• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
MytanFeet

MytanFeet

Costa Rica Travel Information

  • Home
  • Start
  • About
  • Blog
  • Deals
  • Contact
    • Work with us

Do You Need a 4×4 for Monteverde?

October 24, 2021 By Sammi 114 Comments

As Monteverde is one of the most popular destinations in the country, we get these questions all the time. Is the road to Monteverde paved, how far is San Jose Airport to Monteverde and do I really need a 4×4 for Monteverde?

For those who are renting a car in Costa Rica and plan on visiting Monteverde, this post will go over the Monteverde road conditions and how to get to Monteverde. Y

Check out our Costa Rica car rental discount and also get our extra benefits!

Do You Need a 4×4 for Monteverde?

So to answer your question Do I really need a 4×4 to get to Monteverde? Well, it depends. Here are our thoughts about the kind of car you should rent for Monteverde. This is coming from a Costa Rican man who is very used to driving rural roads and a woman from the US who is not. And as always, safety is our number one priority for our readers.

There are two main routes to Monteverde: Route 145 and Route 606. For both of these routes, you don’t necessarily need a 4wd or 4×4, even a 4×2 SUV with high clearance will work.

One of the routes to Monteverde, Route 606, is now fully asphalted all the way to downtown Santa Elena (the main town of Monteverde). Therefore, if you are taking Route 606 and your hotel is in downtown and right off the main road, you can drive a sedan to Monteverde, particularly in dry season.

However, if you plan to explore, drive yourself to the parks and reserves or are staying at a hotel or vacation rental outside of Santa Elena downtown, then it is highly recommended to have a high clearance car with a stronger engine.

Keep in mind though that we always recommend to ask your host to see what kind of car is required to reach the property.

If You Drive to Monteverde in a Normal Car

If your hotel in in the town center and you rented a normal car like a sedan, then you can park your car at your hotel and take the public buses, taxis or transportation to the adventure parks and reserves. Then you can walk to town to restaurants, stores, etc.

Many parks such as Selvatura Park offer transportation and there are taxis and the local shuttle to the reserves throughout Monteverde.

Using GPS and the Best Routes to Take to Monteverde

The two best routes for Monteverde is Route 145 and Route 606 (I will talk in depth about both routes below).

If you use a GPS device (rented through your car rental or using one of the GPS apps), enter the name of your hotel as your final destination. Then check to see which route your GPS will take you to Monteverde.

If you use Google Maps or Waze, they will take you to the “fastest” or closest route. Of all the routes to Monteverde, we do not recommend to take Route 605 (it’s not a nice road). Route 145 and Route 606 are the best routes to take to Monteverde.

Driving from San Jose to Monteverde (Route 606)

If you are driving from San Jose Airport to Monteverde, the best route to take is Route 27, 23, Interamericana highway 1 and then Route 606. This route takes around 3.5 hours depending on traffic. The distance from San Jose Airport to Monteverde is 133 kilometers, or 83 miles via Route 606. This entire route from San Jose Airport to Monteverde is now paved.

Here is the route on Google Maps. Remember that Santa Elena is the name of the main town and tourism hub of Monteverde. You will see lots of signs for Santa Elena.

Route 606 Road Conditions (Sardinal)

Route 606 from San Jose is a fairly straightforward route. Head onto Route 27 Highway and continue for about 107 kilometers (66 miles). You’ll merge onto InterAmericana highway 1 a little past Puntarenas. This is a paved road and takes around 1.5 hours (depending on traffic).

Then you will turn right onto Route 606 Costa Rica, the route to Monteverde via Sardinal. You will see a gas station on your right and a huge billboard for Sky Trek/Adventures.

Route 606 to Monteverde
Turn right here to get to Route 606 to Monteverde coming from San Jose (if you come from Guanacaste, you’ll be looking the other direction with the gas station to your left)

Drive onto this road for about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) and turn left. There are plenty of signs for Sardinal and Monteverde so you know you’re going the right way.

monteverde road conditions - sardinal turn
One the way to Monteverde via Route 606

After about 17 kilometers (10.5miles), turn right at this sign to continue onto Route 606 to Santa Elena.

monteverde road conditions - sardinal turn to monteverde
Good signage on this road

Turn left when you see this sign and continue up the mountain to Monteverde!

The gravel road is now asphalt

At this part, it used to be a gravel road but they asphalted it over late 2019 so it’s in MUCH better condition now! There are some pot holes here and there but it’s finally all asphalted over.

Here are some photos.

Route 606 Monteverde
Got stuck behind this super slow trailer
Route 606 Monteverde
Very nicely paved road
Route 606 Monteverde
Fresh new paved Route 606
Route 606 Monteverde
Beautiful views along Route 606 to Monteverde

You’re still going up a mountain on a narrow road with no physical barrier so drive slow, take your time and don’t stress out. If you get caught behind one of the big trucks, just take it slow.

As it’s asphalted over, a sedan or SUV can make it up this hill as long as the engine is strong enough (and the car isn’t crazy packed heavy). The Route 606 is asphalted all the way until downtown Santa Teresa and then ends there.

Now I’ll talk about Route 145!

Driving from Guanacaste to Monteverde – Route 145 (Las Juntas)

If you are driving from Guanacaste (Liberia, Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, Samara, Gulf of Papagayo, Conchal) to Monteverde, then the closest route is Route 145, Las Juntas. It takes around 3.5 hours with a mix of gravel and concrete roads. Route 145 is very narrow and windy. Below are the road conditions for Route 145.

Las Juntas Road Conditions Route 145

This route is very narrow, curvy and windy with concrete and gravel roads. It goes from gravel to concrete many times throughout the entire route. Trailer trucks, public buses and shuttles use this route.

Coming from Guanacaste, Las Juntas is the turn off a couple kilometers (~1 mile) after the Restaurant Tres Hermanas (where the big bull is) at the Limonal Plaza. Turn left.

Monteverde road conditions - las juntas
The turn to Las Juntas, 6 kilometers.

You will continue on this road for 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) and drive through the town of Las Juntas and continue up towards Monteverde, passing small towns like Eco Museo, Canderlaria and Campos de Oro.

