To get from San José to Monteverde by car (approximately 3 to 4 hours), take Route 1 towards Alajuela and then follow Route 606 towards Monteverde. The road has paved sections and other gravel sections, so it is ideal to rent a high-end car or 4×4 to ensure greater comfort and safety on the journey, especially if there is rain or adverse weather conditions.
It is located at the Juan Santa María airport.
It is a 10 minute drive from the airport, so you can take a didi or uber to their location. They also have a branch in San Jose, in the Sabana area. You can find their exact locations on google maps or waze.
This one has a branch inside the Juan Santamaria airport, and several options in downtown San José. Like the previous option, they can be found on Waze and Google Maps. Prices depend on the type of car, the area, the number of days, the insurance and other factors.
Terminal 7-10: You can find this terminal on Waze, you can get there by Didi or Uber, or walk from downtown San José, however, it should be noted that walking can be unsafe, so do not carry valuables in sight and always try to be accompanied.
These tickets have an approximate value of: 3,900 colones, which is around 7 to 8 US dollars. (prices per person and one way).
The buses from this terminal to Monteverde have two schedules: 6:30 am and 2:30 pm. There are also return buses that leave Monteverde at 5:30 am and 2:30 pm from the Plaza Monteverde Shopping Center, Local #42 Santa Elena, Monteverde, Puntarenas.
Recommendation: remember that the above schedules are the departure times of the buses, so try to be there at least 30 minutes early to be able to purchase your ticket, which is always paid in CASH. Since there are only 2 daily schedules, tickets tend to run out, so you can purchase them in advance through the website of the terminal 7-10.
Interbus is the best option:
With options starting at $80 per person, they pick you up from the location you select and can drop you off at your hotel or specific area of your choice in Monteverde. For children 0-4 years old, the trip is free.
Costa Rica Shuttle:
With prices starting at 190 dollars per person, Adelante offers transportation from San José to Monteverde or round trip. They have a website for inquiries and reservations, both in Spanish and English.
Please note that these are shared transportation options, so their schedule may vary.
These companies do have private options, however they can cost up to three times as much.
This is one of the main attractions of the area. You can hike along its trails surrounded by unique vegetation and an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, including birds such as the quetzal.
Rates
$26 Non-national adults
$13 Non-national children
$8 Citizen/resident adults
$6 Citizen/resident children
$13 Non-national students
$6 Citizen/resident students
$5 Parking
To reserve:
We can assist you with the reservation through
our communication channels.
Monteverde’s hanging bridges offer a unique experience to explore the cloud forest from above. Through elevated paths and suspended bridges, you can walk among the treetops and enjoy stunning views of the rainforest. With bridges reaching up to 40 meters long and 80 meters high, this activity allows you to observe local fauna and flora, such as birds, monkeys and exotic plants.
Rates
Regular: $49.00
Students: $44.10
Children (4-12): $34.30
Locals (all ages): $44.10
Rate + Taxes.
It’s an exciting adventure in the heights. Through ziplines that cross the canopy of the cloud forest, you can enjoy spectacular views as you glide through the trees. It includes the Superman zipline experience, where you launch yourself headfirst like a superhero, and the Superman Underground, a zipline that passes through a tunnel.
Prices are $68 dollars and this activity is permitted for children ages 6 and up.
(Rate + Taxes.)
You will have the opportunity to meet these fascinating animals that have been rescued from dangerous or abused situations. During the tour, you will learn about their history, the rehabilitation process, and the conservation effort being made to protect them. Guided by experts, you will discover more about the sloths’ behavior and their role in the ecosystem.
Rates
Regular: $40.00
Students: $36.00
Children (4-12): $28.00
Locals (all ages): $36.00
Rate + Taxes.
The Monteverde Cable Car allows you to explore the cloud forest from above, offering impressive views of Costa Rican nature. During the journey, you can observe flora and fauna and enjoy a unique and peaceful experience in the middle of the mountainous landscape.
Rates
Adults: $59.89
Children: $41.81 (5 to 12 years)
Infants: Free 0-4 years
Rate + Taxes.
Appropriate clothing and footwear: Monteverde has a cool and humid climate, so bring light but warm clothing (like a rain jacket) and comfortable walking shoes, as the trails can be wet and slippery, ideally closed shoes.
Bring sunscreen and environmentally friendly insect repellent, as the sun can be strong, especially in the mornings, and the area is home to many insects, such as mosquitoes.
Some recommendations for items include:
*Restaurante Sabor Tico: they have two restaurants in the area
*Soda la Amistad
*Pizza Pipitos
*Ona Cafe
You can find most places on waze or google maps, you can use the Movit app to learn more about transportation and locations.
Always remember to have your water bottle on hand.
Morning:
Typical Costa Rican breakfast: Start the day with a local breakfast at a nearby soda. You can enjoy delicious gallo pinto (rice and beans) with eggs, fried plantain, and local coffee.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve: After breakfast, head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Arrive early to take advantage of the quiet of the morning, when the animals are most active. You can take a guided walk to learn about the flora and fauna of the area, or explore on your own. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the incredible views!
Afternoon:
Lunch: For lunch, head to a local restaurant like Soda La Amistad and enjoy a casado (a typical dish with rice, beans, meat or chicken, and salad).
Canopy Tour or Hanging Bridges: After lunch, head out for one of the exciting adventure activities Monteverde offers. If you like heights and adrenaline, the Canopy Tour (zip lines) in the trees of the cloud forest is a unique experience. If you prefer a quieter but equally impressive option, opt for the hanging bridges tour, where you will walk along paths suspended between the trees.