Loading...

Exploring Montezuma Glamping Food & Things To Do

Exploring Montezuma

Montezuma, Costa Rica sparkles from its setting on the Nicoya peninsula. Remote and relaxed, the town offers a respite from fast-paced living. Visitors can check out local spots in a town rich with the work of local artists, affordable lodgings and restaurants, as well as luxurious beach resorts.

The surrounding area of Montezuma, Costa Rica offers beautiful views of the ocean, beach, jungle and wildlife. There is so much to see and do when exploring Montezuma. Beautiful beaches stretch out before the Pacific in the area of Montezuma lead you through jungle paths and secluded beach coves, across rivers and lava rocks.

Montezuma has the most beautiful little bay, which is part of what makes it such a beautiful little town…

The fisherman, boat excursions, and water taxis all launch from here. It can be exciting because at times the waves can be large. Contributor Geoff from montezumabeach.com

Author Geoff adds that the close proximity to nearby businesses means that the precious little cove can get polluted during flooding, or by careless business owners nearby. Plus – boat traffic appears to be pretty heavy, so the author recommends swimming or fishing in less-trafficked beaches on the opposite end of Montezuma, or Playa las Manchas, which is 20 minutes south of Montezuma Bay.

Beach-and-Lounge-chairs 

Montezuma Beach brims with energy. Its waters carry tourists in water taxis and tour boats to islands and locations around the area, and people are also ferried back and forth from Jaco to Montezuma on a one-hour speedboat ride.

While the waves are usually too small for surfing, they are too much for swimming.  Couple Jenn and Matt from twoweeksincoastarica.com write,

Less Swimming, More Scenic

The shoreline of Montezuma town is picturesque but be warned it’s not the best beach for swimming. Understand that most people come here for the scene, not the swim. It’s more of a cosmopolitan beach for live entertainment. When the waves are smaller, it’s safe, but pools in hotels are recommended if you want a safer and quieter swim, especially if you brought children along. There are fantastic and safer beaches just outside of town, however, such as Playa Grande or Las Manchas.

But the scene isn’t the only thing that gets the tourists flocking this area. Even nature lovers have a place in Montezuma.

Places To Stay in Montezuma

There are dozens of hotels in Montezuma ranging in price and luxury level, including the popular hostel type hotels for budget travelers to the more expensive resorts in Montezuma proper and on Montezuma beach.

While many prefer resorts, there are those that prefer a comfortable and inexpensive stay in between hostels and resorts, what we call “glamping hotels”, which may include amenities like A/C, room safes, private baths, hot water and more.

Healthy eating seems to be a popular topic in Costa Rica and you won’t have to look far to enjoy a good traditional meal in a decent restaurant in Montezuma. Everything from full traditional Costa Rican to vegan, gluten-free to raw and paleo are available in the area.

Very few offer a total “glamping” experience in the area, so, you’ll have to search for them and you’ll be almost guaranteed to have a full and pleasant experience in Montezuma.

Playa Grande

This beach is calmer than Montezuma Beach, which primarily caters to people looking to take excursions, boat rides, and possibly surf if the waves are big enough.

Playa Grande is a 30-40 minute walk north of Montezuma. It’s smaller, more consistent waves are okay for beginning surfers. There are actually some surf schools in the area. It’s also a good swimming or fishing spot. To see more nearby beaches by category, click here.

Wildlife

Explore the wildlife! Animals thrive in the green jungle and waters. See lizards, birds, monkeys, agoutis, and so many more fantastic natural wonders. Although animals roam all over the area, treat yourself to a day at Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve, where you’ll be able to enjoy birding and see fascinating species in an extremely well-kept habitat. Cabo Blamco holds the distinction of being Costa Rica’s first national reserve. It was established by a Swedish couple in 1963.

Cano Blanco is about 9km (5.6 miles) south of Montezuma.  The reserve encompasses the rest of the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, as well as Cabo Blanco island.

While there, you will explore a dry jungle with over 150 species of trees, at least three different breeds of monkey, and exceptional tropical bird species.

If you enjoy hiking, or just feel like a stroll, there are comfortable hikes for novice hikers or families, as well as more strenuous hikes reserved for experienced hikers.

Rivers and Waterfalls

The small rivers that pass through Montezuma invite you to hike up around them to find hidden waterfalls. In fact, Montezuma Falls is one of the most popular sites in Montezuma. As described by charming couple Jenn and Matt :

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 tall), more adventurous types jump and swim at the other two. The falls can be visited in two different ways. One includes a cool hanging bridge and the other goes up the riverbed. We did both on our latest visit…

Come and explore Montezuma for yourself!

Featured Articles