%2Cpin-s-a%252B356151(-84.6303032%2C9.6165321)%2Cpin-s-b%252B8B4513(-85.0685086%2C9.6542379)%2F-84.8494059%2C9.635385%2C8%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
Montezuma is a bohemian beach town on the tip of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. It's known for its waterfalls and barefoot, laid-back feel. The shuttle and taxi-boat combo is the cheapest and quickest way to get from Jaco to Montezuma, taking 1h 30m for $55 (25,000 CRC) by cutting straight across the Gulf of Nicoya. The minivan drives the long way round, costing more and taking most of the day.
Distance from Jaco to Montezuma
Jaco and Montezuma are about 48 km (30 miles) apart, and the overland-and-sea journey covers around 185 km. The quickest way to get from Jaco to Montezuma is by taking the shuttle + taxi boat, which takes around 1h 30m.
2 ways to travel from Jaco to Montezuma
There are two ways to travel from Jaco to Montezuma. You can choose between the ferry and minivan. The journey takes 1h 30m–5h 45m and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at $55 (25,000 CRC).
Reach out to our Community
No questions yet — be the first to ask about Jaco to Montezuma.
Jaco to Montezuma by Shuttle + Taxi Boat
The most popular way to travel the 50 km distance from Jaco to Montezuma is with a combined taxi boat and shuttle. This takes 1h 30m and rates start from $55 (25,000 CRC).
Zuma Tours and Tropical Tours Shuttle are the companies offering combined taxi boat and shuttle rides for this route. Both are trusted operators so you can choose which suits you best.
There are only two trips available from Jaco to Montezuma daily. But thanks to this, the journey has become faster and easier! Before, travellers had to travel north to Puntarenas Port, hop on a slow car ferry to Paquera, and then continue by land to Montezuma — a journey that easily took 3 to 4 hours!
What to expect in the taxi boat + shuttle journey
You will be picked up from your hotel in Jaco. From here, it's a 30-minute shuttle ride to Playa Herradura, a port town 10 km north.
At the pier, you will transfer to a boat that will take you to the main beach in Montezuma. And then, you will board another shuttle van to your hotel.
Shuttle + Taxi Boat Schedule
Shuttle + Taxi Boat tickets are available on Bookaway, Zumatours and Tropicaltourshuttles.
Book your tickets in advance
It’s best to buy your tickets early for a better chance of getting a seat on your desired date. You can do that online through the minivan companies' respective websites.
Zuma Tours is usually cheaper through BookAway, where it’s easy to find availability for travel on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. If you're travelling on other days, we recommend visiting the official Zuma Tours website instead.
Are you returning to Jaco after exploring Montezuma? You can save on costs by booking a round-trip ticket with Zuma Tours via BookAway, which offers a 20% discount.
Jaco to Montezuma by Minivan
Do you get seasick easily? You can also travel from Jaco to Montezuma completely overland by minivan.
However, instead of completing the journey in just 1.5 hours, the minivan trip will take at least 5h 45m.
If you don't mind sitting in a minivan that long, Santa Teresa Adventure offers minivan trips from Jaco to Montezuma. A seat costs $60 (27,000 CRC).
Minivan schedule from Jaco to Montezuma
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Jaco to Montezuma, roughly 48 kilometres (30 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $55 (25,000 CRC). The quickest trip takes 1h 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Jaco to Montezuma?
The distance from Jaco to Montezuma is 48 kilometres (30 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Jaco to Montezuma?
The fastest way to get from Jaco to Montezuma is by ferry and takes 1h 30m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Jaco to Montezuma?
The cheapest way to get from Jaco to Montezuma is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 25,000 CRC.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
