AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Montezuma Beach (Playa Montezuma) is the long, soft-sand shore that anchors the bohemian town of Montezuma on the southern tip of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. Pale crushed-shell sand, swaying palms, tide pools and a turquoise sea on calm days give it an easy, unhurried charm, while the jungle rises right behind town and howler monkeys are about as common as cars.↗↗↗
The beach is more a place to wander, watch the sunset and swim on calm days than a resort strip: waves can be strong and the shore is rocky in places, with rip currents and no lifeguards. The smart way to enjoy it is to combine a swim with the two experiences it's famous for — the coastal walk north to hidden coves and a waterfall that spills into the sea, and the short river hike to the jungle Montezuma Waterfalls.↗↗↗
What Makes It Special
Montezuma's draw is the rare feeling of a small, walkable beach town that still feels off the beaten track. One short main street of cafes, sodas, craft stalls and macramé artists runs out to the sand, and from almost anywhere you can hear the surf or spot monkeys in the trees overhead. Local community groups deliberately keep development small-scale and sustainable, which is part of why it stays relaxed compared with the more commercial surf towns nearby.
