Driving Montezuma & Santa Teresa / Costa Rica
To drive to Montezuma or not to drive to Montezuma? That was the question. Even though our drive was “hair on the neck” raising, I’d still say yes, take the risk and hit the road!
After visiting with our friends, Vytas and Elizabeth, we got in our trusty 4x4, and started on the four hour trip to Montezuma from Nosara. There were a couple of ways to get there. We could have taken the highway. That would have been the safest and longest. But after some reassurance from our friends, we decided to take the more scenic route along the beach. There were only two river crossings and being the dry season, we’d probably be okay.
We came across our first river crossing a short time in and on the advice of Elizabeth and others, we watched the locals cross first and then basically copied their path. To be honest, the first crossing was pretty easy, as was the second. It was the third, fourth, and fifth ones that tested our nerves and patience. It didn’t help that our route ended up being blocked for some reason, so we had to take a detour that took us on a road that our rental company probably restricts in the fine print. In addition, Brent’s phone battery was dying, google maps was inaccessible and the sun was setting.
All things considered, I think we managed to hold ourselves together enough to solve some tricky situations along the route. After the river crossings, we ended up behind cow crossings, tractors and construction. In the end, we made it to our Airbnb just outside of Montezuma. I’m telling you, we continue to learn lessons each day in this country. We are visitors and it’s our job to remember to listen to locals and never underestimate the road ahead.
I’m so glad we made it to Montezuma. It was on my list of places to see when we were originally drafting plans for the trip. It is located on the southern tip of Nicoya Peninsula. The main town is enclosed within a two block perimeter and has a few shops, restaurants, a supermarket and lots of accommodations. It’s Bohemian in nature with a sense of anti-establishment. There is a good vibe throughout the town and the people are so friendly.
We had a chance to visit the Montezuma Waterfalls. They are located close to town and there are a couple of ways to access them. Of course we took the gnarly road! Honestly, they are everywhere. It was a refreshing way to spend a couple of hours, but be prepared for a crazy walk in whatever direction you choose to come in and wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. For more information, see my favourite local site - https://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/montezuma-waterfalls/
As if our quads and calves didn’t have enough of a workout getting to the Falls, the next day we hiked the 10km trail at The Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve. What a beast of a trail, but again worth it as you end up at the most southern beach on the Peninsula. While there, we got some good drone footage and another spectacular moment with a couple of resident Howler monkeys. I’m in love with them.
Let me reiterate, this trail is not for the faint of heart!
The next day we needed a bit of a rest, so we headed to Isla de Cabuya. We arrived just before low tide so we could walk there from the mainland. It’s where the local fisherman launch. On the island, you will find a local cemetery with unique tombstones and stories. Every cemetery has stories, but this one is a rare find. The fact that it’s on an island is in itself pretty cool.
For our last day in the area, we drove into Santa Teresa to give surfing another shot. Santa Teresa is a paradise for any surfer or yogi. Personally, I can only handle the chill spirit so much. It’s also crazy busy; picture a lot of young people on ATVs wearing yoga pants and man buns on every other dude. I am not this cool.
I rested my shoulders while Brent surfed on Playa Hermosa. I recommend going to that area as it is less crowded, but bring food, water and your own gear as there isn’t much in the area. It was a great day followed by an amazing dinner on the beachfront watching the sunset. How many times do I need to say we are blessed? Many and I never want to forget it.
