The Hotel Arco Iris Lodge of Costa Rica is located just outside the village of Santa Elena some three and a half miles before the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The Lodge is located within walking distance of the bank, supermarket and bus stop. Public transportation and taxis are available for reaching the Santa Elena and Monteverde Reserves. If you have questions on how to reach Monteverde we are happy to help.
Click here for a printable map of the town of Santa Elena
Click here for a driving instructions from San Jose with a Map
Below is a map of North West Costa Rica showing Monteverde and the Inter American Highway
How to get to Monteverde?
Public Bus To Monteverde From…
San Jose
The public bus leaves San Jose at 6:30 am and 2:30 pm. The bus stop is located at the old Puntarenas stop. Same location as the Tilaran busses. The ride takes an average of 5 hours and costs just under 1,700 Colones. The bus makes a 15-minute pit stop just after Lagartos before finishing the winding road up to Monteverde. Keep an eye on your luggage!
Puntarenas
There are 2 bus routes coming from Puntarenas to Monteverde.
One public bus leaves Puntarenas at 2:15 pm and goes via Lagartos.
The other departs a little earlier and goes via Las Juntas.
The ride takes an average of 3.5 hours and costs less than 900 Colones.
Private Transfers:
There are private transfers available to Monteverde from anywhere in Costa Rica. Vehicles range from 15 passenger minivans to 4x4 ‘jeeps’. Services are hotel to hotel with driver and air conditioning.
Collective Transfers:
Door to door to and from major destinations in the country (collective service A/C mini van), prices from $35 up to $45 per person. Please contact us for detailed information about schedules.