Best of Montezuma

Best of Montezuma Map

Click here to see a map of more of the best things to do in Montezuma: Best of Montezuma Map

Anamaya Waterfall, Pool, and Sunset Dinner

An evening not to be missed in Montezuma… drive up to the Anamaya hotel, and from there you can walk down to Montezuma Falls in five minutes. It’s a steep hike down and back, but there are stairs all the way, used by the canopy tour. Return and jump in Anamaya’s amazing pool for sunset, and then have dinner. You must book your dinner reservations in advance, so it’s best to plan ahead for this evening. $35/pp for dinner Mon-Thurs. Call 2642-1289 for reservations.

Hike to El Chorro Waterfall

Many people come to Montezuma for the natural beauty, and the best way to experience this in Montezuma is to hike to Playa Cocalito and see “El Chorro“, a waterfall that pours off a cliff and splashes nearly into the ocean. Start in town and just start walking north along the beach. Most of the time you’ll be on the beach, but the path also crosses many rocky outcroppings. The hike takes around two hours each way, and it’s very hot. I recommend starting as early as possible… at first light is best, and then you’re likely to see animals on the beach or in the jungle. Bring lots of water and snacks. There’s no roads leading to this part of the beach, and much of it is national park or private reserve. If you’re dying of thirst or hunger when you get to the waterfall, then there’s actually a small soda with Tico food on a path behind the waterfall, if you can find the path to hike up there. You may not make it all the way to the waterfall, but that’s okay. You’ll first come to Piedra Colorada, a small cove with a river and waterfall in sight of the beach, and a local artist Jake’s balanced rock sculpture garden. Next you’ll reach Playa Grande, a huge, flat, remote white sand beach with great surfing and backed by a 300 hectare private nature reserve. After that is Playa Cocolito, another long white sand beach that often has not a single person on it. If walking sounds too tough for you, then book a tour by horse to take you to the falls.

Rainsong Wildlife Sanctuary

When an injured animal, or an abandoned baby is found in the area, it ends up at Rainsong. Supported entirely by donations from tourists and staffed mainly by young volunteers from around the world, Rainsong is an incredible place to visit. This is not a zoo, but an active rescue center. Injured animals are rehabilitated, and when possible, released back into the wild. Animals that cannot be released, such as their one-armed monkey “Tarzan”, are kept in the shelter for educational purposes. At Rainsong you’ll be able to get very close to a large variety of animals, many of which have been hand-fed since infancy and are very friendly to humans. Some you can even touch or hold. The minimum donation is $5, but most people pay more to help the shelter. Kids LOVE Rainsong and the local kids often try to get their parents to take them again and again.

Giant Banyan Tree

This ancient banyan tree, called an “higueron” (fig tree) in Spanish, is a native fig species that grown to an enormous size. Containing an entire eco-system within its trunk and branches, these trees have thousands of hiding spots for a variety of creatures, and their fruits are relished by birds, bats, mammals, and reptiles alike. This particular tree shown in the photo is a favorite spot to take a photograph. You can find it on the main road to Cabuya, about 15 minutes from Montezuma, on the right (west) wide of the road. More info and photos: Giant Cabuya Tree

Playa de Los Artistas Restaurant

Playa de los Artistas is considered by many to be the best restaurant in Costa Rica. The restaurant is located across the street from Los Mangos hotel, and sits right on the sand. Serving lunch and dinner, the menu changes daily, so many people go back multiple times. This is the priciest restaurant in Montezuma, but your meal here will be one of the highlights of your trip, both for the food and the ambience.