Map of Northwest Costa Rica
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Map of Costa Rica Monteverde area map
How to get to the Monteverde cloud forest (rainforest) area:
Travel by bus:
From San José
You can take a bus at 6:30 AM or at 2:30 PM. Ask for the old Puntarenas bus stop, at Calle 14, avenida 11 y 9 . The morning bus passes by Lagartos at about 9 h AM arriving in Monteverde at 11h AM. The afternoon bus passes by Lagartos at 5h PM arriving in Monteverde at 7h PM, later in wet season. 4.5 hours. $5
From Puntarenas
There are 2 buses: one at 1:00 PM (via Las Juntas) and one at 2:00 PM (direct). The 1:00 PM bus passes by La Irma, and the 2:00 PM bus passes by Lagartos at 3h PM both arriving in Monteverde at 5:00 PM.
From Guanacaste, Liberia, northern Costarica,
There are buses from Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Tamarindo beach, Flamingo, Playa del Coco, Montezuma, Samara, Hermosa, the Nicaragua Border, Liberia, etc. Taking one of these buses, you can go to Lagartos and La Irma and hop on one of the Monteverde buses. See above, San Jose, Puntarenas, check link for bus schedule.
From Southern Pacific beaches: Ballena National park, Uvita, Dominical, Matapalo, Quepos, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Herradura, go to Puntarenas.
From La Fortuna (volcano Arenal): Leaves at 8h am for Tilaran, 4 hours, then see below ( total time: 8 hours, in dry season) or click "shortcuts" for alternatives. 3h!
From Tilarán
The bus leaves Tilarán for Monteverde at 1h PM, arriving at 3h30 PM approximately, later in wet season. Don't eat a big meal before, it's a bumpy ride!
shortcuts Monteverde / Volcano ArenalCombination of 4x4, boat on the lake Arenal, or horseback tours.
Travel by car: from San Jose, follow the signs to Puntarenas, then Penas Blancas or Liberia, turn off 50 meters before this bridge, at Lagartos. This turn off is 147 kilometers from San Jose. And about 10 km after the Texaco gas station. Then it's 35 km of dirt road with great views. You have to earn your stay in Monteverde rainforest! About 3.5 hours.
Would you guess that driving from Liberia, you turn after the bridge?
From La Fortuna, go to Tilaran, then Monteverde. 4 hours.
In peak wet season, a 4x4 is highly recommended.
shortcuts Monteverde/Volcano Arenal
go to Monteverdeinfo Activities Monteverde Reserve Santa Elena Reserve Hotel Maps, facts, links, satellite views Volcano Arenal Horseback Rafting Sky Trek canopy tours Message board Photo gallery