Though many Costa Rican towns regularly request road repairs, the Monteverde area has done the opposite. Instead of wishing for perfect streets, the region’s residents credit their rough roads with reducing traffic and helping retain the area’s rural charm. All roads into Monteverde are no different: no matter the journey, expect to bounce along muddy, rugged roads and paths in pursuit of green mountain majesty.
Air:
No airports currently serve the Monteverde area.
Car:
From San Jose, the drive to Monteverde takes four and a half to five hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. There are four roads to Monteverde, each linking to the Interamerican Highway (Route 1). A 4WD vehicle will be necessary year-round due to potholed, dirt roads. Driving from the south, take the Rancho Grande approach, just 11 miles north of the Puntarenas exit, or the Rio Lagarto Bridge approach, located at Kilometer 149, only 9.5 miles northwest of Rancho Grande. Both are well marked along the Interamerican Highway and join together about 1/3 of the way up the mountain.
Alternatively, take the road from Las Juntas, which begins paved but quickly transitions to bumpy dirt road outside of town. This route is approximately three miles shorter than both the Rancho Grande and Rio Lagarto routes, which will shave 15 minutes off the journey.
Lastly, if driving from the north, take the Canas-Tilaran route, which begins paved but transitions into rough road around Tilaran.
Private Shuttle Transfer:
Private transportation services are also available to Monteverde. Air-conditioned, comfortable vans will pick you up in the country’s most popular towns, including San Jose, Conchal/Flamingo, Playa Hermosa, Papagayo, Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Arenal. The journey costs approximately $45 per person each way, and 24-hour advance reservations are required. Contact 1-800-517-7893 for reservations.
 Public Bus:
Costa Rica’s excellent public bus system will drop you off in downtown Santa Elena. (All prices accurate as of February 2009.)
From San Jose: $5; 6:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; five hours. Departs from Barrio Mexico in downtown San Jose. This bus can also pick up in Las Juntas. 2645-5159.
From Puntarenas: $2.50; 7:50 a.m., 1:50 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.; three hours. Departs from Avenida 4. This bus can also pick up in Las Juntas. 2645-5159.
From Tilaran: $2.50; 12:30 p.m.; seven hours. Departs from half a block west of the plaza. 2695-5998.
From Las Juntas (via Puntarenas): $2.50; 4 p.m.; 90 minutes.
From Managua, Nicaragua: $15; 6:00 a.m.; 8-10 hours. TicaBus drops passengers in Lagarto, where a small shuttle will ferry travelers to Monteverde.
Returning: 
To San Jose Departs: 6:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
To Puntarenas Departs at 6:00 a.m.
To Las Juntas de Abangares Departs at 5:30 a.m.
To Tilaran Departs at 7:00 a.m.
Note: Visitors need to purchase a bus ticket one day prior to departure. The purchase is non-refundable.
Arriving from La Fortuna/Arenal:
Horse:
When arriving from La Fortuna/Arenal, adventurers may choose to travel via horseback. Several area companies will arrange and outfit the trip ($70-$100 per person), usually combining horseback trail rides with Jeep travel. Be aware that trails may be very steep and possibly dangerous (for you and the horse); always use discretion when choosing a tour company, treatment of the horses is usually proportional to the price of the trip, and never attempt the journey during the rainy season (May-November).
Jeep-Boat-Jeep:
The transportation method of choice for those traveling to or from Arenal/La Fortuna, the fun jeep-boat-jeep route saves time and energy. Costing $25-$30 per person, the land-lake-land trip lasts only three hours, a welcome alternative to a half-day car ride. Contact 1-800-517-7893 for reservations.
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