As we’ve mentioned in other articles, private transportation in Costa Rica is usually more costly than other transportation options, but it’s more comfortable and the best choice when you’re traveling with your family.

Here, we will summarize some things to keep in mind if you decide to use private transporation in Costa rica, and we’ll make a few suggestions about where you can get a quote for this service.

Private transportation in Costa Rica: four things to keep in mind for the best family trip experience

1. Safety and flexibility while traveling to any part of the country. As opposed to group trips for tourists, on private trips you can decide where to stop and how long you want to take to admire the scenery

You can make suggestions to the driver, or ask them about the best routes to travel to Monteverde, if you’re planning on traveling to the cloud fores

2. Create the schedule that best suits you, that departs from any place, airport, hotel, or private home. This gives you more freedom to agree on decisions with your family.

You can have an itinerary ready for places to visit, but if anything unforeseen comes up, such as wanting to stay somewhere for longer than you had planned, you can just schedule your departure when you wish, without missing any trips that are scheduled for a specific time.

3. Travel in nice vehicles that have air conditioning and that are driven by dependable professionals. The quality of your transportation is a decision that you can make for the safety of your family.

If you’re traveling in a vehicle that’s in poor condition, you risk wasting time as it will be more likely to break down. This also means that you could miss your tour reservations, depending on how long it takes to fix any mechanical issues.

4. Save money in comparison with other group services, as private service prices tend to be charged per vehicle rather than being based on the number of passengers, so you can travel with various family members or friends.

If we compare prices, a group shuttle service usually charges USD 54 per person, so if you’re traveling with six family members and you multiply that amount by six, it would cost around 324 USD. Whereas you can hire a private service with a fixed rate, that starts at around USD 232. When we think about it like that, you’d be saving money and traveling more comfortably with your loved ones.

Private transportation services in Costa Rica: some alternatives

With TicoRaid, you can compare prices for private transportation services in Costa Rica, to find the one that’s economically best for you and your family.

If you don’t have time to drive all the way from San Jose to Monteverde, you can take a domestic flight once you’re in the country with NatureAir (flights cost between USD 65 and USD 160 and are subject to availability). Once you’re in La Fortuna, you can hire a private transportation service. We recommend getting a quote from Transnuñez, and if you have time you can also check prices with Morphovans.

If you want to escape daily stress and enjoy a great vacation with your family, private transportation services in Costa Rica may be the best option, so that you can just focus on enjoying an unforgettable experience in this Central American country.

If you’re considering a visit to the Monteverde cloud forest, keep in mind that you can use Selvatura Park’s transportation service when you book a zipline or hanging bridges tour at the park.

If you haven’t decided where to stay, you may be interested in these Monteverde hotels options, one of which is particularly good for family trips: Hotel Heliconia.

If you aren’t sure about what to do in Monteverde, we recommend the following article:

Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica: 5 activities that are not to be missed

If you decide to rent a car for your trip to Costa Rica, you need to know about the main regulations set forth in the Costa Rican Traffic Law, so that you can have a pleasant experience.

Here below, we will explain current regulations regarding foreign driver’s licenses, the main points of the traffic law, and finally, four tips for driving in the country.

Foreign driver’s licenses

It’s important to know the rules of the road. Before you start driving, you must ensure that you have the correct kind of license for the type of vehicle that you want to rent.

The law allows foreign tourists to drive the kind of vehicle indicated on their license, so if you have a type E or Universal license, you have nothing to worry about.

However, if you don’t have that kind of license, keep in mind that up until 2017 the law stated that holders of B-1 licenses could drive motorcycles. However, with the modifications made to the law this year, those with foreign or national driver’s licenses can now only drive the vehicle indicated on their license.

Traffic Laws in Costa Rica

As we mentioned earlier, Costa Rica has regulations that apply to everything related to traffic on public streets and traffic safety. Here below, we will explain the main points that you must carefully follow to avoid any inconveniences in the “Pura Vida” country.

Wearing a seatbelt is required by law. The law strictly states that all passengers in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt. For children, seatbelt modifications must be made.

Respect speed limits according to the area and the road signs. Speed limits can be seen on road signs. On highways the speed limit is 60 kilometres per hour (kph) and the minimum speed is 40 kph. In urban areas, the speed limit is 40 kph, while in areas near schools, hospitals or clinics, it’s 25 kph. Unless otherwise stated, this is the law.

Driving on beaches or under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Unless there is no other route connecting two cities or towns, you cannot drive on a beach. It’s also entirely prohibited to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Traffic police are authorized to conduct breathalyser tests on drivers.

