Northwestern Costa Rica - Costa Rica - page 434

( GOOGLE MAP ; 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri, to noon Sat)
Across from the shopping mall.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Chamber of Tourism TOURIST INFORMATION
( GOOGLE MAP ; 2645-6565; www.visitmonteverde.com ; 8am-8pm)
Operated by the local chamber of commerce, this office promotes its member hotels and
tour companies, so it's not necessarily an unbiased source.
Monteverde Info TOURIST INFORMATION
( GOOGLE MAP ; 2479-8811; www.monteverdeinfo.com )
Located inside the Tree House, this organization maintains a comprehensive travel website
and can also help book tours.
Pensión Santa Elena TOURIST INFORMATION
( GOOGLE MAP ; www.pensionsantaelena.com )
A more objective option than the tourist office, even if you're not staying here. Talk to
friendly hostel staff, who can also book tours, or better yet check out its comprehensive
website.
Getting There & Away
After resident protesters took to the streets in 2013, the transportation ministry announced
that it would invest the necessary US$16 million to pave the 18km road from Guacimal to
Santa Elena, which is the main access route to Monteverde. There was no sign of asphalt
at the time of writing, but this plan is moving forward and may be completed by the time
you read this. Enjoy the smooth ride. Travel times will obviously be greatly reduced, but
that's not the only change that road will bring.
BUS
All buses stop at the bus terminal ( GOOGLE MAP ; 2645-5159; 5:45-11am & 1:30-5pm
Mon-Fri, to 3pm Sat & Sun) in downtown Santa Elena, where most of the budget digs are, and
do not continue into Monteverde. You'll have to walk or take a taxi if that's where you plan