Playa Las Manchas
Beach · Nicoya Peninsula
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A pocket of pale sand and clear water just south of Montezuma, with dark rock points at the ends and forest right behind. Reviewers say the name ("spotted beach") comes from the dark patches of fish schools seen from the shore.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 5 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 3 / 10
- Swimming
- 6 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 9.64502, -85.07246 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.6 on Google (191)
Tip
Come on a calm morning with snorkel gear - visibility is best when the water is still - and check the rocks at both ends for tide pools at low tide.
Be careful
Rocky entry and some submerged rocks - wear water shoes and look before you swim. Do not leave valuables in a parked car.
Places nearby
- Soda Típica Las PalmerasSodas & Local FoodBudget-friendly soda in the center of Montezuma with a balcony over the beach where white-faced monkeys play in the trees.
- Butterfly Brewing CoFood & CoffeeCraft brewery up the hill out of Montezuma, on the road toward the canopy tour and the upper falls, with a deck looking out over the jungle - a cold pint after the waterfall hike.
- Sun TrailsTours & AdventureMontezuma-based tour and transfer company covering Santa Teresa, Malpaís and Tambor, best known for its zipline over the Montezuma waterfalls.
- Restaurante Montezuma Latino Beach FoodFood & CoffeeA casual beachfront spot in the center of Montezuma for fish and shrimp tacos, patacones with guacamole and whole fried snapper, with mojitos, coco locos and passion fruit margaritas and an ocean view.
- Zuma ToursTransfers & Rentals · takes 1 hMontezuma-based operator running the water taxi between Jacó and Montezuma, plus private transfers and boat tours.
- Sano Banano Restaurant & BarFood & CoffeeLong-running vegetarian-friendly restaurant a few steps from Montezuma beach, with a leafy patio, vegan and gluten-free plates and a mixed menu (mushroom pasta, tofu curry, seafood).
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/932628136 · https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/1593799/top-things-to-do-and-attractions-in-montezuma · https://wanderlog.com/list/itinerary/233173/1-day-montezuma-itinerary