Montezuma travel guide

Once a quiet sleepy hamlet, Montezuma is a small village which has become one of the most popular budget traveller destinations along the coast. Montezuma made its way onto the tourist circuit by virtue of its reputation for having a laid-back alternative lifestyle. These days it is no longer a secret hideaway, attracting as many holiday makers as backpackers, and you shouldn’t expect to see much of the Tico way of life. At busy periods, hotels fill up every day, so check in early.

Although it gets crowded, there are some wonderful beaches, rounded off by rocky points, great for exploring tidal pools. Go for beautiful walks along the tree-lined beach, visit impressive waterfalls and, further afield, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve , is an easy and enjoyable day trip.

Trips

Tour operators in Montezuma offer a range of trips including kayaking and snorkelling at Isla Cabuya (US$25 per person), day trips to Isla Tortuga (US$40), horse tours to nearby waterfalls (US$25) and mountain bike rental (US$5 per day). Quad bike rental is one of the best ways to get around if you don’t have a car and want to explore by yourself (US$60 per day). The canopy tour is one of the most popular in the area and takes place above the local waterfalls – the tour includes a cool dip (US$30). Other trips further afield include whitewater rafting, sunset and wildlife tours. For something more relaxing Hotel Los Mangos has yoga classes from US$12, http://www.montezumayoga.com. Diving is also possible (US$45 one tank, US$75 two tanks).

If you want to strike out on your own, 20 minutes up the Montezuma River, is a huge, beautiful waterfall with a big, natural swimming hole, beyond a smaller waterfall. Intrepid walkers can carry on up to further waterfalls but note that it can be dangerous and accidents have been reported – most of which have occurred when people have got too adventurous and have tried to climb up the waterfall rocks, slipped and fallen. North of Montezuma (6 km) is El Chorro, another waterfall with a pool right by the beach – follow the road out to the beach at the north end of town and keep going past three coves for about 30 minutes until you reach the trail off to the left (you can’t miss it). Part of the pool beneath the falls has recently been filled with rocks from a landslide. There is concern that the land around here is still unstable and swimming could be dangerous. However, people do still swim regularly here, so ask around for advice locally and go cautiously....read more