Monteverde Maps, Facts & Resources
Straddling the Continental Divide at 4,662 feet (1,440 m) above sea level and set within an almost mythic cloud forest, Monteverde is truly one of Costa Rica’s most remarkable destinations — for many reasons. Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainability, and Monteverde is no exception. Many accommodations favour green practices, local farmers tend to favor organic or low chemical production, and the community is committed to preserving significant portions of wilderness and promoting reforestation in previously damaged areas. When you travel to Monteverde, Costa Rica you’re supporting all of the practices, great and small, that keep this region beautiful.
Costa Rica is more than beaches.
When you think of Costa Rica, sunny beaches and warm sand like Tamarindo Beach might be one of the first things that come to mind, but that’s coastal Costa Rica. Famous for its cloud forests, Monteverde, Costa Rica’s weather is mountainous, and can sometimes be a little damp. If you’re from the United States of America, you’ll probably find it similar to the climate of the Pacific Northwest — a moist climate, but the summers are amazing! Fresh air and outdoor adventures beckon, and occasional rain showers keep the region green and bursting with wildlife that you can observe in their natural habitat. Don’t worry, regardless of whether you visit during the region’s dry season or ‘green season’ (i.e. rainy), you will still have plenty of time to enjoy outdoor adventures if you plan and pack accordingly!
Facts about Monteverde’s climate.
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Mean temperature: 61-64° F (16-18° C).
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Annual rainfall: 118 inches.
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Dry Season: December to March.
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Location: 140 miles (225 km) northwest of San José. Generally, this takes about 3.5 hours by car and 5 hours by bus.
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Population: 6,750.
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Altitude: 5,900 feet (1,800 m), although the highest hiking trails are at an elevation of 4,100 feet (1,250 m).
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Sunrise: 5:30 AM. Sunset is at 5:30 PM. See the Costa Rica Sunrise Sunset Time Table for more information.
The perks of being green.
A locale’s climate always has its benefits. Monteverde, Costa Rica’s weather keeps the region lusciously green, which means nature enthusiasts are in for a dream getaway. Rappel down waterfalls. Stroll through orchid gardens. Walk or glide through a forest canopy. On each of these adventures plants and animals will be abundant, so be sure to bring your binoculars, camera, or sketchbook — to be on the safe side, perahps you should grab your favorite rucksack and bring all three.
Learn about Monteverde’s restaurants, markets, favorite local activites, and more.
Travel Tip: Did you know that Monteverde, Costa Rica’s weather can work in your favor? If you’re willing and able to travel during the country’s rainy season (April to November) then you can enjoy less crowds and lower prices at top destinations and accommodations. In other words, if you don’t mind a few showers, you might be able to splash out on a luxury getaway.
How to get to Monteverde.
If you are traveling by car, please see the northwest Costa Rica region map. If you will be traveling by bus, please see the Costa Rican Bus Schedule page.
From San José: There are direct buses from San José to Monteverde that leave at 6:30 AM and 2:30 PM. These buses leave from the San Carlos Bus Station in San José (also known as the old Puntarenas bus station), which is located at the corner of Calle 14 and Avenida 11 and 9. Although this is a direct bus, it stops in Sardinal to allow people to use the bathroom and buy food. Cost is around $5 and the trip takes between 4 and 5 hours.
From Puntarenas: There are two buses from Puntarenas. One leaves at 1:00 PM (via Las Juntas) and one at 2:00 PM (direct). Both arrive in the village at 5:00 PM and cost approximately $2.
From Guanacaste: There are buses from Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Tamarindo, Flamingo, Playa del Coco, the Nicaragua Border, and Liberia. If you are taking one of these buses, you will go to the bus station in Sardinal or La Irma, and then hop on one of the buses to Monteverde. See the San José section above for details.
From Tilarán: The bus leaves Tilarán for Monteverde at 1:00 PM and arrives at approximately 3:30 PM approximately (although it is a bit later in wet season).The cost is approximately $3.
From Beaches Along the Southern Pacific: If you are traveling from the Marino Ballena National Park, Uvita, Dominical, Matapalo, Quepos, Manuel Antonio, Jacó, or Herradura, first take a bus to Puntarenas. From here you can take a bus to Monteverde. See the Puntarenas section above for details.
We offer daily a mini bus shuttle between more than 50 destinations in Costa Rica. However, we recommend taking a true vacation and letting someone else do the driving for you. You can easily add personalised transportation options when you book your tours and accommodations.
How to get to/from Arenal Volcano: Shortcuts, alternatives, maps of trails, hotels locator, and more!
If you have specific questions about Monteverde, Costa Rica’s weather and the best time to book your getaway, then call us toll-free at +1-888-830-6074 or send us a message to one of our travel experts.
Learn more about Monteverde
The Monteverde Institute
A non-profit educational association by Monteverde residents, blends international study and research with educational and cultural opportunities for local Monteverde communities.
Monteverde Costa Rica Cloud Forest research database
Over 125 ecologists, agriculturists and educators have contributed to the natural history and ecology of the Monteverde area. Their objective is to bring together the extensive body of knowledge that researchers and natural historians have gathered and identify areas for future research.
Monteverde Natural History
The plants and butterflies of Monteverde.
Monteverde Friends School
A bilingual (Spanish and English) school serving preschool through high school students in small, multi-age classes. This school was founded over 50 years ago by the original Quaker settlers who left the United States for Monteverde, and now primarily serves local Costa Rican children as well as children of North American parents. This non-profit school is looking for volunteers and contributions.
Cloud Forest School
A school centered upon creative learning, the Cloud Forest School is an elementary non-profit school in Monteverde.
Montana Coffee Traders
If you live in the United States and would like to buy fair trade coffee from Monteverde, visit this site of the Montana Coffee Traders.
http://www.coffeetraders.com/monte.cfm
Coffee Farmers Coop
Another excellent resource for people living in the United States who would like to buy fair trade coffee from Monteverde.
ATMs and Newspapers
Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Costa Rica. Traveler’s checks (in U.S. currency) and U.S. cash are accepted most everywhere.
La Nacion
Costa Rica’s national newspaper. The website is in Spanish, but there is an English version as well.
http://www.nacion.com
The Tico Times
A Costa Rican newspaper in English.
http://www.ticotimes.net/
OTHER WEBSITES & RESOURCES
Travelling Books
Travelling books about Costa Rica.
https://www.monteverdeinfo.com
