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This is a list of FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) for the Montezuma International Film Festival, held November 12 - 15, 2009. Please contact us with any more questions!




Where is Montezuma, Costa Rica?

Montezuma is an artistic beach town in Costa Rica with a very laid-back, casual vibe where time stands still. All that seems to matter is soaking in the beauty of your surroundings and living for the moment... Read More

Do I need a passport or visa to get to Costa Rica?

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and most European nations may visit Costa Rica for a maximum of 90 days. No visa is necessary, but you must have a valid passport, which you should carry with you at all times while you're in Costa Rica. Citizens of Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand can enter the country without a visa and stay for 30 days, although once in the country, visitors can apply for an extension.  Passport Information for U.S. Citizens

Citizens of the USA, Canada, Argentina, Israel, Japan, Panama, Romania, South Korea, Uruguay, the UK and most Western European countries do not need a visa for a 90-day stay. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, France, Sweden and most of Eastern Europe and Latin America, can stay 90 days without a visa. If you do need a visa, it will cost US$20 from a Costa Rican consulate.

What airlines fly to Costa Rica?

Commercial international flights to Costa Rica currently land either at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, located ten miles from downtown San Jose, or at the Daniel Oduber International airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. Costa Rica is serviced by numerous major carriers, with service originating from various points in Europe, the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and South America. Airlines with direct flights to Costa Rica include Continental, American, Delta, United, Iberia, KLM, British Airways, Grupo Taca, Copa, Cubana, Avianca, and Mexicana. We have found very cheap tickets from certain US destinations at Spirit Air.

Once I'm in Costa Rica, how do I get to Montezuma?

Montezuma is off the beaten path, which makes it all the more exciting when traveling there!

From San Jose or Liberia:
-From Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose or the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, take a bus*, shuttle** plane*** or rental car to the city of Puntarenas (in the province of Puntarenas).

-Take the Puntarenas-Paquera Ferry to Paquera. (You can buy a ticket for the ferry at the ticket counter on the street facing the docks.)

-From Paquera, take the road toward Cobano and on to Montezuma. (Buses leave from Paquera to Montezuma at 11 am every day).

*Currently, there is a direct bus from San Jose to Montezuma. Check with the bus station in San Jose for the schedule. If you can't catch a direct bus, just take the public bus to Puntarenas, and then hop on the ferry to Paquera from there. Buses leave San Jose every hour.

**Shuttles are offered outside of the airport, or book on-line and receive a 15% discount at Montezuma Expeditions. (Discount shuttle service available for four or more people. Normal price is $35 - MIFF discounted price is $29)

The Easiest Way:

***You can fly from San Jose to Tambor and take a 30 minute taxi from Tambor to Montezuma.


Where do I stay during the festival?

Our festival accommodations offer discounts to attendees during the festival, and there are rooms for every budget in Montezuma, Costa Rica.

What events are taking place during the festival?

The 2009 festival in Montezuma is brought to you as part of the Costa Rica International Film Festival (CRIFF). CRIFF is held November 5 - 8, 2009 in Manuel Antonio and the following week, November 12 -15, 2009 in Montezuma.

There will be an incredible number of things to do in Montezuma during the festival including film screenings, conferences, music, artists, beach parties, street parties, late-night parties, water activities, exploring waterfalls and islands and much more. Visit our events page for more information.

Will attendees of MIFF receive any discounts?

MIFF attendees will receive special discounts on accommodations and receive discounts when purchasing a Film Festival Package. MIFF host hotels include at El Sano Banano, Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, Luz de Mono and Hotel Los Mangos.  Attendees will receive 15% off food at Organico.

What venues are involved in MIFF?

Events will be held in Montezuma's biggest venues: El Sano Banano, Los Mangos, Luz de Mono, Organico, and Chicos Bar. Please visit the events page for more information on MIFF!

What other websites offer more information on Montezuma, MIFF & Costa Rica in general?

There are a great number of websites which can assist you. Here are just a few:
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