A private, English-speaking van service connects San José International Airport to Monteverde in about 3–5 hours. Expect winding, partly unpaved roads, cooler cloud-forest weather on arrival, and drivers who can tailor stops and luggage handling.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You leave the flat airport plain behind and climb. The highway out of San José unspools into secondary roads, then into the green knife-edge of mountain ridges where clouds begin to hang like a weathered curtain. In a legal, insured tourism van you ride with an English-speaking driver who knows the turns, the best places to stop, and how the weather will change as elevation rises toward Monteverde.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for all travelers who can board a van
Wildlife
History
Monteverde grew after mid-20th-century settlement by North American farmers and later conservation efforts that helped create private reserves protecting cloud forest habitat.
Conservation
Local tourism emphasizes private reserves and guided trails; stay on marked paths, avoid night driving through sensitive areas, and support locally owned operators.
Reserve your spot on the Private Ground Transfer SJO - Monteverde today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Expect variable road surfaces
Parts of the route include unpaved, winding mountain roads—allow extra time and brace for slower travel.
Layer up for temperature change
Temperatures drop with elevation; bring a light shell and midlayer you can easily stash.
Pack motion-sickness remedies
The route has many switchbacks—bring medication or choose a seat toward the front of the van.
Confirm flight and pickup details
Provide arrival flight number and pickup point so the driver can adjust timing for delays.
Layered jacket
Keeps you comfortable when temperatures fall entering the cloud forest.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Useful for quick stops or short walks at viewpoints in muddy conditions.
Motion-sickness medication
Helps on winding mountain roads if you’re prone to nausea.
Printed or digital flight and contact info
Ensures smooth pickup and quick communication with your driver.