Photo: official website
Your stay — Jodokus Inn
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The Property — Jodokus Inn
Jodokus Inn feels like a well-kept backpacker hideout that’s graduated into a budget hotel proper. The open-air lobby gives onto a small pool and garden, with wooden benches where guests swap trail stories. Rooms are simple—tile floors, mosquito nets, ceiling fan—but the staff are genuinely helpful and the location, a short walk from Montezuma’s main beach and waterfall trails, is hard to beat for the price.
Chronicles of Montezuma
Montezuma began as a small fishing village on the Nicoya Peninsula, largely isolated until the 1970s when a road from Cóbano opened it up. American and European surfers and hippies discovered its untouched beaches and jungle waterfalls, turning it into a low-key bohemian outpost. The town’s architecture remains a mix of wooden cabins and concrete-block guesthouses, with no high-rises, preserving a raw, organic feel. Today Montezuma draws a mix of eco-tourists, yoga retreaters, and independent travellers who prefer its gritty charm over the polish of nearby Santa Teresa.
Best Time to Visit
Full Montezuma guide →Best months
December through April: the dry season delivers reliably sunny days, calm seas for snorkelling at Playa Montezuma, and minimal rain delays on trails to the waterfalls. Crowds are moderate—busy but not packed outside Christmas and New Year.
Peak / festival surge
January and February, plus Easter week, see the highest demand as North American and European winter holidays coincide. Hotel prices at places like Jodokus Inn can double; the town swells with day-trippers from Tambor and Samara. The Montezuma International Music Festival in late January adds a further spike.
Budget shoulder season
May, June and November offer the best value: rain showers are short and usually in the late afternoon, so mornings are fine for hiking and swimming. Room rates drop significantly, and the waterfalls flow strong without the crowds.
Weather & packing
July 2026 falls in the green season: expect a 50% chance of afternoon downpours but clear mornings. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and quick-dry sandals—trail paths turn muddy within minutes of a storm.
Live City Briefing — Montezuma
- The new Montezuma Wastewater Treatment Plant began operations in early 2025, which has noticeably improved water quality at the main swimming beaches and reduced runoff into the estuary.
- In June 2026 the Montezuma Waterfall trail received new handrails and steps after a landslide in late 2025; check with the park ranger kiosk for daily access status.
- A new direct bus from San José (Cóbano Transportes) now leaves from the Coca-Cola terminal twice daily, cutting travel time to around 4.5 hours by avoiding connection wait in Puntarenas.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Jodokus Inn, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the second floor or above, as the first floor may be noisier due to the hotel's proximity to the main street of Montezuma. Avoid rooms 101-105 as they are closer to the service entrance and may experience more foot traffic noise.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms 101-105, as they are closer to the service entrance and may be noisier.
Best views
Rooms on the south side of the hotel may offer views of the surrounding hills, but there is no indication of ocean views from the hotel's address.
Quietest floors
2-3
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location in the heart of Montezuma means that there may be some noise from pedestrians and local activity.
Insider tips
Arrive early to secure parking, as the hotel's parking area is limited. Request a room with a fan instead of air conditioning, as the evenings in Montezuma can be cooler, and the fans are a more energy-efficient option.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Jodokus Inn
Free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) available on all devices
Standard check-in 15:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 13:00 with ₡20,000 fee
Available on-site, free for guests
Step-free access, wheelchair entries, accessible rooms available
Limited on-site parking available, ₡10,000 per night; nearest public car park is 500 meters away, ₡5,000 per night; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ₡3,500 per night, per person
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit ₡100,000 + incidental card hold ₡150,000 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia de Montezuma (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Paseo de Playa Montezuma — 1.6 km · ~19 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Travellers can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, or use ATMs; avoid exchanging at the airport or tourist areas for poor rates. Credit cards are often accepted in larger establishments but may not work at small local businesses.
Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is still preferred at local eateries and markets. Mobile payments are becoming more common, especially in tourist areas.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service; 10% is standard in restaurants; for taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or giving 5-10% is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a local café for around ₡500-700 (≈ $0.80-$1.10 USD)
A budget-friendly lunch option is a casado from a local eatery for around ₡2,500-3,500 (≈ $4-$5.50 USD)
A cheap dinner option is a plate of gallo pinto or rice and beans from a local restaurant for around ₡4,000-5,000 (≈ $6-$7.70 USD)
Street food is common in the town's central market area, where vendors sell traditional snacks like empanadas and fresh fruit
Local supermarkets like Pali and Disco offer a range of affordable products, with prices in CRC
Affordable shopping can be found at local markets like the one in the town center, where vendors sell handmade crafts and clothing
A daily bus pass costs ₡1,500 (≈ $2.30 USD) and can be used on public buses within the area; from the airport, a taxi ride costs around ₡20,000-30,000 (≈ $30-$45 USD)
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries instead for a more authentic experience and better prices.Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to save on taxi fares and explore the area.Shop at local markets for fresh produce and handicrafts, which are often cheaper than at supermarkets and souvenir shops.
