We are looking into using interbuses to get to Arenal and Monteverde from San Jose.

Do we have to pre-pay online or can we get 1 when we are in San Jose?

Once you get to Arenal and Monteverde - how do you get around? Is it pricey?

I would pre-pay because there's generally only one time per day that they depart, sometimes two. Of course, there may be multiple vans, but not sure if they add at last minute if they're full. In Arenal you pretty much use a taxi (no bus or shuttle there, unless your hotel provides one). In Monteverde, I have not been there, but I've read you can walk to many places.

"Monteverde" refers to an area that spreads out over several miles. You can walk around the small town of Santa Elena, but to get to and from anywhere else, you need to take a taxi. Hotels and restaurants are happy to call one for you. Many of the organized tours provide transport to and from their sites.

Thank you for your responses. At this point we are trying to figure out of we should do MOnteverde or Manuel Antonio. What are some of the activities that we can do in Monteverde? Or is it very similar to Arenal?

Jeff = Thanks fo clarifying that. I guess I should check my sources better! I can't remember where I ready Monteverde was easily walkable.

Interbus does go to and from the Arenal/Fortuna area,we live there near Arenal volcano and I have taken Interbus to both San Jose and Liberia airports. It costs $29 per person one way. It is best to pay in advance to reserve your seat. We own a small, new resort in the Arenal/Fortuna area our guests sometimes use the Jeep/Boat/Jeep option when traveling between the Monteverde and Fortuna areas. For details contact us through our website at www.leavesandlizards.com

We used interbus to travel all over Costa Rica. We prepaid and had no problems. They were running late on one trip and they called the hotel to let us know they were going to be 20 mins. late. Great service. We used tours, local buses and taxis once at the resorts/hotels.

We did not visit Monteverde but did visit Arenal and Manuel Antonio (along with Tortuguero, Sarapaqui and Playa Samara). We LOVED both. In Arenal our cabin had a volcano view. It was awesome. In Manuel Antonio, our hotel room had a view of the park and beaches. It was to die for.

Wherever you go in Costa Rica, have fun.

thanks for all the responses.

BarbAnn - which hotels did you stay in and would you recommend them?

Also - I read somewhere that you can take a bus from san jose to Manuel antonio for about $2-3. Is that a city bus type of thing? Are they safe?

Arenal Paraiso has very reasonable rates, stayed there last year in a standard that was like $65 a night with a great view of Arenal.

Costa Verde in MA has awesome views from their Studio Plus rooms, not sure of their current pricing though.

I would definitely reserve interbus ahead of time, they sometimes fill up depending on the time of year.

We stayed at Arenal Paraiso (superior cabin) and Costa Verde (studio plus). We loved both hotels and would definately recommend them.

We actually walked to MA National Park from Costa Verde, but took the local bus back to the hotel. The hotel is in a great location.

I was thinking of taking the interbus from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. Do the bus drivers also serve as "tour guides" on the ride, offering narration to explain the surroundings and their history? Do they speak English?

acc23nyc -- I think it's gonna be a hit or miss on that one. We had a terrific driver that brought his wife and child on our drive from Sand Jose to Puerto Viejo. He spoke excellent English, was super nice and showed things the whole way. But on another leg we had a driver that spoke less English and was less talkative, although we met other interesting people on that one.

Do the taxis have set rates or do you negotiate?

Keith