Small on the map, big on experiencies: everything you can do in Montezuma.

Montezuma: The Pacific’s Best- Kept Secret and a Refuge for Slow Tourism

Montezuma is a coastal corner on the Nicoya Peninsula that surprises with its unique energy. Though small in size, it holds immense natural, cultural, and emotional richness. This isn’t a mass tourism destination—it’s a place you experience slowly, barefoot and with an open mind.

From NYA, just steps from the center and surrounded by lush vegetation, you’ll have access to everything that makes Montezuma so special. Here’s why.

Waterfall hikes

The Montezuma waterfalls are a classic must-see. The main one is just a few minutes’ walk from town, along a trail of trees, roots, and river rocks.

Once there, the sound of falling water fills the air. You can swim in the pools, climb to the upper levels, or simply stay and take it all in. For a more personalized experience, you can arrange a guided tour with experts like Manakin Tours, who know lesser-known trails and hidden gems in the area.

Surf for all levels

While Montezuma isn’t a traditional surf hotspot, it offers ideal waves for beginners and those looking to surf without crowds. Playa Grande is the most recommended spot: peaceful, spacious, and just a scenic 20-minute walk from town.

If you want to refine your skills or start from scratch, you can take personalized lessons with Mauricio Saborío Surf Lessons or High Tide Surf School. Local instructors who live the ocean as part of their daily life.

Yoga, meditation, and wellness in the jungle

Montezuma pulses with a spiritual energy you can feel in the air. It’s common to see people practicing yoga at sunrise, meditating by the sea, or simply moving with the slow rhythm of the jungle.

At NYA, we offer Yu Wellness Studio, our jungle-surrounded yoga deck, designed for deep reconnection. We host weekly open classes for all levels, as well as meditation workshops and holistic wellness practices.

You can also complement your stay with massages and treatments at our wellness space—designed to support your inner journey.

Visits to Cabo Blanco and Natural Reserves

Just a short drive from Montezuma lies the Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve, the first of its kind in Costa Rica. It’s a paradise of biodiversity, with trails that lead to pristine beaches—perfect for those who love hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply disconnecting.

Another option is to take a morning walk through two protected areas—the Nicholas Wessberg Absolute Reserve and the Romelia Wildlife Refuge. This route takes you along
untouched, protected beaches, turning your walk into a true immersion in nature.

At Romelia, you’ll find two stunning beaches: Playa Grande, perfect for surfing, and Playa Cocalito, with calm waters ideal for swimming. While you’re there, if you’re feeling like a hero,
grab a bag and help collect any debris washed up along the shore—contributing to the conservation of this special place.

Art, cafés, and the bohemian lifestyle

Montezuma is also a meeting point for artists, creatives, and free-spirited travelers. The town is filled with murals, artisan fairs, live music, and spontaneous workshops.

For coffee lovers, we recommend stopping by Café Las Delicias or La Gelateria Montezuma—perfect spots to pause between walks. And if you want to explore conscious and delicious cuisine, Agra at NYA offers a menu rooted in local ingredients, with a deep respect for the product and the land.

Ocean Adventures: Snorkeling, Fishing, and Marine Wildlife

The ocean is also a star in Montezuma. From the village, you can book a trip to Isla Tortuga with operators like Zuma Tours or Blue Line Montezuma, perfect for snorkeling in turquoise waters and discovering vibrant marine life.

If you prefer a more private experience, you can join trips from Cabuya with Piratas de Cabuya, offering personalized tours for artisanal fishing, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.

Additionally, Zuma Tours and Blue Line also offer bioluminescence tours, a magical way to experience the ocean at night. All activities are designed with a focus on sustainability and authenticity, respecting the marine environment.

Spontaneous events and workshops

What makes Montezuma truly special is its ability to surprise. At any moment, a cooking class might pop up, a beach drum circle, a local producers’ fair, or an open-air concert.

Not everything is announced on social media—many events are shared via handmade signs or word of mouth. The best way not to miss out? Just be present, walk around, and go with the flow.

NYA as your base to explore it all

From NYA, you can easily access all of these experiences. We’re just steps from the beach, the jungle, and the heart of town. Our space is designed to help you rest, recharge, and explore at your own rhythm.

NYA is a boutique hotel surrounded by gardens, where every detail is created to accompany your Montezuma experience: comfortable rooms, a conscious kitchen restaurant, a yoga deck in the heart of nature, and a team that knows the destination inside out.

If you’re planning your trip, we’d love to help. We can assist you with lodging, activities, classes, tours—everything you need to experience Montezuma your way.

Explore more at www.nyahotel.cr
Or write us directly on WhatsApp: +506 8609 3999