Monteverde road conditions - las juntas
Traffic jam driving from Monteverde to Tamarindo.

As it’s a rural area, you may run into some unusual traffic.

Our Experience with Route 145

Route 145 has beautiful scenery. However, the drive can be harrowing if you have never driven on unpaved roads or narrow mountain roads before. As always, the key is going slow.

A high clearance car is definitely recommended for Route 145, especially in rainy season. In rainy season, it will be best with a 4wd since it can be slippery on the concrete sections.

Route 145 Las Juntas to Monteverde
Beautiful views but big potholes

There are also a lot of trailer trucks and construction trucks on this route so you may need to pass them very closely.

Route 145 Las Juntas to Monteverde
Gravel road

This route also has a ton of big potholes and there are no guard rails either.

Route 145 Las Juntas to Monteverde
Trailer truck coming at us

You can see the route in our video below.

From Santa Elena, go to soccer field/school and continue on the bumpy road towards Xtremo and Don Juan Tours. You will then continue until a slight left to Route 145 (signs for Las Juntas) and continue on that road.

Driving from La Fortuna to Monteverde

If you are driving from La Fortuna to Monteverde, the best route to take is Route 142 around Lake Arenal towards Tilaran, Route 145 Las Juntas and then Route 606 Sardinal. This route has a mix of concrete and gravel roads, taking around 3 to 3.5 hours. Here is the map below.

monteverde road conditions - from arenal
As you are coming around from Tilaran, you will see this sign. Go right to Monteverde, left to La Fortuna
Driving from La Fortuna to Monteverde
Views driving from La Fortuna to Monteverde

A high clearance car is also recommended, especially in rainy season. Enjoy the drive and as always, go slow.

Santa Elena and Monteverde Road Conditions

Santa Elena town itself has paved roads and ends where the El Establo Hotel is. That road continues on to the Monteverde cloud forest reserves, San Luis town and Curi Cancha Reserve and is unpaved after the CPI Spanish School.

The road to Sky Adventures, Selvatura Park, Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena and Vista Verde Lodge are unpaved and go up hills so it’s steep.

Monteverde roads
View of Santa Elena town and Monteverde
Monteverde road conditions - Santa Elena town
Santa Elena town near the Serpentarium
Monteverde road conditions - santa elena cloud forest .jpg
The road to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Monteverde roads
Driving up to Selvatura Park
Monteverde roads
Pot holes, kinda steep gravel road on the way to Selvatura Park
Monteverde road conditions
Road to the Sky Adventures, Selvatura Park and Reserva Santa Elena Bosque Nuboso

We stayed at 2 Airbnbs in Monteverde that had awful roads. Awful. Like hitting your head on top of the car awful. These roads are the way to Finca Modelo and a neighborhood past the Santa Elena cemetery (Valle Bonito).

Bottom Line

If you are wondering which route is best to take to Monteverde, Route 145 and Route 606 are both doable. Both are curvy and narrow roads so for that reason, you will see that 99% of the rental cars are SUVs. Driving slow, driving during daylight and not stressing out are the keys to a pleasant drive to Monteverde.

Route 145 is closer to those coming from or going to Guanacaste, Route 606 is closer to those coming from or going to San Jose.

When it comes down to it, a 4wd or high clearance car is the safest option to get to Monteverde if you want to explore and drive yourself around. If you are staying at a hotel right in downtown or right off the main road, take Route 606 to Monteverde, park your car at the hotel, take taxis or and you can get there in a sedan.

We do not recommend driving the sedan outside of the paved roads as it will have a hard time going up the steep mountain roads if you go outside of the Santa Elena town center and it will be easier to damage the car for all the potholes.

Additional Tips for Driving to Monteverde

  • We do not recommend driving to Monteverde late at night, especially in rainy season. All routes are very curvy with no guard rails or street lights. Remember it gets dark by 6 PM everyday in Costa Rica! If your flight arrives in the evening, it is better to stay a night in San Jose/Liberia.
  • Drive slow, take your time. Don’t pass if you’re not comfortable. You will run into some buses or trucks that are super slow.
  • If you get car sick, take anti-nausea medicine! I get car sick easily and got fairly dizzy on Route 145.
  • For more driving tips, you can read our in-depth Costa Rica driving guide.

Check out our Costa Rica car rental discount and also get our extra benefits!

Filed Under: Costa Rica Travel Tips

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Samuel says

    January 3, 2023

    Planning to visit costa rica in April 2023 , coming to san Jose airport – visiting La Fortuna, Rio Celesta, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio. Do we need 4×4? or regular Sedan is fine?
    Please suggest route from Rio celeste to Monteverde,
    Also planning to drive from Monteverde to Manuel antonio in the evenig after 4 pm.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 11, 2023

      Hello Samuel, we sent you an email with more information a few days ago!

      Reply
  2. Maura says

    December 20, 2022

    Hi Sammi!
    We are coming the end of January and have 3 nights we want to venture to of San Jose. We are thinking about going to Monteverde for 1 night (do the cloud forest and zip lining) and then to Tamarindo for 2 nights. Our other option is all 3 nights in Puerto Viejo, but I’m worried the weather might not be the best on the Carribean side. What can we expect for driving time if we go from San Jose to Monteverde (I believe I saw 4 hours?) and then Monteverde to Taramindo, how long is that drive and how long is the drive from Taramindo back to San Jose? Puerto Viejo I believe I read is 4.5 hours from San Jose. Any recommendations in terms of which of the 2 options to do. This is our 1st time in CR. BTW…love your blog!!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 7, 2023

      Hello Maura, you can check the route times on Google maps or Waze, I do recommend adding at least an hour to each route for a bit more accurate times.

