How to get from
Manuel Antonio to Monteverde

About the Ride from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde

There’s no denying that saying farewell to the sweeping beauty of Manuel Antonio Park will be tough, but don’t worry; your senses will be equally delighted by what Monteverde has to offer.

Reserve some energy for the varied adventures here because you will want to do every single one, especially the Monteverde Cloud Forest, one of the most unique landscapes on the planet.

To reach the sleepy resort town of Monteverde, which too many people skip over, travelers will need to take a bus, minivan or SUV car to cover the 191-kilometer (118-mile) distance.

Is Monteverde worth visiting?

Anyone who loves epic scenery and bountiful wildlife has to visit Monteverde.

Its biodiverse ecosystem creates a magnificent landscape perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. There are various species of flora and fauna unique to the area.

It’s not a beach-friendly destination, but if you want to explore one of the most unique landscapes in the world, Monteverde is absolutely for you.

Unmissable activities to do in Monteverde?

Monteverde is not for those seeking a chilled-out holiday, so stick to the beach towns for relaxing. If you’re ready to dive into the jungle paradise of Costa Rica, add these must-do activities to your itinerary: 

• Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve: One of the rarest habitats on earth, it’s named after the mist that drenches every inch of the rainforest. It’s a totally unique experience. 

• Take a canopy tour through the treetops: Book a night tour to see the nocturnal animals in this region. You’ll spot armadillos, spiders, ocelots, and so much more!

• Visit Costa Rica Sky Adventures: This company offers a sky tram that allows you to see the canopy from above. It’s a fantastic option for people unable to hike through the cloud forest and a favorite among birdwatchers. Alternatively, you can take the Sky Walk to cross suspension bridges built between the treetops.

• Learn about the wildlife at the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens: Home to dozens of colorful species, this beautiful garden is an entrancing experience.

• Take a trip to the Bat Jungle Museum: Bats might look weird, but they are fascinating creatures, and this museum provides insights into how the various species living in Costa Rica thrive in the environment.

How do I get from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde?

Travelers can pick between a bus, minivan, and SUV to get from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde.

By bus

To travel in style, take the bus from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde.

You’ll pay approximately $100 for a single seat. The journey will take eight hours. Travelers can get picked up from their hotel in Manuel Antonio and then dropped off at their accommodation in Monteverde.

Possible amenities include:

• Air conditioning

• One large bag and one handbag per passenger

By minivan

The minivan option technically has two class options — standard and shuttle — but their configuration is essentially the same. The only difference is the name and duration, so be mindful of which one you pick.

It will take between 3 hours and 45 minutes and 5 hours and 30 minutes to complete the journey.

The shuttle minivan completes the journey the quickest, while standard minivans take longer.

Amenities include:

• Air conditioning 

• Food and restroom breaks 

• A USB charger point

• English-speaking staff 

• Reclining seats

• Pick up and drop off at any hotel 

• You can take a surfboard for an extra charge

• A 25 kg baggage allowance and one piece of hand luggage

Pro tip: If you are traveling in a group, you can hire a private minivan all to yourselves.

By SUV car

Taking an SUV between Manuel Antonio and Monteverde is ideal for people traveling in small groups (up to four people) who want to stick together.

However, it will take longer than a minivan because the driver will make some comfort stops along the way. The estimated travel time is 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Amenities include:

• Air conditioning 

• Food and restroom breaks 

• English-speaking staff 

• Reclining seats

• WiFi, although this is intermittent

• Pick up and drop off at any hotel 

• You can take a surfboard for an extra charge

• A 20 kg baggage allowance and one piece of hand luggage

The best things about the journey from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde

The journey between these two epic destinations is an average one, mostly spent on main roads to speed up the transition. But this is Costa Rica, so you’ll still see glimpses of vast jungle, and you might even spot an animal or two peaking through the greenery or maybe a sloth trying to cross the road.

Bring a neck pillow to grab some sleep along the way because the journey can get a little dull after a while. Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated, too.

When is the best time to visit Monteverde?

The best time to visit Monteverde is during Costa Rica’s dry season, which starts in November or December and ends in March or April, depending on the year.

The dry season invites warm, dry weather almost every day, with only the occasional rainstorm interrupting your jungle adventures.

As the temperatures remain steady, sticking around 85°F (29°C), hiking is far more comfortable during this season.

How many days should I spend in Monteverde?

Set aside three to four days to see everything offered in Monteverde.

You could see it on a day trip from a nearby city or town, but you’ll miss out on so much.

Don’t rush it; soak up the atmosphere and luxuriate in the experience before setting off on the next adventure.

Where should I go after Monteverde?

Next, drive to the beach town of Jaco to switch from a jungle adventure to an oceanside sunbathing session.

Or, if you’re eager to continue the action-packed activities, head east to La Fortuna to use the town as a launching pad to visit the Arenal Volcano and the Tenorio Volcano National Park.