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Costa Rica🇨🇷 | villagesMontezumaJungle waterfalls, Saturday market, fire dancers, tide pools | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Montezuma
🌟 Highlightvillage ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

The tide is out, so I walked the rocky shore to the Montezuma waterfall trailhead with my sandals clipped to my pack, and the wet stones smelled of salt and rotting almond leaves while howler monkeys grumbled overhead. Montezuma sits at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, a few dirt-and-paved streets squeezed between jungle and a gray-gold beach. Roads here are slow and pocked, and the ferry-plus-bus approach from San José eats a long day, so experienced travelers take the water taxi from Jacó straight to Montezuma, about an hour, and skip the long drive around. Evenings are social: hostel porches, fire dancers on the sand, and cheap tacos. The downside is heat, mosquitoes, and a beach too rough for easy swimming. Upstream, the lower waterfall pool is cold, mossy, and slick underfoot.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 village in Costa RicaWhat makes this village worth visiting

Montezuma works because it packs three different days into one walkable village. The path to the Montezuma Waterfalls starts at the edge of town, Cabo Blanco sits a short ride away, and the beach town itself keeps a hippie, yoga-and-drum-circle rhythm that most Costa Rican coastal stops have lost. Most backpackers arrive meaning to stay two nights and end up staying four, because the hostels are small and sociable, and you can meet people over breakfast and hike with them by ten. It suits solo travelers who want company without a party scene, hikers who like short jungle walks, and slow travelers who like a hammock. It is also a good pause after the busier Pacific coast. Pack insect repellent and expect no big nightlife, just a handful of beach bars. If you need fast transport or wide, calm … read more 👉
Montezuma works because it packs three different days into one walkable village. The path to the Montezuma Waterfalls starts at the edge of town, Cabo Blanco sits a short ride away, and the beach town itself keeps a hippie, yoga-and-drum-circle rhythm that most Costa Rican coastal stops have lost. Most backpackers arrive meaning to stay two nights and end up staying four, because the hostels are small and sociable, and you can meet people over breakfast and hike with them by ten. It suits solo travelers who want company without a party scene, hikers who like short jungle walks, and slow travelers who like a hammock. It is also a good pause after the busier Pacific coast. Pack insect repellent and expect no big nightlife, just a handful of beach bars. If you need fast transport or wide, calm swimming beaches, you will find it frustrating. If you like Playa Montezuma at low tide and the Cabo Blanco reserve, it is hard to leave.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. Montezuma Waterfalls: Montezuma’s best-known sight is a series of three drops reached by a 20 to 30 minute trail along the river, with a deep pool beneath the lowest fall. Go early in the morning for fewer people and cooler air. Entry is free, and allow 2 to 3 hours. The rock jump from the upper fall draws crowds, and it has caused injuries, so scrambling up carefully matters more than bravado.
  2. Playa Montezuma: The main beach runs along the village, with tide pools at the northern end and driftwood scattered across the sand. Late afternoon is best, when the sun softens and locals gather. It costs nothing, and an hour or two is plenty. Currents can be strong, so swim only where others are in the water.
  3. Saturday Morning Market: Along the main street, craft stalls sell hand-beaded jewelry, leather
… read more 👉
  1. Montezuma Waterfalls: Montezuma’s best-known sight is a series of three drops reached by a 20 to 30 minute trail along the river, with a deep pool beneath the lowest fall. Go early in the morning for fewer people and cooler air. Entry is free, and allow 2 to 3 hours. The rock jump from the upper fall draws crowds, and it has caused injuries, so scrambling up carefully matters more than bravado.
  2. Playa Montezuma: The main beach runs along the village, with tide pools at the northern end and driftwood scattered across the sand. Late afternoon is best, when the sun softens and locals gather. It costs nothing, and an hour or two is plenty. Currents can be strong, so swim only where others are in the water.
  3. Saturday Morning Market: Along the main street, craft stalls sell hand-beaded jewelry, leather goods, and local snacks, and the whole village sounds a bit more like a fair. Visit in the morning for the best selection. Browsing is free and takes about an hour, and small purchases run roughly US$3 to 20.
From Montezuma, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve and Isla Tortuga make easy day trips. Isla Tortuga needs a booked boat tour, usually arranged a day ahead through hostels or agencies.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Montezuma

Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

4.9(222) 1h
From €33
per personViator
Surf Lessons in Santa Teresa Costa Rica

Surf Lessons in Santa Teresa Costa Rica

5.0(164) 1h 30m
From €54
per personViator
Eddy's Bioluminescence Reserve in Punta Cuchillos

