Things To Do in Playa Montezuma

For an intimate look at the life cycle and acrobatic flights-of-fancy of butterflies, head to the Mariposario Montezuma Gardens ★ (tel. 2642-1317 or 8888-4200; daily 8am–4pm; $8 entry). This has perhaps the wildest and most natural feel of all the butterfly gardens in Costa Rica. Wooden walkways wind through thick vegetation under black screen meshing. Most of the butterflies in the enclosure are self-reproducing. You can also see butterflies and other wildlife on trails through open forested areas outside the enclosure. It’s along the dirt road heading up the hill just beyond the entrance to the waterfall trail. These folks also rent out a few pretty rooms and have a microbrewery.

Backroads Exploring & Beach Hopping

This is a great area to explore by 4x4 or ATV. A single coastal road heads up the coast to Cabuya and Cabo Blanco, with a half-dozen or more spots to pull over for a swim at a semi-private beach. Moreover, several dirt roads head into the hills here connecting Montezuma with Cabuya, Delicias, Malpaís, and Santa Teresa.

Montezuma has had a tough time coming to terms with its nightlife. For years, local businesses banded together to force most of the loud, late-night activity out of town. This has eased somewhat, allowing for quite an active nightlife in Montezuma proper. The local action seems to base itself either at Chico’s Bar ★ or at the bar at the Hotel Moctezuma ((tel) 2642-0058). Both are located on the main strip in town facing the water.