OK, I'm still trying to work both Monteverde and Arenal into my trip to CR next month, but I have come to the conclusion that driving to/from Monteverde is something I'd rather avoid. Has anyone done the 4x4/boat trip (2-3 hours; $25/each) OR horseback/boat trip (5-6 hours; $65/each) between Monteverde and Arenal? Is this recommended? Thanks!

I had similar questions. Also, what do you do with your luggage while on horseback? There doesn't seem to be enough time to do the horseback/boat trip just for a day to see Monteverde, so that means staying over night and brining luggage. But how do you haul it while on horseback?

I mentioned this once before on Fodor's, but I came across a helpful article regarding the 3 horseback trails--the pros and cons of each in terms of difficult, and the recommendations of each regarding weather conditions. If you are interested, I would be glad to mail you a copy. I tried scanning it to someone recently and it was barely legible. [email protected]

The companies haul your luggage up for you.

I have recently heard that most of the reputable horseback companies are discontinuing the rides all the way up and are now doing a horseback ride that is lower and then you take a van (or similar) up to Santa Elena. Most of them feel that the ride was too hard on the horses. When I did the horseback up there a few years ago, the company we went with rested the horses frequently.

shillmac, i'd love it if you emailed me the article if you have time.

thanks,
jenny

[email protected]

Does anyone know if it is possible to do a 1 day trip to Monteverde from Arenal. We would like to do a zip line and walk the bridges. We don't mind a long day of travel. Could we do this if we have a driver/guide?

Below are the two sites where I found the information on traveling between Monteverde and Arenal. None of the trips are designed to do the route there and back in one day, it's too long. I'm just wondering if there's anyone out there who has tried this? It looks like it could be a way to work in an adventure trip while also traveling between destinations, thus killing two birds with one stone! I do want to make sure that I use a good company that treats their horses well, however... So any tips are welcome!

http://www.monteverdetours.com/horseback/index.htm

http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/volcano.htm

I have put the article regarding the 3 trails on horseback (and taxi and boat)from Monteverde to La Fortuna in Word. Be glad to send it along to anyone else who is looking into this possibility. It does sound like a lot of fun if you choose the right trail for the right time of year.

jquentzel - I know that it is possible, because this trip was on the "menu of activities" received upon check-in at our hotel in Arenal during September 2004. We didn't do this, I'm sorry, but you ARE on the right track...

I did the taxi (jeep)-boat-taxi trip. I would definitely recommend it. It's very pretty and very easy (everything's taken care of). My friends went by horse and although it was nice, it apparently took a LONG time.