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Explore Eco-Tourism Adventures
In Montezuma

Immerse Yourself in Nature Activities

Why visit Montezuma? At Sano Banano, we’re dedicated to making your trip as exciting and memorable as possible. Upon arrival at our front desk, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of eco-tourism activities that can be booked, allowing you to explore the stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity of Montezuma. With so many things to do—many of which aren’t even listed here—whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone. From guided tours to self-exploration, Montezuma is the perfect destination, where you can stay for days and still have plenty to discover.

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Day Trip to Tortuga Island

Experience the beauty of Tortuga Island with a full-day excursion that includes a scenic 50 minute boat ride, delicious lunch, relaxing beach time, and snorkeling in calm turquoise waters. This trip is perfect for those looking to explore the vibrant marine life and stunning beaches of Costa Rica.

$85 per person
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Zip-Line Tree Top Canopy Tour

Feel the adrenaline rush as you soar through the treetops on an exhilarating zip-line canopy tour. This adventure offers a unique perspective of the lush rainforest and its incredible biodiversity.

$55 per person
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Curú Wildlife Refuge

Our top recommendation for a guided tour in the area! Join a naturalist guide or go on a self guided tour through Curu wildlife refuge. View abundant wildlife, explore numerous trails and explore the unique flora and fauna of the region while experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica’s natural landscapes.

$16-$100 Per Person
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Montezuma Waterfall

Discover the stunning Montezuma Waterfall, a must-visit natural attraction. Enjoy a hike through the jungle to reach the falls and take a refreshing dip in the natural pools. About 35 minute walk from hotel.

FREE
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Cabo Blanco National Park

Explore Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica’s first national park. This protected area offers excellent hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and pristine beaches, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

$14 Per Person
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Sunset & Bioluminescence Tour

Enjoy a sunset tour to a beautiful beach followed by a night tour where you can witness the magical phenomenon of bioluminescence. Swim through the glowing waters and marvel at the natural light show created by microscopic organisms.

$85 Per Person
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Turtle Sanctuary

The local turtle sanctuary safeguards sea turtle eggs, ensuring baby turtles hatch safely. Seasonal afternoon releases offer a chance to watch these tiny hatchlings journey to the ocean—a truly awe-inspiring event. Check if your visit coincides with this event for a chance to witness this remarkable moment.

Free
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Horseback Riding on the Beach

Enjoy a scenic horseback ride along the beautiful beaches of Montezuma. This activity is suitable for all skill levels and offers a relaxing way to experience the coastal landscape.

$60 Per Person
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ATV Rental Adventure

For the thrill-seekers, an ATV rental adventure is the perfect way to explore the rugged terrain of Montezuma. Discover hidden trails, remote beaches, and stunning viewpoints.

$95 Per Person
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Sport Fishing

Join a sport fishing tour and try your luck at catching some of the region’s most sought-after fish species. This activity is perfect for both experienced anglers and beginners.

$900 Half Day
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Surfing Lessons

Catch some waves with our surfing lessons, suitable for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

$62 Per Person
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Yoga Classes

Choose from a variety of yoga styles offered at beautiful ocean or nature-view studios around town. Join in to experience a wide array of classes, all of which are mixed and cater to all levels, ensuring everyone can find their flow

$15 per person
($9 residents)
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Sound Journeys

“Dive into the magical world of deep relaxation and healing with the soothing sounds of Crystal Alchemy Singing Bowls, Crystal Lyra, Gongs, Hapi Drum, Burma Bells, Chimes, and more. All proceeds support the Karen Mogensen Nature Reserve. For more information, contact via WhatsApp at (506) 8811-7629.”

$10 Per Person
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El Chorro

Embark on a 3-4 hour hike along multiple beautiful beaches to reach the Chorro Waterfall, where the small cascade flows directly into the ocean. At low tide, you can swim in the tide pool beneath the falls. Be sure to plan your visit according to the tides and bring plenty of water and sun protection. This waterfall can also be reached via a guided horse tour (listed above).

Free
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Isla Cementerio

Cemetery Island is a fun, short excursion that pairs perfectly with a visit to Cabo Blanco National Park, as it’s located in the same village of Cabuya. This small island hosts the village cemetery and can be reached on foot during low tide, offering a pleasant walk along the ocean floor. Be sure to visit when the tide is low, as the path quickly becomes submerged as the tide rises.

Free
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Piedra Colorada

Piedra Colorada meaning meaning ‘colored stone,’ is a beautiful spot with a little creek that forms a pool on the beach, overlooking the ocean. It’s a perfect place to picnic or relax and enjoy the colorful river stones. Shady trees nearby provide a great spot to hang out after cooling off in the creek. You can also walk upstream to discover another wonderful swim hole. It’s an ideal location for kids and families to enjoy a lazy beach day.

Free
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Las Manchas Beach

Located just a short 5-minute drive from town, this beautiful white sand beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. However, be aware of rip currents, as they can occur frequently.

Free
A deserted beach with gray sand stretches into the distance under a clear blue sky. Waves from the ocean are visible on the right, and green palm trees line the edge of the beach on the left side. In the distance, there are faint clouds near the horizon.

