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Montezuma

Costa Rica · Coast · CRC · 9.655100, -85.067900
Family friendly 7.3/10 · Rank 506 of 2 709
Best season: December-April

Best for

Suitable for nature lovers, surfing, ecotourism, bohemian atmosphere, and those seeking a quiet holiday

Best season

December-April

Daily budget
$76.00 (≈ 6 378 ₽ · ≈ 40 280 CRC)
For 7 days
$532.00 (≈ 44 645 ₽ · ≈ 281 960 CRC)
Montezuma is a small bohemian village on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its waterfalls, yoga retreats, and bohemian atmosphere. This place attracts creative people and adventurers, as well as those who want to enjoy wild beaches and secluded nature. It has a spirit of freedom and relaxation that is hard to find in more touristy places.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
22.0°C
Sea
31.2°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with bohemian and creative spirit

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Scenic waterfalls
  • Bohemian atmosphere
  • Excellent surfing conditions
  • Cabo Blanco Reserve
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 90 days
  • Affordable prices

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • No direct flights
  • Limited nightlife
  • Few hotels in high season
  • Transport needed to get around the outskirts
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.5°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
30.9°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
26.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
30.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
22.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
31.2°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-November
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Montezuma
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Marine danger is minimal. Swimming on guarded beaches recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are found on rocky bottoms and coral reefs off the Montezuma coast. Protective footwear is recommended when swimming.

Corals and reefs — details

  • Pacific coral reefs are found in Montezuma waters, including hard and soft corals. Risk of cuts on contact.

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish may appear seasonally, caution recommended

Sharks — details

  • Whitetip reef sharks, bull sharks and hammerhead sharks inhabit Montezuma waters. Attacks are extremely rare. Caution is advised when swimming in deeper water.
Attractions

Montezuma Waterfalls

Three-tiered waterfalls with natural swimming pools, 20 minutes walk from town

Cabo Blanco Reserve

Absolute nature reserve with tropical forests and wildlife

Tortuga Island

Island with white sand beaches and snorkeling, accessible by boat

Montezuma Beach

Main town beach with golden sand and calm water

Punta de Montezuma

Rocky headland with tide pools and panoramic ocean views

Best areas

Montezuma Center

Main area with hotels, restaurants, and shops

Playa Montezuma

Area near main beach with hotels and restaurants

Punta de Montezuma

Scenic area near rocky headland with hotels and restaurants

Must-try food

Casado

Traditional dish of rice, beans, meat, and salad, popular lunch

Gallo Pinto

Traditional breakfast of rice and beans with egg

Ceviche

Fresh fish marinated in lime with chili and cilantro

Pescado Entero

Whole fried fish, popular coastal dish

Tres Leches

Traditional three-milk cake dessert

Where to go next

Cabo Blanco Reserve

Absolute nature reserve, 30 minutes away

Tortuga Island

Island with beaches and snorkeling, accessible by boat

Santa Teresa

Surf town with beaches, 30 minutes away

Cobano

Fishing village with beaches, 20 minutes away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Хуан Сантамария (SJO).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 6 360 CRC
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 26 500 CRC
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 42 400 CRC
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 79 500 CRC
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 63 600 CRC
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 26 500 CRC
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 4 240 CRC
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 7 950 CRC
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 1 325 CRC
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 1 325 CRC
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 530 CRC
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$9.00
≈ 755 ₽ · ≈ 4 770 CRC
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 3 710 CRC
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 1 855 CRC
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 3 710 CRC
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 53 000 CRC
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 530 CRC
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 2 650 CRC
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 29 150 CRC
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 6 360 CRC
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 15 900 CRC
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 21 200 CRC
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 31 800 CRC
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Montezuma Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 15 900 CRC
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 5 300 CRC
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 7 950 CRC
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Frequently asked questions
Montezuma: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Montezuma: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.0°C, during the day — up to +30.9°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Montezuma: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +22.0°C, during the day — up to +30.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Montezuma: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +31.2°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Montezuma: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Montezuma: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Playa Montezuma. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Montezuma: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry.
Montezuma: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Marine danger is minimal. Swimming on guarded beaches recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Montezuma: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $76.00 (≈ 6 378 ₽ · ≈ 40 280 CRC) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Montezuma: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $12.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $50.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $80.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Montezuma: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $8.00, dinner at a restaurant — $15.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Montezuma: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $100.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $55.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Montezuma: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Montezuma Waterfalls — Three-tiered waterfalls with natural swimming pools, 20 minutes walk from town; Cabo Blanco Reserve — Absolute nature reserve with tropical forests and wildlife; Tortuga Island — Island with white sand beaches and snorkeling, accessible by boat; Montezuma Beach — Main town beach with golden sand and calm water; Punta de Montezuma — Rocky headland with tide pools and panoramic ocean views. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Montezuma: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Casado — Traditional dish of rice, beans, meat, and salad, popular lunch; Gallo Pinto — Traditional breakfast of rice and beans with egg; Ceviche — Fresh fish marinated in lime with chili and cilantro; Pescado Entero — Whole fried fish, popular coastal dish; Tres Leches — Traditional three-milk cake dessert. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Montezuma: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Montezuma Center — Main area with hotels, restaurants, and shops; Playa Montezuma — Area near main beach with hotels and restaurants; Punta de Montezuma — Scenic area near rocky headland with hotels and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Montezuma: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Montezuma: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Хуан Сантамария (code SJO). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $100.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Montezuma: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CRC. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $76.00 (≈ 6 378 ₽ · ≈ 40 280 CRC). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Montezuma: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Montezuma: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Montezuma: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Cabo Blanco Reserve — Absolute nature reserve, 30 minutes away; Tortuga Island — Island with beaches and snorkeling, accessible by boat; Santa Teresa — Surf town with beaches, 30 minutes away; Cobano — Fishing village with beaches, 20 minutes away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.3/10
Overall rank: 506 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 374

Best season

December-April

Useful information

Currency: CRC
Coordinates: 9.655100, -85.067900