Paquera Ferry: Dock Area

Paquera Ferry View

Paquera Ferry View

Paquera Ferry View

Paquera Lancha

Paquera Ferry Sunset

Paquera Ferry Sunset

Road to Montezuma

Road From Nicoya to Playa Naranjo

Montezuma Road: View

Montezuma Road: View

Montezuma Road: View

Montezuma Road: View

Montezuma Road: View

Montezuma Road: View

Downtown Paquera

Tambor Beach

Tambor Beach

Tambor Beach

Tambor Beach

Mal Pais

Mail Pais Beach

Mail Pais Beach

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Paquera Ferry: Dock Area

Montezuma 

Montezuma is part of the Gulf of Nicoya. It is a small diverse beach. Its great nightlife, spectacular natural beauty, waterfalls, alternative culture, unique restaurants, shops and galleries make Montezuma a must for most itineraries. On your way to Montezuma, you will observe the dry forests mingle with the river and marine surroundings. Small streams flow down from the hills of sedimentary and volcanic rock, forming waterfalls and pools, ideal spots to escape the intense heat of the summer. The rivers and streams crisscross the wide but rocky beach, which extends eastward to the solitary and beautiful Cocal, Cocalito and Quizales beaches, and westward to the Cabo Blanco Strict Nature Reserve.

Sunbathing, surfing, fishing, partying, dancing, eating in fine restaurants, or just relaxing by the beach are some of the many activities of this Costa Rica destination. If you like natural beauty, like to party and enjoy the alternative culture reminiscent of the sixties, you will love Montezuma. It is definitely not for everyone but it is one of the hottest tourist areas in Costa Rica. Do book well in advance for holidays and the high season as the entire town does often fill up.

 How to get there

 From San Jose

Getting Here by Car/shuttle bus: The most expedite route is to take the Paquera ferry-boat from Puntarenas and from there continue the road Paquera- Cóbano- Cabuya- Montezuma. Drive from San José to Puntarenas aprox 2 hrs on the Pan American HWY. From Puntarenas take the Tambor ferry to Paquera. Make sure that it is the Paquera Ferry, because there is a ferry to Playa Naranjo as well. Drive through Paquera Cobano Tambor Cabuya. If you are renting a car, a 4x4 is recommended, although not required.

The Ferry

 The Tambor ferry trip alone is well worth the price as it winds through islands in the Gulf of Nicoya. Make sure that you get a ticket for the Tambor ferry and not the Naranjo ferry. During the Dry or High Season make sure that you arrive at the dock area at least 2 hours prior to departure. Otherwise, you will not make it!

 From Guanacaste (Northern Pacific Coast)

Driving from Guanacaste via Nicoya will take time, and tolerant. Although, the ride is very scenic and in some areas breathtaking, the road from Nicoya to Paquera is in VERY bad conditions and at least 90% of is badly maintained gravel roads. You should plan at least 5 hours to get to Montezuma if you are driving from Tamarindo, Conchal etc. Take the road Nicoya-Playa Naranjo-Paquera-Cobano-Cabuya or you can take the route Nicoya-San Pablo- Jicarol- Playa Naranjo- Paquera- Cóbano- Montezuma.  During the rainy season, check with the local authorities about the road, and river water levels.

 Public Bus & Taxi

There is a direct bus from San José to Puntarenas aprox 2 1/2 hrs. From Puntarenas take the Tambor ferry or there is a “lancha” that leaves the Puntarenas central market area that takes passengers to Paquera. Taxi's are waiting at Paquera, they drive you directly to Montezuma, or if you want to save some extra dollars, take the public bus from Paquera to Montezuma. The bus will also be waiting at the Ferry dock area. It would take approximately 1.2 hours to get to Montezuma if you are traveling by taxi, or about 2 hours if traveling by bus ( it depends on the number of stops)

 Air