Jaco to Monteverde tickets

About the ride from Jaco to Monteverde

Say farewell to the surf beaches of Jaco and head north for a visit to Monteverde, one of the most unique biodiverse regions in the world.

Famous for its cloud forests and an array of incredible wildlife, Monteverde is a sleepy resort town tucked alongside two vast cloud forest reserves: Monteverde and Santa Elena.

Travelers must cover 123 kilometers (76.4 miles) to get between Jaco and Monteverde. 

You can opt for a cozy bus and sit back and relax for the two- to three-hour journey, or you might choose the most affordable option and travel by minivan.

What is Monteverde like?

Monteverde is a biodiverse ecosystem brimming with animals that look stranger than fiction, like sloths, toucans, and kinkajous.

The landscape around the town overflows with luscious forests and canopies that intermingle with the fog hanging low in the sky, creating the cloud forests. You can walk through the clouds along suspension bridges connecting the canopies.

With hikes and activities suitable for every level of ability, you’ll quickly see why Monteverde is one of the top nature tourist destinations in the world. Walk through the clouds to feel like you’re touching the sky before reenergizing with some of the best coffee in Costa Rica.

As you hike deeper, higher, or lower in the jungle, you’ll experience significant climate shifts as the temperature, terrain, and humidity change drastically between forest levels.

Plan ahead because the region is quite remote, and tours sell out quickly. Make sure to sample some of the delicious must-visit restaurants in the area, too. 

Unforgettable activities in Monteverde

If you’re searching for a beachside holiday, Monteverde probably isn’t for you. This unique landscape enchants adventurers, not sunbathers.

1. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Landscape seekers and hiking enthusiasts will adore visiting this biological reserve. As one of the rarest habitats on earth, this forest is a totally unique experience. Earning its name from the mist that drenches the rainforest and gets tangled in the dense forest canopy, the reserve is a treasured gem beloved by locals and international tourists. 

2. Take the sky tram to see the sprawling cloud forest from above. Once in the trees, you can take the “Sky Walk” across various suspension bridges connecting the treetops.

3. Book a night tour. True animal lovers should also book a night tour to see the nocturnal animals coming out to play. When the sun goes down, you’ll see spiders, armadillos, ocelots, and so much more emerging from the undergrowth.

4. Explore the quieter Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. This smaller reserve is typically more tranquil because most tourists head to Monteverde.

5. Discover more wildlife at the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens and the Bat Jungle Museum. Learn about the flora and fauna on display at both cloud forest reserves at these fascinating wildlife centers.

How do I get from Jaco to Monteverde?

Travelers looking to get from Jaco to Monteverde choose from two options: the bus or a minivan.

By bus

To travel in comfort, take a bus from Jaco to Monteverde. Share the ride with some fellow travelers to make the journey north pass quickly.

The journey usually takes approximately three hours, but this time may be extended by bad traffic or with added rest stops. A single ticket costs approximately $100.

Possible bus amenities include:

Air conditioning

Rest stops

A cup holder attached to the seat in front

A luggage allowance of one large bag and one handbag or small rucksack per passenger

The standard bus option will pick you up at your hotel in Jaco and drop you off at any hotel in Monteverde. 

By minivan 

One of the most efficient ways to reach Monteverde from Jaco is by minivan. It’s a 2.5-4 hour drive. Plus, it’s a door-to-door service, so you get picked up and dropped off at your hotels.

You can buy individual seats in a shared minivan with other travelers or rent the entire minivan for a private transfer.

Shared minivan tickets start at $55 per passenger.

Private minivans start at $226 per vehicle and can accommodate four to ten passengers, depending on the operator you choose. 

Most minivans include:

Air conditioning

Rest stops

A luggage allowance of one to two large bags and one handbag or small backpack per passenger (allowance differs by company)

Reclining seats

English speaking staff

You can bring a surfboard for an extra charge paid directly to the driver.

The best things about the ride from Jaco to Monteverde

Like most drives in Costa Rica, the journey between Jaco and Monteverde will expose sprawling, verdant landscapes defined by luscious forests and bountiful wildlife.

As you depart Jaco, you’ll drive along the coastline, looking over the Gulf of Nicoya, before slowly heading further inland to immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s abundant natural landscapes.

You’ll drive along main roads for much of the journey, so don’t worry if you miss out on the window seat. Instead, stick your earphones in and wait to be amazed upon arrival in Monteverde.

When is the best time to visit Monteverde?

To see Monteverde and its gorgeous cloud forest reserves at their best, visit during Costa Rica’s dry season, which starts in December and ends in March or April.

The dry season brings warm, dry weather almost every day, making it ideal for wandering the canopies of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. However, Costa Rica is still tropical, so be prepared for some rainfall or storms anyway. 

In the dry season, temperatures hover between 78°F (29°C) and 85°F (29°C). 

March and April are the driest months. The heaviest rainfall occurs in May, June, and August to early November.

How many days should I spend in Monteverde?

To see everything without rushing through the forests, you’ll need at least three to four days.

It is possible to experience the cloud forests on a day trip from a nearby city or town, but staying in the sleepy village is half the fun of visiting.

So don’t rush it; spend a couple of days exploring the cloud forests and discovering the diverse wildlife.

Where should I go after Monteverde?

When you’re finished hiking through the mist and taking in the verdant landscapes of Monteverde, drive to Tamarindo, a small beach town, to recuperate from your jungle adventures with an oceanside sunbathing session.

Or, if you want to continue your physical adventures, book a trip to La Fortuna, which is the perfect launching pad to visit the Arenal Volcano and the Tenorio Volcano National Park.