How long is the trip from Santa Teresa to Monteverde?
| Distance | About 69 miles (111 km) by road plus the ferry: 27 mi (43 km) to Paquera, then 42 mi (68 km) from Puntarenas |
|---|---|
| Drive time | 5 to 5½ hours |
| Road surface | Paved apart from the dirt stretch out of Santa Teresa. The climb from the coast up to Monteverde is steep in places. |
| Ferry | Paquera to Puntarenas, about 70 minutes |
| Last checked |
Priced per vehicle for 1 to 6 travelers, never per person. Message us for a quote to your exact route. The route also runs the other way, Monteverde to Santa Teresa.
The drive, stop by stop
- Santa Teresa to Cóbano (about 8 miles / 13 km, 25 to 30 minutes): the dirt road out of town, then pavement from Cóbano. Cóbano has the last gas station for the trip, plus supermarkets and banks.
- Cóbano to Paquera (about 40 to 45 minutes): the paved, curvy road east past Tambor and the Curú refuge entrance. Paquera has larger grocery stores, an ATM and a gas station.
- The ferry to Puntarenas (about 70 minutes): sailings at 4:00, 6:30 and 9:00 a.m., noon, 3:00, 6:00, 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. See our Puntarenas ferry page.
- Puntarenas to Monteverde (about 42 miles / 68 km, around 1 hour 40 minutes): along the coast, then up into the cloud forest. Part of the climb is steep.
What to expect on the road
This is one of the shorter ways off the peninsula, because the ferry cuts out the long drive around the Gulf of Nicoya. Plan around the sailing times: a morning ferry gets you to Monteverde in daylight. Most Anywhere travelers do this route the other way, Monteverde first and the beach last.
Insider tip: Leave Santa Teresa after an early breakfast. The dirt stretch out of town is slow, and you want the long part of the drive done in daylight: the sun sets between about 5:15 and 6:05 p.m. all year.
What travelers say about our drivers
“Our drivers, who stayed with us from Monteverde, on the ferry, then on to Montezuma were fantastic. We stopped at a nice place for coffee and a snack. They were warm and lots of fun to chat with. A BIG shout out to Wade and Cynthia - the BEST drivers ever!!”
John B., Monteverde → ferry → Montezuma
“Both of our drivers were wonderful. Very professional, safe and courteous. Spoke English well and went beyond to help us with our luggage onto and off of the ferry.”
Heather W., Montezuma → SJO
Other private transfer routes
- San José airport (SJO) to Santa Teresa
- San José airport (SJO) to Nosara
- Santa Teresa to Sámara
- Santa Teresa to Tamarindo
- Santa Teresa to La Fortuna (Arenal)
- Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio
- Santa Teresa to Nosara
- Santa Teresa to Jacó
- Cóbano airport (ACO) to Santa Teresa
Compare every way in, including the ferry, flights to Cóbano airport (ACO) and the water taxi, on getting to Santa Teresa, or see all private transfers.
A private driver from Santa Teresa to Monteverde
- Your driver meets you at arrivals, or at your hotel, with a sign bearing your name.
- Safe, friendly, English-speaking drivers with the credentials for tourist transport, arranged by Anywhere Costa Rica (IATA and ASTA accredited).
- Modern, spacious, air-conditioned vans.
- Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries, cold drinks, photos or lunch on the way.
- 24/7 in-country support by phone, text and WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Santa Teresa to Monteverde?
5 to 5½ hours. About 69 miles (111 km) by road plus the ferry: 27 mi (43 km) to Paquera, then 42 mi (68 km) from Puntarenas. Paved apart from the dirt stretch out of Santa Teresa. The climb from the coast up to Monteverde is steep in places.
How much is a private transfer from Santa Teresa to Monteverde?
Pricing is per vehicle for 1 to 6 travelers, never per person. Message us or your Anywhere Costa Rica insider for a quote to your exact route and party size.
Should we do Monteverde or Santa Teresa first?
Most travelers do the cloud forest and Arenal first and finish at the beach, so the last days are the slow ones. The route runs both ways, so pick whatever fits your flights.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes. Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries in Cóbano or Paquera, cold drinks, photos or lunch. Just tell your driver.
We're traveling with kids. What about car seats?
Costa Rica's law requires a car seat for children 12 and under who are shorter than 145 cm (57 in) or lighter than 36 kg: rear-facing under 1, forward-facing from 1 to 4, a high-back booster from 4 to 6 and a booster from 6 to 12. Ask about seats when you book, or bring your own if you'd rather use what your kids know.
Where does the driver pick us up?
At your hotel or rental in Santa Teresa, at the time you set when you book. Our in-country team is on call 24/7 by phone, text and WhatsApp if your plans change.