How to get to Monteverde or Santa Elena from Manuel Antonio or Quepos?
- Esteban Acedo
- Jun 26, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 12
Traveling from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde, Costa Rica, offers an exciting journey through some of the country’s most picturesque landscapes. Whether you’re looking for convenience, budget-friendliness, or adventure, there are several transportation options to suit your needs for this 191-kilometer 4-hour voyage. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get to Monteverde from Manuel Antonio, highlighting five key options: rental car or taxi, air travel, shared shuttle, private shuttle, and bus.
What is the best way to get to Monteverde from Manuel Antonio or Quepos?
Pura Vida Traveling Recommendations:
On a Budget: Shared Shuttle, Public Buses
Singles, Couples, or Small Groups: Taxi or Rental Car, Shared Shuttle, Air Plane
Families or Large Groups: Private shuttle
To Monteverde from Manuel Antonio or Quepos by Private Shuttle
Fast and Safe - 4hrs - $255
For those who prefer more privacy and flexibility, a private shuttle service is an excellent choice. Private shuttles offer personalized pick-up and drop-off times, allowing you to tailor the journey to your schedule. The trip from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde takes about 4 to 5 hours in a private shuttle, and you can request stops along the way to take photos, enjoy a meal, or visit attractions. This option is particularly suitable for families, groups, or anyone seeking a more comfortable and customized travel experience.
Writers Tips:
Private shuttles are great for groups of 4-12 people.
Private shuttles charge by number of passengers. Plan to pay an extra $15 per person over six.
Ask your driver to stop along the way. There is so much to see and your driver should know the area well.
Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles
To Monteverde from Manuel Antonio or Quepos by Group Shuttle
Solo travelers & couples - 5-6hrs - $60
Shared shuttles are a popular and cost-effective way to travel between Manuel Antonio and Monteverde. These shuttles offer door-to-door service, picking you up from your accommodation in Manuel Antonio and dropping you off at your destination in Monteverde. The journey takes around 5 to 6 hours, with a short break for rest and refreshments. Shared shuttles provide a balance of comfort and affordability, making them a great option for solo travelers and small groups.
Writers Tips:
Reserve in advance as these shuttles can fill up.
Be aware of luggage restrictions. Surfboards and extra suitcases can cost extra.
Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles
To Monteverde from Manuel Antonio or Quepos by public bus
Cost-effective - 6-8hrs - $16 US - 4 bus transfers
Traveling by bus is the most economical option, though it requires some transfers and patience. From Manuel Antonio, you can take a bus to Quepos, and from there, a bus to Puntarenas. In Puntarenas, you’ll need to transfer to a bus heading to Monteverde. The entire journey can take around 6 to 8 hours, depending on connection times and waiting periods between buses. While this option is the least expensive, it also offers the chance to experience local life and scenery in a more authentic way.
Manuel Antonio to Quepos ($1) (15 minutes)
If you're starting your journey from Manuel Antonio. The first bus you need is to Quepos. The Manuel Antonio to Quepos buses pass the Manuel Antonio bus stops every 15-30 minutes.
Quepos to Puntarenas ($5) (2.5-hours)
The next leg of your bus journey starts at the Quepos bus terminal, where you will take a direct bus to Puntarenas. There are many direct buses to Puntarenas daily. They leave every 1-2 hours starting at 4:30 AM, with the last bus leaving at 6:00 PM.
Puntarenas to Monteverde ($4) (3hrs)
The last bus you need is provided by Transmonteverde. You may have to change bus terminals, but the terminals are only a couple of blocks from each other. This bus picks up in Puntarenas at the Terminal de buses San Jose station, and tickets can be purchased in advance through their website. This trip has different routes to Monteverde. Some buses travel through Las Juntas and leave at 8:30am and 2:30pm. Another bus travels through Gacimal and leaves at 1:30pm. Another bus travels through Lagarto to Lindora and leaves at 3:45pm. Check their website for official times and tickets.
Writers Tips:
Leave as early as possible to make sure you make all your connecting bus transfers.
While taking a bus to Monteverde is the most cost-effective, it is also the longest option. Consider taking a shared shuttle or flight for this trip to cut your travel time down significantly.
Store large suitcases and bags under the bus and keep a small bag with you for all your most valued items.
To Monteverde from Manuel Antonio or Quepos by airplane
Not a good option - 3 hr - $175
While there is no direct flight from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde, you can take a short domestic flight from Quepos La Managua Airport (near Manuel Antonio) to the San José International Airport (SJO). From there, you can either rent a car or take a shuttle service to Monteverde, which is about a 3 to 4-hour drive. This could be faster, but it can be more expensive due to the cost of the flight and subsequent transportation from San José.
Writers Tips:
Be aware that flying with extra luggage or heavy luggage could come with an additional cost.
Be at the airport check-in at least 1 hour before your flight, or they won't allow you to fly.
To Monteverde from Manuel Antonio or Quepos by car or taxi
Fast and fun - 4-5 hrs - $220
Driving from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and explore various attractions along the way. The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, covering about 190 kilometers. The route typically follows Highway 34 (Costanera Sur) north to Puntarenas, then onto Highway 1 (Interamericana), and finally up the scenic mountain roads to Monteverde. Renting a car is a great option if you’re comfortable with Costa Rica’s sometimes challenging road conditions, especially the last stretch to Monteverde, which can be steep and unpaved. Alternatively, hiring a taxi or private driver offers convenience and comfort, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation.
