Montezuma Waterfalls

The Montezuma waterfalls are a series of three cascades on the Río Montezuma, a short walk from the village. The lower falls are the most accessible and have the best swimming hole — a wide, deep pool at the base of a 15-metre drop, sheltered by forest. The middle falls require some scrambling over rocks. The upper falls are the highest (around 25 metres) and the most dramatic, but reaching them means a more demanding hike.

The trail starts at the southern end of the village. Start early to beat the midday heat and the tour groups. Bring water shoes — the rocks can be slippery. The whole circuit to the upper falls and back takes about two hours, and you can stop to swim at any of the three levels. Admission is free.

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The lower pool at the first waterfall has a rope swing that has become so embedded in the Montezuma experience that removing it would likely cause an international incident. Locals use the upper falls for cliff jumping — a tradition that has resulted in enough injuries that the Costa Rican government has posted warning signs, which are largely ignored.