Overview Compare Minivan Taxi Indirect Bus To Stay
How to get from Playas del Coco to Monteverde
Monteverde is a nature lover’s paradise in the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range. Named one of the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica, a trip to the iconic Monteverde Cloud Forest is a must when exploring this beautiful country.
With its lush mountains forever touching the clouds, Monteverde is rich in flora and fauna – 2,500 species of plants, 400 types of birds, and 100 varieties of mammals! This district is green, moist, and beautiful all year round, but if you want to explore it with a bit of sunshine, time your visit in summer (June to September).
New to Monteverde? Our compact Monteverde guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Monteverde!
3 ways to get from Playas del Coco to Monteverde
The best way to travel the 150 km distance from Playas del Coco to Monteverde is by minivan shuttle, which takes 4 hours and costs around $44.00 (24,000 CRC). Alternative options include a 4-hour private transfer with rates from $175.00 (94,000 CRC) and a 4-hour indirect bus for $77.00 (42,000 CRC).
Where to stay in Monteverde?
Still looking for accommodation? Don’t forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Monteverde at the bottom of this page.
Playas del Coco to Monteverde by Minivan
The minivan shuttle is a direct and convenient way to get from Playas del Coco to Monteverde. You won’t have to worry about any transfers as you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotels. Ticket prices start from $44.00 (24,000 CRC) for the 4-hour journey.
You can choose from at least four minivan operators: Tropical Tours Shuttles, Interbus, Costa Rica Shuttle, and ShuttleBusCR. Online booking is possible via their respective websites. We also highly recommend purchasing your tickets beforehand for guaranteed seats.
Minivan schedule from Playas del Coco to Monteverde
Playas del Coco to Monteverde by Private Transfer
Are you travelling with family or friends? If you’re in a group of 4 to 5 people, then taking a private transfer might be cheaper than a shared minivan when you split the cost. Rates start from $175.00 (94,000 CRC) for a 5-seater car and $230.00 (124,000 CRC) for a 10 to 15-seater minivan.
For smaller groups, we recommend renting a ride from Casa Batsu. If you’re in a larger group, you can book with Tropical Tours Shuttle.
Playas del Coco to Monteverde by Bus
Looking for a cheaper transport option from Playas del Coco to Monteverde? It’s also possible to take an indirect bus — specifically two buses plus a taxi. Combined fares start from $77.00 (42,000 CRC) when travelling solo. Unless you’re in a group of at least three people, you won’t really save on costs by taking the bus.
For that reason, we don’t recommend taking a bus for this route. Sure, you might get to save a few bucks, but is it worth the hassle? You can decide for yourself through the step-by-step guide below.
Step 1: Playas del Coco to Liberia by Bus
First, you’ll have to take a bus to Liberia, a transport hub located 35 km northeast of Playas del Coco. The bus ride takes around an hour and a ticket costs $1.30 (1,000 CRC).
Buses should be available every hour, on the hour, from 06:00 to 20:00. It’s best to arrive at the bus station about 15 minutes prior to departure time to secure a seat.
Buses depart from Playas del Coco bus stop, some 750 m south of the main beach. They arrive at Liberia Bus Stop, from where you can also get your connecting ride to Cañas.
Step 2: Liberia to Cañas by Bus
Reyna del Campo is the main bus operator from Liberia to Cañas. Its buses depart once or twice every hour from 05:25 in the morning to 21:30 at night. A ticket costs about $1.00 (1,000 CRC) for the 45-minute journey.
Buses park at Cañas Bus Terminal.
Step 3: Cañas to Monteverde by Taxi
From Cañas, the best way to travel the remaining 65 km southeast to Monteverde is by taxi. This is why we think you won’t get to save much by taking the bus for this route.
A taxi ride from Cañas to Monteverde takes 2 hours and costs around $75.00 (40,000 CRC).
You can still save on costs if you’re in a group of 3 or 4. But if you’re travelling solo or with just one other person, then we highly recommend taking a more convenient and direct shared minivan instead.
Our favourite places to stay in Monteverde
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco - Treat Yourself
This place is a real treat. You can even book a room that has its own private jacuzzi. If you don’t want to splash out too much, you can still enjoy their covered heated pool, spa and beautiful gardens.
After a long day of exploring, head to their onsite restaurant offering super tasty dishes. They combine both local products from Monteverde and exotic ingredients to create exciting and delicious flavours. The rooms, as well as their staff, are both fabulous too.
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Health and wellness spa
- Amazing breakfast included
- Onsite restaurant
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Calathea Lodge Monteverde - Mid Range
If you’re looking for complete relaxation, Calathea is the perfect place for that! It’s situated slightly further from the main town, but still only a walk away from the main town. That means ultimate peace and quiet.
The rooms are bright, open and comfortable. All with a private patio or balcony where you can sit back and watch the wildlife. The staff are super friendly, and will help to organise your activities in Monteverde. They also provide a superb breakfast to set you up right for the day.
- Superb breakfast included
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Bright and comfortable rooms
- Private balconies and patios
Double rooms between $50-$80 per night
Eddy’s Place - Budget Friendly
Eddy’s Place in a unique and unforgettable place in Monteverde. This small family-run hotel only has 4 rooms, with Freddy the main host, making you feel at home immediately. His breakfast every morning is delicious, very filling and an experience.
The rooms are nice and big, with exceptionally comfortable beds. You’ll definitely be getting a good night’s sleep here. In the morning you’ll wake up to an array of wildlife in the jungle around the hotel.
- Delicious breakfast included
- Exceptionally friendly and helpful host
- Large and clean rooms
- Small, family-run feel
Double rooms between $15-$50 per night
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
