Arenal Volcano to Monteverde
Arenal Volcano to Monteverde Costa Rica: 3 Routes, Two Great Shortcut Tours!
The world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest, is a great destination for those who wish to explore Costa Rica's amazing biological diversity. At 5,000 feet above sea level and straddling the continental divide, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is a unique biological environment. If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, consider combining the beach, Arenal Volcano, and Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Car: Due to the drastic change in elevation between La Fortuna and Monteverde (La Fortuna stands at 350 meters and Monteverde straddles the Continental Divide at 1,500 meters,) there is no direct road route. The road distance between these destinations is 106 kilometers, passing around the lake and through the town of Tilaran. Road conditions from La Fortuna to Tilaran are good, but the dirt road from Tilaran to Monteverde is quite bumpy and takes extra time. A 4x4 is strongly recommended, especially in rainy season. During the peak rainy season months of October and November, it may not be possible to drive the route without a 4x4 vehicle. Estimated driving time between Arenal and Monteverde is about 4 hours by 4x4 (5 hours by sedan car.) See this rental car search and driving map.
Public Bus: From La Fortuna, take the 8h am bus to Tilaran. Then catch the 1h pm bus for Monteverde. It will arrive in Santa Elena, Monteverde at about 4h pm (8 hour duration; 9 in peak rainy season)
Taxi / Boat / Taxi Shortcut: First take a short taxi from your hotel in the Arenal area to Lake Arenal Dam. Then, enjoy a beautiful 30-minute cruise across Lake Arenal, from the dam to Rio Chiquito. Finally, jump on a 4x4 or mini bus (depending on road conditions) for a 1.5-hour scenic ride to Monteverde. The transfer tour is approximately 3 hours, one way. We also offer this transfer in the reverse direction, going from Monteverde to Arenal. (More taxi / boat / taxi info and photos!)
Taxi Boat Taxi Arenal to Monteverde Times and Booking
| Tour Name | Start Time | End Time | Duration | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 08:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 3.30/hrs | Rates & Booking |
| Afternoon | 02:30 PM | 06:00 PM | 3.30/hrs | Rates & Booking |
PRIVATE Taxi Boat Taxi Arenal to Monteverde Times and Booking
| Tour Name | Start Time | End Time | Duration | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anytime you Select | 06:30 AM | 07:00 PM | 3.30/hrs | Rates & Booking |
Horse, Boat, and 4x4 Adventure: This is the most exciting way to go! We will pick you up from your hotel in Arenal / La Fortuna for a short 30 minute drive to the Lake Arenal Dam. Then you will take a scenic 1/2-hour boat ride across Lake Arenal to El Castillo. The boat secion is followed by a fantastic horseback ride around the lake. The route presents great views of the volcano. Upon your arrival at Rio Chiquito, we will drive to your hotel in Monteverde (approximately 10 km.) The total journey takes approximately 5 hours, one way. It is led by a friendly Monteverde horseman and his fresh, healthy horses. Group sizes are small (2 to 6 persons,) and along the way there are opportunities to take photos and enjoy yourself.
The tour also runs from Monteverde to La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano). In order to catch the best morning views and weather, tours depart from Arenal at 8h30 am and from Monteverde at 8h am. (More horseback riding info and photos!)
Arenal to Monteverde Taxi - Boat - Horseback Tour Times and Booking
| Tour Name | Start Time | End Time | Duration | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 07:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 5.00/hrs | Rates & Booking |
For more information, reservations and booking: write to info@arenal.net
No experience necessary, our smiling horses are easy to handle!
We also offer these tours from Monteverde Cloud Forest to Arenal.
Visit this site for more info about Monteverde Costa Rica Cloud Forest
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