Official Transportation FROM: Mal Pais to Monteverde

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From southern Nicoya Peninsula: Mal Pais to Monteverde we are able to offer you two types of services: Collective Shuttle and Private Shuttle, please review the following information:

Collective Shuttle:

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Monteverde Costa Rica

Cool, misty rainforest and deep green foliage is what has made Monteverde an absolute hot spot for eco tourism in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. This zone is home to a string of volcanoes, both active and dormant, beautiful national parks and diverse weather.

A long winding dirt road off of the Pan American Highway leads to the lush mountaintop paradise of Monteverde, which is nestled between two primary cloud forest reserves. The town was founded in the 1950’s by a few Quaker families that were looking to leave the U.S. and its war behind. The absence of a military made Costa Rica the perfect fit. They settled in the area now called Monteverde and established dairy farms which would eventually supply the Monteverde Cheese Factory. Shortly after their arrival they established the wildlife sanctuary of Monteverde.

Once you’ve reached the mountaintop you’ll first come upon the quaint town of Santa Elena. Here you’ll find gift stores, accommodations, a bus stop, restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, banks and much more. Though Monteverde does not have a town center, it is comprised of a dirt road that leads to the Cloud Forest Reserve. Spread out along the walkable road are hotels, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and excellent views.

The spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve attracts scientists, bird watchers, and wildlife lovers from all parts of the world. Inside the reserve you can explore the virgin forests and multi-century old strangler fig trees on your way to a viewpoint which sits on the continental divide. On a clear day you can see both the Caribbean and the Pacific coasts. The reserve is also one of the few remaining homes of the endangered resplendent Quetzal; the opportunity to see this exotic bird is worth the trip alone. 

On the other side of town you'll find the slightly smaller, and higher, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve which has views of the Arenal Volcano. Other popular activities in the area include the canopy tours, visits to the butterfly garden, the suspension bridges tour, horseback riding, a visit to the cheese factory and the hummingbird galleries found at the entrances to both reserves.

Monteverde Area

In Spanish, Monteverde means "green mountain" and it is one of the most interesting and most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica. Best know for the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, there are a number of other reserves and activities in this area. For nature-lovers and birders Monteverde is a natural destination.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

This large reserve is one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the Americas and includes eight distinct ecological zones. It protects more than 400 species of birds and over 100 species of mammals. In addition to the spectacular Resplendent Quetzal, you may see the endangered Bellbird, or Emerald Toucanet. There are also 30 species of hummingbirds. (We recommend stopping at the Hummingbird Gallery)

While you can walk the trails with a self-guiding pamphlet available at the entrance, we recommend taking at least one guided tour, as an experienced guide will point out flora and fauna that you would probably not notice yourself. Your hotel can arrange a guide for you. As with most wildlife viewing early morning is the best time to go and you should purchase your entrance ticket or arrange for a guided tour the previous day. (Open daily 7 am to 4 pm; Entrance $8.00, student with ID $4.00)

The popularity of the Monteverde Reserve has given impetus to the preservation of several other similar areas nearby.

Reserva Sendero Tranquilo

This 200-acre private reserve allows only two groups of 2 to 6 people at one time. Tours, led by excellent bilingual guides, last 3-4 hours. Groups are for the most part silent when in the forest, and visitors are usually pleased with the amount of wildlife they see. For information and reservations contact Hotel Sapo Dorado.

Birds Sanctuary - Paradise for Bell Birds

There are 4.5 miles of trails in a special eco-system with an abundance of birds, mammals and plants, which have been preserved through out the years thanks to the heightened interest in conservation that has spread among the inhabitants of Monteverde. For information and reservations contact Hotel Heliconia.

Santa Elena Forest Reserve

The 765-acre Santa Elena Forest Reserve is located 5 kilometers northeast of Santa Elena. It is at a slightly higher elevation than the Monteverde reserve and tends to be cloudier and wetter, but is also less visited than its better know neighbor. There are over 10 kilometers of trails, with one leading to a lookout point from which you can see Volcán Arenal on a clear day. There are usually local guides on hand, or you can hire one before hand through your hotel. You have the option of buying a self-guided trail map and renting boots at the entrance. (Open daily 7 am to 4 pm; Entrance $7.00, student $3.50)

Interesting Shops & Galleries

CASEM

For arts and crafts, be sure to stop by CASEM, a cooperative of local women who make beautiful embroidered and hand-painted clothing and souvenirs portraying quetzales, golden toads, and other cloud forest flora and fauna. It's located on the right next to the food co-op as you enter Monteverde.

