Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San José
(Auto-Transportes San José-San Carlos) US$4.25, 4½ hours, departs 12:45pm
and 2:45pm. Alternatively, take a bus to Ciudad Quesada and change to frequent buses
to the capital.
Tilarán, with connection to Monteverde
(Auto-Transportes Tilarán, departs from the
Parque Central) US$2.60, 3½ hours, departs 8am and 4:30pm. To reach Monteverde
(US$3.60, six to eight hours), take the early bus to Tilarán, where you'll have to wait a
few hours for the onward bus to Santa Elena.
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Beware of pickpockets and bag thieves on buses between Monteverde and La Fortuna.
Keep your eyes on your valuables and your valuables at your feet.
HORSEBACK
Several tour companies offer horse-riding trips between La Fortuna and Monteverde. The
trip (which also involves a boat ride) takes five to seven hours and costs about US$85, in-
cluding separate transport of your luggage.
Desafío Adventure Company
can make these
arrangements, as can any of the Monteverde horse-riding companies.
JEEP-BOAT-JEEP
The fastest route between Monteverde-Santa Elena and La Fortuna is the jeep-boat-jeep
combo (US$25 to US$40, three hours). The 'jeep' is actually a minivan with the requisite
yellow '
turismo
' tattoo. It's still a terrific transportation option and can be arranged
through almost any hotel or tour operator in either town. The minivan from La Fortuna
takes you to Laguna de Arenal and meets a boat that crosses the lake, where a 4WD taxi
on the other side continues to Monteverde. This is increasingly becoming the primary
transportation between La Fortuna and Monteverde as it's incredibly scenic and reasonably
priced and it'll save you half a day of travel over rocky roads.
Getting Around
BICYCLE
