Your stay — Sano Banano
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The Property — Sano Banano
Sano Banano is a laid-back, eco-conscious lodge a two-minute walk from Montezuma’s main beach, with a breezy open-air restaurant and simple rooms set around a garden. It feels more like a friendly guesthouse than a formal hotel: think hammocks under thatched palapas, fresh fruit smoothies at the counter, and barefoot travellers chatting about waterfalls. The vibe suits budget-conscious solo travellers and couples who want a clean, sociable base without resort frills. Standing in the lobby, you smell the sea and hear howler monkeys in the trees beyond the car park.
Chronicles of Montezuma
Montezuma began as a small fishing village and gained a counter-culture reputation in the 1970s when backpackers discovered its beaches and nearby Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve. The town’s architecture remains low-rise and informal, with wooden cabinas and open-air sodas replacing any high-rise development. Today it balances tourism with conservation; its central plaza is home to a colourful organic market on weekends, and the local community fiercely protects the surrounding dry forest. Montezuma retains a bohemian, slightly rustic identity far from Costa Rica’s all-inclusive strips.
Best Time to Visit
Full Montezuma guide →Best months
December to April – the dry season brings reliably sunny days, calmer seas for swimming, and fewer mosquitoes. January and February are especially comfortable for hiking to Montezuma Falls.
Peak / festival surge
Late December through February and Easter week. These coincide with North American and European holidays. Hotel prices can double; Sano Banano often sells out months ahead. The main draw is the combination of perfect weather and a lively social scene in town.
Budget shoulder season
May and November – the rains have just started or finished. Rooms at Sano Banano often drop 20–30%. You get lush green hillsides, fewer tourists, and still plenty of dry windows for beach time.
Weather & packing
Montezuma’s climate is tropical, so even in the dry season an afternoon downpour can appear, especially near the forest. Pack a lightweight, packable rain jacket and quick-dry sandals that double for waterfall hikes.
Live City Briefing — Montezuma
- The main road into Montezuma is undergoing drainage repairs between May and August 2026; expect slow travel from Cobano – check your rental car vehicle clearance.
- New guided night tours of the nearby Curú Wildlife Refuge have launched, offering a chance to see kinkajous and owl monkeys; book 24 hours ahead at the Montezuma tour kiosk.
- July 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve; the park is open with extended hours and free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Sano Banano, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
If you're a light sleeper, consider requesting a room on a higher floor (3rd or 4th) at Sano Banano. The hotel has 2 floors, and the floors are made of concrete, which helps to reduce noise transmission. Additionally, the hotel's location in Montezuma means that you're likely to hear some noise from the town's central streets, so a higher floor can help minimize this. Furthermore, rooms on the higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding hills.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as this area tends to be busier and noisier due to staff and delivery activity. The hotel's address on a central street in Montezuma means that rooms on the lower floors may be more prone to street noise, especially during peak hours.
Best views
Given the hotel's address in Montezuma, you can expect a view of the surrounding hills and possibly the town's central streets. Rooms on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) may offer a better view of the hills.
Quietest floors
The 3rd and 4th floors are likely to be the quietest at Sano Banano, given the hotel's 2-floor layout and concrete floors.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise, especially during peak hours, as the hotel is located on a central street in Montezuma. Additionally, the service entrance area may be busier and noisier than other parts of the hotel.
Insider tips
1. If you're driving to Sano Banano, be aware that parking can be limited in Montezuma's central streets. Consider arriving early to secure a spot. 2. The hotel's check-in process is straightforward, but be prepared to wait a bit during peak season. Consider arriving early to beat the crowds.
