Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The beaches in front of the town are nice enough, but the best beach is just north of Co-
colores restaurant, where the sand is powdery and sheltered from big swells. This is your
glorious sun-soaked crash pad, and the further northeast you walk the more solitude you'll
find. The water's shade of teal is immediately nourishing, the temperature is perfect and
fish are abundant.
During low tide, the best snorkeling is at
Playa Las Manchas
, 1km west of downtown.
Montezuma Waterfalls
WATERFALL
A 40-minute river hike leads to a waterfall with a delicious swimming hole. Further along
the trail, a second set of falls offers a good clean 10m leap into deep water. (Reach the
'diving platform' from the trail: do not try to scale the slippery rocks!) Daring souls can
test their Tarzan skills on the rope that swings over a third set. A lot of travelers enjoy
these thrills but a few of them have died; do it at your own risk.
As you head south past Hotel La Cascada, there's a parking area, then take the trail to
the right just after the bridge.
Montezuma Gardens
GARDENS
child US$8/6/4; 8am-4pm)
About 1km south of town, alongside the waterfall trail, you can take a tour through this
lush
mariposario
(butterfly garden) and nursery where the mysterious metamorphoses oc-
cur. You'll learn about the life cycles and benefits of a dozen local species, of which you'll
see many colorful varieties. There's also a B&B here (rooms US$57 to US$80).
Playa Grande
BEACH
About 7km north of town, Playa Grande is the best surf beach in the area. It's a 3km-plus
stretch of waves and sand, which doesn't get too crowded as it requires a 30-minute hike to
get here. But what a hike it is, wandering along between the turquoise waters of the Pacific
and the lush greenery of the Montezuma Biological Reserve.
Because of the town's carefree boho feel, topless and (sometimes) nude sunbathing have
become de rigueur on some beaches, especially Playa Grande. Be aware that many resid-
ents find this disrespectful so please be discreet.
