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Image by Joshua J. Cotten

Secret Places

Montezuma Waterfalls

Montezuma Waterfalls

Montezuma Waterfalls, Costa Rica

The Montezuma Waterfalls consist of three waterfalls and pools located in the town of Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula. The three waterfalls are the lower, middle, and upper falls.

The lower falls, which drop 27 meters (88 feet) down a jagged rocky wall, are the largest and most popular of the three. A large pool below the falls provides an ideal spot for swimming.

 

The upper falls, located at the very top, are the next falls you will encounter. The falls are only 4 meters (13 feet) tall, but the pool below is a peaceful place to swim, particularly during the wet season when there is plenty of water.

 

The middle falls are often regarded as the best of the three. To reach them, you must scramble down some rocks from the upper falls as there is no direct path. The waterfall drops 12 meters (40 feet), and there is a large pool for swimming. Carefully swim to the edge to look down at the lower waterfall.

Jesus Christ Tree (El Arbolito Solitario)

Local legend suggests that El Arbolito Solitario is around 200 years old. The miracle is that it has survived in saltwater within the tidal wash of the Pacific Ocean.


The coastal trail from Tambor Beach to El Arbolito Solitario is magnificent and takes less than an hour at a moderate pace from the dock in Tambor.


First, wind down a rugged dirt road and through a friendly neighborhood (barrio) of fishermen and artisans who live in tiny houses that dot the coastline. Once past the barrio, the scenery changes to anc and you're likely to be greeted by the sight of monkeys dangling from the trees. and the spectrum of exotic birds squawking overhead displaying their spectacular colors, and songs.

Click to find The Jesus Tree

The Jesus Tree, Costa Rica, CC Attributed to Ken Lane
Jesus Christ Tree

Tambor Bay Turtle Hatchery

Tambor Bay Turtle Hatchery, Costa Rica

Tambor Bay Turtles are a stunning spectacle, but unfortunately, they are an extremely endangered species. Thankfully, there are a number of organizations working to protect the remaining turtles and increase the population.

Tambor Bay Turtles (TBT) is an organization that runs a sea turtle conservation project. The project's mission is to reduce threats to the sea turtles that come to the shores of the Playa Tambor area.  

 

TBT has increased the initial survival rate of turtle eggs from less than 10 percent to over 80 percent. They run several programs, including Adopt a Turtle.

Tambor Bay Turtle Hatchery

La Catarata de Fortuna Waterfall

La Catarata de Fortna Waterfll

The Fortuna River waterfall is located in a 210-acre biological tropical rainforest reserve, which is part of the Arenal Volcano National Park. It is 70 meters high and stands at an altitude of 520 meters above sea level.

To get the best view of this spectacular waterfall, visitors must climb approximately 530 steps. The path is safe and provides comfortable rest areas, surrounded by native trees of the area. Once at the top, there are several viewpoints to enjoy. You can also take a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Fortuna River.

La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica

Cocalito (El Chorro) Waterfall

Cocalito Waterfll
Cocalito Waterfall, Costa Rica

Playa Cocalito is located on the eastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, 7 kilometers south of Tambor and 10 kilometers north of Montezuma.

The area features pristine coves and beaches surrounded by lush palm trees. Keep an eye out for jungle animals along the shoreline, adding to the excitement to your journey.

A visit to Cocalito Falls, also known as El Chorro Waterfall, is a highlight of any trip to Playa Cocalito. The waterfall at Playa Cocalito's northern tip is a beautiful sight as it cascades into the ocean.

Cocalito Falls is one of only seven waterfalls in the world that flow directly into the ocean.

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