      Reply
  3. Christiane says

    November 2, 2022

    What a great blog is this? Wow I wish I had found it earlier 🙂
    We’ll be going to CR in May next year and are currently planning the route for 3.5 weeks.
    We’ll be arriving in San Jose, going all the way down to Sierpe for Drake Bay, coming back up for Monteverde, going to the beach at Samara or Tamarindo and back to Arenal and La Fortuna and then also travelling over to Tortuguero before going back home.
    Would you also recommend renting a 4×4 for this journey through Monteverde and Arenal? Or is there a way around the rural areas to stick to a normal car?
    Thanks so much in advance. All the best for you!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      November 2, 2022

      If you stay on Route 606 to and out of Monteverde and don’t book any hotels that require a 4wd, you won’t really need one (a high clearance car would be best). In Monteverde, the parks like Selvatura Park or Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve offer their own transportation/have a shuttle so you can take their transportation instead of driving.

      Reply
  4. Snigdha says

    October 25, 2022

    Hi, we’re flying in Liberia and planning to drive to Monteverde. What is the road like to Monteverde coming from Liberia? We’re planning to rent a 4×4 Suzuki Jimny.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      October 26, 2022

      Hi, you can check the route details here: Monteverde road conditions.

      Reply
  5. Leslie says

    September 8, 2022

    We are flying into Liberia and then going to the La Fortuna and Monte Verde areas before heading south to Quepos. We will be renting an SUV. I am wondering, is it better to go to La Fortuna or Monte Verde first before heading south? What are the best routes?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      September 8, 2022

      From Liberia you can do either, Monteverde is a bit closer to Quepos around 3.5 hours, La Fortuna is around 5 hours to Quepos so you could do la Fortuna first, then Monteverde for a shorter drive to Quepo

      Reply
  6. Liz says

    April 28, 2022

    Thank you so much for all the information! We are planning a trip from SJO to Monteverde in June. We plan to use a private transfer service. I am a very nervous passenger and just wondering if it is typically a safe trip with a private driver? Is there a high incident of serious accidents on this road with the steep cliffs and no guardrails? We will leave the San Jose area around 9am. Worried about rain and fog during that time of the year/time of day as well. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      May 24, 2022

      If you book with a licensed, reputable transfer company, all their drivers should be completely insured with the correct permits and licenses to operate a tourism vehicle – they should be professional drivers with experience. You should ask the company you booked with if they have all the licenses and insurances

      Reply
  7. Shannon Jorgensen says

    March 24, 2022

    We just did the drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde (142 to Tilaran, then the 145, then the 606). It was BEAUTIFUL! The newly paved road is SWEET and the views are astounding. Now that the 142 is paved, you do NOT need to worry about the first half of the trip. The “dirt road” that followed was great – it was a hard packed dirt road with a few potholes, but honestly a LOT better than we expected (and much better than other parts of Costa Rica that we experienced which had softer dirt and more potholes). Note: we went during March 2022 (dry season) in an SUV. It was nice to be high off the road (I’m not sure you’d enjoy driving in Costa Rica in general in a smaller, lower car). Don’t worry about this drive – take it slowly and you’ll be fine.
    NOTE: if leaving Monteverde to go to Liberia, do NOT, I repeat… do NOT take the 926. THAT was a treacherous dirt road that went through the middle of nowhere. Take any other route!

    Reply
  8. Adrian says

    March 9, 2022

    We love your guides. They are SO helpful. Thank you.

    We are currently in Monteverde and going next to Guanacaste. We have a rental 4×4 Hyundai. I see can drive through Las Juntas or Tilaran. (Or go back down through Guacimal) but I would like to try a different route.

    Which route is more scenic? Las Juntas or Tilaran? Or are they both beautiful? (Of course they are, this is Costa Rica, but which would you choose?). And how long would you allow to get to Hacienda Guachipelin?

    Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      March 9, 2022

      I’d go with Las Juntas personally, you can use a GPS like google Maps/Waze to guide you and see how long it’ll take

      Reply
      • Adrian says

        March 9, 2022

        Thanks very much Sammi.

        Reply
  9. Bob says

    March 5, 2022

    Hi Sammi!

    I had a question regarding my prospective plan to visit Monteverde. We’ll be staying close to Brasilito for a week and on one of the days I wanted to wake up and leave at 4:30-5am to drive to Monteverde (rented a 4×4 suv), visit the park, have lunch along the way, and then drive back. I understand some of the driving would be at night. Would this be advisable? Understanding that it’s an awful lot of driving for a day. Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      March 5, 2022

      I would recommend to stay a night in Monteverde instead, I do not recommend driving down that mountain at night!

      Reply
  10. Victoria says

    January 26, 2022

    Hello,

    We are traveling from Tamarindo to Monteverde, it appears we will be taking route 145, will this route come up on our waze app? Also, we will be driving this in a sedan, is this fine in the dry season? Jan 27-Feb 6.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 26, 2022

      If you have a sedan, I would take Route 606, that road is in better shape. Then also make sure to check your hotels and places you want to go in Monteverde as some of them do require a high clearance car

      Reply
  11. SarahLizRo says

    January 23, 2022

    This is such an awesome tutorial of the roads! Thank you! I have a question regarding rental cars. I am a horrible driver because I get extremely nervous. I will be with my 7 year old so I was thinking of taking the bus from San Jose to Monteverde and then perhaps renting a 4×4 in the city to go to the cloud forest park? Or should we just simply pay for a tour once we are there? I am slow and like to take my time but am also worried about driving at the park. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 24, 2022

      There are no car rentals in Monteverde so once you’re there, you’ll have to taxi/Uberaround or some adventure parks offer transportation included in the passes, and there are publis shuttle buses.

      Reply
  12. Tom howell says

    December 15, 2021

    Hi all! Thanks for the valuable information and assistance. We (family of 5, kids 9-13) are planning a nine day trip in February, flying into LIR and renting a 4×4 . We will be staying the first five or six days at Playa Flamingo to unwind on the beach, and spending the last two nights in Sarapiqui to get the true rainforest experience. I’m conflicted, though, on whether to spend one night in Monteverde in-between those two locations. I considered doing Monteverde as a day trip from Playa Flamingo, but that seems exhausting. Conversely, though, the drive from Monteverde to Sarapiqui looks difficult as well (don’t want to spend all the time in the car). Any recommendations on whether we should just skip monteverde this trip, or whether it’s worth it to get some birdwatching in after staying overnight in Monteverde and then drive to Sarapiqui?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      December 19, 2021

      For your itinerary I would skip Monteverde and you can also go birdwatching in Sarapiqui

      Reply
      • Tom howell says

        January 9, 2022

        Gracias!