Eddy's Bioluminescence Reserve in Punta Cuchillos

4.9(123) 1h 15m
From €36
per personViator
Specialized Group Surf Lesson in Playa Hermosa

Specialized Group Surf Lesson in Playa Hermosa

5.0(90) 1h 30m
From €91
per personViator
Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour

Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour

4.5(136) 5h
From €73
per personViator
Isla Tortuga boat tour - from Paquera

Isla Tortuga boat tour - from Paquera

4.9(69) 6h
From €89
per personViator
VOLCANO COMBO TOUR: 7 activities in 1 day + Natural hot springs.

VOLCANO COMBO TOUR: 7 activities in 1 day + Natural hot springs.

5.0(48) 10h
From €191
per personViator
Private Nature Adventure Tour in Curu Wildlife Refuge

Private Nature Adventure Tour in Curu Wildlife Refuge

4.9(49)
From €136
per personViator
Private Surf lessons in Santa Teresa Beach

Private Surf lessons in Santa Teresa Beach

4.8(51) 1h 30m
From €91
per personViator
Inshore Fishing trip in Santa Teresa

Inshore Fishing trip in Santa Teresa

4.8(53) 3h 30m
From €327
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Dry Season (December to April): Montezuma sees almost no rain, with days of 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F) and nights near 24°C (75°F). Waterfall trails are easy and the sea is calm for swimming, but the falls shrink to a trickle by March. Dorms and cabinas fill fast around Christmas and Easter week, and rates climb 20 to 40 percent.
  • Green Season (May to November): Mornings are usually bright and storms roll in from about 2 pm. Highs stay at 29 to 32°C (84 to 90°F), the jungle turns loud and lush, and the falls run full. Rooms drop to their lowest prices and the sand is nearly empty.
  • September and October: The wettest stretch. Rain can last all day, rivers rise, and some boat trips and the Tortuga Island run get canceled. Some small restaurants close for a few weeks.
  • Daylight: Close to 12 hours all
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (December to April): Montezuma sees almost no rain, with days of 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F) and nights near 24°C (75°F). Waterfall trails are easy and the sea is calm for swimming, but the falls shrink to a trickle by March. Dorms and cabinas fill fast around Christmas and Easter week, and rates climb 20 to 40 percent.
  • Green Season (May to November): Mornings are usually bright and storms roll in from about 2 pm. Highs stay at 29 to 32°C (84 to 90°F), the jungle turns loud and lush, and the falls run full. Rooms drop to their lowest prices and the sand is nearly empty.
  • September and October: The wettest stretch. Rain can last all day, rivers rise, and some boat trips and the Tortuga Island run get canceled. Some small restaurants close for a few weeks.
  • Daylight: Close to 12 hours all year, with little change between seasons, so plan hikes for morning.
January and early February give dry weather without the holiday price jump.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: good for travelingJUNJune: good for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
costa-rica-city-montezuma
© Google | Leroy Wise

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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

Montezuma has plenty of hostels within a five-minute walk of the central square, and a dorm bed costs US$12 to 25 a night. Private rooms in basic cabinas run US$40 to 80, climbing in high season. Book ahead from December to April, since the best-value places fill up weeks out.
The village center suits most backpackers. You are steps from the beach, the cheap sodas and the surf shops, and the nightlife is a short walk away. Expect some noise on weekends, so bring earplugs if you sleep lightly.
The road toward Playa Grande and the waterfall trailhead is quieter. Guesthouses and small hostels there … read more 👉
Montezuma has plenty of hostels within a five-minute walk of the central square, and a dorm bed costs US$12 to 25 a night. Private rooms in basic cabinas run US$40 to 80, climbing in high season. Book ahead from December to April, since the best-value places fill up weeks out.
The village center suits most backpackers. You are steps from the beach, the cheap sodas and the surf shops, and the nightlife is a short walk away. Expect some noise on weekends, so bring earplugs if you sleep lightly.
The road toward Playa Grande and the waterfall trailhead is quieter. Guesthouses and small hostels there sit in the trees, with howler monkeys as your morning alarm. You trade a ten-minute walk for peace and often a pool.
Towards Cabuya, about 8 kilometers (5 miles) away, you find yoga-focused hostels and bungalows at US$30 to 70. It is calm, but you will want a bike or a taxi for dinner.
Look for a kitchen, since groceries from the small supermarket are cheaper than restaurant meals. Air conditioning adds US$10 to 20 and is worth paying for in March and April.
Luz en el Cielo Eco-B&B/Hostel hostel

Luz en el Cielo Eco-B&B/Hostel

1.4km from Montezuma city centre
9.7 rating
Luminosa Montezuma Hostel hostel

Luminosa Montezuma Hostel

2.4km from Montezuma city centre
9.1 rating
Aurora hostel

Aurora

1.7km from Montezuma city centre
9.1 rating
Popular hostels come and go. Spotted some out-dated info? Contact us.

