Montezuma Waterfalls
This set of waterfalls is located just outside the small town of Montezuma, along the southern reaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. They are, as many people claim, some of the country's finest.
In total, there are three waterfalls, all placed extremely close to one another. The first fall you'll encounter during your trek upriver is the largest, somewhere around 80 feet high. This is a good spot to lounge, swim, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the cascading water. However, it is unsafe to jump from the top of this fall, and many people have died trying to do so. Continuing uphill past this waterfall leads you to the second, 50-foot fall. This waterfall can be jumped off of, but still, be careful. The third and final waterfall is directly above this one, and offers perhaps the best place to kick back or swim. The waterfall itself is only about 10 feet high, and flows into a calm pool that is perfect for splashing about. Along one side of the pool is a nice rope swing, and there are many other areas that are suitable for relaxing, picnicking, or sunbathing.
It should be noted that while the river itself is public property, much of the hillside surrounding the waterfalls is not. Please be respectful and courteous during your visit to Montezuma's waterfalls.
Where to stay in Montezuma Waterfalls
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Montezuma Waterfalls accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
El Sano Banano Village Hotel
The Sano Banano Village Hotel is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, in Montezuma. The southern Nicoya Peninsula is one of Costa Rica's most secluded gems. You can walk long stretches of beach and stumble upon secluded coves and tide pools. The always perky Montezuma is rich in art and has many quaint restaurants and cafe's.
Casitas Sollevante
Casitas Sollevante in Montezuma, part of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula region, provides a dream vacation getaway. Guests enjoy unwinding at the resort’s charming apartment or Villa style accommodations set against an unforgettable ocean and rainforest backdrop while having the excitement and wonders of the beautiful Montezuma area at their fingertips.
Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
The Ylang Ylang Beach Resort is located on the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, in the town of Montezuma. This area is a hot spot for nature and beach buffs who love endless sunshine and tropical beauty. The town of Montezuma is a hip little fishing village known for its alternative and international culture, energetic night life, spectacular natural beauty, waterfalls and unique shops and galleries.
Tango Mar Beach Resort & Villas
The Tango Mar Resort is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, on the beautiful and secluded beach of Quisales. This place will surely deliver an unparalleled Costa Rican vacation, boasting exquisite rain forest packed with wildlife and private, secluded beaches awaiting your footprints. Great waves, lots of good fishing and endless sight seeing opportunities make this an ideal destination for any traveler.
Casa Chameleon
Casa Chameleon is a luxurious resort in the surf town of Mal Pais, which is located on the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. It has a look defined by natural materials and old-world elegance.
Casa Marbella
Casa Marbella is a boutique hotel perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Needless to say, the view from here is awesome, with sunsets that are acclaimed as being some of the best in the area. The hotel itself is small and quaint, featuring Spanish architecture.
Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach
Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach offers modern, air‑conditioned rooms with flat‑screen cable TVs and views of the sea or garden. Each bathroom features a shower and complimentary toiletries, and guests enjoy complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout the property.
Hotel Horizon
The Horizon Yoga Hotel is located on one of Costa Rica's most secluded gems, the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, in the town of Santa Teresa. The peninsula is renowned for its stunning marine life, jagged islands and cliffs, sunshine, secluded beaches and one of a kind sunset.
Atrapasuenos Lodge
Visit Costa Rica’s stunning Nicoya Peninsula region, where Atrapasuenos Lodge is situated in a tropical beach setting just a minute walk from the beaches of Santa Teresa and Mal Pais. The lodge, built in harmony with the natural environment, is ideal for surfers, beach lovers, and adventure seekers and has options for large group accommodations.
Zula Inn Bungalows
Zula Inn Bungalows is located in Santa Teresa, only a few minutes from amazing white sandy beaches on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Set back from the road in a quiet location, the Zula Inn Bungalows consists of self-contained houses. If you are looking for a more independent way to spend your vacation, this hotel is a great option.
Hotel Tropico Latino
Hotel Tropico Latino is a boutique property situated on the Pacific coast of Santa Teresa, a small surf town in the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. The hotel occupies a modest stretch of beachfront just north of the main village, offering direct views of the ocean and easy access to the town’s central plaza, local markets, and a selection of restaurants and cafés. Its location places guests within walking distance of the widely known Playa Santa Teresa, while still providing a degree of seclusion that helps to preserve a sense of calm.
Canaima Chill House
Just a short walk from Santa Teresa’s white sand beaches along the Nicoya Peninsula, the Canaima Chill House offers a luxurious place to lounge in a jungle setting. The “rustic boutique hotel” fulfills the image of tropical paradise with its wood and bamboo décor and swimming pool pillow area blending in seamlessly with the rain forest.
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list, it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
