
Playa Montezuma Costa Rica
A bohemian beach village in Costa Rica, known for its waterfalls, turtle conservation, and laid-back vibe.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Baby turtle releases!

Playa Montezuma Costa Rica
Best Time
Baby turtle releases!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bohemian beach village in Costa Rica, known for its waterfalls, turtle conservation, and laid-back vibe.
"Montezuma spreads peace and kindness, offering a unique cultural and natural experience."

🚗 Rent an ATV for adventure
Explore Montezuma Falls and surrounding areas with ease. Great for accessing hidden gems!
🐢 Support turtle conservation
Volunteer or donate to local projects. Witnessing baby turtle releases is a highlight.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 426 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Montezuma Waterfalls
Short hike from town
Cascading waterfalls perfect for a refreshing dip amidst lush jungle. An adventurous escape from the beach.

Turtle Conservation Project
Near the beach
Witness the heartwarming release of baby sea turtles into the ocean. A truly unforgettable conservation experience.

Playa Grande
North of Montezuma
A stunning, expansive beach known for its natural beauty and as a nesting ground for sea turtles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bohemian Vibe
Ocean Realities & Turtle Season
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent an ATV for adventure
Explore Montezuma Falls and surrounding areas with ease. Great for accessing hidden gems!
🐢 Support turtle conservation
Volunteer or donate to local projects. Witnessing baby turtle releases is a highlight.
🌊 Be cautious swimming
The ocean can be rough with strong currents. Always assess conditions before entering the water.
🍦 Don't miss the ice cream
A local favorite, the ice cream parlor is a delightful treat after a day of exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent an ATV for adventure
Explore Montezuma Falls and surrounding areas with ease. Great for accessing hidden gems!
🐢 Support turtle conservation
Volunteer or donate to local projects. Witnessing baby turtle releases is a highlight.
🌊 Be cautious swimming
The ocean can be rough with strong currents. Always assess conditions before entering the water.
🍦 Don't miss the ice cream
A local favorite, the ice cream parlor is a delightful treat after a day of exploring.
🚶♀️ Explore artisan shops
Discover unique crafts and souvenirs from talented local artisans lining the roads.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Montezuma is praised for its charming, bohemian atmosphere and welcoming locals, offering a genuine Costa Rican experience. Visitors love the unique natural attractions like the waterfalls and the heartwarming turtle releases. However, some find the ocean too rough for swimming and water sports, and occasional beach debris can detract from the pristine beauty.
"I spent 2.5 glorious weeks in Montezuma in October 2019. There's so much to say about this wonderful village! The locals are so welcoming, kind, friendly and helpful. The village is small with talented artisans lining the edges of the road. The sense of community is lovely, everyone wants to help everyone. The ice cream parlor is amazing and became a daily lunchtime treat! The beach is beautiful. There's a fabulous turtle conservation charity based here. I was in Montezuma because I was volunteering at the project and I'm absolutely delighted by everything they stand for. Helping keep the local community clean, including the school grounds, football field, the beach. And the turtles.. oh my! The turtles are a dream! If you go between October and December you'll see babies being released by the charity and it's volunteers. I felt very relaxed and safe the entire time, even walking alone through the wooded area to reach the turtle hatchery in the middle of the night. The sunrises are spectacular and 100% worth getting up at 5:30am for! Will definitely be returning in the future 🥰🏖️🐢"
Kirsty Grundy
"The village is cute with local vibe, and non-commercial. From June to Dec you can watch how volunteers let recently hatched baby-turtles go to the ocean.
BUT the biggest disadvantage is the OCEAN which is too rough and dangerous for any water sport - due to rip current and rocks better not to swim there, too strong waves for beginner surfers, and the beach full of plastic garbage and pieces of wood that strong waves just throws to the sand.
I wanted to spend there a week but after spending 1 day disappointed at the beach, I decided to move to other coastal town that would have milder waves to do watersports."
Realize Dreams
"One of the most magnificent beaches in Costa Rica. I would say my favorite behind Santa Teresa. It has white sand, clear waters and an extraordinary village just next to the beach. You can smell the peace and the kindness Montezuma spreads just in it's air. It has a fair bus system from Cobano and back and it's a great place if you want to know closer and from a bigger depth the Peninsila of Nicoya's culture."
Alessandro Rodríguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Montezuma by car, bus, or ferry. From San Jose, take a bus to Cobano, then a local bus or taxi to Montezuma. Alternatively, a ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, followed by a bus or taxi, is a scenic route. Many visitors also fly into Tambor Airport and take a taxi.
Montezuma is a small, walkable village. For exploring further afield, like the waterfalls, renting an ATV or a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended. Taxis are also available.
The most common way is by ATV or taxi, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour. There are also local buses, but they can be less frequent and take longer.
Yes, there are direct bus services from San Jose to Montezuma, though they can be long journeys. It's often more convenient to take a bus to Cobano and then a shorter ride to Montezuma.
Yes, you can drive to Montezuma, but the roads can be unpaved and rough, especially during the rainy season. A 4x4 vehicle is advisable if you plan to explore beyond the main town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee for Montezuma Falls itself, but you might need to pay a small fee if you park your vehicle nearby. Access is generally free.
The beaches in Montezuma are public and do not have entrance fees. You can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea freely.
Donations are highly appreciated at the turtle conservation project, but there isn't a fixed entrance fee. Your contributions help support their vital work.
While many activities can be arranged locally, booking ATV rentals or guided tours for specific excursions like waterfall hikes might be wise during peak season to ensure availability.
Most shops and restaurants in Montezuma operate on a relaxed schedule, typically opening mid-morning and closing in the early evening. It's best to check individual business hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Must-dos include visiting the Montezuma Waterfalls for a swim, witnessing baby turtle releases (Oct-Dec), exploring Playa Grande, and enjoying the bohemian vibe of the town.
Montezuma's ocean can be quite rough with strong waves and rip currents, making it challenging for beginner surfers. Nearby Santa Teresa is generally a better spot for surf lessons.
The main beach in Montezuma is beautiful but can have rocks and strong waves. Playa Grande, a short distance away, offers a more expansive and often cleaner stretch of sand.
Swimming can be risky due to strong currents and rocks. It's advisable to be cautious and assess the ocean conditions carefully.
You can spot various bird species, monkeys, and if you're lucky, iguanas. The turtle conservation project offers a chance to see sea turtles.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Montezuma has a variety of charming eateries. Look for local sodas for authentic Costa Rican cuisine, and enjoy fresh seafood. The ice cream parlor is a must-try!
Yes, many restaurants in Montezuma are accommodating and offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, reflecting the town's bohemian and health-conscious vibe.
Don't miss trying a 'casado,' a traditional plate with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of protein. Gallo pinto (rice and beans) is a breakfast staple.
Compared to major tourist hubs, Montezuma can be moderately priced. Eating at local 'sodas' is the most budget-friendly option for delicious meals.
Absolutely! Montezuma is known for its abundance of fresh tropical fruits. You'll find plenty of places offering delicious smoothies and fresh fruit juices.
📸 📸 Photography
The Montezuma Waterfalls, the colorful artisan shops, the bohemian streets, and the stunning sunrises over the ocean are all incredibly photogenic.
Early mornings offer spectacular sunrises and softer light, ideal for landscape photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon is also beautiful for capturing the town's charm.
The turtle conservation project offers unique photo opportunities, especially during baby turtle releases. Keep an eye out for monkeys and colorful birds in the surrounding jungle.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the waterfalls and beaches. Don't forget waterproof protection for your gear.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and respect privacy before flying a drone. The stunning aerial views of the coastline could be spectacular.












Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit