Monteverde – Travel Guide
Monteverde, Costa Rica, is a renowned ecotourism destination famous for its lush cloud forests and rich biodiversity. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a highlight, offering visitors the chance to explore a unique ecosystem teeming with exotic wildlife, including the resplendent quetzal. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities like zip-lining, hanging bridges, and night tours to observe nocturnal creatures. The charming town of Santa Elena serves as a gateway to this natural paradise, providing cozy accommodations and local dining experiences. With its blend of adventure, natural beauty, and conservation efforts, Monteverde is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and travelers.
All about Monteverde
Getting around Monteverde
By Rental Car
Getting around by car is the best option. If you decide to rent, be sure to rent a 4×4. The roads to Monteverde are mostly dirt and are not well maintained. During the rainy season, May – November, the drive can be especially difficult, and you will be unable to get to the reserve if you are not utilizing a 4×4. Renting a car in Costa Rica is probably one of the best ways to enjoy all the sights of the country. Some of the advantages are obvious – go where you want, when you want. Make your own agenda and have more freedom.
By Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Santa Elena and Monteverde; any hotel or tourist attraction will happily call one for you. Unlike the rest of Costa Rica, taxis in the Monteverde area do not use a meter – set prices (according to destination) are listed in the vehicle, but make sure to negotiate the price before you get in the cab. A taxi from Santa Elena downtown will cost about $10 and a taxi from Sant Elana downtown to Santa Elena Cloud Forest will cost about $13.
By Walking
Walking is a good way to get around the small towns, but not other areas of Monteverde. You will be able to reach the restaurants, bars, and shops easily by foot, but to visit other tourist attractions you will need another type of transportation.
Monteverde FAQ
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Monteverde Costa Rica is served by Juan Santamaria International Airport (IATA code SJO), which is located 17 kilometers (approximately 10.5 miles) northwest of downtown San Jose.
If you are continuing on to Monteverde there are several options. You can rent a car on your arrival and drive to Monteverde, this will also give you freedom around Monteverde to explore the area and various attractions, hot springs, etc. Another option is to use a shared shuttle like EasyRide Costa Rica, Interbus, or Gray Line. Look at the schedules and see which one works best for you.
If you are spending the night in San Jose several options to get to your hotel. There is a local bus stop outside the airport (on the other side of the multi-story parking garage outside of arrivals). It costs less than 570 colones (about$1) and takes you right downtown. You can put your luggage in the storage area below on the bus. The least expensive option is taking the bus into downtown and get a taxi there to your final destination. Make sure you have some smaller colones bills as the may not take larger bills.The taxis charge 17,000 colones (about $30) to take you to the San Jose, be sure to take one of the licensed orange taxis that say `Taxi Aeropuerto.` There are many unlicensed taxi drivers who will charge you almost twice as much as Taxi Aeropuerto. There is an ATM by the entrance to he departures that will give you both colones and dollars.
How do I call/hail a taxi?
Officially licensed taxis are colored red or orange; if a taxi is any other color or lacks the inverted yellow triangle on the doors, it’s a `pirate taxi` operating illegally. When boarding the taxi ask the taxi driver `Puede poner la maria, por favor?` (Could you please turn the meter on?), otherwise, you will pay a higher price. For a taxi, call Monteverde Shuttle Service (tel. 506/8313-1419) Transport Monteverde (tel. 506/2645-6768).
Should I rent a car in Monteverde?
Yes, renting a car is an excellent way to explore Monteverde and see the countryside of Costa Rica. Some of the advantages are obvious – go where you want, when you want. Make your own agenda and have more freedom.
Is Monteverde a walking city?
No, you will need a rental car or transportation in order to get around Monteverde. Some of the small towns can be easily explored by foot. Santa Elena is a small mountain town located in the cloud forest of Costa Rica. All the restaurants, bars and shopping in Santa Elena can be explored by foot.
Is the Monteverde area dangerous? Are there any areas I should avoid?
