Getting Around Monteverde

On Foot:

Monteverde’s cool mountain air and spectacular sights make it ideal for walking around, and the area’s bumpy roads also encourage travelers to hop out of the car and hoof it. Luckily, many visitors do get around on foot, and most vehicles graciously make way for pedestrians. Be ready to huff and puff though – Monteverde’s steep hills can present a difficult climb in the thin mountain air.

Car:

Despite rutted roads, plenty of tourists and area residents navigate the area by car. Pick up a free map at the visitor’s center, located in downtown Santa Elena, which offers local route information. Cars may be rented in most major towns, including San Jose and Puntarenas, or in Santa Elena itself. Keep in mind that 4WD is absolutely necessary.

Taxi:

Taxis are widely available in Santa Elena and Monteverde; any hotel or tourist attraction will happily call one for you. Unlike in the rest of Costa Rica, taxis in the Monteverde area do not use a meter – set prices (according to destination) are listed in the vehicle.

Sample Taxi Fares:
Santa Elena downtown to Monteverde Cloud Forest: $8

Santa Elena downtown to Santa Elena Cloud Forest: $8

Santa Elena downtown to Cerro Plano: $3

Public Bus:

A slower but more economical method is traveling via public bus:

Santa Elena downtown-Monteverde Cloud Forest: $0.50; 6:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.; 30 minutes.

Santa Elena downtown-Santa Elena Cloud Forest: $2; 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.; 30 minutes.


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