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About Montezuma Costa Rica

Montezuma Costa Rica has captivated visitors worldwide from its jungle beginnings as a seaside port to a thriving bohemian beach town.  You can learn more about our town here.

Past and present.

Blue Morpho butterfly Montezuma Costa Rica
1950's photo of Montezuma Costa Rica

Planting the seeds of sustainability

The History of Montezuma Costa Rica

Seventy years ago, Montezuma Costa Rica was the port of departure for all the agricultural production of the surrounding highlands. It was a small, clean, and quiet port surrounded by nature.

In the mid-70s, a road was built connecting Paquera, the actual port, to Cóbano,the main city. With the port no longer needed, Montezuma transformed into a quaint fishing village first and then into a charming bohemian town to visit. 

Electricity was not available in Montezuma until 1986.

More Stories in Montezuma Costa Rica

old photo of Nicholas Wessburg & Karen Mogensen

Conservation Pioneers

Nicolas and Karen’s History Guided by a dream, Nicolas Wessberg and Karen Morgensen left their birth countries of Sweden and Denmark in 1954 and arrived in Montezuma after living in

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Montezuma Costa Rica logo

Montezuma Brand

The main objective of this identity design is to provide Montezuma with an original and authentic image that represents its nature and artistic personality. Conceptual development Indigenous symbols of the

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Rock formation with cloudy sky

Geology of Montezuma

Montezuma is located in one of the most amazing geologic places on Earth! The Middle America Trench runs along the Pacific coast along the Nicoya Peninsula, where an oceanic plate

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COSMOPOLITAN ALLURE

Our Pueblo Today

The first visitors who found paradise in this beautiful corner of Costa Rica included Europeans,  North Americans, and South Americans. Montezuma is now a multi-ethnic community giving rise to the unique and vibrant local culture well-loved by travelers from all over the globe. 

As decades have passed, developments for travel and leisure have been significantly established in the area. Impressively, this relaxing destination is complete with world-class amenities and facilities to cater to the standards of international travelers. Unlike many other parts of Costa Rica, commercial development has not affected Montezuma, and it maintains its natural magic and relaxed lifestyle.

downtown Montezuma in the evening
hermit crab

Living in Harmony with Nature

Montezuma’s treasures include its lush forests and protected wildlife. Now incorporated with our eco-tourism program to position the town as a top sustainable destination, you can view these animals in their habitat courtesy of various national parks, biological reserves, and a strong community commitment. 

In 2021, the community of Montezuma implemented a local certification program to recognize sustainable actions in 7 different areas. All businesses and tourist activities participate and are awarded the eco turtle badge that highlights good behavior to pursue conservation and sustainable development.

two howler monkeys
Iguana in Montezuma Costa Rica
fiery billed aracari
turtle hatchling
Green Jesus lizard (Basilisk) with spots
pink dragon fly on leaf
red macaw flying
butterfly hanging upside down
red headed woodpecker holding on to tree
tajalin crab with blue back and orange legs
pink spoonbill on branch
orange ant with small leafy branch
adult sea turtle underwater
traragon bird with yellow chest on branch
purple and white passion flower
hummingbird sipping from pink flower
heron in jungle looking to left
anteater descending tree
whale tale above water
fuzzy orange heliconia
four white faced monkeys in tree
frog holding on to leaf
doe looking at photographer
two merlin birds in nest

5 ways you can help protect the wildlife during your stay.

1.  Refuse plastic & Recycle. Montezuma has a separation and recycling program. Bring your reusable groceries bag; the supermarkets don’t give plastic bags.

2. Travel with your reusable bottle.  You will find three free water sources in town. The water in Montezuma is safe and high quality to drink directly from the tap.

3.  Don’t feed the animals. They must remain independent and wild to be healthy.

4.  Hire a naturalist guide, to learn more about species and their habitat from experts.

5.  Volunteer. Donate your time. You can help clean beaches, rescue wild animals or teach visitors.

ADIM logo

The ADIM is a communal nonprofit organization working for the public good and sustainable development of Montezuma. Our budget comes mainly from the support of friends, visitors, and community members. Help to grow this community with your donation. Our projects support the environment, youth, and minorities. Small actions count.

Donate to Our Community.

pink hibiscus