        Reply
  13. Sammi says

    December 12, 2021

    I would recommend to stay a night near San Jose, immigration and customs have been taking way longer at SJO AIrport and you are arriving at a busy time when several other flights arrive around the same time so just in case, I’d plan to stay by SJO that night because there’s a very high likelihood it may take you a few hours to get through the airport and pick up your car but that is just my personal thinking since I personally don’t like to be rushed on travel days, especially when driving long routes in a foreign country after a long flight.

    Reply
  14. Murali says

    November 29, 2021

    Hi, We are planning to drive from San Jose airport to La Fortuna on 12/20. Our flight arrives at 3.30 pm but I guess by the time we get out and get our rental, it will be more like a 4.45 pm start. We are renting a Toyoto RAV4 or equivalent. Do you think it is safe to start driving at that time considering it is a 3-3.5 hrs drive and it gets dark around 6 pm?

    Reply
  15. Dan says

    November 26, 2021

    Hi Sammi,
    Coming early February during dry season and driving from Orotina to Monteverde. Have a 4×4 rental but don’t love narrow roads up mountains with big dropoffs on the edges. Is that the case often on 606? Do I need a private shuttle instead?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      November 27, 2021

      Hi Dan, Route 606 is going up the mountain with the cliff drop offs as well. I would recommend to just drive very slowly, in February at least it won’t be raining and make sure you drive during the day light (it gets dark by 6 PM everyday here).

      Reply
      • Dan Dolgin says

        November 27, 2021

        Thanks for the quick reply. Do you know if Gray Line went out of business?

        Reply
        • Sammi says

          November 27, 2021

          I am not sure…I googled it and it says temporarily closed so could be 🙁

          Reply
  16. Steph says

    November 2, 2021

    Hi,

    thank you for your blog it’s been really helpful in planning my trip to Costa Rica! I’m arriving in less than a month and I plan on renting a car. I will arrive at San Jose at 12:50pm and I would like to drive to Monteverde that same day. I’m traveling on my own so renting a 4×4 is quite expensive for me, but I was wondering if you had any updates on the road conditions on the 606? Is it advisable to try and make it to Monteverde if I pick up the car around 14:00? And could I do the drive with a sedan?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      November 2, 2021

      It will depend on your hotel because you could rent a sedan or a 4×2, you don’t necessarily need a 4×4 or 4wd as a 4×2 SUV will work too, and if your hotel is in downtown or right off the main road that is paved, you can park your car there for your days in Monteverde and then taxi or take the public bus to the reserves as Route 606 is asphalted over with some pot holes.

      Reply
  17. S Desai says

    October 27, 2021

    Hi Sammi, We’re arriving at Liberia airport around 2:30pm at end of December and planning to drive Santa Elena. Which route would be better, route 1 to 145 OR 1 to 142 & 145? do you think Toyota Rav4 be okay for 4 people? Google map shows less than 3hrs, is that accurate? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      October 28, 2021

      From Liberia, the most common way is ROute 1 and 145.

      Reply
  18. D Shah says

    October 14, 2021

    Hi Sammi:
    Would you recommend this plan? Drive from Riu Guanacaste to Monteverde in morning. Do cloud forest. drive to arenal that evening. Then next morning hanging bridges, la fortuna waterfall + chocolate tour ? Or is that too much

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      October 15, 2021

      That’s a lot of driving. Riu to Monteverde is about 4 hours, then Monteverde to Arenal is also around 3.5 hours and we don’t recommend to drive long distances at night. You could if you leave super early like 5 AM to get to Monteverde around 9-10 AM, visit the cloud forest for a 2-3 hours and then go to La Fortuna but it’s going to be tiring. If you can, I’d stay the night in Monteverde. If you are visiting anytime from now until December/January, I definitely don’t recommend it as right now we’re in our rainiest month (October) and then November/December is right at the end of rainy season but Monteverde does tend to rain more than other areas due to the elevation.

      Reply
  19. John says

    July 15, 2021

    Hi Sammi!
    I’m hoping to take 2 families ( 4 adults, 4 kids) using a similar itinerary to your 2 week trip.
    Could this be done in the big Hyundai van?
    Would we be able to visit Monteverde?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      July 17, 2021

      Hi John, you can go by Route 606, there are some pot holes but it’s mostly asphalted/concreted and the main road through Santa Elena is paved, just make sure that your lodging doesn’t require a 4×4 to get there.

      Reply
  20. Cynthia says

    June 22, 2021

    Hi, I am arriving to Liberia Airport around 3:30 pm and would like to visit Monteverde. Should I drive straight there (I was reading that we shouldn’t drive in the dark), or stay somewhere overnight and then continue driving there the next morning? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      June 23, 2021

      I would recommend to stay a night close to Liberia, once you get through immigration and customs and then pick up your rental car, it’ll be closer to sunset and Monteverde tends to rain more so you will spend most of the route driving in the dark and going up the mountains to Monteverde after dark is not recommended at all

      Reply
  21. Christopher says

    June 7, 2021

    Hi Sammi,

    Renting a Diahatsu Bego Compact SUV – I think that’s a 4×4? and driving:

    A. San Jose – Arenal
    B. Arenal – Monteverde
    C. Monteverde – Playa Flamingo

    Which are the the routes you recommend?:
    A.
    B. Arenal – Monteverde: Route 142 around Lake Arenal towards Tilaran, Route 145 Las Juntas and then Route 606 Sardinal.
    C.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      June 8, 2021

      I would say Route 142, I am not sure if they have finished fixing Route 606 (there was a section that got hit by a landslide from last year’s rainy season).

      Reply
  22. Felix says

    May 24, 2021

    Hi,

    Great blog with really good information!
    Just wanted to let you know that we just (end of May 2021) drove from La Fortuna to Monteverde and then to Quepos with a sedan (Toyota Yaris) and the road condition was fine. Some potholes but overall no problem and no need for a 4×4 at all.

