Montezuma, a lazy seaside village on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, attracts an offbeat clientele but has become increasingly popular with the local elite. A one-hour water-taxi service from Playa Herradura, near Jaco, has increased traffic to the area. There are a number of unique bohemian-chic restaurants and cafes, and accommodations are on the increase, ranging from rustic cabins to upscale beach-resort bungalows.
There are several coved beaches around Montezuma, and an impressive three-tiered waterfall and zipline within walking distance of town. Hiking to the second tier of the waterfall is relatively easy, but the trek to the top is only for advanced hikers.
Montezuma is on the way to Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, where hiking trails lead to sparsely populated beaches, and it lies 75 mi/120 km west of San Jose.
The Curu National Wildlife Refuge is located about an hour from Montezuma. It is Costa Rica's first private wildlife refuge, and its beaches are nesting areas for leatherback, ridley and hawksbill turtles. An astounding variety of birds—more than 110 species—have been sighted in the small park. You can also go kayaking and snorkeling in the Bay of Curu. http://www.curuwildliferefuge.com.
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