Bribes or demands that are not within the law. Under no circumstances should you give money to traffic police to avoid fines, nor should you allow your personal documents or car registration to be taken from you. The only things that can be taken from you in severe cases are your license plates. If officers are insistent about either of these things, ask to be taken to the nearest police station to clear up the situation.

Stopping and pulling over on the side of the road. If a traffic officer indicates that you need to stop and pull over, you must do so. This can happen to conduct general checks, if you have been driving over the speed limit, if you are driving without a license, or when there’s an accident ahead, among other things.

Four tips for driving in Costa Rica

1. Look into your route before you start driving

When driving in Costa Rica, it’s important to note that there are gravel and dirt roads here, as well as areas where roads have many potholes, so it’s important to look into the route that you plan on taking. By doing this you can avoid inconveniences caused by the physical state and safety of the area.

You should also be very careful if anyone signals you to stop your car. You can never be sure of the intentions of strangers. It’s also best not to park on streets that you think should be fine to park on, but rather to look for a safe parking lot and avoid leaving valuables in the car. Also try to keep doors and windows closed and locked at all times.

2. Practice defensive driving

Driving in Costa Rica requires knowledge about defensive driving, as this can help to avoid all kinds of unexpected events that can be related to the state of the driver, the state of the vehicle, or weather conditions.

It’s very important to be well rested, so as to avoid problems related to fatigue or vision while driving. That’s why it’s best to decide where you will be staying. If you’re going to Monteverde, you may be interested in these hotels.

If you’re well rested, then you can check the car. You must check the condition that the car is in before you start driving, including oil, brake liquid, tire pressure (including spare tires), the electrical system, windshield wipers, light changes, turn lights, and brake lights.

Next, you must make sure to be careful when driving at night. Depending on which area of the country you’re in, there can be a lot of fog at night. Be careful about your speed, visibility, and the lighting not only of your vehicle, but also on the road, to ensure that you can clearly see where you’re going.

Furthermore, it tends to rain in Costa Rica, so set out on your trip with lots of time to spare. You should drive more slowly in the rain to avoid slipping.

There are also many curves in the roads in Costa Rica, as it is a mountainous country. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the routes you’ll take, so that you can determine how long it will take to reach your destination, but also to learn about the precautions you need to take to avoid common accidents on curvy roads.

3. Emergency contacts in case of accidents

If you’re in an accident, wait for a traffic officer to arrive. Don’t move your vehicle, as this will hinder the officer’s ability to write up a report. You can also report your accident by calling 911, 800-123456, or the number given to you by the insurance you purchased before entering the country.

4. Follow all the regulations set forth in the law to avoid costly fines

Para terminar este apartado, evita hacer infracciones de tránsito para que no pagues multas de más de 500 dólares, interioriza las principales reglas y toma en cuenta los consejos. Conduce con seguridad por los lugares que te has planteado.

If you get a ticket, make sure to pay it at any state-run bank and present a copy of your receipt to the car rental agency when you return the vehicle. If you still haven’t decided where to rent a car from, we recommend the most well-known agencies in the country in this article.

If you’ve considered visiting the northern region of the country, make sure not to miss the Monteverde cloud forest. There are different routes to take so that you can enjoy the trip, as well as hotels where you can do more than just relax and things to do for a complete adventure during your vacation.

Are in interested in learning about how to get to Monteverde? Read the following article:

The easiest way to get to Monteverde

Getting enough rest is something that I always make a priority. When you’re on an adventure-filled vacation, it’s important to have a good place to relax.

In other articles I’ve mentioned that I’ve visited several adventure parks in Monteverde, and I’ve talked about my favourite one. This article will be similar, but here I’ll focus on recommending the hotels near Monteverde where I usually stay when I want to connect with the community, and have the adventure of going on the highest and longest zip line in the cloud forest. I will share five hotel options in Monteverde, Costa Rica, so that you can choose the hotel of your dreams.

Hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica: rest and connect with nature

When people ask about the best place to zip line in Monteverde, the next question is always about the best hotel near the cloud forest. That’s why I will discuss the hotels that I recommend, so that you can choose which one is right for you. Personally, I have three favourite ones where I usually stay, because they are near Monteverde and include transportation to Selvatura Park, which is one of the adventure parks I often visit.

Chira Glamping Monteverde: a camping experience

At Chira Glamping Monteverde, you can enjoy a modern camping experience where the rooms are like tents, so your room, or more accurately your bed, is inside the tent. You also have access to a kitchenette, a fridge, and a private bathroom which isn’t inside the tent, but rather under a small roof.

