Tag Archives: things to do in Montezuma

Make Any Tour an Eco-tour

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“Ecotourism”… it sounds like a big fancy word right? It really just means responsible travel to help conserve environment and well-being of local people.* A lot of companies and destinations promote ‘ecotourism’, but actually, you can make any tour or vacation eco-friendly and still get the best out of your trip. Try it out on your next vacation with these easy steps:

Keeping it Clean - Canteen

Just say no to water bottles – Bring a reusable canteen or water bottle. We really like Klean Kanteen since they’re sturdy stainless steel and of course any BPA free bottle is great. Many hotels and hostels offer free or low cost water bottle refills, and if they don’t, water from the tap in Montezuma is safe to drink. Easier for you and easier on the environment. If you don’t have a strong stomach or are uncertain about water potability, consider purchasing some water purification tablets to bring with you such as these iodine tablets, just in case.

bagUse re-usables – Reusable grocery bags are great for traveling. You can easily find bags that are pocket sized to throw in your luggage and whip out when you need to pick up a few items at the grocery store or souvenir shop. ChicoBags are great because they’re not only pocket sized and durable, but there are also many products made from recycled materials.

Take a walk (or ride)– Explore on foot, reduce carbon emissions and see more of the world around you. Of course cruising in a rental car or shuttle with the A/C full blast is comfy, but you can actually take your time and see more of a small area on foot. If walking isn’t your style, try two wheels instead of four and rent a bike to get around. Bicycle rentals in Montezuma run from about $10-$20 a day.

Conserve energy & water – We know, it’s hot here. But lowering your A/C, and turning it off when not in use saves a lot of energy. You can also conserve energy and water by asking hotel staff not to replace towels and linens every day unless absolutely necessary, and taking shorter showers especially during the dry season when water reserves may be lower.

All these things will help the environment, but they’ll also ensure that the area is well maintained for the residents who share their community with vacationers year-round. We’re pretty sure they’ll be thankful for your small but responsible and thoughtful actions. 🙂

*http://www.ecotourism.org/what-is-ecotourism

http://www.jcsjourneys.com

Montezuma for Families

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Often considered a backpackers town or yoga haven, there are also many great activities for families visiting Montezuma, even those with young children. From beach days, to nature walks here’s a few ideas to keep the family vacation fun for everyone.

1. Walk north on the beach from Montezuma toward a cascade called Piedra Colorada; literally translates to ‘colored rock’ which is exactly what you’ll find there. This spot offers a fun place to explore and take a refreshing dip in the cascades or ocean.

Let's Get Local - Cooking

Let’s Get Local – Cooking Demo

2. Take a day trip to Curu Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers a shorter trail option, perfect for those with shorter legs or less tolerance for high humidity, but still with plenty of wildlife to see.

3. Walk to Montezuma Waterfall. Even if getting all the way to the falls is too much for some, relaxing by the cool cascades with a little picnic can be just a fun.

4. Go sightseeing. While the more adventurous family members are off surfing, snorkeling or ziplining, there’s an equally fun sightseeing tour  “Let’s Get Local”, that shows you the less obvious attractions, and takes you to share and learn about Costa Rican culture with a local family. This is a great option if you want to brush up on some Spanish words, find out what traditional cuisine tastes like, and immerse yourself a bit more into the area.

There you go! Now pack a bag for the kids, the grandparents, bring everyone. Enjoy!

www.jcsjourneys.com