tino

what is the best driving route from arenal to monteverde? We are interested in a route that is the shortest but also the best of those difficult roads. Also, how long will it take?

kaudrey

Hi,

There is really only one road around the lake, and it takes about 4 hours by car. See www. monteverdeinfo.com for details.

Suzie2

There are basically two roads down. Neither one is very good. The shortest would be to go down through Tilaran. Could take 4-5 hrs. Getting down is only half the fun. There will be some paved road but then you will run into more unpaved before actually getting to the paved road heading into the Fortuna area. Doing the Monteverde/Santa Elena drive is like a badge of courage. You haven't done Monteverde until you have driven up to it or down from it. I have to admit that the bus was even worse. The driver flew down the mountains and the road (minus any guard rails) was barely wide enough for the bus at times.
Just take a deep breath and go for it. I don't recall the Tilaran route being as bad as the one to the Pan Am Hwy but it has been awhile.

tino

Okay. Once I leave fortuna and get to Tilaran what road do I take? Is that a better route than going down to route 1 and then up to monteverde?

kirstenrdh

Tino,
We just made that trip. There really is only one way to go from Arenal area to Monteverde, which is via Tilaran. Just follow signs for Tilaran and then Santa Elena. this should take you about 4 hours. As you know, the road is horrible once you get outside of Tilaran, but you will be OK. The only "village" we got a little bit lost in was Nuevo Arenal ( I think). You sort of have to make a right and head up the street to get to Tialaran. You will pass a German Bakery ( make sure to stop in for nut cups and chat with the german exchange student working there) to know that you are heading in the right direction. Don't worry, you will find your way just fine.