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Montezuma

Montezuma works well as a base for day trips, because shuttles, boat captains and local guides all pick up from the center of the village.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve:
Costa Rica’s first protected reserve has a 4.5-kilometer trail down to an empty white beach, with sloths, coatis and monkeys along the way. Count on a 20-minute ride by taxi (US$15 to 20) or a shared ride to Cabuya, plus 2 to 3 hours of walking each way. Entry costs about US$15. It is closed Monday and Tuesday, and first-timers often arrive without water. Go early, in the dry season for firm ground.

Tortuga Island:
This is the standard boat day out, with snorkeling in clear water and lunch on a palm-lined beach. Tours leave from Montezuma or Paquera, take around 6 to 8 hours and cost US$50 to 70 including lunch. Pick … read more 👉
Montezuma works well as a base for day trips, because shuttles, boat captains and local guides all pick up from the center of the village.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve:
Costa Rica’s first protected reserve has a 4.5-kilometer trail down to an empty white beach, with sloths, coatis and monkeys along the way. Count on a 20-minute ride by taxi (US$15 to 20) or a shared ride to Cabuya, plus 2 to 3 hours of walking each way. Entry costs about US$15. It is closed Monday and Tuesday, and first-timers often arrive without water. Go early, in the dry season for firm ground.

Tortuga Island:
This is the standard boat day out, with snorkeling in clear water and lunch on a palm-lined beach. Tours leave from Montezuma or Paquera, take around 6 to 8 hours and cost US$50 to 70 including lunch. Pick a morning departure for calmer seas, and skip September and October when trips are often canceled. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, as the sun burns hard on the boat.

Santa Teresa and Malpaís:
Surf breaks, taco stands and sunset sessions sit about 45 minutes away on a dusty coastal road. A shuttle or taxi runs US$30 to 50 one way for a group, and a quad rental is a popular option for around US$50 to 70. Come between December and April for the best waves. A common mistake is leaving too late, as the road gets difficult in the dark.

Curú National Wildlife Refuge:
A small private refuge, 40 minutes toward Paquera, with trails to quiet beaches and good odds of seeing spider monkeys and white-faced capuchins. Entry is about US$12 to 15, and you must reserve ahead because daily numbers are limited. Wear shoes that can get wet, since some beach crossings are muddy. Mornings are best.

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Montezuma is reached by road and ferry from San José in about 5 to 6 hours. The usual route is the Puntarenas to Paquera ferry (about 1 to 1.5 hours, US$2 to 5 for foot passengers), then a 45-minute shuttle or bus to the village. Direct shared shuttles from San José or La Fortuna cost US$50 to 65 and include the ferry.
Montezuma is worth the trip for its waterfalls, a rocky coastline and Cabo Blanco reserve within easy reach. Two to four nights is a good stay, with one day for the Montezuma Waterfalls (free, about 30 minutes’ walk from town) and another for Tortuga Island or the reserve. The village is small and laid-back, and the beach itself is better for walking than swimming.
Montezuma is only practical as a day trip if you start from Santa Teresa or nearby, as the trip from San José takes 5 to 6 hours each way. From Santa Teresa it takes about 45 minutes by shuttle or taxi (US$30 to 50). A full day allows for the waterfalls and lunch, but staying one night lets you catch the evening beach scene and an early start at Cabo Blanco.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Costa Rican villages near Montezuma

Explore more nearby:

  • San Gerardo de Dota—Quetzal guides, cloud forest, trout ponds, Savegre valley| 139 km away
  • Drake Bay—Boat access to Corcovado, Agujitas beachfront, mangrove kayaking, scattered lodges| 187 km away

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We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

Montezuma is best in the early morning, when the waterfall trail is empty and the howler monkeys are loudest. I would come in the green season for fewer crowds and lusher jungle, and carry a rain jacket plus mosquito repellent. Skip the late-afternoon waterfall rush, and save that hour for the beach instead.

✈️ When did I visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Costa Rica, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

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