Photo Tours - Montezuma Costa Rica

Montezuma is a small little (and I do mean little) piece of paradise on the southern Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. The town itself is only about one square block and sits at the end of the road which comes down from Paquera. There is also a piece of dirt road extending south which runs for maybe a mile or so playing host to several fancy but personal resorts with amazing views where the wealthier travelers hang out in "bungalows" pretending to rough it. For the most part though the town is very quaint, and still keeps it's local flavor despite existing solely on tourism. The majority of visitors are backpackers on a budget and there seems to be a large representation of hippie travelers donning Jamaican garb (better suited for the Caribbean side of Costa Rica). The town attracts a lot of ex-pats, mostly castaways from the 60s who probably came on a backpack trip and simply never left.

Local Sights

Beaches: Montezuma has some the nicest beaches you could ask for. Directly attached to the town are two very different types of beaches. The "cove" is a crescent shaped beach with clean white sand and placid shallow waters. During high tide the beach nearly disappears completely. This would be considered the "sunbathing beach". The other beach North of town is much longer with a steeper grade (so it does not disappear during high tide). The waves can get very large and crash heavily against the volcanic rock cropping. The bottom drops suddenly so little children should beware. Hiking North along the beach can take you away from any signs of civilization and makes for a very nice day hike.

Water Falls: The area also boasts some amazing water falls. These falls can be accessed with a hot and muddy 30 minute hike through the jungle. It's not too bad for most people. Once there you will find a waterfall about 50 ft (just a guess) with a large pool below. The pool is clean and wonderful for swimming, but not for diving. There are too many hidden rocks and it's really not deep enough. From the first fall you can hike up a very steep "trail" (plan on using hands and feet and the roots of trees to ascend this hill) which takes you to a ridge. Once at the ridge you can hike until reaching the second falls which are well known for diving. Further hiking will get you to a third set of falls with the best swimming pool you could ever ask for (and a rope swing). Float on your back in the Jungle with the cries of monkeys in the distance and you are sure to start thinking about how quit your job.

To reach these falls, just walk about 1 mile South of town down the only road. You will eventually come across a trail on your right with a sign. You'll also see a small shack with an outhouse. That marks the spot. Walk on past the outhouse and keep following the stream.(bring boots or at least shoes if you plan to go to the 2nd or 3rd falls, sandals just don't cut it).

About the Town

Bars and Nightlife: This will be a short topic as the town is so small your options are quite limited. There really is only one "Bar" known as Chicos right at the crossroads of town. It consists of a horseshoe bar which looks onto the street and about four old pool tables toward the back which opens into a sort of yard. At night the place picks up and the open areas turn into a makeshift disco tech with loud latin pop music echoing through the streets and an acient disco ball with a red light on it. The locals come to dance (and may I say dance very well) while visitors tend to stand to the sides intimidated, until they have properly lubricated themselves, then the party begins. Some of the poorer and older locals sit outside on the street drinking and watching from the corner. There is only one other bar in the town and it's about 100 ft down the road closest to the cove, but it tends to be more of a relaxed atmosphere where you can have a beer and some food and watch the moon off the ocean.

Restaurants: The town "central" is filled with little Sodas (the word for small restaurants) with cheap local fare. As with anywhere in Costa Rica a Cassada of meat, beans and rice is always available for about $2. Be warned! Do not try to order pizza from any of the "pizza" joints. You will not get what any Westerners calls a pizza. The tomato sauce will be a watered down version of spaghetti sauce with some cheese on a very big cracker. If you order sausage you will get hot dogs and most likely that will be your only meat option. This applies to anywhere in Costa Rica, not just Montezuma. If you wish to go a little "upscale" you can find a place about 100 feet West of Chicos called "Cocolores" which features French Influenced seafoods and pastas for a reasonable price. They also show movies every night for free on a projection screen. This you will find is a very common practice anywhere in the country since it's hard for Hollywood lawyers to bother with little bars in the jungle.

Hotels: There are a great deal of hotels in this little town, and just about anyone can find something they like. In most cases you can get a very moderate priced room in a clean hotel for about $30 (at the time of this article). I recommend Hotel Montezuma Pacific. Clean, affordable and very friendly keepers. There are several budget places, more like hostels actually. They provide a room with fan (usually) and shared bathrooms. One you will find directly on the beach in the cove where the boats pull onto the beach. It also has a very tasty open air soda (plastic chairs on the beach). The food is cheap and enjoyable. Camping is found at a few places along the beach and costs about $4. It is illegal to camp on the beach itself.

Transportation: While in the town itself you really have no need for transportation as it is so small; however, if you wish to explore the peninsula on your own there is a rental shop on the main street with scooters, ATVs and even a car or two.

Getting In and Out:

Arriving in Montezuma is done by bus, boat or taxi.

• Bus - Buses depart Montezuma from in front of the Cafe Iguana in the middle of town. You can purchase a ticket directly from the driver (this is the case most places except at a major terminal). If you are coming from San Jose you will want to catch a bus at the "Coca Cola" bus station (if you're not used to busing within a developing country, this station will be a bit of a shock,, but the long distance buses are actually quite nice) You will take the bus to Puntarenus where you will get off the bus and purchase a Ferry ticket for a few bucks. The Ferry ride is very pleasant (especially on the roof) and takes about 2 hours. After you arrie in Paquera, you will get off the Ferry and reunite with your bus (Important! the bus will not wait for you, so move fast and keep an eye out for your bus - there are lots of them). Dilly Dally even a few minutes and you risk getting left behind. The bus will then move on down the road to Cabano where you will jump buses yet again. The bus driver should point you to the proper bus if you look worried and say "Montezuma?". About 8 miles down a very curvy dirt road you will arrive at your destination. Upon exiting the bus you will most likey be greeted by some locals selling various items, from ponchos to bags of cheap weed.
• Boat - You can take a small outboard motor boat to and from Motezuma to Jaco. This is a great ride and well worth the $30 or so that it will cost. Not only is the ride fun, but takes only about 90 minutes verses an entire day on the bus and ferry. Boast leave and arrive directly from the beach, so keep your sandles handy. Good shoes will get sandy and soaked.
• Minivan taxis - are always available (just stop by any of the numorous tourist agents) with a days notice (sometimes you can get one that day if they are not full). These are fast and comfortable, but cost anywhere from $30-$60 depending on where you are going. Not a bad idea if you are going a long distance and wish to make sure you get there without hassles.