Emergency Contacts
MontezumaFor non-urgent police help in Montezuma, call the local station at 2642-0035. The nearest hospital with emergency care is in Cobano (30 mins drive), 2642-0050. For tourist assistance, dial 1800-012-3456.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Montezuma, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Jodokus Inn
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Montezuma central bus stop (next to supermarket) → Horizontes De Montezuma (main road stop near Cristo de la Paz statue)
💡 This bus loops between Montezuma and Manzanillo. Flag it down from the main road – no fixed stops. The hotel is a steep 1.5-km walk uphill from the Cristo statue; if you have heavy luggage, wait for a taxi instead. Drivers often honk at foreigners to check if you need a ride.
San José Tracopa Terminal (Calle 14, Av. 3-5) → Cóbano bus stop
💡 Buy ticket at window only – no online. Get off at Cóbano (last stop), then catch a 15-min local bus to Montezuma (cost ~$2) and walk 10 mins up to the hotel. Bags can go on roof rack for small fee. The road is windy after Puntarenas; sit near front if you get carsick.
Cóbano bus stop → Horizontes De Montezuma
💡 Shared taxi ('colectivo') costs ~$5 per person if you wait for 3 others. Official red cabs from the Cóbano square are safer than unofficial drivers. Tell them 'Horizontes arriba del Cristo de la Paz' – they'll know the steep final hill.
San José Airport (SJO) → Horizontes De Montezuma
💡 Book through RideCR or Interbus; confirm driver meets you at arrivals holding a sign. Cost is USD per car, not per person, for up to 4 passengers. Add 30 mins for the 1.5-km walk from the main road to the hotel if your driver won't go past the police station.
About Montezuma
Wikipedia ↗
Montezuma is a town in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica which began as a remote fishing village and has gained popularity since the 1980s among tourists on a budget. Montezuma is located near the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, 41 km (25 mi) southwest of Paquera and 8 km (5 mi) south of the tow...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Jodokus Inn?
Request rooms on the second floor or above, as the first floor may be noisier due to the hotel's proximity to the main street of Montezuma. Avoid rooms 101-105 as they are closer to the service entrance and may experience more foot traffic noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Jodokus Inn?
Rooms 101-105, as they are closer to the service entrance and may be noisier.
Is Jodokus Inn noisy?
The hotel's location in the heart of Montezuma means that there may be some noise from pedestrians and local activity.
Which rooms have the best views at Jodokus Inn?
Rooms on the south side of the hotel may offer views of the surrounding hills, but there is no indication of ocean views from the hotel's address.
What are insider tips for staying at Jodokus Inn?
Arrive early to secure parking, as the hotel's parking area is limited. Request a room with a fan instead of air conditioning, as the evenings in Montezuma can be cooler, and the fans are a more energy-efficient option.
What time is check-in at Jodokus Inn?
Check-in at Jodokus Inn is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Jodokus Inn have Wi-Fi?
Free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Jodokus Inn?
₡3,500 per night, per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Jodokus Inn?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a casado from a local eatery for around ₡2,500-3,500 (≈ $4-$5.50 USD)
What is the cheapest way to get around from Jodokus Inn?
A daily bus pass costs ₡1,500 (≈ $2.30 USD) and can be used on public buses within the area; from the airport, a taxi ride costs around ₡20,000-30,000 (≈ $30-$45 USD)
When is the best time to visit Montezuma?
December through April: the dry season delivers reliably sunny days, calm seas for snorkelling at Playa Montezuma, and minimal rain delays on trails to the waterfalls. Crowds are moderate—busy but not packed outside Christmas and New Year.
Top Attractions in Montezuma
💡 Go early (before 8am) to avoid crowds. Bring sturdy sandals for the rocks.
💡 Best swimming at the far south end past the river mouth. No shade, so bring a parasol.
💡 Pick up a map from the little souvenir shop next to the supermarket. The best mural is the sea turtle behind the church.
💡 The pool is deep enough for jumping but check depth after rain. No lifeguards.
💡 Entry fee $12 for foreigners, but free on Monday (check current policy). Bring water—no café inside.