aligroovi

Hi! I am trying to figure out driving directions from Liberia to Monteverde, and then from Monteverde to Arenal.

I am also trying to figure out approximate driving times for each. We arrive in Liberia at 1:15 pm. Does that leave enough time to get to Monteverde before dark?

Thanks!

Heliconiaceae

You will barely have enough time to make it there before dark. It is 88mi/140km and the drive takes about 3.5 hours. The road up the mountains is very steep and very windy and it is not paved all the way. If you get out of the airport quickly you might make it. Maybe go to the beach first and adventure inland early in the morning another day. From Monteverde to Arenal it is also a 4 hour trip and you have to go through even rougher terrain. If it is dry it is okay, but rain makes the roads pretty dodgey. Get a really good map as the roads are not marked very well or not at all.

Here is a general map to give you an idea of where everything is located. The road between Arenal and Monteverde is not even marked but it does exist.

http://www.anywherecostarica.com/map...a-rica-map.htm

GPSCOSTARICA

Very simple...from Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, take the road towards Liberia...at the big intersection...where Burger King is...take a right...all the way to Rio Lagartos...cross the bridge and right there at your left is the "entrance" to Monteverde...if for any reason you miss this entrance you can look for the next big/new gas station at the entrance of Sardinal..make a left there...the Lagartos and Sardinal roads wiil merge a few miles later!!

I will said that yes you have time to get to Monteverde...about 4 hours.

About 28 Km..of bad road..any car can make it...but maybe more comfort and safety with a 4x4...I drive there at least once a week..now days is not that bad!!

From Monteverde, take the road to San Luis and Tilaran...drive to Nuevo Arenal...and around the lake to Tabacon and then La Fortuna...the road is bad between San Luis to Tilaran...just drive slow...incredible great views!! The Guanacaste pampa looks amizing from there... Between 3 and 4 hours drive...

Luis

aligroovi

Thank you Heliconiaceae & Luis - Just in time - we head out tomorrow! Our fingers are crossed it all works out as we have Monteverde reservations already. Will report back...

shillmac

aligroovi,
Hope you have wonderful trip--but please be aware that IF you arrive on time at 1:15, it may well be 3:00 by the time you get on the road with your rental car. Expect it to be dark by 6:00 or very soon thereafter. This is not a road you want to be on after dark--please don't take unnecessary chances. Unless you are on the road by 2:30 and not a minute later, I wouldn't chance it.