The Arenal to Monteverde taxi-boat-taxi $ 25 p.p...service operates year round, making connections between Arenal and Monteverde twice per day, with great views of the Costa Rica highlands and the Arenal Volcano along the way.

                                             Departure time from La Fortuna: 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. 
                                             Departure time from Monteverde: 8:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m.


  • Rate:   $25 p.p                       
Lake Crossing           La Fortuna to Monteverde
  • Public bus from La Fortuna (8:00 a.m.) with change in Tilaran (1:00 p.m.) takes 8 hours
  • Rental car takes about 4 hours. 












There are three ways to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde
Lake Crossing only takes aprox. 3 hours!

   

The mountainous cloud forest of Monteverde and the town of La Fortuna are two of Costa Rica's favorite tourist destinations and are only 25 km apart. But, with a difference in altitude of 1,150 m, a steep drop and several roadblocks – namely, an active volcano, Costa Rica's largest lake, seven rivers and a rugged, densely forested mountain range –direct passage between the two towns is difficult, to say the least.


Making the trip by road entails a very bumpy 4 to 5 hour journey by car, or an 8 hour, 136 km bus journey, with a change-over in Tilaran. Two much more convenient routes are offered, taking hours off your travel time.

The taxi-boat-taxi trip and the horseback-boat-taxi trip from Monteverde to La Fortuna, or vice versa, combine the thrill of an adventure tour with the convenience of a transportation service.

This is the quickest and most popular route between Monteverde and Arenal. It runs twice daily, every day of the year, rain or shine.

The trip combines comfortable door to door minivan transfers with a fun and scenic cruise across the tranquil Lake Arenal, where you will experience beautiful views of the majestic volcano and the forested Tilaran Mountain Range. You will also have the chance to see a variety of wetland birds such as king fishers, fly catchers, waders and other exotic species that abound on the lake shore.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Monteverde at 8am or 2pm to begin the impressive 1.5 hour journey down the mountainside on a steep road offering stunning views of the lush, green valley. Upon arrival to Lake Arenal, you will be met by a 22 person covered power boat. This is where your scenic 30 minute cruise across the lake begins. Once reaching the opposite shore, you will be taken by taxi directly to your hotel in La Fortuna.

All boats and mini-vans are comfortable, safe, fully insured and regularly inspected by the Department of Transport. Drivers and boat captains are experienced professionals and carry cell phones so that they can reach the main office or emergency contacts at any time.

The trip is also offered in reverse, from Arenal to Monteverde, departing from Arenal area hotels at 8:30 am and 2:30 pm. It is possible to go round trip in one day, but this will leave you with only 3 hours in either destination. Travelers are advised against this, as at least two or three days should be planned in either location to fully appreciate the attractions.
We will pick you up at your hotel driving to the lake´s dam where you get an amazing boat ride for about 45 min. across Arenal lake and a 1.5 hour ride through rainforest and pastures to Monteverde, where you arrive  at about 11.00 a.m.


The boat has capacity for 40 persons and allows for a little birding around the edges of the lake where you will enjoy some of acuatic birds like the ringed kingfisher, the snowy egret, the great egret, the spotted sandpiper, the blue heron, and other tropical birds are abundant.   
This route is also possible by horseback with Desafio or Aventuras el Lago, the only company who offer a ride along the lake that is safe year round.
Price $75 p.p horsebackriding Tours
Departure time from La Fortuna: 7:30 a.m.
Departure time from Monteverde: 8:00 a.m

reservations@monteverdeslothbackpackers.com
Tel: 506 2645 5793
Cel : 506 88963200