montezuma waterfall
The many waterfalls surrounding the village are one of the most noted features of Montezuma. The biggest and most beautiful one
is close to the village center, reached on a hike of around 30 min. The entrance to the trail is across from Hotel Amor de Mar
(see » Map of Montezuma).
The rough path leads uphill through a beautiful, heavily forested river valley. Wear sturdy, water-resistant shoes as you will have
to clamber over rocks and roots and wade through the river several times. The cascade tumbles down from 80 feet and feeds a
large round swimming pool.
A small trail at the side of the waterfall climbs steeply up to another, smaller cascade which has also formed a large swimming pool.
An easier-to-walk trail to this waterfall goes off at the side of the Montezuma Butterfly Garden.
Better don't jump off the rocks into the pool. Several casualties have happened when divers hit the rocks underwater.