I’m still not quite sure how I feel about Montezuma Costa Rica. We assumed it would be similar to Santa Teresa which we loved, but it had a very different vibe. I can’t quite put my finger on it but it was definitely a mix of alternative backpackers who never left and diverse expats. All with a backdrop of beauty and cheesy tourism. We had a fun few days there, especially because our airbnb was in a fantastic location! Check it out here. Haven’t tried out Airbnb yet? Click here to get a $40 travel credit.
Read about all of our Costa Rica travels here.
What to do in Montezuma
1. Visit Tortuga Island
Tortuga Island was our favorite part of our trip to Montezuma! Upon arriving in Montezuma you will notice tons of tourism shops selling tours to Tortuga Island. They are all about the same price and include transportation, snorkeling, food, and drinks. Don’t be afraid to haggle and get a deal! You definitely don’t need to book online in advance. There are plenty of places with availability.
The boat ride there is pretty long but it is absolutely gorgeous! You stop by rainbow rock which is not only shaped like a rainbow but apparently is full of colorful flowers during the rainy season. The boat drops you at two different snorkel spots. Both are fantastic! We love to snorkel and scuba dive and have done so in several locations around the world from the British Virgin Islands to Kauai, and I have to say this snorkeling was great! The water was warm and had amazing visibility. Plus, the turquoise color is strikingly beautiful. We saw several large schools of fish and even a sea turtle! That’s right a turtle on Tortuga Island, yay!
After snorkeling you get a while to relax at the beach. There is a yummy lunch (we chose the fish option) and beer is included! There are also drinks for sale on the beach. Grab a “coco loco” and enjoy the sunshine!
If you’re lucky and look hard enough, you may even meet local celebrity Philomena. She is a javelina which is also known as a peccary. Still not sure? She is basically a weird looking pig. She’s completely harmless and super cute!
2. Eat Sushi at Puggo’s
Always on the hunt for seaside sushi, we headed to Puggo’s. The atmosphere is a little off but the sushi is yummy! They also have great mediterranean food.
3. Watch the Street Performers
The aforementioned permanent backpackers are actually quite talented street performers. We saw belly dancing, fire eating, break dancing, and impressive juggling! Check them out at nighttime in the middle of town.
4. Have Happy Hour at Restaurante Montezuma
Steps from the sand, this is a great place to wind down after fun in the sun. The view is amazing as well. Go for happy hour and accompany your dos por uno cocktails with ceviche and mussels!
5. Visit the Brewery Butterfly Garden
Clandestina is a cool restaurant that has amazing food, good craft beers, and a butterfly garden! We went at night so we weren’t able to see the butterflies but the dining experience was top notch.
6. Walk to the Montezuma Waterfall
This one was kind of a fail for us. I forgot our map at home so we didn’t quite see all the waterfall had to offer. We saw the lower waterfall which was nice, but the upper falls are supposed to be amazing! It was our last day so unfortunately we didn’t have a chance to try again. Below is a picture of the map. Hopefully it is helpful for you!
7. Play in the Waves
And of course it goes without saying that you must visit the beach! The water is warm and the waves are fun! We spent one evening splashing around at sunset. You must go for a swim in Montezuma!
We had a fun time in Montezuma Costa Rica and we adored our snorkel tour to Tortuga Island, however it wasn’t our absolute favorite place in beautiful Costa Rica.
Want more information to plan your trip to Montezuma Costa Rica? Check out the Costa Rica Lonely Planet here.
Mixed Feelings in Montezuma,
-Ray