Hummingbird Gallery

The Hummingbird Gallery, just before the entrance to the Monteverde Reserve, features the photography of Michael and Patricia Fogden. The Fogden's spend months at a time with sloths, frogs, snakes, insects, and birds, trying to get just the right shot. They also sell beautiful and inexpensive Guatemalan textiles, T-shirts, and high-energy snacks for the trail. There are feeders outside the gallery that attract a wonderful variety of hummingbirds. We suggest you stop by on your way to or from the Reserve.

Monteverde Cheese Factory

The famous Monteverde Cheese Factory sells 14 types of cheese including: cheddar, jack, Gouda, and Monte Rico. You can also buy great homemade whole-wheat bread and rolls, fresh milk, and cajeta (scrumptious milk fudge) there.

Activities

Monteverde Guides Association
Created in 1996 with the main propose of make professional the tour guided service in Monteverde. The organization has improved the knowledge and capacity of the guide service not only in Monteverde, but in other areas like Tortuguero, San Carlos and Cabo Blanco in Guanacaste; places where our members have trained new guides without any special economical interest, only for the good of Costa Rica.

Selvatura
A conservation project with over 700 acres of protected land. A thrilled Canopy Tour, walks thru the virgin Cloud Forest, Bird watching, a Butterfly and Humming Bird Gardens, which ever is your adventure at Selvatura you will enjoy all the cloud forest has to offer.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica

Monteverde Tours in the Monteverde Cloud Forest area is part of the
Desafio Adventure Company in Costa Rica

Monteverde Tours Costa Rica has been operating since 1992 both as a tour operator and a travel agent, offering excellent travel services in Monteverde (as well as in Arenal and other parts of Costa Rica), including guided hikes in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, arranging tours, transport and hotels. The Monteverde Tours office is located in Santa Elena (the main village in Monteverde) and is part of Desafio Adventure Company. See our testimonials

Monteverde Costa Rica (which means Green Mountain) is located in the Cordillera of Tilarán along the Continental Divide at approximately 1440 meters. Monteverde Costa Rica is famous for its rainforests or rather its 'cloud forests' which boast hundreds of mammals, birds, insects and species of plants. See our Monteverde Costa Rica Map.

Travel Services - Monteverde Tours has extensive knowledge of Costa Rica and can arrange just individual tours, hotels or transport and help in the planning of your Costa Rica vacation, in Monteverde, Arenal Volcano and other parts of Costa Rica. We can design a unique tailor-made personal Costa Rica packages for all budgets which can include just transport and hotels or all your tour activities beach breaks, hotels and transport throughout Costa Rica. See our testimonials and take a look at our Costa Rica package vacation examples

Things to do in the Monteverde area include: hiking in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, canopy (ziplining tours), horseback riding tours, coffee tours and bird watching (check out the best of tours & activities)

Monteverde Canopy Tours - For a taste of adrenaline try using zip lines to traverse the cloud forest canopy! Monteverde has some of the best canopy ziplining tours including Skytrek ziplines and Skytram cable car, Selvatura Canopy Tours and Extremo Canopy Tours. Also available are the Walkways (or Suspended or Hanging Bridges) that offer an eye level perspective of the inhabitants of the tree tops' canopy of the cloud forest. View pictures of the Monteverde canopy tour (ziplining or hanging bridge tours).

Monteverde Canopy Ziplining Tour Costa Rica

Monteverde Cloud Forests - the biodiversity of the Monteverde Cloud Forests has attracted tourists and biologists for decades. Hiking in the Monteverde Cloud Foest is a must-do! The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a nesting site for the famous Resplendent Quetzal. and other birds and is home to tropical mammals such as sloth's and monkeys, reptiles and many amazing insects and butterflies. Experienced naturalist guides are available to provide additional insight and share information on the natural history of Monteverde area. Monteverde Tours can set up guided tours to the Monteverde Cloud Forest including entrance, bilingual guides and all transport. Go birding in the morning or take a look at the nocturnal life while on a 'night hike'.

