The Blessing of Montezuma, Costa Rica

Montezuma is located in the South of the Nicoya Peninsula. It's one of the more popular tourist destinations because of its proximity to other Costa Rican landmarks such as Cabo Blanco, the first National Park in Costa Rica, Tortuga Island and the Curu Wild Life Reserve.

Montezuma beaches are wide, the sand is soft and clean, and the water can be rather temperamental depending on the time of year, like many of the beaches on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. From these beaches you are able to see the sunrise, usually beginning at 5:30 am.

The most popular hotspots of Montezuma are:

1. The waterfalls: they are about a 10 minute walk from the town center (truthfully, 10 in flip flops and 15 in barefoot ), or a couple of minutes with a vehicle (there is a parking lot). Composed of three waterfalls, neatly stacked one on top of the other and being more than 15 meters in height. The trip can be a bit intense and sometimes you might need to use a rope (conveniently posted along the mountain, like an Indiana Jones starter kit). If you are a strong swimmer and not afraid of the heights, you can jump from a rock to the deepest pool of the second waterfall, not for the faint of heart! But remember to do it with caution.
2. Piedra Colorada: located just before Playa Grande and just after Hotel Ylang y Ylang. Piedra Colorada Begins as a waterfall and ends up as a small, gentle stream that flows into the ocean. Here you can enjoy the cool sweet water of the falls and at the same time the ambience of the ocean while checking out ( or if the spirit moves you, partaking in ) the meditative act of "balancing stone" artwork at the mouth of the stream, created over the years by inspired tourists and locals.
3. El Chorro and Playa Cocalito: From Montezuma center it is about a 2 1/2 hour walk/hike on the beach. For those who do not want to walk, there is another point of access from Tambor Beach, but believe me when I say the walk is worth it (a horseback trip is also an option). You'll get to experience 4 scenic beaches in this trip; Montezuma Beach, Piedra Colorada, Playa Grande and finally Cocalito. Here you will find the River Cocalito , who's water will delight and intrigue you, hot on the bottom and cool on the surface (described by my rather eccentric boyfriend as " a great place to think" he also thinks the same of super hardware stores). From the river you will see 'El Chorro' waterfall. It is a majestic place where the fresh water flows in and mingles with the ocean, like nature toasting herself in a job well done. Once at El Chorro, if you still have it in you after the hike, climb up the rocks to the top and you will find an amazing view of all of the Coastline you just experienced by foot.
4. The Butterfly Gardens: The gardens are lush, tropical and peaceful. A great opportunity to learn about the fascinating world of the lepidoptera (read: butterfly), you should not leave Montezuma without seeing this. For a fun photo op my boyfriend recommends spraying oneself with sugar water before entering...he's never tried this but seems really sure it will work.

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