If you love nature and adventure, then Monteverde is for you! Take a memorable visit to the unique and beautiful Monteverde cloud forestand and discover one of the rarest habitats on Earth. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Tamarindo to Monteverde.
Monteverde is a tiny village nestled in the cloud forests of Costa Rica! Quench your thirst for adventure with a visit to one of Monteverde’s many hiking trails.
Visit some of the best natural sights in this unique ecosystem, and sample some traditional culture at local restaurants and museums. In Monteverde, you’ll experience a different side of Costa Rica!
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Nature lovers can enjoy activities like canopy tours with zip lines that allow you to fly through the treetops. There is always something new to experience in Costa Rica!
The beautiful sights, sounds, and smells will envelop you in a world you’ve never seen before. So what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in all the wonders the cloud forest has to offer!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Tamarindo to Monteverde, Costa Rica, and here you can find more information about getting around in Costa Rica.
How far is Tamarindo from Monteverde?
The distance from Tamarindo to Monteverde, Costa Rica is 100.8 miles or 162.3 kilometers. The travel time to Monteverde can range from three to five hours, depending on your transportation model.
Transportation Options from Tamarindo to Monteverde
The following table outlines all transportation options from Tamarindo to Monteverde:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle from Tamarindo to Monteverde | 4.5 hours | USD 55 |
| Public Bus from Tamarindo to Monteverde | 10 hours | USD 11 |
| Private Transfer from Tamarindo to Monteverde | 3 hours | USD 260 |
| Taxi from Tamarindo to Monteverde | 3 hours | USD 160 |
| Rental Car from Tamarindo to Monteverde | 3 hours |
Getting to Monteverde from Tamarindo
1. Shared Van Shuttle from Tamarindo to Monteverde
Journey Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
One of the best ways to travel from Tamarindo to Monteverde is by shared shuttle. The driver will pick you up at your Tamarindo hotel and take you to your destination.
This is an excellent option for the budget-conscious traveler who still wants to avoid the trouble of public transportation! Shuttles are an economical and convenient way to get between major destinations in Costa Rica.
You can book most shuttles online in advance.
Interbus Shared Shuttle Schedule:
- 02:30 PM to 07:00 PM: Shared Shuttle to Monteverde from Tamarindo
Total price: USD 55
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Tamarindo to Monteverde. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
2. Public Bus from Tamarindo to Monteverde
Journey Duration: 10 hours
Taking public transportation is the cheapest method of getting from Tamarindo to Monteverde; however, it is not the easiest. Although the ticket costs only USD 11, be prepared to embark on an adventure!
To get to La Irma, you must leave Tamarindo as early as possible on a bus that will take between 5 and 6 hours to reach the destination.
After that, expect to wait between 2 and 3 hours at La Irma. You must take another bus from La Irma to Monteverde, which will take 1 hour and 30 minutes.
You will spend between 10 and 11 hours traveling from Tamarindo to Monteverde using the public transportation system. It can be challenging to switch buses if you do not speak Spanish well.
In conclusion, taking the bus from Tamarindo to Monteverde might be the cheapest way to get there, but it is also the most inconvenient. For that reason, it’s only recommended if budget travel is your primary concern!
3. Private Transfer from Tamarindo to Monteverde
Journey Duration: Custom Time
A private transfer is the most convenient option for those who want to skip the hassle of finding a bus and getting comfortable in their seat!
Arrive at your hotel in Monteverde quickly and easily with a direct pick-up from your Tamarindo hotel. This option is perfect for traveling with a group as you can split costs.
Choosing a private shuttle will save time while taking in the scenery without worrying about driving! The drivers are friendly and informative and ensure a stress-free ride to your destination.
Prices for a private transfer from Tamarindo to Monteverde:
- 7-9 passengers: USD 260
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Tamarindo to Monteverde. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
4. Driving with Rental Car from Tamarindo to Monteverde
Journey Duration: 3 hours
Costa Rica is a great place to rent a car. It’s the most convenient option if you have a place to park it at your destination. You can take advantage of visiting many attractions or beaches along your way!
You can compare prices and availability and book online!
5. Uber or Taxi from Tamarindo to Monteverde
Journey Duration: 3 hours
The last option to get to Monteverde is taking a taxi or an Uber. Because it is a car ride, you will arrive there faster, it is more comfortable, and available 24/7.
The travel time by taxi is around 3 hours and costs around USD 160, which is not very cheap considering the other options.
However, the prices and travel time aren’t fixed, and it will depend on traffic and your final destination in Monteverde.
So, agree on a price before departure if you want to avoid being ripped off.
Best day tours in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the cloud forest from Tamarindo?
There are 114 kilometers between Tamarindo and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The driving distance is 158.5 kilometers.
How do you get around in Monteverde, Costa Rica?
Monteverde offers multiple transportation options! To get to the attractions, you can ride a taxi or take an Uber, walk if you are near Santa Elena or Cerro Plano, take public buses, or book tours that include transportation.
Is Monteverde road paved?
As of October 2021, the roads leading to Monteverde are in the following condition:
Route 605 is unpaved.
Route 145 is partially paved.
Route 606 is completely paved.
