sharon928

My family will be traveling to CR the latter half of July and will be spending about 6 days in Montezuma. Has anyone been there? I'd just like impressions of the area, as well as weather info. We'll be staying at El Sano Banano on the beach and will be traveling with two children, ages 12 and 15.

TAGriffin

We stayed in Montezuma in June 2002 for 3 nights. It was pretty quiet in June, but I would imagine it will be more active in July. Because Montezuma is tucked on the northeast side of the tip of the peninsula, it doesn't get as much of a cooling breeze as some of the areas further south. As a result, we found the heat and humidity somewhat oppressive as compared to other parts of Costa Rica. We very much enjoyed our hike in Cabo Blanco (take lots of water). A trip to Isla Tortuga is also highly recommended. We never made it to the waterfalls. We met several people who did a horseback ride on the beach and loved it. It's a very beautiful area, but to be honest, 3 nights for us was plenty. As much as I enjoyed Montezuma, I have no real desire to return. We enjoyed our stay at Manuel Antonio much more. With 2 teenagers, you might consider splitting your time between Montezuma and Manuel Antonio or one of the northwest beaches.

shillmac

I think your teens will love Montezuma and also Manuel Antonio. The hike to the waterfalls is really neat and the adventurous can continue to a higher falls as well. The pool at the base is very cold and quite refreshing! Absolutely hike the Cabo Blanco Reserve (closed on Tuesdays), but, yes, DO take plenty of water. It is about a 5 hour hike all together if you stay at the beach (your destination) for an hour resting up. Many people take snacks with them for a little energy trip. The return is difficult for about 30 minutes (because it is uphill, it is hot, and you are already pooped). Lots of wildlife here. Start early in the day. .park opens at 8:00 a.m. You want to out of there by 2:00 (afternoon showers). Also, you can spend more time at the beach. It is a pretty beach (beautiful, in fact) but it has a rocky and sloping bottom. There is fresh water for refills and showers there at the beach. Have fun!

sharon928

Thanks for all of your suggestions and advice. We visited MA when we were in CR about 7 years ago. Loved it, but it was very crowded (we went during the dry season). So we wanted to try a different beach area. From Montezuma, we will be traveling to Monteverde for 3 nights, then to Arenal for 2 before heading to the airport and home. What can we expect weather-wise in Monteverde at the end of July? What activities would anybody especially recommend?

tsmith

We were considering a trip to Montezuma in the beginning of July with our 14 year old (sorry we can't meet your teenagers). I am concerned about the comment about the lack of cooling breezes. Would Malpais be cooler and which northwest beaches do you recommend?