Air:
There are currently no airports servicing the Monteverde area.
Bus:
Buses to Monteverde from San Jose and other major cities depart on these schedules:
San Jose – Monteverde
In Barrio Mexico at the old Puntarenas bus station there are two buses that go to Monteverde: one at 6:30 a.m. and another at 2:30 p.m.
Tel: 506-2-645-5159
Puntarenas - Monteverde
From the Paseo de los Turistas in front of the Puntarenas Pear there is one bus at 2:15 p.m.
Tel: 506-2-645-5159
Las Juntas de Abangares - Puntarenas
At the La Irma gas station there is one bus that leaves at 2:30 p.m.
Tel: 506-2-645-5647 / 506-2-695-5998
Tilaran – Monteverde
Tilaran Bus Station, departs at 12:30 p.m.
Bus station phone: 506-2-645-5647 / 506-2-695-5998
All buses leave from the Santa Elena Bus Terminal near the only Catholic Church in town.
Returning:
Monteverde - San Jose
Departs: 6:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Tel: 506-2-645-5159 / 506-2-222-3854
Monteverde - Puntarenas
Departs at 6:00 a.m.
Tel: 506-2-645-5159
Monteverde - Las Juntas de Abangares
Departs at 5:30 a.m.
Tel: 506-2-645-5647 / 506-2-695-5998
Monteverde - Tilaran
Departs at 7:00 a.m.
Tel: 506-2-645-5647 / 506-2-695-5998
Note: To ride the bus you need to purchase a bus ticket one day prior to departure. The purchase is non-refundable.
Car:
From San Jose follow Route 1 (Interamericana Hwy) north to a well- marked intersection with signs for Monteverde and Sardinal at Km #135.
The drive up the mountain from Hwy 1 to Monteverde requires a four-wheel drive (recommended) and some areas the road just drops off- no guard rails- no nothing. There are several spectacular views to the west as you head up the mountain. But once you enter the green wonderland of the cloud forests and reserves, the long bumpy road will quickly be forgotten.
The paved road ends shortly after this turn and a gravel, pot-holed road remains for the last 35 kilometers of steep climbing to Monteverde. Four-wheel drive is recommended, if not mandatory.
See Detailed Driving Directions from San Jose
Combination Trips to / from Monteverde / Arenal:
One can arrive in Monteverde via a jeep/boat/jeep, taxi/boat/taxi or by a horse/boat combo journey from the La Fortuna/Arenal area. Trips to Arenal from Monteverde are also available. All these trips transport your luggage seperately and are a great way to experience the Arenal Lake up-close. Trips cost between $30-45 per person one-way. The transfer can be booked at several hotels and tour operators in Monteverde.
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