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Montezuma - Cabo Blanco
This quaint little beach town draws more of the back-packing younger crowd than does Playa
Tambor. 
There are quite a few budget accommodations in this area, as well as some higher dollar options. The nightlife here is the best in the area.
This area has been home to creatures of one kind or another for a long, long
time as evidenced by the fact that there is an area along the beach at the
southern end of the cape where marine fossils dating back at least 20 million
years can be found in the exposed rocks. An extinct species of giant oyster is
among the more common fossils.
The southern portion of the peninsula receives more rain than the areas further north or surrounding the Gulf of Nicoya, and thus, when most of the northwestern corner of Costa Rica is parched and leafless, the forests of Cabo Blanco still retain much of their luxuriant green foliage. Obviously, the reserve is a veritable paradise for the leaf-eating howler monkeys during the dry season, but other kinds of wildlife can also be seen quite commonly, including Central American agoutis, white-faced capuchin monkeys, white-nosed coatis, and variegated squirrels.
There is also good tide pool activity among the rocks that line the coast in front of the park ranger station. When the tide is low, an impressive variety of marine life can be easily observed in the shallows left by the receding sea.
Although various trails exist in the reserve, only one is open for use by visitors. This trail takes you to the two sandy beaches in the reserve, Cabo Blanco beach and Balsitas beach, while offering excellent wildlife viewing potential along the way.
Fishing - Although many hotels operate fishing tours, it's just as easy to walk along the main strip of beach in Montezuma and find people who are waiting to take you out in their boat. You should be able to save some money by going this route as well.
Snorkeling - There are some great places to snorkel around Montezuma. We recommend taking a trip to Isla Tortuga for the best snorkeling in the area. To get there, you can either flag down a boat on the main beach in Montezuma.
Kayak and Bicycle Rental - Go to Sacred Ceiba Tours inside El Sano Banano (642-0047)
Horseback Riding - Aventuras de Montezuma (642-0050), and Sacred Ceiba Tours (642-0047) offer horseback riding packages to to nearby waterfalls. You can also take horseback rides with Finca los Caballos (642-0124) 3km north of Montezuma.
Motorcycle Rental - Aventuras de Montezuma (642-0050) rents small motorcycles for $50 per day.
Hiking / Wildlife - Drive to Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve one day. You'll see pizote, howler monkeys, mono congos, agouti, blue morpho butterflies, and more.
| National Parks | Beaches in the Puntarenas area |
| -
Cabo Blanco Strict Nature Reserve - Curú National Wildlife Refuge - Carara Biological Reserve |
- Montezuma - Mal Pais - Playa Hermosa |
Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco. No matter where you stay on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, you should devote at least a half day exploring the reserve. Unlike most other reserves in Costa Rica, here you are not very likely to run into many other humans on the trails. The 1,172 hectare (2,895 acres) reserve was the first protected area of land in Costa Rica, and was founded in 1963.
Today in Cabo Blanco much wildlife can still be seen. Howler and Capuchin monkeys abound, along with agouti, pizote, tiger cats, deer, and many species of snakes. The ranger station (642-0093) sells maps and T-shirts. Hours are 8am-4pm. The park is closed Monday and Tuesday. Entrance fee is $6.
Isla Tortuga. Although there are no accommodations in Isla Tortuga, you will definitely want to take a day trip here from wherever you're staying in the southern Nicoya. The 320 hectare (790 acre) island is 3km offshore from Curu. Many of the dive/snorkeling outfitters can take you here. Check our tours for more info.
 Tango
Mar Beach Resort & Country Club Tango Mar is a place
charmed by a unique atmosphere, with favorable all year round conditions.
Manicured grounds and fine accommodations blend with exuberant jungle
vegetation and exotic birds and animals to create the perfect balance of
nature and refinement. "Where your dreams and desires all come together."
Ocean View Room $145 |
By Air. A short 25-minute flight from San Jose takes you to the Tambor Airport, where you can arrange a transfer with your hotel, catch a bus, or take a cab to your final destination in the Southern Nicoya. This airport is served daily by 2 airlines, Travelair. Air fares range from $55 to $75 per person, one way.
By Car. For those travelers wanting a more leisurely journey to the Southern Nicoya and more freedom to move about when there - drive for approximately two hours from Juan Santamaria Airport (San José) to Puntarenas. You can take one of two ferries from Puntarenas to Paquera. The Ferry is a surprisingly nice 1 hour and 15 minute ride. The views are beautiful. Buy yourself a spot in the cool AC for $1.60 extra. You can buy beer and soft drinks on the ferry. Note: You should get in the ferry line 1 ½ hours prior to the time of the departure to ensure space on the boat. Ferries are more crowded on weekends, and December through April.
Following is information on both the Tambor Ferry and the Ferry Peninsular. You may want to call the numbers listed below before you set out on your destination to confirm ferry times. The times below are subject to change.
Tambor Ferry (661-2084)
Leaves Puntarenas: 5am, 12:30pm, 5pm
Leaves Paquera: 8am, 2:30pm, 8:30pm
Rates: $1 per person second class, $2.60 per person with AC, $.50 children, $10 for cars, and $3 for motorcycles.
Ferry Peninsular (661-3452, or 661-3674)
Leaves Puntarenas: 8am, 2pm, 8:15pm
Leaves Paquera: 6am, 11:15am, 6pm
Rates: Same as above
When you land in Paquera you may want to get cash at one of the banks here, since they are the only banks in the area. There is a Banco Nacional, and a Banco de Costa Rica where you can get cash advances on credit cards. There is also a gas station here.
By Bus. You can get to the Southern Nicoya by bus by taking a bus to Puntarenas that departs every hour from 6am - 7pm out of San José (Av. 10-12, Ca 16.) The bus ride takes about 2 hours, and costs $3. From Puntarenas take either ferry across to Paquera. There is a bus that meets the ferry that takes passengers to Tambor, Montezuma, and Cóbano. There is a bus that departs Cóbano daily that goes to Malpais and Santa Teresa. If you prefer, you can take a taxi to your final destination from Paquera.
Montezuma Hotels