This camping style hotel is located in Cerro Plano, very close to one of the most famous adventure parks in Costa Rica, Sky Adventures Monteverde. Staying here is an unforgettable experience because you have the sensation of going camping, but in a luxurious way. However, I feel that the prices are quite high considering the services they offer.

Hotel Belmar: quality and history

This is one of the hotels near Monteverde, and one of the oldest and most famous ones in the area. Its four stars mean that it’s reliable, and I recommend this hotel to anyone who has enough money to invest in lodging.

Hotel Belmar is synonymous with luxury, which is why the prices are the way they are. Although the rooms and the services at this hotel are high quality, I prefer to save some money to do other activities that allow me the following hotels that I will mention:

Hotels near Monteverde, Costa Rica, that detailing the free shuttle service to Selvatura Park

Hotel Jaguarundi Lodge: feel nature from inside your room

Hotel Jaguarundi Lodge is located around 100 metres north of the Monteverde bus station, and it’s another hotel that I’ve fallen in love with.

Making my way into the hotel’s private forest is one of my favourite activities. I don’t just come to this hotel to rest, but also to have peaceful adventures in nature as I can hike along their trails and see the area’s native flora and fauna. There’s nothing to worry about in terms of the value for money, as Jaguarundi Lodge meets all expectations.

Hotel Heliconia: experience warmth, find more than relaxation

I’m captivated by this hotel because of its chalet style. Its houses remind me of the ones I’ve seen in Sweden, but with their own special Costa Rican touch. I also really like the wood finishes, because they remind me of the warmth of home.

It’s always been easy for me to book a room here. Hotel Heliconia, will give you a feel for the immensity of the Monteverde cloud forest, while providing good customer service, too.

Hotel Ficus Sunset Suites: dreamy sunsets

Hotel Ficus Sunset Suites embodies comfort, relaxation, and adventure in its elegant design. The rooms are big and spacious.

I feel at home here, not only because it’s easy to get around and visit the surrounding community, Santa Elena, but also because I love to relax peacefully in the chairs on the balconies each room has, where I can watch dreamy sunsets. The value for money is up to par. This is the perfect place to relax during a good trip.

In conclusion, the last three hotels I mentioned are my favourites, which is why I rotate between them every time I take a trip. One year I book a room at the Jaguarundi Lodge, the next year at Hotel Heliconia, and the year after that at Hotel Ficus Sunset Suites. They all fulfill my expectations and I can’t choose just one.

I hope that this article has helped you make a decision. Even if you’ve already decided which hotel to stay at, there’s still more to experience. If you want to continue your adventure at the best adventure park in Monteverde, I recommend the following article. If you book the Gold Pack tour or other zip line tour, you can use the Selvatura Park transportation service.

The adventure continues after getting some rest

Selvatura Park, the adventure you deserve in Monteverde, Costa Rica

There are countless reasons to visit Monteverde. If you like discovering exotic locations where you can have completely new experiences, this is the place for you. If you love nature, you’ll be amazed by the flora and fauna at this biological reserve. If you’re looking for an adventurous vacation, you’ll find the country’s best activities at this adrenaline filled sanctuary.

Whatever the case may be, in Monteverde you’ll have experiences that will help you to relax, learn, have fun, and enjoy time with your friends or family in the middle of a true jungle. Here below, I will share the 5 tours that are not to be missed if you visit this Costa Rican cloud forest.

5 tours in Monteverde that you should not miss

I’ve visited Monteverde many times. Although I like visiting new places, this forest has me completely enthralled. Every time I go back, even though I’m visiting the same adventure parks (because I’ve visited most of them already), I feel like I’m having new experiences. The nature at this biological reserve is just that fascinating.

Based on my experiences, I will talk about the adventures that I fell in love with from the first moment I tried them, and that I always seek out when I go back to Monteverde.

1. The best canopy or zip line tours in the area

There’s nothing like admiring the area’s natural beauty while you go zip lining. This experience is even better if the cables are high up and long. When you come to Monteverde, you should definitely go on a zip line tour. You’ll discover how amazing it feels to glide across a kilometre-long cable in the Superman position, as if you were truly flying above the jungle.

I must say that the best zip line option in Monteverde is at Selvatura Park: here I’ll tell you why.

2. Adventure on wheels: quadricycle tours

I personally really enjoy driving a quadricycle along uneven terrain and paths surrounded by nature, where I can drive fast while still feeling quite safe. If you’re someone who enjoys this type of activity, you can go on a quadricycle tour at the 100% Adventure park.

3. Just like Indiana Jones: the highest and safest hanging bridges in Monteverde

To take your time observing all the natural riches of Monteverde, there’s nothing better than a hanging bridges tour. The first time I went on one I had a great time, but I wanted to see whether I would enjoy it more with a guide.

