Montevere Cloud Forest has long been a destination chosen by the thousands, the initiatives by the government to boost tourism; it is now attracting a wider range of travelers than ever before. While there may be many reasons for choosing the Costa Rica – from sampling its spa resorts to getting involved in local sustainability measures to combat the threat posed by global warming – one thing tends to unite all visitors: the chance to explore the unspool natural landscape and its national parks.
It’s no wonder the Monteverde Cloud Forest is such a popular destination among couples, families, friends, adventurers and researchers seeking a dreamy escape for their holidays and other romantic breaks, particularly as many resorts offer the sort of seclusion that would not be possible in more densely populated countries. It isn’t just travelers who can appreciate the natural beauty of the cloud forest, which still manage to entrance even the most experienced world travelers, who keep coming back to seek out new experiences opening all the time in Monteverde and other regions.
Monteverde has much to offer beyond mere escapism, as visitors will find when arriving to Monteverde a very rural and friendly atmosphere. Home to many natural museums, adventure tours, great home-made food and other attractions extolling the country’s history, Monteverde combines the best features of an international destination with the charming and otherworldly atmosphere of a natural eco-friendly haven.
One of my favorite places to stay is El Establo Hotel, a 5 stars mountain resort combining the rural and natural life with all comfort and relaxation atmosphere. El Establo Hotel probably is the Top hotel in Monteverde Cloud Forest
Getting here
By Bus
The public buses in Costa Rica are actually efficient, safe, and incredibly inexpensive. A one way ticket to Monteverde from San Jose costs about $7.50. You can even bring you surfboard on the bus for an extra $2.00. The seats recline and are actually pretty comfortable. However, sometimes the buses can be crowded. You cannot buy tickets for the bus in advance; you have to physically buy them at the bus station. Buses leave for Monteverde twice daily; one at 6:30 am, and the other at 2:30 pm. The trip takes about four and a half hours, and the bus does stop for about 15 minutes at a restaurant in the city Sarmientos, which is a little over halfway to Monteverde.
Bus Schedule: San Jose-Monteverde-San Jose departure at 06:30 am and 14:30pm Ticket prices: $4.00 per person
Shared Vans, Shuttles
If you do not want to have to drive yourself, but do not want to get on a crowded bus, a semi-private shuttle is a good idea. There is one company that provides shuttle service to Monteverde; Monteverde Shuttle Bus. The shuttle is incredibly convenient; it will pick you up and drop you off anywhere, eliminating any need for taxi service. The price ranges from $29 – $45. The fare for children is usually 50% off of the adult price. The shuttles leave from San Jose every day at 8:00 am and 2:00 pm.
By Car Rental
Your other option is to drive. First of all, make sure you rent a four wheel drive vehicle. Most of the roads to Monteverde are dirt, and there are many potholes along the way. If it is the rainy season, the drive to Monteverde can be especially tedious, and you will not be able to get to the cloud reserve at all unless you are driving a 4×4 vehicle. From San Jose, you take Highway 1 north and then take the Sardinal exit. Part of the route going past Sardinal and up the mountain is paved, making driving conditions easier. You will passing through Guacimal, and then you will reach Santa Elena. This trip will take about four and a half hours, and you will drive 105 miles
Related articles
- White Water Rafting – teeth included! – Siquirres, Costa Rica (travelpod.com)
- Monteverde, our favorite hang out – Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica (travelpod.com)
Post by Erick HT
