Pranamar Villas Montezuma visit

Day trip adventure to visit Montezuma waterfalls during your stay at Pranamar Villas

Side view of first waterfall on Montezuma river

Montezuma town, a short drive from Pranamar Villas, offers visitors the opportunity to hike up a river ending in beautiful waterfalls and to bathe in fresh water while enjoying the surrounding forest.  Another option is El Chorro, an impressive jet of water falling directly on the beach. 

Costa Rica is a country blessed with an abundance of fresh water springs and rivers, and as this water meanders towards the ocean, it often falls over cliffs creating  pools to bathe in and scenery to admire.  Such is the case of the Montezuma Falls about a 40 minute drive from Pranamar Villas in Santa Teresa, perfect for a day trip.

Montezuma waterfall view from forest

There are three levels at the waterfalls, all accesible depending on your fitness level and adventurous streak. The 20 minute hike up the Montezuma river takes you to the first pool, and boasts tallest waterfall of almost 80 feet.  This is most popular stop on the trail, where you can swim, sunbathe and picnic the day away.

One of the upper pools at Montezuma waterfall

Want to keep going? Look for a trail on the side of the first waterfall to the upper pools.  A canopy has recently been set up in the area, and you can reach secondary pools by accessing trails and bridges built by tour operator for a $4 charge per person.

Another one of the waterfalls in Montezuma is known at El Chorro and surprises you after a two hour walk at the end of the secluded Cocolito Beach. If walking under the sun for hours isn’t your cup of tea, how about going there on horseback?

El Chorro Waterfall on Cocolito Beach in Montezuma

Consider these adventures and add them to your yoga retreat experience at Pranamar Villas Oceanfront Villas and Yoga Retreats, and remember, when in Costa Rica, DO go chasing waterfalls!

Tips:

• Look for Amor de Mar Hotel, trail to Montezuma waterfall starts close to its entrance.
• Wear rainproof hiking shoes or comfortable strong water sandals during walk for better protection and grip on slippery rocks.
• Do not swim right below waterfalls as currents can drag you under and make it difficult to surface.
• Wade into pools versus jumping in, water may be shallow in some places and rocks not visible.

Article by Katie Widdowson

See fabulous Santa Teresa Costa Rica sunsets from Pranamar Villas’ beachfront bar

Sunsets in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica are some of the most spectacular I’ve seen, especially if it is low tide. When the Pacific Ocean recedes from the long coastline of this stretch of the Nicoya Peninsula – Playa Carmen, Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa – the setting sun reflects its fiery colors in millions of little tide pools in the exposed reef and turns the white sand rosy pink.

The best place to be on the beach in Santa Teresa and watch the sunset, while you enjoy a refreshing cold drink, is at the new Sunset Tiki Bar at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat.
Every night of the week at Pranamar Villas’ new sunset bar they are serving ice cold beers, sangria, fresh tropical fruit smoothies, special cocktails and delicious appetizers – called “bocas” in Costa Rica.

 It is the best time of day to be on the beach with your favorite cold drink, hanging out with your favorite people and meeting new friends. You’re on vacation!

The beautiful Bali-style beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa now has the only beachfront bar in the area of Playa Hermosa. Starting at the beginning of December, Pranamar Villas opened up their beach garden and set out comfy chairs and chaise lounges to enjoy the famous fiery sunsets over the Pacific Ocean at Santa Teresa – named by Forbes Magazine as “one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.”
 
Bocas, or appetizers, will vary nightly with creative Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian dishes, and special fresh sushi rolls. The Buddha Eyes Restaurant at Pranamar Villas gets its fish fresh from local fisherman daily, so you know the sushi will be top-notch. Check Pranamar Villas’ Facebook page for information on live music nights.

After you enjoy the sunset, stay for dinner at Buddha Eyes Restaurant where they serve creative healthy cuisine from the chef team of Rodrigo Soriano of Argentina, Claudio “Cicco” Mazzone from Italy and Jesus Zabala from Venezuela. The elegant open-air restaurant overlooks the lagoon-style pool at the Costa Rica beach resort. The Buddha Eyes Restaurant is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Pranamar Oceanfront Villas in Costa Rica specializes in yoga and yoga retreats, and Costa Rica surf holidays at Santa Teresa.

Article by Shannon Farley