    Thanks
    Felix

    Reply
  23. Jill Shannon says

    January 20, 2021

    Sammi, Your posts are always so helpful, because you know the kind of details many of us need. I was just googling to find info on the road conditions to Monteverde, and here was this wonderful article. Your “flying with pets” one was also one of the best that I have used a few times myself and shared with others. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 21, 2021

      Aw glad to be of help! Thanks for reading our blog 🙂

      Reply
  24. Jillian Truesdell says

    October 12, 2020

    Thank you so much for this post!
    I am planning on 2-3 nights in monteverde over thanksgiving. Do you have any tips of whether this year is going to be bad through that time due to the la nina? I don’t want to get stuck in torrential downpour and winds the entire time.
    Any help would be much appreciated!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      October 13, 2020

      It does tend to rain a bit more up in Monteverde and this year we have definitely had more rain and strong rain. It’s always hard to say exactly what the weather will be like because you can still get a couple hours of clear skies and sun in the morning but it may pour or be windy by noon or it could be a really sunny morning as we will begin to transition to dry season end of November. I recommend to be prepared for everything (rain, sun, winds, etc.)

      Reply
  25. Kassie says

    June 28, 2020

    We are staying at Lake Arenal Brewery for a couple days next week. Is the road from there to Monteverde less bad than how you describe 145 the whole way? We have a 4wd car but I’m wondering if it’s less of a headache to drive from the brewery back down 142 to the 1 to the 606. What do you think? Not worth it?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      June 29, 2020

      If you have a 4wd/4×4, then just go slow and try to leave earlier as it has been raining a lot this rainy season so far.

      Reply
  26. dominique says

    March 1, 2020

    hi thank you for so many good advices
    which road are the safest if i will drive from playa samara to monteverde?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      March 4, 2020

      You can go out to Nicoya, go across the Friendship bridge and take 606 to Monteverde.

      Reply
  27. Lynda Hausman says

    February 18, 2020

    Hi, thanks for the great blog,soooo useful!
    We’re going from Chachagua to Santa Elena (Monteverde) on February 21. Waze gives us two routes – the shortest is around Lake Arenal on 142, 145 and 606 at 3:15 hours, and the longer on 702, 1 and 606 at 3:48 hours.
    We have a Suzuki Jimny but have hit roads so bad we can’t believe them (143 for example, etched in our memories forever and already an inside joke).
    Would you suggest the longer way to spend more time on 606 and have an easier though longer drive? Or is the 142, 145 combination fine?

    Thanks!
    Lynda

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      February 19, 2020

      I’d go with 606 because the time isn’t a giant difference and 145 is really narrow and not as easy of an drive, especially now 606 is in better conditions.

      Reply
  28. Swan says

    February 11, 2020

    Hello – Now that Route 606 is newly paved, if we are driving from Liberia airport to Santa Elena, would you recommend we drive from Rt 1 to Rt 605 to Rt 606 rather than taking Rt 145 to 606 and approaching Santa Elena from the north? I was wondering if the drive would be less stressful if it’s paved and it sounds like 145 is not paved. We will have a 4WD SUV. Appreciate any advice.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      February 12, 2020

      It will take longer to take 606 from Liberia because its more south than 145, you could still go on 145 but from what I’ve heard, 606 is easier now so would be less stressful.

      Reply
  29. Josh says

    January 9, 2020

    Headed to CR in March, and we land in Liberia at 8:00pm. Now that the 606 is paved, is driving from LIB to Monteverde in the dark much better if I take that route (of course taking it easy on the curvy roads)? I have a midsize SUV (4wd) reserved.

    I’d rather wake up in Monteverde than by the airport on our first day in paradise if possible, but of course I’d like to be safe too. Thanks for any insights from folks that have been there in the last week or two since the paving was completed.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 9, 2020

      I would definitely stay a night at the airport, even though the road is better, it goes up and around a mountain so it’s windy, steep, curvy and no street lights and takes around 3.5 hours in daylight so it will take way longer in the dark. It is much safer to stay a night and leave early the next morning.

      Reply
      • Josh says

        January 10, 2020

        Thank you so much for your response. A follow up question, how about driving from Liberia to Canas in the dark? 🙂

        Reply
        • Sammi says

          January 10, 2020

          That is not bad, it goes on the Interamericana highway 1 and is well lit plus it is not too far.

          Reply
  30. Lorri says

    January 4, 2020

    Hola! Thanks for your awesome blog! We drove from Arenal to Monteverde on December 27 and there was definitely a section that had tons of potholes, gravel, and curvy roads (AND it was foggy and rainy!). We were so happy to have our 4×4 capability. We just took it slow.
    When we hit southbound 606 toward Santa Elena it got much better. Not paved per se but it was a compacted Rock, almost like what they put down as the first layer before they actually pave? So, no potholes but it *was* bumpy. Still, such a welcome relief after the crazy Potholed road before that.
    On Dec 31, we made our way out of Monteverde south on 606, to route 1 and then eventually route 18 to Playa Conchal. Wow! That portion of 606 was totally paved and Smooth and amazing. They must have just paved it? And then of course the roads after that were a piece of cake.
    I was so nervous about driving to and from Monteverde in particular but the roads are so much better in CR than I anticipated!
    Your post on getting gasoline was also super helpful. I used your tips and it all worked out great!
    Thanks again! Pura Vida!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 5, 2020

      Thanks for the feedback Lorri and actually you went right on those days they finished paving the 606! 145 is still not great but I think it was like Jan 1 or even Dec 31 when they finished the 606. Glad you got to drive on some nice roads 🙂

      Reply
  31. Björn says

    December 25, 2019

    606 is fully paved with asphalt since last week. We drove today with normal car – no SUV no 4×4. No problems at any time.

    Reply
  32. Johan says

    December 20, 2019

    Thanks for an excellent post. We drove up from San Jose to Monteverde this morning and were surprised over how good the conditions were. The 606 seems to have been paved just recently and its was only the last couple of km:s that were still gravel, and they were working on paving it as we drove past. Smooth driving almost all the way!

