Activities
Montezuma and its surroundings offer a more tranquil experience compared to other, busier areas, making every activity more enjoyable. During the green season, you might even find yourself with parks and beaches nearly all to yourself. For nature lovers and adventurers, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect place. Wildlife is abundant, and the soothing sounds of nature create a serene atmosphere everywhere you go.
ATV Rentals
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This activity is guaranteed to be a big adventure! Montezuma, with its many unpaved roads, is the perfect spot for an exhilarating ride. You’ll traverse jungle paths and cross small rivers, making this experience truly one-of-a-kind. However, safety comes first—always wear a helmet and drive cautiously. After all, the best adventure ends with you returning home safe and sound. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!
Horseback Riding
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Horseback riding in our area is a truly breathtaking experience, especially the ride from Montezuma to the stunning Cocalito Waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful beaches, forests, creeks, and the Nicolás Wessberg Nature Reserve. This adventure is absolutely worth adding to your travel plans—you won’t be disappointed. Trust us!
Surfing
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Surfing in Montezuma is mainly enjoyed at Playa Grande and Playa Cedros, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. If you prefer boogie boarding, Montezuma Beach to the left offers great conditions. Board rentals are available in town if you need them. For those looking to take their skills to the next level, a 30-45 minute drive to Santa Teresa will bring you to some of the best surf spots in the country, where the waves get quite large and surfing competitions are often held.
Diving/Snorkeling
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Two fantastic spots for diving and snorkeling near Montezuma are Isla Tortuga and Playa Manchas, located just beyond us. To reach Isla Tortuga, you can join one of the many boat tours from town (a 1-hour boat ride). They’ll take you on a day trip to the island, where you can snorkel around the nearby smaller islands and admire the stunning marine life, with many species to discover.
Playa Manchas is another great option when the waters are calm. Be sure to check the tide chart and aim for high tide. I’ve even had the thrill of swimming with larger manta rays about 100 meters (300 feet) from the shore, and around the rocks, you can spot a variety of colorful fish.
Turtle Hatchery
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Just a few minutes from Montezuma Beach, dedicated volunteers at the Turtle Hatchery work tirelessly to protect and preserve the local turtle population. Their efforts are vital, as only 1 in 1,000 turtles survive to adulthood. The team is well-organized, passionate, and committed to registering every new hatchling.
Witnessing the hatching of Olive Ridley Turtles is an unforgettable experience. It begins with a single tiny turtle breaking through the sand, followed by more and more heads appearing, until the sand seems to boil with life as they all emerge at once.
Water Falls
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Montezuma Falls are famous for their beauty, both nationally and internationally. The waterfalls consist of three stunning cascades with large pools: the first at 18 meters (60 feet), the second at 14 meters (40 feet), and the third at 5 meters (15 feet). It’s like a natural waterpark, perfect for jumping, swinging on a rope, swimming, cooling off, and enjoying the unique surroundings. Just be sure to check for safety before jumping or swinging!
The falls tend to get busy between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the high season, but it never feels overcrowded. It’s the perfect spot to cool down in refreshing water on hot days. We've been visiting for years and still can’t get enough!
And the best part? It’s free!
Cabo Blanco
National Park
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Cabo Blanco National Park was founded in 1963 by Swedish Nils Olof Wessberg and his Danish wife, Karen Mogensen, becoming Costa Rica’s first national park.
The park’s dense green forests, rich sounds of nature, and the breath of mother earth create a serene atmosphere. This tropical dry forest is home to countless plants and animals, just waiting to be discovered. Walking quietly gives you a better chance to spot wildlife—but patience is key. Those who rush through will only notice the sweat on their brow!
Take your time on the 2.5-hour trail to the park’s beach and savor the natural beauty along the way. There are two trails in the park: the first is a one-hour loop with informative signs about the ecosystem, perfect for non-biologists. The second, longer trail leads to the stunning beach and takes about 2.5 hours. If you choose this hike, it’s best to start early when the park opens (Tuesday–Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or Wednesday–Sunday in the low season—check the schedule in advance).
After the long walk, the sight of the ocean feels like a rewarding embrace. Enjoy a well-deserved swim.
