Across the southern peninsula from Santa Teresa, Montezuma combines a small coastal town with creative local life and access to nature outings. Leave time to explore its village streets and ask about current cultural events or artisan stalls.
Montezuma Waterfall
A wooded river setting near Montezuma leads to a well-known waterfall. Treat this as a separate outing from Santa Teresa and confirm the authorized approach with a local guide. Wet rocks, steep drops and changing river levels require care; do not jump from the falls.
Playa Grande – Montezuma
A beach-and-forest walk north of Montezuma leads toward a longer stretch of sand. Plan for the walk out and back, heat and tide conditions. This is Playa Grande near Montezuma, not the beach beside Tamarindo.
Playa Nosara
A darker-sand beach near the Nosara River mouth forms part of the protected Ostional coastline. Observe shorebirds, sand patterns and the changing river-meets-ocean landscape from a permitted access point, keeping well clear of the estuary channel.
Playa Garza
South of Guiones, Garza combines a coastal community with a fishing-bay setting. Watch the boats and notice the relationship between the village and the sea. Confirm the exact meeting point when joining a boat trip; beach conditions vary.
Playa Ostional
Nearby Ostional is a sea-turtle nesting beach in Santa Cruz canton. Olive ridley turtles sometimes arrive in large nesting events called arribadas. These follow nature’s timing, so arrange visits through current refuge guidance rather than expecting a guaranteed sighting.
Playa San Juanillo
A coastal outing north of Nosara leads to San Juanillo’s small bays, rocky points and beach scenery. This nearby community is in Santa Cruz canton. Check road, tide and sea conditions locally and leave shells and marine life in place.
Playa Rosada / Cuarzo
Near Garza, Playa Cuarzo is also called Playa Rosada for the subtle pink tones in its sand. Look closely at the shore’s changing colors without collecting shells or stones. Ask locally about the permitted approach and tide-dependent access.
Playa Pelada
A smaller beach framed by rocky points and coastal trees. Look for contrasts between pale sand, dark rock and the ocean beyond. Follow permitted paths and enjoy the scenery without climbing wave-washed rocks.
Nosara Estuary
Where the river meets the sea, mangroves and shifting channels create habitat for birds and other wildlife. A guided boat or kayak outing offers a closer look. Confirm current conditions and never swim or wade across the river mouth.