Top Things to do in Montezuma
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What to do and see in Montezuma, Costa Rica: The Best Places and Tips
North of Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Preserve and south of Tambor Bay, along a forested sandy bay, Montezuma has numerous beaches, waterfalls, good fishing, seafood, surfing, snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking, and bicycling. Playa Las Manchas is popular for snorkeling, though you need to be mindful of riptides as you gaze at the parrotfish, rays, puffers, and needlefish. The kids will like exploring the colorful rocks and tide pools at Playa Rocas. Beachfront cantinas, bars, and restaurants are plentiful in Montezuma. Playa de los Artistas on the Montezuma beachfront serves sushi, pizza, and vegetarian dishes by lantern light at driftwood tables on smooth sand floors beneath bamboo lattice ceilings. Playa Montezuma hosts the fishing fleet. Hike half an hour to the endless sands of Playa Grande to swim, surf, boogie board, or sunbathe nude where the waves are big and the currents less strong. Horseback ride, bike, or hike the beachfront path north towards Playa Cocolito, where El Chorro waterfall tumbles into the rocky ocean. Follow the river upstream from the beach to find more waterfalls for swimming. Playa Los Cedros, a small scenic beach flanked by a waterfall and large banyan tree near Cabuya, has a right-handed point break favored by experienced surfers when the south swells get going good. The beaches and tropical forests at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Preserve are protected as a national park. Surf at nearby Mal Pais, Playa Santa Teresa, or Playa Carmen. Surf camps can teach you the basics.
Restaurants in Montezuma
1. Montezuma Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By princessbadissa - Cruz Bay, St. John
Bring water and solid hiking shoes!! The terrain is steep but well worth the swim when you get to the base of the waterfall. Beautiful trees line the rocky river bank and path. So many photo ops, you will not be disappointed. Just take care to have steady footing. An injury out here would be difficult to respond to by local emergency personal.
2. Isla de Cabuya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By GRM59 - Cheyenne, Wyoming
When the tide is out it is possible to walk to this lovely little island that is dedicated to a local cemetery. It was very peaceful and inspiring to visit there and as we were leaving, the perfect ending was a rainbow shining brightly over the island.
3. La Escuela Del Sol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Combine Spanish, Surfing, yoga, fire dancing and scuba certification in any combination for 1-12 weeks in Cabuya, Costa Rica. Programs include accommodations, zip line canopy tours, horseback riding, waterfall hikes, bonfires and a whole lot of fun. We have just bought a wildlife rescue center and are building a new campus. We are currently accepting volunteers willing to help with construction while we renew our permits and soon we will have a wildlife volunteer program as well.
Reviewed By Owlhaven - Temecula, California
La Escuela del Sol truly exceeded my expectations! I stayed at the school for two weeks in July, taking private intermediate level yoga classes from 7:30-8:30 followed by Intermediate Spanish from 9:30-11:00 and Spanish conversation from 11:10-12:30. This was my week two schedule. During week one, I was joined by another student during yoga and language lab. July is the off-season, so there were only three other students on site at the time.
There were two yoga instructors, who had complimentary practices. Mandy has advanced knowledge of anatomy and led me in an exploration of how the different poses can be modified to enrich my practice. Jessica introduced me to yin yoga and also helped me discover ways in which I can push the boundaries of my practice to increase openness, flexibility, and strength. Both instructors helped me make significant improvements in the "correctness" of my poses.
I was equally pleased by the progress that I made during my Spanish classes. Wendy is very skilled at explaining how the academic concepts, such as the subjunctive tenses, are used in everyday life. During the private lessons, she was willing to modify instruction to meet my needs and interests. During the language lab, she shared engaging activities that helped build fluency. For example, playing games such as Trivial Pursuit or listening to popular music and translating the lyrics.
Socially, the experience was exceptional. During my off time I went on excursions with other students, we cooked meals together, and frequently explored the local sodas (restaurants) with the owner, Jeremy. A highlight of the stay was an evening barbeque on the beach followed by a bonfire and firedancing. I also enjoyed practicing my Spanish with the school staff, who were consistently friendly and helpful.
I also appreciated the accommodations. I stayed in the on-site villas, which have a stunning view of the ocean, porch swings, and wi-fi. Next year they will be equipped with a pool. Grocery stores, restaurants, and the beach were all within easy walking distance. For excursions to Montezuma, the bus was cheap and easy to use.
Short version, I highly recommend La Escuela del Sol.
4. Mariposario Butterfly Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
The Montezuma Butterfly Gardens is located 1.6 km outside of Montezuma on the Montezuma-Delicias road where the trail to the upper Waterfalls is located. The Butterfly garden is open 7 days a week 8am-5pm. The entrance fee is $4.
Reviewed By Lara E - Norwich, United Kingdom
We popped in here briefly as we were staying in the hotel, but if you're having to make a special trip up to this place and pay to get in, I definitely wouldn't bother.
5. Playa Montezuma
Overall Ratings
4 based on 59 reviews
6. Refugio Nacional Mixto de Vida Silvestre Romelia
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Kaija S
I volunteered in the Refugio Romelia from November 2013 till January 2014. It was amazing being able to help in the turtle project, but also working in the vineyard maked my stay unforgettable.
You live close to nature and see new animals every day: butterflies, monkeys, birds, insects, etc. I'm definitely going back one day to enjoy the pure and simple life at Romelia. It makes you aware of what is really important in life! So, to everyone who would like to get away from everything for a while and just enjoy nature, make new friends and help to conserve the beautiful beach and forest ... go to Montezuma for at least 1 month and see how little turtles crowl to the wide open sea!
