Between La Fortuna and Tilarán, the road is in good condition. However, between Tilarán and Monteverde, this is not the case. This portion of road is unpaved and filled with potholes. In it’s entirety (and with the help of a 4x4 car), it takes about three hours to drive from one place to the other, and eight hours by public bus.
Due to this inconvenient route, shortcuts – both by horseback and boat – have been created. These are fun, one-way modes of getting between Monteverde and La Fortuna.
As you will be descending for most of the ride, the trip from Monteverde to La Fortuna by horseback is much easier than going from La Fortuna to Monteverde (however, this is possible to arrange). Heading in this direction also allows for better views and the option of soaking in thermal hot springs on your way into town. If you choose to take the trip from Monteverde to La Fortuna, your itinerary will look like this:
- - Monteverde to Rio Chiquito (A) by mini bus (1 hour)
- - Rio Chiquito (A) to El Castillo (2) by horse (1.5 hours)
- - El Castillo (2) to Arenal Lake dam (3) by boat (15 minutes)
- - Arenal Lake dam (3) to La Fortuna by taxi (20 minutes). You have the option of getting dropped at the hot springs, your hotel, or the center of La Fortuna.
The tour cost includes transfers from hotels, tax, and the shipping of your luggage by mini bus. See a horseback riding slide show..
Horseback Riding Arenal to Monteverde (Mountain Route) Times and Booking
| Description | Start Time and Duration | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Horseback Riding Arenal to Monteverde (Mountain Route) |
07:00 AM - 05:00/hrs
|
Rates & Booking |
Horseback Riding Arenal to Monteverde (Lake Route) Times and Booking
| Description | Start Time and Duration | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Horseback Riding Arenal to Monteverde (Lake Route) |
07:00 AM - 05:00/hrs
|
Rates & Booking |
By Taxi - Boat - Taxi
On the map above, the taxi ride from Monteverde to ‘A’ takes 1 hour. The boat ride from ‘A’ to ‘3’ takes 30 minutes. Finally, the taxi ride from ‘3’ to La Fortuna takes 20 minutes.
The Taxi-Boat-Taxi can drop you off at either the hot springs or at your hotel. Generally, it leaves Monteverde at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. However, if you have a group of four or more people, we can arrange for a different departure time.
These trips run in the opposite direction – from La Fortuna to Monteverde – as well.
Taxi-Boat-Taxi Monteverde to Arenal Times and Booking
| Description | Start Time and Duration | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi-Boat-Taxi Monteverde to Arenal |
08:00 AM - 03:30/hrs
02:00 PM - 03:30/hrs
|
Rates & Booking |
Taxi-Boat-Taxi Arenal to Monteverde Times and Booking
| Description | Start Time and Duration | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi-Boat-Taxi Arenal to Monteverde |
08:30 AM - 03:30/hrs
02:30 PM - 03:30/hrs
|
Rates & Booking |
Private Taxi Boat Taxi Monteverde to Arenal Times and Booking
| Description | Start Time and Duration | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Private Taxi Boat Taxi Monteverde to Arenal | Rates & Booking |
Costumer Feedback
Our family had a wonderful time on the ride from Monteverde to Arenal. It is fun for all ages. My parents, ages 68 and 70, and our daughters, ages 5 and 7, rode with us. The views – looking over the lake and toward the volcano – were spectacular.
- the Ferguson family, 2009.
We had a great experience on the tour. Everyone along the way – from the transportation to the stables, to the guide for the horse ride, and finally the driver to our hotel – was extremely nice and attended to our every need. They made the trip very enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone. If we are ever in Costa Rica again, I will certainly call on your service to help us plan the trip.
- Teresa Powell, 2009.
I was particularly impressed with the horseback ride from Arenal to Monteverde. I counted seven different things that had to take place as planned that day: transferring luggage, meeting the boat, finding the horses, finding lunch, etc. Everything happened just like it was supposed to.
- Brick Rule, 2009.
Transportation to / from Arenal from other destinations in Costa Rica.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@monteverdeinfo.com
Fine Monteverde Hotels | Arenal Volcano Tours | Alternative horseback riding in Monteverde