Monteverde Hotels - take a look at our Costa Rica hotel directory for details of accommodation in Monteverde, La Fortuna (Arenal) and San Jose, Costa Rica. We can also arrange hotels in other parts of Costa Rica such as Manuel Antonio beach. Our site has rates, photos and descriptions of a number of hotels for all budgets. Monteverde Tours can help book your hotel rooms online for your convenience and safety. See our Monteverde Map showing Monteverde & Arenal hotels, cabins. resorts and lodges.

Layout of Monteverde Costa Rica- Monteverde is spread over a rural mountain slope. The local village of Santa Elena (6km from the Monteverde Reserve) is the main hub of activity in terms of commerce and transport. Do not confuse Santa Elena village with the Santa Elena Cloud Forest which is about 7km from Santa Elena (and also offers great guided hikes in the Cloud Forest), Hotels, cabins, bed & breakfasts and other lodges and pensions located in Santa Elena village are less expensive and closer to stores, restaurants and public transportation.  Santa Elena also houses most services such as the bank, police, clinic and post office.

Cerro Plano and Monteverde are higher in elevation and closer to the Monteverde Reserve.  Nearer the Monteverde Reserve hotel rooms tend to become a little more expensive.  Regardless your budget you'll find something in our Costa Rica hotel guide.

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Horseback Riding Monteverde Costa Rica - Horseback riding is one of the most beautiful activities to do in Monteverde Costa Rica. Monteverde Tours reserves local horseback riding tours with Horse Trek Monteverde run by Marvin Anchia and his partner, Janet Ellis (manager of Desafio Monteverde). Go by horse to visit the less touristy area of San Luis Valley to swim in the amazing San Luis Waterfall or go on the All Day Cowboy ride. Horse Trek Monteverde has something for you whether you're looking for a 2.5 hour sunset horse ride to a 8-day Horseback Riding Vacation. Desafio Adventure Company also runs a great horseback ride along the Lake Trail between Monteverde and Arenal Volcano. View pictures of Horse Trek Monteverde horses.

Horseback Riding Horse Trek Monteverde Costa Rica

Transport to and from Monteverde and other parts of Costa Rica - Monteverde Tours can arrange transportation (private transport and collective shuttles), as well as taxi-boat-taxis to get to Arenal Volcano and shuttle services to most parts of Costa Rica. Take a look at our searchable Transportation Database. Monteverde Tours also offers a horseback ride from Monteverde to Arenal Volcano on the Lake Trail which as the same suggests goes around the Arenal Lake which gives you time to enjoy the amazing scenery.

Arenal Volcano -Our sister site www.arenalvolcanotours.com offers more info on Arenal Volcano tours offering Desafio Adventure Company operated tours such as white water rafting, and canyoning (or canyoneering). We can also arrange guided volcano hikes with Arenal lava views, Cano Negro Wildife Refuge, Safari Floats, Skytrek Canopy Tour, Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall and the Volcano and the Hanging Bridges.

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Arenal Volcano Explosion Costa Rica

What the guide books have to say about Monteverde Tours in Monteverde Costa Rica... (also see our testimonials)

About horseback riding ......."Note that many other agencies in La Fortuna and Monteverde offer rides over a muddy, poorly maintained trail. Some riders have returned with stories of terrified horses barley able to navigate the way. It's best to avoid other tours."

- Costa Rica Fodor's 2002, Editor: Beatrice Aranow, Monte Verde Costa Rica

"If you have a conscience, you'll choose a company such as Desafio, that only uses trails that go along the lakefront, and not over the mountain"

- Moon Handbooks Costa Rica 2001, Monte Verde Costa Rica

"Desafio makes sure the trails used are safe for the horses, and the trip offers a fairly quiet and undemanding ride in a nearly uninhabited area, with spectacular views of the volcano (when it's clear)."

- The Rough Guide to Costa Rica, Monte Verde

(Monteverde) Desafio Adventure Company is a company with over 10 years experience meeting the needs of a wide range of travelers.

Monteverde Tours while promoting the tours of Desafio Adventure Company, also tries to convey information that is simply useful and informative. Monteverde Tours Costa Rica attempts to be straightforward and objective and we welcome any feedback, corrections or other remarks.

Monteverde Costa Rica

Set atop the spine of Costa Rica’s continental divide, Monteverde is a world above the coastal towns that dot the country's famous shoreline. It is a place of cloud forests and coffee plantations, monkeys, mist, and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with tasty restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity.