Playa Grande

Playa Grande, meaning ‘Big Beach,’ is a fantastic spot to spend the day and take surfing lessons. Along the way to this beach, you’ll find many beautiful little beaches and coves, each with its own unique charm. It’s the perfect route for a day of adventure and relaxation by the sea.

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Whale Watching

Whales can be spotted from July to November, with the best chances of seeing these majestic creatures during this time. They can often be seen from the beach, offering a unique coastal experience. For a closer look, consider joining a boat tour or taking a boat transfer. Whether you’re on the shore or out at sea, witnessing these incredible animals in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable.

Free
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Mountain Bike Rentals

Rent a mountain bike at our front desk and explore the scenic route to Cabuya village, or challenge yourself on the more strenuous and hilly mountain trails.

$14 Half Day
$18 full Day

What Our Guest’s Say ?

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Rebecca C profile picture
Rebecca C
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Heart of downtown Montezuma, walk to beach We spent 3 nights, Saturday-Tuesday at El Sano Banano in downtown Montezuma. The hotel was conveniently located steps to the beach and on the downtown strip, next to a market and many restaurants. We saw a few different lizards in the outdoor dining area. The in-house restaurant and bar served Tipico style Costa Rican cuisine. The included breakfast was a sit down service with tipico rice and beans, eggs, pancakes, toast, coffee. There was no availability of self serve coffee. We stayed in a room with a window overlooking the street vendors and park. There was one full size bed and one twin on the opposite side. The mattresses, linens and pillows were tolerable. There was an AC wall unit but no window or ventilation, or balcony. Our wet clothes never dried completely. There was a private bathroom with shower with hot water, toilet. The decor of the space was beachy, colorful and quirky, I liked it. Due to the proximity to the downtown area and thin walls we could hear the music and bass from the discotheque all of Saturday night. If you’re planning on staying throughout a weekend, I’d highly recommend bringing earplugs/noise cancellers. Overall it was a pretty good stay but we’d probably consider staying somewhere off of the main street when we visit Montezuma next time. Recommendations for the hotel: -self serve coffee station -more comfortable bedding/pillows -warning about street noise, sale/availability of earplugs -more friendly staff
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Wen P profile picture
Wen P
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
El mejor hotel de Montezuma Estuvimos cuatro días, la atención fue excelente, el hotel tiene una excelente ubicación, la comida es deliciosa. El poder usar las instalaciones del Ylang ylang es un plus excelente. Sin duda volveremos...
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Aleksandra B profile picture
Aleksandra B
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
BEST IN MONTEZUMA We discovered this restaurant on our second day in Montezuma, after two rather bad experiences at other restaurants that were suggested to us. This, however, was a really nice place: great and friendly staff, amazing food and ambient and a lovely outside terrace with a little fountain. We decided to eat here every day from then on, as they also offered a way better breakfast than our own hotel, and we really enjoyed it. On our third day we went for fishing and we caught a tuna, which they prepared for us (and it was absolutely delicious!).
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Tony A profile picture
Tony A
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Awesome week Brought my family of 5 (3 sons) to Costa Rica - First time taking the nonstop Southwest Denver to Liberia, flight it was great. Sano Banano arranged transportation (Eduardo) to the hotel in a private van, great ride, both ways. Food was great great Rooms were clean, comfortable - water was hot Great customer service - we also stayed at Ylang Ylang - great vibe at both places Sad to leave
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Jesus Bianchi profile picture
Jesus Bianchi
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Excelente el factor humano de este hotel, En este hotel se sentirán a gusto, rodeados de naturaleza , con un restaurante dentro del hotel que ofrece música en vivo, pero lo más importante es el factor humano, ahí encontrarán a Jairo encargado y recepcionista de este hotel, Jairo hace que sientas la comodidad de tu hogar estando de vacaciones, se encarga de todo para que lo único que tengas que hacer sea disfrutar. También el mozo del restaurante y su cocinaro hacen que tu estadía sea inigualable, más que recomendable.
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tutter&magoo profile picture
tutter&magoo
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Superb accommodation at a great price. Gabby at front of house was amazing. Made me feel so at home and nothing was a problem. A superb asset to the hotel. Rooms have air con , it’s centre of the small town , see the beach from the outside bar, breakfast is fantastic and great value for money. Excellent place which ooozes Pura vida.
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Kat Pat profile picture
Kat Pat
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Wonderful staff, central location, great stay My husband and I just returned home after a lengthy stay at Sano Banano and an absolutely great experience. The rooms are basic, but very clean and comfortable. If you're looking for luxury, maybe consider staying at Ylang Ylang instead. As guests of Sano Banano, we were able to enjoy the beautiful pool just up the beach at this sister property. At both, we were given excellent and friendly staff service. A special thank you to Gabi, Eduardo, Luis and Dorian for their kind assistance throughout our visit. We needed help with transportation and had many other requests which they fulfilled with a friendly smile. We will return to Sano Banano on our next trip to the area. Pura Vida!
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Plan Your Eco-Tourism Adventure

Montezuma is packed with activities for all age groups, making it the perfect destination for eco-tourism. Let Sano Banano be your haven of relaxation while you partake in these unforgettable adventures in Costa Rica. Tours can be conveniently booked at our front desk upon your arrival at the hotel.