In Montezuma, nature is not something you have to schedule.

Sometimes it wakes you up.

A deep, almost prehistoric call rolls through the trees before sunrise. Branches begin to move high above the ground. A few minutes later, a family of howler monkeys may be making its way through the canopy.

This is part of everyday life on Costa Rica’s southern Nicoya Peninsula.

Montezuma is surrounded by tropical forest, coastline and protected natural areas, creating an extraordinary place to observe wildlife — often without going very far at all.

Howler Monkeys: The Sound of the Jungle

You will probably hear them before you see them.

Mantled howler monkeys are one of the most recognizable animals around Montezuma. Their powerful calls can travel through the forest, particularly around dawn and later in the day.

Despite the enormous sound they produce, howler monkeys spend much of their time quietly resting, feeding and moving through the treetops.

Look up when you hear branches moving.

You may discover an entire group traveling overhead.

And remember: enjoy them from a distance. Wild animals should never be fed or approached.

White-Faced Capuchin Monkeys

Another monkey you may encounter around the southern Nicoya Peninsula is the white-faced capuchin.

Smaller and considerably more curious than howlers, capuchins are intelligent, active animals that move quickly through the forest.

They can occasionally appear near beaches and areas visited by people, which makes keeping food secured particularly important.

Watching them is fascinating.

Feeding them isn’t.

Allowing wildlife to remain wild is part of protecting what makes this region special.

Coatis, Agoutis and Other Unexpected Visitors

Not every wildlife encounter happens above your head.

White-nosed coatis can sometimes be seen exploring the forest floor, while agoutis — small, long-legged tropical mammals — move quietly through gardens and wooded areas.

You may also encounter iguanas, geckos, butterflies and countless insects.

In the tropics, the smaller creatures are part of the experience too.

A Paradise for Birds

Slow down for a moment and listen.

The forests around Montezuma are filled with birdlife.

Colorful motmots, hummingbirds, woodpeckers and other tropical species can appear among the trees, while larger birds may be seen soaring overhead.

Early morning is particularly rewarding.

You don’t necessarily need binoculars or a formal birdwatching excursion. A cup of Costa Rican coffee and a quiet place overlooking the trees can sometimes be enough.

Where to Experience Wildlife Around Montezuma

One of the remarkable things about this area is how closely everyday life and nature overlap.

But there are several places where you can experience the landscape more intentionally.

Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve

South of Montezuma, near Cabuya, Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve protects forest and coastline at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Established in 1963, it was Costa Rica’s first protected area of its kind and played an important role in the country’s conservation history.

Its forest trails provide opportunities to experience the peninsula beyond its beaches.

Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Romelia

Closer to Montezuma, Romelia Wildlife Refuge protects an important area of forest and coastline.

It is another reminder that much of what makes Montezuma extraordinary exists beyond the center of town.

Sometimes, Simply Stay Still

You don’t always have to go looking for wildlife.

Choose somewhere surrounded by trees.

Wake up early.

Leave your phone inside for a while.

Listen.

Some of the most memorable encounters happen when you aren’t trying to find anything at all.

The Green Season Brings a Different Jungle

Costa Rica’s rainy — or green — season transforms the landscape.

Vegetation becomes intensely green, streams and waterfalls grow stronger and the forest can feel especially alive.

Rain also means mud, insects and rapidly changing conditions, so appropriate shoes and a lightweight rain layer are useful when exploring trails.

Rather than seeing the rain as something that ruins the experience, it helps to remember:

This is what creates the jungle you came to see.

Respect the Wild

Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed — and that is exactly how they should be.

Keep a respectful distance.

Never feed wild animals.

Avoid touching or disturbing them.

Keep food and trash secured.

And when you encounter something unexpected, give it space.

Montezuma remains special because nature still has room to behave like nature.

Living Alongside the Jungle at Casa Aloha

At Casa Aloha, the forest is part of the experience rather than simply the scenery.

The home is surrounded by tropical vegetation in the hills near Montezuma, where birds, butterflies and other wildlife are frequent visitors and howler monkeys sometimes move through the surrounding tree line.

There is no guarantee of what you will see on any particular morning.

That’s part of the beauty of it.

Some mornings are quiet.

Others begin with the unmistakable sound of howlers somewhere in the trees.

Either way, the jungle sets the rhythm.