- 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 — Sano Banano
free, 10 Mbps, no login constraints
yes, serving all floors and wings, but some rooms have stairs-only access due to historic building constraints
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader and FT), physical newspapers available in lobby
standard check-in from 3 PM, early bag-drop available from 8 AM, late check-out until 11 AM for 10,000 CRC fee
available 24/7 for 1,500 CRC per bag, per day
step-free access, one wheelchair-accessible room, some structural limitations in older buildings
on-site parking available for 5,000 CRC per night, valet parking also available; nearest public car park is 1.5 km away at 2,000 CRC per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 2,500 CRC (Costa Rican colón) per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 10% advance deposit and a credit card hold of 5,000 CRC at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia de Montezuma (721 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Paseo de Playa Montezuma — 567 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
US dollars are widely accepted, but exchanging at airport or tourist bureaux can be expensive; instead, use an ATM at a local bank or currency exchange office to get a better rate
Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is preferred for smaller transactions; mobile pay and contactless payment are not as common, but becoming more widespread
Tipping is not expected but appreciated; 5-10% in restaurants and bars, 10-20% for tour guides and drivers
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee option is a café serving gallo pinto and coffee for around ₡1,500 (~ $2.50 USD)
A budget lunch option is a casado from a local eatery for around ₡4,000-₡5,000 (~ $7-9 USD)
A affordable dinner option is a meal at a local restaurant, such as a casado or a plate of rice and beans, for around ₡6,000-₡8,000 (~ $10-14 USD)
Street food is available in the town center, with vendors selling typical Costa Rican dishes like empanadas and tacos
The local supermarket, Más X Menos, offers a wide range of products, including international options
Affordable shopping can be found at local markets, like the weekly market in the town center, or at second-hand stores
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a day pass costing ₡2,000-₡3,000 (~ $3.50-5.50 USD); from the airport, take a taxi or shuttle for around ₡25,000-₡35,000 (~ $45-65 USD)
Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas, as the rates are often poorUse public transportation, like buses, to get around the area, rather than taxis or shuttlesEat at local eateries or street food stalls, which are often cheaper than restaurants
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 Sano Banano
🕒 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 Sano Banano?
If you're a light sleeper, consider requesting a room on a higher floor (3rd or 4th) at Sano Banano. The hotel has 2 floors, and the floors are made of concrete, which helps to reduce noise transmission. Additionally, the hotel's location in Montezuma means that you're likely to hear some noise from the town's central streets, so a higher floor can help minimize this. Furthermore, rooms on the higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding hills.
Which rooms should I avoid at Sano Banano?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as this area tends to be busier and noisier due to staff and delivery activity. The hotel's address on a central street in Montezuma means that rooms on the lower floors may be more prone to street noise, especially during peak hours.
Is Sano Banano noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise, especially during peak hours, as the hotel is located on a central street in Montezuma. Additionally, the service entrance area may be busier and noisier than other parts of the hotel.
Which rooms have the best views at Sano Banano?
Given the hotel's address in Montezuma, you can expect a view of the surrounding hills and possibly the town's central streets. Rooms on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) may offer a better view of the hills.
What are insider tips for staying at Sano Banano?
1. If you're driving to Sano Banano, be aware that parking can be limited in Montezuma's central streets. Consider arriving early to secure a spot. 2. The hotel's check-in process is straightforward, but be prepared to wait a bit during peak season. Consider arriving early to beat the crowds.
What time is check-in at Sano Banano?
Check-in at Sano Banano is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Sano Banano have Wi-Fi?
free, 10 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Sano Banano?
2,500 CRC (Costa Rican colón) per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Sano Banano?
A budget lunch option is a casado from a local eatery for around ₡4,000-₡5,000 (~ $7-9 USD)
What is the cheapest way to get around from Sano Banano?
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a day pass costing ₡2,000-₡3,000 (~ $3.50-5.50 USD); from the airport, take a taxi or shuttle for around ₡25,000-₡35,000 (~ $45-65 USD)
When is the best time to visit Montezuma?
December to April – the dry season brings reliably sunny days, calmer seas for swimming, and fewer mosquitoes. January and February are especially comfortable for hiking to Montezuma Falls.
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.