Tag Archives: Travel and Tourism

Should we go aaaaall the way to Montezuma?!

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All_the_way_to_montezumaVisiting Costa Rica is exciting and different from neighboring countries for many reasons, including the sense of remoteness one gets as soon as they get just a few minutes outside busy San Jose. Almost any visitor can attest to the lush green countryside that still prevails over the asphalted urbanization perhaps more pronounced in other countries in the region. But if you’re aiming to really get away, away from the Taco Bells, KFCs and strip malls that seem to follow you wherever your vacation takes you, then I’d suggest going a little farther to the small town of Montezuma in the Southern Nicoya Peninsula.

Since Montezuma is relatively young in terms of modern developments such as electricity  (brought to the area only 20 years ago!), and paved roads (i.e. they are few and far between), it also provides a sense of genuine escape from those monotonous norms of fast food chains and GAP stores back home. You won’t find a McDonald’s lurking on any street corner here (ok… there’s only one real corner, but still). The fact that big chain restaurants haven’t yet taken over this tiny town attests to the genuine ‘Costa Rica’ feeling you’ll get when you’re here. Although ‘town’ can be quite busy with tourists during the high season (Dec through March), you’ll still find tranquility, wildlife for neighbors, and that tropical escape you were seeking, especially if you find accommodIMG_0033_2ations just a couple minutes up the main hill or in either direction away from town.

While scarcity of paved roads in the area and some other developmental needs are certainly not without some contention among residents, it’s hard to deny that they are characteristics that make going all the way to Montezuma a must on your Costa Rica vacation. If you don’t, I just don’t think you’ll be able to go back home with a good story about the crazy bumpy ride you took that was seemingly forever in what felt like the middle of nowhere to get to a beautiful beach, waterfall or wildlife reserve. Moreover, you will have missed one of the few areas in Costa Rica or anywhere else that really does feel ‘away from it all’. 🙂

For an even greater Costa Rica experience, consider our “Let’s Get Local” tour to meet some amazing and friendly locals and let them share their take on the best aspects of the area.

www.jcsjourneys.com

What “Green” Really Means

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It’s ‘green season‘ in Costa Rica. What that means is that it’s the rainy season; a time when many travelers opt to avoid the country due to the rain that dampens the joy of beach time and many outdoor activities. What it really means though, is a beautiful lush green countryside, sprinkled with periodic showers that cool the humid tropical air. It’s also a great time to be in Costa Rica because there are fewer travelers crowding the roads, beaches and buses and also making rates on many activities and accommodations much more affordable.

Moreover, while for many regions throughout the country, rain has drenched the land for months now, Montezuma, located in the southern Nicoya Peninsula, feels like summer never ended. Although the effects of this are yet undetermined and cause is still uncertain, the fact is, that now is the time to visit. Many visitors make their travel arrangements around the beginning of the holidays, mid-November on, but one of the best times to be in the area is precisely, right now! The area is literally green and beautiful, calm and best of all, still has plenty of sunshine and warmth to share with all the snowbirds. If you’re getting anxious for holiday travel…consider a pre-holiday vacation and make your way down.

If you’re looking for things to do while you’re here in Montezuma or around the Nicoya Peninsula, we’ve got lots of options here. If you’re looking for ways to get to the area, consider this blog.