Due to its high altitude – some 4,662 ft (1,440 m) above sea level – Monteverde is privileged to receive a steady supply of clouds and the life-giving moisture that they contain. This moisture, often in the form of fog, catches on the branches of the tallest trees and drips down to the other organisms below. This helps to support a complex and far-reaching ecosystem, one that harbors over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, tens of thousands of insect species, and over 2,500 varieties of plants, 420 of which are orchids alone.

Visitors can explore this internationally recognized environment from trails and trams, along canopy tours or inside museums. It’s wise to plan on spending at least a few days to adventure through this verdant and mountainous world.

Monteverde Costa Rica Cloud Forest

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is located in the Cordillera of Tilarán. In Monteverde you will be able to experience a wide variety of activities and enjoy a part of Costa Rica which is unique and we think very special. We hope that when you are in the planning stages of your vacation that you will consider a stay here in Monteverde and that when you get here that you will have decided that you made the right decision to visit us. Our goal is to try to help you make the most out of your visit to our special part of Costa Rica... Monteverde! Selecting the best Monteverde hotel or lodge that meets your particular needs is usually the first step in planning your visit. Therefore we offer you information on a variety of the best Monteverde Hotels which allows you to select one that meets your budget and expectations of quality and amenities. In addition, most visitors to Monteverde have a limited amount of time to spend in the area and therefore having good information on the available options for attractions, and the two main Cloud Forest Reserves can help you make the most of your visit. We try to offer the most up to date information on most anything in Monteverde you would like to experience. Most importantly of course we are known for our two Cloud Forest reserves. However Monteverde offers many other unique and worthwhile attractions. Monteverde's elevation is approximately 1400 m. (4600 ft) above sea level.

Most visitors stay in Monteverde at least two nights in order to at a minimum, visit one or both of the Cloud Forest Reserves, enjoy the Canopy Tour, The Hanging Bridges and some of the many other attractions. There are many activities in Monteverde, and choosing what to do can be difficult! Here are some of the main attractions and information available for visitors.

Monteverde boasts two world famous Cloud Forest Reserves. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with over 10 kilometers of trails, and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve with over 12. The reserves are unique and offer the chance to see and hear a wide variety of bird and animal life as well as experiencing an incredible forest. Well maintained trails allow you to see the biodiversity and hundreds of varieties of plants and trees. Many of the plants and trees grow on or around a host plant or tree. Visiting a Cloud Forest Reserve is an experience we think you will remember for the rest of your life..

You can also visit the Children's Eternal Cloud Forest (Bosque Nuboso Eterno de Los Ninos) which offers a drier less dense forest.

Many other activities are available including the Serpentarium with many varieties of snakes, or the Frog Pond with exhibits of many amphibian species like the poison dart frog. Also coffee plantation tours (link to new page), night tours, the new Bat exhibit with live bats, the Insect exhibit, the Butterfly Garden, the Monteverde Cheese Factory tour, horseback riding or souvenir hunting. Click here for more tour info.

Most visitors have to experience a Canopy Tour and or combine this with a Hanging Bridges / Suspended Walkways tour. The Canopy tour is thrilling and this tour takes you through and above the cloud forest in a way you will never forget. Our recommended Canopy Tour is: Aventura Canopy Tour

For the Hanging Bridges/Suspended walkways tour we recommend Selvatura Park because the park is located next to the Santa Elena Reserve and offers the best forest and very secure bridges and well maintained trails. Also free transportation is offered in the entrance fee.

Take advantage off all services , tours, bank, restaurants, supermarkets, etc. All accommodations, just a few minutes away from the activities.

Visit our Monteverde Photo Gallery with photos taken by residents and visitors. Animals, plants, trees, insects, waterfalls, reserves, canopy tour.

Thinking about a Coffee Tour while in Costa Rica? The Monteverde region produces some of the best export quality coffee in Costa Rica. How about a coffee tour which showcases sustainable agriculture where you have the opportunity to visit a small grower using organic methods and learn how these farmers combine organic coffee farming with other types of fruits and vegetables that they use to feed their families? Visit the Monteverde Coffee Coop coffee tour.

View our Monteverde area map to get a better idea of where hotels and attractions are located.

Also living here we are interested in helping the community through charitable and support activities. You can view a couple of the projects we assisted in and our ongoing T-shirts for Ticos program where you can help local residents with limited resources.