Tambor coast path to the 'Jesus Tree' (Arbolito Solitario)
Trail · Nicoya Peninsula · hidden gem
From Tambor's fishing pier a footpath wraps south around the rocky shore - past a little neighbourhood of fishermen and artisans, under big old trees where monkeys hang out - to a lone red mangrove growing out of the rocks in the sea. Locals call it El Arbolito Solitario; expats call it the Jesus Tree, because at high tide the water surrounds it and it seems to stand on the waves. Local lore says it may be 200 years old.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2 h
- Best time
- near high tide for the 'standing on water' look; early morning or late afternoon
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 4 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 9.71385, -85.01045 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Walk
- 50 min
- Swimming
- No swimming
- Kids
- Good for kids
- Bring
- water, shoes with grip
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Under an hour each way at an easy pace. Time it near high tide for the classic photo and carry water.
Be careful
Shore rocks get slippery - wear shoes with grip, and watch the incoming tide if you scramble out onto the rocks.
Getting there
Start at the Muelle Pesquero in Tambor village, at the south end of Bahía Ballena; follow the dirt road and then the coastal path south from the pier.
Places nearby
- Ylang Ylang Beach ResortStays · from $224Beachfront jungle resort a short walk from Montezuma village.
- Soda La NaranjaSodas & Local FoodFamily-owned soda in Montezuma serving authentic Costa Rican plates: orange chicken, ceviche, fish tacos and mango smoothies in generous portions at reasonable prices.
- Soda El ArtesanoSodas & Local FoodSimple local soda in the centre of Montezuma, right next door to Soda La Naranja, serving typical plates and fish at some of the lowest prices in town.
- Sabor de Mar MontezumaFood & CoffeeSmall seafood spot in Montezuma that reviewers call a hidden gem: very fresh ceviche, fish in shrimp sauce and big portions at fair prices, with friendly staff.
- Soda La EsmeraldaSodas & Local FoodA roadside soda on the Paquera-Tambor road with a solid Google rating from over 250 reviews - a handy refuel stop for traditional Costa Rican food.
- Ice Dream Gelato & Coffee ShopFood & CoffeeLittle café in the middle of Montezuma for coffee, breakfast and gelato - the easy cool-down stop between the beach and the falls.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/555009157 · https://ticotimes.net/?p=125757 · https://nicoyapeninsula.com/tambor/ · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/555009157