    Reply
  33. Ivy says

    December 7, 2019

    Last week we drove from Arenal to Monteverde, then from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. From Arenal to Monteverde there were a few rough, steep, or potholed areas on 145 that justified having a high clearance 4×4, especially if you’re unaccustomed to potholed country roads or it’s raining. I guess from all the written reports I was expecting something like the Rubicon trail, which it definitely wasn’t. The shoulder/ ditch areas did look very squishy, and we saw a truck that had sunk into the shoulder and tipped over. It was a little hairy, and a little bumpy, and we were glad to arrive in Monteverde.

    From Monteverde south on 606, the roads were actually much better than we expected and could easily be traversed in a sedan. No significant potholes. More paved areas than we expected too. It appeared that a lot of 606 had recently been regraded or resurfaced with kind of a packed earth material, much nicer than gravel. This was a very enjoyable drive.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      December 7, 2019

      Thanks for the update and feedback Ivy!

      Reply
  34. Rob says

    November 26, 2019

    Hi – I am travelling in late December and planning to drive from San Jose to Monteverde. Have the road conditions improved or is it still unpaved with potholes on route 606?

    We will spend two nights in Monteverde, then drive to Arenal Volcano where we will spend 2 nights. The fifth day we have our return flight out of San Jose at 12:40pm. What time should I start driving from Arenal to get to our flight safely? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      November 26, 2019

      Hi Rob, I know 606 is still not fully paved but it’s gotten a bit better though still unpaved for the last part. People have been taking 606 lately, but it is still recommended to have a high car and it does still has potholes.

      The drive from La Fortuna to San Jose is around 3 hours and I would add on at least one extra hour to stop for food and traffic and then at least 20-30 minutes for returning your car so I’d leave around 530, 6 AM the latest to be on the safe side to arrive at the airport by 1030 AM. Late December is super super busy in Costa Rica so just keep that in mind that things can take longer (driving, traffic, returning car, airport security, airport check in, etc.) so earlier the better.

      Reply
  35. Marco Van geffen says

    August 21, 2019

    Hello tomorrow we must drive from tamarindo to montverde wich Road is now beter to drive 145 or 166

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      August 21, 2019

      Route 145 – closer and better roads than 606

      Reply
  36. Sammi says

    August 21, 2019

    Hi Paula, the route through San Ramon doesn’t have quite as nice views but the vies you probably saw leaving Monteverde last time was on Route 606, that route has the nicest views. Route 145 has some nice views but most of the route going up is through the small towns whereas Route 606 goes purely up the mountain. There are some nice views in Tilaran but personally since you are going in October which is our rainiest months, I would just go straight to Manuel Antonio instead of detouring because most likely it will be raining and Route 606 is in very bad shape (and it will take much longer so personally I don’t think it’s worth it).

    Reply
  37. Paula Jordan says

    August 20, 2019

    Greetings. I love your website! I have a question. We will be going from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio. We do not plan to go to Monteverde, but I recall when leaving Monteverde on a previous trip that we saw some spectacularly green scenery on the way back to Highway 1. In looking at the map now, I am wondering if that was on Highway 145. So I am wondering if taking the road around Lake Arenal, and then going from Tilaran through Candelaria and down to Las Juntas would be pretty. That is a little farther than going from La Fortuna south through San Ramon. Do you have an opinion on this? Would the Tilaran to Las Juntas route maybe get us that beautiful lush green scenery that we previously experienced? Or is the road through San Ramon just as pretty? We will be there the first week of October. Thank you so much.

    Reply
  38. Andrew says

    August 10, 2019

    Hey! Your blog is beyond helpful. We’re coming in late November, and I’m trying to squeeze a detour to Monteverde into our trip. We’d end up on both these routes coming and going… this is so helpful.

    We’re headed to the Marriott south of Tamarindo November 19-24 for a conference. I’d like to fly in a day early, to spend one night in Monteverde on the way, to do a hike that next morning. We’d land SJO at 1:06pm, and currently I’ve got a RAV4 reserved from Budget (because I think their pickup is a short walk from the terminal… no shuttle for quick turn around was my hope). We’ll have just carry-ons, so I’d hope to be on the road by 2:30. I’d like to make it to Hotel Belmar by sunset, eat dinner, sleep, and do an early morning guided forest walk and a few Monteverde sights before heading to the Marriott after lunch.

    Is this plan too tight? I’ve rented 4x4s in Hawaii and done some pretty rough driving, but never Costa Rica. If I split our flights, I could do Spirit and land at 12:30 to get a little more time. I guess I’m curious if the time of year makes it not a good idea. Thanks so much for your thoughts!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      August 10, 2019

      Just make sure you get a good GPS and study the route. I recommend to take Route 145, it’s a bit further than 606 but 606 is still in pretty bad shape, route 145 has more concrete sections and drive slow because you may have to drive part of that route up the mountain in the dark if there is a lot of traffic in San Jose and it tends to rain more in the afternoons and nights. I also recommend to get a prepaid sim card so you have a local number in case of emergencies.

      Reply
  39. Anthony R says

    July 21, 2019

    Hello,

    I am planning to drive to Monteverde from Samara next month (August) in a Toyota Rush.

    How long should this take? What time do you suggest leaving Samara?

    Also, we’re stopping at Monteverde for 3 nights on our way back to San Jose. Knowing this I assume it would be best to take the 145 in from Samara but then take the 606 out on our way to San Jose.

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      July 23, 2019

      You can check on Google Maps an approximate time for this route: https://goo.gl/maps/fj6xuQtTx3bAWhk96

      I would give it around 3.5 hours, maybe a little more if you stop for food, etc.

      Reply
  40. Sally Lees says

    July 17, 2019

    Hi Sammi! We are staying at Casitas Tenorio as our first stop and then travelling to Arenal for 3 nights followed by Samara for a few days, then Manuel Antonio. With road conditions/ routes in mind, when would you recommend going to monteverde, possibly from Bijagua on the way to Arenal? Or day trip from Arenal? I think we will just go to monteverde for a few hours and save ziplining for Arenal. Thanks for any advice – love your site!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      July 17, 2019

      Hi Sally, you could do that but it’ll be a lot of driving (it’s like 2.5 hours from Bijagua to Monteverde, then 3.5 hours from Monteverde to La Fortuna and keep in mind that Monteverde does not have good roads). If you’re visiting in the next few months, we are entering our rainiest months so keep that in mind because it will rain a lot more in those areas and you don’t want to be driving in the dark in the rain on those routes (especially with no GPS or cell phone and it gets dark by 6 PM here everyday). I would do it as a day trip from La Fortuna personally if you reallllly want to visit Monteverde because getting to and from Monteverde is not an easy drive (very bumpy, steep and unpaved roads up a mountain).

