Similar offers
Information:
Information:
Information:
Quote-start

Tamarindo and Montezuma

Quote-end

5 Sep 15th, 2005 

7 Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful

Advantages:
Sun, sea, sand, shopping, nightlife, beautiful scenery, friendly people

Disadvantages:
Sunburn, variation in hostel quality, travel is hard work, dengue fever

Recommendable Yes:

Detailed rating:

How is the scenery

Shopping

Activities/Nightlife

Value for Money

kittykatty31

kittykatty31

About me:

I'm a student at Birmingham university, which is heaps of fun! I'm into all sorts of music, I like g...

Member since:29.07.2005

Reviews:8

Members who trust:2

First of all, Tamarindo and Montezuma could not be more different. Montezuma is a tiny little place that's totally laid back and has a really "hiipY" vibe to it. I loved it. Tamarindo is a bustling, set to be the 'next big destination' town with loads of shops and American tourists, with a fair few surfers!

Montezuma is literally at the end of a dirt track, if you're travelling from San Jose (or anywhere not on the Pacific coast) it involves a ferry trip from Puntarenas. We managed to mess this up with buses and ended up hitchhiking in the back of a farmer's truck -all good fun! In Montezuma there are enough restaurants to keep you going for about 5 days, beyond that you'll get bored. During the day (if you aren't just lying on the beach) you can hike to the waterfalls. The hike was pretty scary in the wet season, it involved crossing a fast flowing and fairly deep river. I would say its really not suitable for kids or anyone who isn't 100% fit. You can also do the typical stuff like ATV rides, or going out for a day's fishing. If you have the money - I didnt!

Tamarindo is 7 hours from San Jose by bus, but I can't recommened the public buses enough. They're clean, run on time and very good value for money. Its sometimes hard to get a seat, so make sure you're there in plenty of time. Tamarindo has lots of shops, restuarants, bars etc. You will get hassled by locals if you are a girl and at night, I would not have felt comfortable walking alone. Keep an eye on all your belongings (this applies for everywhere in Costa Rica, but we had some trouble in Tamarindo). The beach is beautiful, and apparently the surfing isn't bad. Hostel Playa Tamarindo is the best place to stay if you're young/travelling. Clean, with air conditioning, kitchen facilities and a lounge area with huge television and bean bags. The bathrooms aren't that great and its cold showers only, but its generally so hot that that's a good thing!

Have a great time if you visit Costa Rica - you really should! 

How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines

exceptional

very helpful

helpful

somewhat helpful

not helpful

off topic

Comments about this review »

fabfrog5 22.04.2006 16:50

good to know the differences in the towns for future reference! :) x

Elaina18 18.04.2006 23:41

I visited Tamarindo in January this year - fabulous! elaina x

patriciat 15.09.2005 14:40

Crossing the river sounds way too energetic and scary for me. Pat.t

Related offers for Pacific Coast (Costa Rica) »

NH Hoteles 0 Ratings

NH Hoteles

NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times

 Visit Shop  >
NH Hoteles


Similar »

Surf, Breaks, Jaco Beach - review by Tico24

Advantages: Central location, choice for hotels, food, clubs, and activities and surfing for all levels
Disadvantages: Crime, Pollution, Drugs are a problem in all of Costa Rica which is a shame.

Surf, Breaks, Jaco Beach - review by Tico24 Tico24 22.01.2009 (22.01.2009) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Surf, Breaks, Jaco Beach



Are you the manufacturer / provider of Pacific Coast (Costa Rica)? Click here