Arenal to Monteverde Cloud Forest : Taxi / Boat / Taxi Shortcut
The distance between the Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest is fairly large. La Fortuna (the town nearest the volcano) has an altitude is 1148 feet (350 m), while Monteverde Cloud Forest straddles the Continental Divide at 4921 feet (1500 m). Because of the tall mountain ranges, there are no direct routes between these destinations. By road it is 66 miles (106 km) around the lake and through the town of Tilaran (see regional Arenal Map).
The taxi-boat-taxi tour is designed as an alternative shortcut across the lake, and it's a fun way to get between Arenal and Monteverde. If for example, you have a week to visit Costa Rica, you could spend a night or two in each destination: go to Arenal Volcano, visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and then head to a Pacific beach (like Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio.) With an itinerary such as this, you would have the chance to enjoy an active volcano, a mountain cloud forest, and a sea level ecosystem- which is just enough to get you hooked for a longer trip to Costa Rica the next time.
The taxi/boat/taxi transfer is not designed as round trip. It is possible to arrange a day round trip using the taxi-boat-taxi, but keep in mind that it takes 2.5 to 3 hours to travel one way. We offer a/c mini bus shuttles to your hotel and between more than 53 popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you could ride from Arenal to Monteverde on our taxi-boat-taxi and then continue on to your next destination with our transportation shuttles.
Our fun taxi-boat-taxi shortcut operates daily, rain or shine (for passengers only; it's not a car ferry!)
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We also offer this daily tour from Monteverde to Arenal with departure at 8h am or 2h pm. The transfer can easily accommodate large groups at a time of your choosing. All our boats & mini buses are comfortable, safe, & fully insured. Reservations and booking: write to info@arenal.net |
There are 106 kilometers between Arenal and Monteverde Cloud Forest. It takes 8 hours by bus, 4 hours with a 4x4 vehicle, and 2.5 hours by taxi/ boat/taxi. If you would like, read the feedback letters we've received about this adventure.
We believe your vacation time is precious, so we use top-of-the-line equipment and vehicles to keep you from getting stuck on the lake or on a remote dirt road. You may be able to find cheaper rates on the web, but beware of cutthoat rates that cut corners in maintenance and safety. All our drivers and captains carry a cellphone and pager to communicate with our office, your hotel, and with each other.
Note: if you do not use our taxi-boat-taxi shortcut and decide to go by land, the road from La Fortuna to Tilaran is in more or less in good condition, but the one from Tilaran to Monteverde is very bumpy. A 4x4 is strongly recommended, especially during the rainy season and if you are 4 people or more (the weight will make your car too low). Driving time (scenic) is about 4 hours by 4x4, 5 hours by regular car (not possible in peak rainy season months of September, October, and November), or 8 hours by public busses (you will have more than an hour in Tilaran before changing buses). A taxi for the whole journey costs about $110 US for 4 people. Make sure to get a 4x4 if you hire one. As another great option, see the Horseback Adventure to Monteverde Cloud Forest
Try to plan at least two nights for your Monteverde Cloud Forest visit, as there are many things to do and any travel in Costa Rica takes time.
Reservations and booking: write to info@arenal.net
More taxi-boat-taxi photos
Back to Arenal / Monteverde Transportation
