MontezumaWaterfalls.com makes no claim of ownership to the waterfalls described on this site. We provide service for people visiting Montezuma and the waterfalls but do not in any way, explicitly or implied, provide insurance or guarantee the safety of visitors to Costa Rica, Montezuma, waterfalls, or any other facility or destination listed on this website, on business cards, or any other mention or advertisement of MontezumaWaterfalls.com anywhere and whatsoever. We do NOT encourage people to jump from the waterfalls. Please be sure to be careful when visiting Costa Rica.
Copyright 2010, Montezuma Waterfalls, Ltd. MontezumaWaterfalls.net
Important Information:
Visiting Costa Rica has its PERKS and its DANGERS. Most people who come here understand that NATURAL BEAUTY is the primary reason to come to Costa Rica. ADVENTURE tourism is the main source of tourism here. If you want culture, history, and museums, you're best going north to Nicaragua or south to Panama for your vacation. But if you want an ADVENTURE and BEAUTIFUL NATURAL SITES like WILDLIFE and WATERFALLS, then Costa Rica is where you need to go. That said, adventure tourism is often described as EXTREME tourism, and with EXTREME tourism inevitably comes DANGER.
Please understand that PEOPLE and PETS have DIED walking to, playing on and around, and jumping from these waterfalls. It is DANGEROUS, and the danger increases at certain times of the year, during rain, and for a full day or two AFTER major rain storms.
That said, people have visited the falls and experienced the EXCITEMENT and FUN SAFELY for many years.
Here are a FEW RULES you should follow to ensure your SAFETY at the falls:
1. Don't be cocky. People trying to look or be cool here are usually the ones who DIE.
2. Don't do anything the TICOS don't do. In fact, even if you see them doing it one day, that does NOT mean they will do it the next. Ticos understand how the danger changes from day to day and season to season. YOU don't.
3. If you aren't sure, ASK a Tico. Ticos (Costa Ricans) are about the KINDEST people on earth. Talk to them.
1st Waterfall
The most visited tourist destination in Montezuma, aside from the beach, is definitely the 1st waterfall which cascades over 80 feet to the pool below. To get there from downtown Montezuma, walk south toward Cabuya until you cross a bridge over the river. Just past the bridge and before the steep road up to Delicias, there is a trail that goes off to the right along the south side of the river. Take the trail. If you're driving, you can park in the waterfall parking lot for only 1000 Colones (about $2).
Shortly up the trail, you'll cross over some giant rocks. As soon as you do, it's time to cross the river carefully. Certain times of the year, the rocks are very slippery. After you cross the river, keep your eyes open for a trail leading up. This trail will take you most of the way until it slopes down again onto the side of the river. A short distance more, you'll see the waterfall.
The first waterfall is usually bustling with activity, especially in high season, but even in the rainy season, there can be quite a few visitors. This is where most of the gringo deaths occur each year, usually guys who try climbing the rocks on the north side of the fall. There are signs in Spanish near the beginning of the trail that warn of the danger. Enjoy your swim here, but don't do anything stupid! After relaxing at the 1st for a while, there are a few ways to make your way to the 2nd and 3rd falls.