      Reply
  41. Rajat says

    May 16, 2019

    Hi – Can you please advise if Toyota Hiace 15 seater van will be ok for the trip from La Fortuna to Monteverde and what route to take? It is just a 2 wheel drive. Going last week of May. We will be 6 adults plus 6 kids and luggage. Concern will be steep single lane wet mud pit roads. Not sure if there are still any on the Tilaran 606 145 route suggested to us. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      May 19, 2019

      Hi Rajat, the Hiace’s can make it up there (it’s the type of vehicle many shared shuttle companies use). Just make sure to go slowly though because it is an unpaved road for pretty much most of it and it gets a bit steep at some parts. Make sure to take your time and leave early because we are in transition time to rainy season and that area tends to rain more. Usually mornings are clearer.

      Reply
  42. Lynn says

    April 26, 2019

    Hi we are a group of 9 manning a visit to the Monteverde area in early August. Looking for an air bnb but the 2 houses we find talk about the horribly bumpy roads and if have not yet decided if want to rent cars or try to take taxis. Where would you recommend we stay should we get a hotel to just make things easier on all?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      April 27, 2019

      You should pick a hotel that’s in or close to Santa Elena town, and not in the outskirts so that way you can walk to restaurants and not be out in the bumpy roads. These are hotels around Hotel Poco a Poco, El Establo, Arco Iris, etc. If you’re not renting a car, I definitely recommend to be close to town because August is rainy season and Monteverde rains quite a bit so it’s good to be close.

      Reply
  43. Vicky Boehmer says

    February 22, 2019

    We are staying in Arenal. What is the best route from there? Down through la fortuna? Or counterclockwise through Tileran and off to Monteverde? We drove Tileran to Monteverde 6 years ago. It was tough and too us about 2.5 hours so I think we know what we are in for.
    Thanks in advance for some advice.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      February 22, 2019

      It will depend on where you’re going after Arenal. You can go to Monteverde going around the lake or if you’re going to Guanacaste, it’d go through Tilaran and Canas.

      Reply
  44. Wes Perrey says

    February 6, 2019

    Do pot holes require a SUV 4×4 in the dry season?

    If all but 6 miles is unpaved gravel would a SUV 2 wheel drive work as well on that condition?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      February 6, 2019

      You can get something like a Hyudndai Creta or RAV4 4×2 for dry season, keep in mind that these roads are also quite steep so it’s not just pot holes.

      Reply
      • Benny Marcel says

        March 12, 2021

        Dan you recommend the best rout from. Monteverdi to Play Conchal Westin on the coast? We will have a 4×4

        Thanks so much in advance

        Reply
        • Sammi says

          March 12, 2021

          Hi Benny! Las Juntas 145 is closest from Guanacaste and you can perfectly go to Monteverde via that route.

          Reply
        • Benny Marcel says

          March 15, 2021

          thanks! should i take 1 and go north thru Liberia or follow 18/21 west?

          Thanks. this is an awesome site by the way!

          Reply
          • Sammi says

            March 18, 2021

            You can see in this post the map via Las Juntas (Route 145) and use Google Maps to find your route from Westin Conchal, it’s a very common route.

    • Tony Cimino says

      February 18, 2019

      Hi, is route 606 out of Santa Elena still unpaved for 11 miles or so? We’re headed towards Puntarenas in the morning and want to take the smoothest route, even if it’s longer than the gravel section. We have a 4×4 but I hate driving these roads!

      Reply
      • Sammi says

        February 19, 2019

        Hi Tony, 606 is not done yet so still the same condition, I’d go with Route 145, it has more concrete sections than 606.

        Reply
  45. MIke says

    December 31, 2018

    We are thinking about doing a coffee tour near Monteverde and will be driving from an Airbnb near Tilaran. We have a Midsize SUV rented from Adobe (Hyundai Creta 4 x 2). We are arriving next week. What is the best way to get to Monteverde from Tilaran?
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 1, 2019

      Hi Mike, you can follow the route here: https://goo.gl/maps/B6DfTPcxRf82 through Route 145

      Reply
  46. Cinda says

    November 17, 2018

    Thanks for this blog. I’m trying to think through the transportation options for four for early next July. If we fly into/out of Liberia, would it make sense to rent a car for 3 nights to drive to the Arenal area and then take the taxi boat for an overnight from the Arenal area to Monteverde? Then take the taxi boat back to our rental car to drive to our beach hotel for five nights afterwards? Since that will be the rainy season, based upon the road conditions around Monteverde, just wondering if that would be a better option than driving there from Arenal? Would it be safe to leave our rental car overnight? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      November 17, 2018

      Hi Cinda, you can technically do that but there aren’t any public parking places at the lake and the taxi-boat includes transportation from your hotel. You will need to talk to your hotel to see if you can leave the car for a nigh or however long you’re staying in Monteverde, most hotels do for a small fee.

      Reply
    • Helen Canty says

      September 29, 2019

      Hi, we are going to be driving from La Fortuna to La Pavona to get the boat to Tortuguero in mid December. Can you please advise on the best route to take and how long the drive will take.
      Many thanks
      Helen

      Reply
      • Sammi says

        September 29, 2019

        Hi Helen, you can check this post for more information: How to get to Tortuguero

        Reply
  47. Alex says

    November 10, 2018

    Hi Sammi – great site and thank you for all the info! We followed suit and rented a car for our trip next week. We will be coming to Monteverde from La Fortuna and I seem to have that route down but wanted to see the best route from Monteverde to Jaco with 606 still under construction. Can we take 606 to 605 in Guacimal and then jump on Hwy 1 to Jaco? Or is the 606 construction going to prevent us from doing that? Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      November 11, 2018

      Hi Alex, the best route is to go via Las Juntas 145. Route 606 is closed all the way through (it’s only open for half an hour like 3 times a day) so to avoid any obstacles or delays, you should leave Monteverde via Las Juntas.

