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Montezuma

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The beach at Montezuma, Costa Rica.

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Overview

Montezuma is an endearing beach town that demands you abandon the car to stroll, swim and (if you can stroll a little further) surf. The warm and wild ocean and that remnant, ever-audible jungle have helped this rocky nook cultivate an inviting, boho vibe. Typical tourist offerings such as canopy tours do a brisk trade here, but you’ll also bump up against Montezuma's internationally inflected, artsy-rootsy beach culture in yoga classes, volunteer corps and veggie-friendly dining rooms.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Montezuma Waterfalls

    Montezuma Waterfalls

    Montezuma

    A 40-minute river hike leads to a waterfall with a delicious swimming hole. Further along, a second set of falls offers a good 12m leap into deep water…

  • Playa Cocolito

    Playa Cocolito

    Montezuma

    Here's your chance to see a waterfall crashing down a cliff, straight onto the rocks and into the ocean. El Chorro Waterfall is the pièce de résistance of…

  • Montezuma Gardens

    Montezuma Gardens

    Montezuma

    About 1.5km south of town, alongside the waterfall trail, you can tour this lush mariposario (butterfly garden) and nursery where the mysterious…

  • Playa Grande

    Playa Grande

    Montezuma

    About 6km north of town, Playa Grande is the best surf beach in the area. It's a 3km-plus stretch of waves and sand, which never gets too crowded as it…

  • Playa Montezuma

    Playa Montezuma

    Montezuma

    The best beach close to town is just to the north, where the sand is powdery and sheltered from big swells. This is your glorious sun-soaked crash pad…

  • Montezuma Bay

    Montezuma Bay

    Montezuma

    This pretty little beach is the centerpiece of Montezuma, as fishers, ferries and tourists come and go. Unfortunately, it's not really recommended for…

  • Church

    Church

    Montezuma

    This local landmark is on the north side of the soccer field.

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