Writers Tips:
Use our Pura Vida Traveling exclusive link to receive up to 10% off and additional rental benefits.
Always check with your credit card company to see if international car insurance is an added cardholder benefit. This can save you some money on your rental.
Waze is the most used direction application in Costa Rica so it normally has the most up-to-date road conditions.
To Monteverde from Manuel Antonio or Quepos by private vehicle
Best for extended visit - Purchase and resell
If you are planning an extended visit to Costa Rica and want to travel the entire country in the luxury of a private vehicle, consider buying a car or van when you arrive and selling it when you leave. Buying a vehicle is both legal for tourists and pretty easy to do. You would have to pay the initial lawyer's fees to transfer ownership, and then you would have to sell the vehicle in time before leaving the country, but this hassle could end up being worth the hassle if you can get most of your investment back before you leave.
Do not hesitate to read our specific article on this subject: How to buy a car in Costa Rica?
Choosing your ideal route:
Choosing the best way to travel from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule. Whether you opt for the freedom of a rental car, the speed of air travel, the convenience of a shared or private shuttle, or the budget-friendly bus, each option offers a unique way to explore the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica. Whichever mode of transportation you choose, the journey to Monteverde is sure to be an adventure filled with breathtaking views and memorable experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Shuttle from Manuel Antonio or Quepos to Monteverde?
Yes, private or shared shuttles can be reserved using this link:
How much is a taxi from Manuel Antonio or Quepos to Monteverde?
A taxi for 1 to 4 passengers should cost around $220
How much does it cost to fly from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde?
There are no direct flights from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde. You can fly to San Jose but you are still 3-4 hours from Monteverde.
Is Monteverde closer to Liberia or San Jose?
Monteverde is pretty much the same distance from both Liberia's and San Jose's international airports. If you are flying into Costa Rica and Monteverde is your first stop, we recommend flying into Liberia as its a little closer and faster but either airport works.
What airport should I fly into for Monteverde Costa Rica?
If you are flying into Costa Rica and Monteverde is your first stop, we recommend flying into Liberia as its a little closer and faster but San Jose's (SJO) also works fine.
How far is it from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde?
The distance between Manuel Antonio and Monteverde is approximately 191-kilometers.
Is Uber allowed at San Jose airport?
Uber does operate and pick up from Juan Santa Maria airport in Alajuela, however Uber is currently illegal in Costa Rica so passengers could see penalties for using the ride share service.
Is Monteverde or Manuel Antonio better?
Choosing between Monteverde and Manuel Antonio depends on what kind of experience you're seeking. Monteverde is renowned for its lush cloud forests, offering cooler temperatures, rich biodiversity, and unique activities like zip-lining, night hikes, and bird watching. It's ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Manuel Antonio, on the other hand, is famous for its beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and vibrant coastal atmosphere. It combines relaxing beach days with opportunities to see monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds in the national park. If you prefer cooler climates and forest adventures, Monteverde is your best bet. If sun, sand, and coastal wildlife appeal to you, then Manuel Antonio is the better choice.
Is Manuel Antonio close to Monteverde?
While both Manuel Antonio and Monteverde are both in the same province and not that far from each other (191-kilometers), it can take a long time to get from one to the other because of road and traffic conditions. Plan to travel 5 to 8 hours to get from one location to the other.
Why is Monteverde so popular?
Monteverde is popular due to its stunning cloud forests, diverse wildlife, and unique eco-tourism opportunities. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve attracts visitors with its misty, lush environment where over 400 species of birds, including the elusive resplendent quetzal, can be observed. Adventure seekers enjoy thrilling activities like zip-lining, canopy tours, and hanging bridges that offer panoramic views of the forest canopy. The town's commitment to sustainability and conservation, coupled with its cool, refreshing climate, makes Monteverde a favorite destination for nature lovers and eco-conscious travelers.
Why is Manuel Antonio so popular?
Manuel Antonio is popular for its stunning combination of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. The Manuel Antonio National Park is a major draw, offering well-maintained trails where visitors can encounter monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. The park's beautiful beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. Additionally, the area offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, along with numerous restaurants and activities like zip-lining, kayaking, and guided nature tours. This mix of natural beauty and diverse amenities makes Manuel Antonio a top destination in Costa Rica.
What is the best route to take for getting to Monteverde from Manuel Antonio?
This is our recommended route to Monteverde:
Take Ruta Nacional Treciaria 618 and Ruta Nacional Secundaria 235 to Carr. Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno/Costanera Sur/Ruta Nacional Primaria 34. 12 min (6.2 km)
Continue on Carr. Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno/Ruta Nacional Primaria 34 to Puntarenas 2 hr 24 min (146 km)
Follow Ruta Nacional Treciaria 606 to Ruta Nacional Treciaria 620 in Monteverde
What is the best bus route to take for getting to Monteverde from Manuel Antonio?
This is our recommended bus route to Monteverde:
Manuel Antonio to Puntarenas. Puntarenas to Monteverde.
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