      Reply
  48. Glenda N Belnap says

    November 3, 2018

    I am planning an early December 2018 trip to Costa Rica. We will be traveling in a rented 4 x 4 from Monteverde to Tamarindo. Is route 606 open yet? What is the status. We will also be driving from La Fortuna to Monteverde. Is 142 to Tileran and then 145 to Santa Elena still the best route that time of year.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      November 3, 2018

      Hi Glenda, Route 606 isn’t supposed to be done until 2019 or even 2020… the construction is going fairly slow and they don’t project it to be done anytime soon. The best route will be Route 145 Las Juntas.

      Reply
      • Glenda N Belnap says

        November 5, 2018

        I am still confused…Sorry. So when leaving Monteverde take 145 to Las Juntas and then 18 to 21 and then on to Tamarindo. Or is it better to go to Liberia from Las Juntas on Hwy 1.

        Reply
        • Sammi says

          November 5, 2018

          From Monteverde, go on 145 Las Juntas towards the 1, then onto 18 towards the Taiwan Friendship Bridge, then towards Nicoya after the bridge.

          Reply
  49. Sammi says

    April 15, 2018

    Hi Sandy, there is not too much on this route but you can stop by the Taiwan Friendship Bridge which is nice quick stop. There isn’t too much on this route and once you start going up the mountain towards Monteverde, there are some very nice view points along the way. If you hired a private driver, usually they will stop at nice view points. For lunch, a lot of people stop at Tres Hermanas, it is a restaurant about halfway from Tamarindo to Monteverde. There is also a nice little cafe across the street that has Scarlet Macaws.

    When you’re in La Fortuna, you don’t need a 4×4. The roads in La Fortuna are all well paved and a sedan will be perfectly fine.

    Reply
  50. Sandy H says

    April 13, 2018

    Hi, we will be traveling from Tamarindo to Monteverde with a driver. Is there a good place to stop for lunch along the way, or something we should see? We also will be renting a car through your link for a few days when we are in La Fortuna. Do you recommend a 4×4?

    Reply
  51. Angela says

    March 25, 2018

    Hi–just saw your update to Route 606 to Monteverde: Route 606 to Monteverde is currently under construction as of March 2018 and only open certain hours a day. It is open from 10 AM to 1030AM, 1230 PM to 1PM, 3 PM to 3:15 PM and 5 PM to 7 AM. It is recommended to take Las Juntas, Route 145 which is open. Read about Las Juntas in the post below.

    Is this impacting tours traveling to that area? We plan to rent a car but don’t want to be stuck in traffic trying to get to Monteverde….should we forgo it this trip?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      March 25, 2018

      Hi Angela, there may be a little bit more traffic in Las Juntas since that will be the route early everyone is going to take now but since it’s a long route and not that many people drive to Monteverde, you won’t be in bumper to bumper traffic. You may run into a slow truck and other cars but it’s not like you will be sitting in traffic for hours since that route is completely open whereas the Route 606 will be closed most of the day (and they are changing closing times according to their progress).

      Reply
      • Rebecca D'Elena says

        May 23, 2018

        We are planning on going in July to Monteverde, but are wondering if we should reconsider, as we are heading to Santa Teresa after, the 145 route seems to add a lot of time to travel to Monteverde. Any status updates on 606?

        Reply
        • Sammi says

          May 25, 2018

          Hi Rebecca, I am not exactly sure when the 606 will be done but I recommend checking the Monteverde Facebook page for updates. The 145 does add a bit of time from Puntarenas but it’s not a huge difference so if 606 isn’t open yet, you can still take 145. 145 actually has mostly concrete roads but it is fairly curvy and narrow so you do have to go slow. But it’s not like a 5 hour difference between the two from Puntarenas, it may be like an extra hour or so so that is still an option if the 606 isn’t open all the way yet.

          Reply
  52. Judith says

    October 14, 2017

    Were planning to rent through Adobe as you suggest for about 12 days and wonder if we need an SUV from San Jose, to Liberia, Hermosa, Playa Coyote and return to San Jose? Im used to driving in the mountains in BC, Canada, so not a city dweller. Any help would be great before i book, travel dates: Nov 1-13,

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      October 16, 2017

      Hi Judith, you won’t need a 4×4. Playa COyote might have a couple unpaved roads but the main road down to Samara is paved as well as San Jose to Liberia. I wrote a post about road conditions with pics/videos you can check out for more info: Costa Rica road conditions.

      Reply
  53. Ilya says

    June 30, 2017

    Hi!
    Thank you for a lot of great info, spent so much time going through the website getting ready for the first to Costa Rica.
    For the trip from Liberia to Monteverde, do you think Hyundai Creta 4×2 will have enough clearance, there will be 2 adults and young teenager, but very lightly packed? Expected travel very early August
    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      July 1, 2017

      Hi Ilya! The Hyundai Creta should be OK – just go slow. That car isn’t a 4×4 but should be high enough lightly packed, you’ll just need to go slow and drive careful up the hills and around the pot holes which do get bigger in rainy season.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

About Mytanfeet

Hi! We are Yeison and Samantha

Mytanfeet is full of local tips, detailed guides, photos, videos and maps to help you plan the perfect ​trip to Costa Rica.

Our Costa Rica City Guides

Tamarindo Costa Rica Travel Guide


Costa Rica Destinations Map

Special rent a car rates for Mytanfeet readers

Check Rates or Reserve


Get Exclusive Costa Rica Travel Tips and our Free Travel Guide Straight to You!

Yes, send me the tips

Footer

About

Who are we ?
Contact us
Our Instagram
Copyright & Disclaimer

Travel

Start here
Destination Map
Join our YouTube Channel

Exclusive deals

Car rental discount and freebies
7% off Arenal tours
White water Rafting special
See all our exclusive deals

Mytanfeet LLC Copyright© 2013 - 2023 - Thank you for supporting our Travel Blog!