No, Monteverde is a very safe area to visit. Most of the crimes committed are petty and rarely violent. If you are traveling through San Jose, take precautions to prevent crime. When walking around the city, keep your passport safely locked away in your hotel room. Pickpockets have been known to target tourists, so make sure your purses, bags, and wallets are close to your body at all times. Travelers to San Jose have also complained about crime at the airport. Stay alert, only travel in familiar areas of town, and contact the police immediately if you are the victim of a crime.
Read More
Discover further essential tips for navigating the vibrant city. Learn about must-see attractions, dining hotspots, transportation options, and cultural insights.
What are the customs for tipping in Costa Rica? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The currency of Costa Rica is the colon. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for colones upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
I do not speak Spanish. Will many people speak English in Costa Rica?
No, about 90 percent of Costa Ricans speak Spanish as their first language. English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest that you get a good English-Spanish dictionary and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays of less than 90 days. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica (either to return to the U.S. or to go to another country).
Are Vaccinations required to visit Costa Rica? Are there any other precautions I should take?
No, there are currently no vaccination requirements to visit Costa Rica. There is no risk of yellow fever in Costa Rica. The government of Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US.
Zika is a risk in Costa Rica. Because Zika infection in a pregnant woman can cause serious birth defects, women who are pregnant should not travel to Costa Rica. All travelers should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika virus during and after the trip. For the latest updates visit the CDC page https://www.cdc.gov/ on the internet.
What kind of food is available in Monteverde?
A typical breakfast is hearty and consists of Gallo Pinto (rice and beans – sometimes served with scrambled eggs). Lunch is solid too, the typical dishes are Casado (rice and beans, served with meat or fish, fried plantains, cheese and corn tortilla), Ceviche (fish marinated and cooked in lime juice, coriander and pepper). There is not a dinner culture in Costa Rica. An afternoon snack consists of bread and coffee.
Is it true that museums in London are free?
Most museums in London do not have an admission fee, but you may need to purchase a ticket for temporary exhibitions and special shows. Some of the major museums with free admission include the British Museum, The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, The Tate, Victoria and Albert Museum, Imperial War Museum, Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre, The British Library, Serpentine Galleries, and The Soane Museum.
Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?
No, the water is not drinkable in Costa Rica. We suggest that you carry bottled water with you. Most tourist areas will have bottled water available for purchase.
Top Attractions
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
A biodiversity hotspot, this reserve offers well-maintained trails through the lush cloud forest, where visitors can spot rare wildlife, vibrant orchids, and towering trees shrouded in mist.
Sky Adventures Monteverde
This park provides an exhilarating way to experience the forest canopy, offering breathtaking views and the chance to see the forest from a unique perspective.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Similar to its more famous counterpart, this reserve is less crowded and offers an intimate experience of the cloud forest’s rich flora and fauna. It’s perfect for hiking and bird-watching.
Monteverde Butterfly Garden
Explore the Butterfly Garden, learn about and observe various butterfly species up close, along with other insects and arachnids, making it a fascinating stop for nature enthusiasts and families.
Unique Experiences
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Experience the thrill of flying through the air on a zipline course in Monteverde. You’ll cross 14 cables, ranging in height from 246 feet to 492 feet. Plus, you’ll have the chance to rappel almost 100 feet and take flight on a Tarzan swing.
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Hike through Monteverde Wildlife Refuge after dark on a guided walking tour that reveals how nighttime transforms the tropical forest. Since dusk brings out a mix of diurnal and nocturnal animals, you might see completely different creatures than in a day time visit.
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Sample some of the best products made in Monteverde and explore the process of producing coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane on this family-friendly activity. Y
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Walk along suspended bridges that offer a unique perspective of the forest canopy, providing opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the beauty of the dense foliage from above.
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Join an expert guide to discover Monteverde’s diverse birdlife, including the resplendent quetzal, toucans, and hummingbirds, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
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What to expect while traveling
