Hiking to the Montezuma Waterfalls in Costa Rica.
Montezuma waterfalls were definitely one of the trickier nature spots to reach on my Costa Rica trip..
However, the reward was worth it..
Swimming in such a secluded spot, while listening to howler monkeys high above me was a highlight of my time in Montezuma!
If you are heading to Montezuma and need more information about hiking to Montezuma falls, then keep reading, as I have detailed what my experience was like navigating the Costa Rican jungle.
As a free activity, and being central in Montezuma, the waterfall hike is very popular with visitors to the small bohemian town.
Let’s start with the practicalities.
Posing in front of the bottom waterfall.
How to visit Montezuma waterfalls?
The car park entrance for Montezuma falls is located on the main road which is just back from the beachfront.
It will take you around 5 minutes walking from the town centre, and once you arrive, it is free to enter, although you will notice some locals trying to sell you snacks and refreshments in the car park.
Car parking does cost a small fee of around $5, so bring cash for that.
As the town, and most accommodation options are so close, it is unlikely you will need a car to reach it.
Safety information board at start of the hike.
Montezuma waterfall practical information.
The hike to Montezuma Falls typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes each way, depending on your pace and the trail conditions.
It is free to enter, but there are no amenities, such as toilets, or restaurants.
As I visited in the late afternoon, there weren’t as many tourists around, which meant I didn’t have to queue at any sections. The path is relatively short but can be steep and uneven, so it's good to wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a bit of a workout.
Your packing list should also include these items:
Comfortable Hiking Shoes:
Important for navigating the slippery sections, or when jumping in the pool at the falls.
Lightweight, Quick-Dry Clothing:
Lightweight clothing that can dry quickly is always sensible in Costa Rica, especially in the rainy season.
A large bottle of water:
The high humidity and challenging sections are difficult, so staying hydrated is essential.
Bug Spray:
Insect repellent was essential for my trip, as the bug bites aren’t nice.
The waterfall is just off the main road.
Start of the trail.
You will notice the start of the walking trail at the end of the car park, however, it is very poorly marked as you make your way towards the waterfalls.
If you just follow the path for so long, you will come to a rocky section with a stream flowing down it, which you need to climb over, before following the river up stream.
I found using my phone GPS helped at a couple of sections where there was nobody else to follow.
There are footpath routes for some of the way.
Is the Montezuma waterfall hike safe?
Many locals and tourists successfully complete the hike everyday in Montezuma, but from my experience there are definitely risks attached to it.
The rocks are so slippery that it is easy to fall and bash your knees or legs, especially when I visited at the start of the rainy season.
If you visit when there has been minimal rainfall, and travel in a group, you will greatly reduce any risks.
I noticed that an old couple completed the hike without any major problems.
Slippery rocks I had to traverse.
Listening to the howler monkeys.
One of my favourite things during my time in Montezuma was the constant loud howls coming from the canopy.
These primates are known for their deep, resonant calls, which creates some Jurassic Park style noises from the lush rainforest environment.
This was an awesome thing that I learned first hand in Costa Rica.
When I was in my hotel, they woke me up just after sunrise each morning, and when I was making my way towards Montezuma falls, their distinctive howl was echoing around the tall trees in the forest.
If you want to give yourself a better chance of catching a glimpse of the monkeys, then I recommend the Canopy tour.
Onto the next section.
The best time to visit Montezuma Falls.
As mentioned above, visiting in the rainy season has more risks attached to it, with slippery rocks, and unpredictable conditions.
If you visit in the dry season (December - April), you can expect more crowds, which might make the waterfalls crowded for you.
I found that visiting in May was perfect, as I had the falls to myself for a period of time, and managed to safely navigate the hike alone.
More rocks to tackle.
Will you need a guide at Montezuma waterfalls?
You don’t need a guide to reach the waterfalls, even though it isn’t marked out the best, it is just to follow the river upstream.
There are some locals who will approach you as ‘unofficial tour guides’, and they seem very polite and professional. If I remember right, he was called Carlos.
This is a good option for you if you are nervous, or would prefer a helping hand from a local.
A stream to cross.
Some difficult, but fun sections.
There are some sections where the locals have made it easier for tourists to navigate, including putting ropes on the river banks, to help navigate the tight and steep sections.
If you are travelling with children, then they will find these sections entertaining.
A rope assistance comes in handy.
Can you swim at Montezuma Waterfalls?
Swimming at the beautiful nature spots is a true highlight of a trip to Costa Rica.
So you will be pleased to learn that you can swim at Montezuma Falls.
The base of the falls features a natural pool with some awesome surrounding natural aesthetics, where visitors can take a refreshing dip as a reward for completing the hike.
You can swim in all three sections of the waterfalls, depending on which way you visit the falls.
I found the water is generally clean and clear, despite it looking murky in the photos. Most natural pools in Costa Rica are beautiful to swim in.
Water shoes would be beneficial to protect your feet when walking around the outside, or entering the water.
Made it, and you can swim!
Are the Montezuma Waterfalls worth it?
I visited the bottom main pool, and other pools on the higher cascades, and found all of them to be worth visiting.
I made my own way to the bottom and most popular waterfall, which is over 80 feet tall, and by the time I was swimming under the falling water, I had the pool to myself.
If you are on a longer Montezuma itinerary, then it is a no brainer to and complete the hike. You could easily spend several hours in nature, on a quieter day, when you are trying to save money.
Made it!
There is an awesome surrounding landscape.
Visiting the top section of Montezuma Waterfalls.
If you visit the pools at the top two cascades, you can do some swimming, or cliff jumping, which was awesome!
I recommend that you do the suntrails canopy tour across the top of the rainforest, as visiting the top waterfalls is included as part of the tour.
The tour usually includes 45 mins at the top waterfall, with steps directly down to it.
It can get very busy in the dry season, however, when I visited at the start of the rainy season in May, it was very quiet, as you can see below, I had the pool to myself.
Jumping off the rocks was fun.
The water was refreshing.
Want to visit more Costa Rican waterfalls?
Beautiful waterfalls are abundant in Costa Rica, and I visited many on my trip.
Here two other beautiful spots in Costa Rica which I think that you will love:
La Fortuna Waterfall.
Located just outside of the jungle town of La Fortuna, lies a beautiful 75 metres high waterfall that is surrounded by lush rainforest.
Visitors can swim in the pool or enjoy the scenic views at the base of the cascading water, but it doesn’t come without a challenge. There are approximately 500 steps down to the waterfall at a steep incline, which require you to walk down, and then back up afterwards.
It is well worth the effort though, as it is like paradise down there!
Rio Celeste Waterfall.
One of the most unique waterfalls in Costa Rica is Rio Celeste waterfall, due to its sky blue coloured water.
As this natural wonder is located in the Tenorio National Park close to a volcano, the minerals cause an optical illusion, by scattering sunlight to create the bright colours.
Although visitors aren’t allowed to enter the water at this waterfall, the picture-perfect waterfalls are a brilliant reward for a tough hike through nature.
Tours usually stop at the 400 year old ceiba tree on the way into the National Park also.
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