I decided on the guided tour at Selvatura Park and I had a very enriching experience. The specialists at this adventure park taught me a lot about Monteverde and the cloud forest, they even sparked my interest in bird watching. This establishment also has the highest and safest bridges in the area. Here, I will tell you more about it.

4. The most relaxed tour: a gondola ride

This is an excellent tour for those who wish to see the natural treasures of Monteverde without too much physical exertion. I usually go on this gondola ride on my last day in Monteverde, once I’ve been tired out by my other activities, and a relaxed tour does me good.

To go on this tour, I recommend that you visit Sky Adventures. You can read more about this park by clicking the following link: The 3 best adventure parks in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

5. Debunking myths: a tour to discover the beauty of reptiles and amphibians

Lastly, if you’re looking to learn more about the area’s wildlife, the best option is to debunk myths about amphibians and reptiles in order to see the beauty of these animals. I’ve visited the herpetarium at Selvatura Park countless times. That’s where I overcame my fear of snakes with the help of the park’s specialists. It’s also a good way to educate little ones about wildlife protection.

In Monteverde you’ll find something for everyone. Among such diverse options, I’ve shared with you what I do when I visit the cloud forest. Many people have asked me for adventure park recommendations. I always make the same three recommendations.

However, no matter how I look at it, I always end up encouraging them to visit Selvatura Park, which is where I’ve felt the best for a long time. Here below, I’ll share an article where you can find all the information about it.

The adventure park that I always recommend

Selvatura Park: The adventure you deserve to experience in Monteverde, Costa Rica

To me, Monteverde means flying like Superman, swinging on vines like Tarzan, having hummingbirds and butterflies landing on my hands, seeing new reptile and amphibian species, and crossing hanging bridges like Indiana Jones. It’s my favourite place in Costa Rica, and all of America, to experience the best eco-friendly adventures with family, friends, or just my backpack.

If you want to have these kinds of experiences at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve but you aren’t sure about which adventure park to choose, here I will recommend the 3 best options, listed from the least relevant to the best, so that you can make the right decision.

The best adventure parks in Monteverde

I’ve often been asked about the best zip lining options in Monteverde, which I discussed in another post. This article is different because takes into consideration not only the size of the zip line, but also prices, the other adventure activities being offered, additional services, and how easy it is to book.

3. 100% Adventure: Good value for the price

If you’re looking for an adventure park, this will be one of the first search results on Google. The best thing about this establishment is the price-quality ratio of their services. Overall, the activities they offer are quite cheap, and you can have a good experience here. I recommend this option for travelers on a budget.

At 100% Adventure, you can go on a canopy or zip line tour, hike across hanging bridges, go horseback riding, or ride an ATV. These experiences are satisfactory, although they don’t last very long.

The main disadvantage of this park is that information about how to book with them is limited, and the rates and adventure package information on their website is not up to date, so you aren’t sure what you’re spending your money on. There have also been issues with unhappy visitors, like myself, who expected more than what they got from 100% Adventure.

2. Sky Adventures Monteverde: The priciest park in the area

This is one of the most famous adventure parks in Arenal or Monteverde, Costa Rica. The best thing about this place is that they offer the only gondola ride in the area, which is great for people who want to see nature from high up for a few minutes, in a relaxed way.

Their website makes the booking process easy by providing all the information you need to understand what you’re spending your money on. Some of the activities available at this park are the canopy or zip line tour, a hike across hanging bridges, and a gondola ride. They also offer several adventure packages that can be tailored to suit your needs.

Personally, I had a great time here, but I feel that the prices are too high considering the duration of their tours and the quality of their services, which is why this isn’t my number one recommendation for this blog.

1. Selvatura Park: Adventure in Monteverde starts here

I’m the kind of traveler who likes to change things up, so after visiting all the adventure parks in Monteverde, the only one I’ve returned to several times is Selvatura Park. One reason is that they have the highest and longest zip lines in Monteverde, but there’s more to it than that.

At Selvatura Park, you can have the most complete experience for an excellent price. With the Gold Pack for instance, you can go on the best zip line or canopy tour in Monteverde, plus a non-guided hike across hanging bridges, for the same price that other parks charge for only one of these activities.

A complete adventure

You can also visit beautiful butterfly and hummingbird gardens here for a surreal experience, with birds perching on your hand and colours swirling all around you. At Selvatura Park, you also have access to the largest insect collection in the region, and a herpetarium when you can learn about the area’s reptiles and amphibians.

I also like Selvatura Park the most because of the high quality and safety standards they have for their installations and equipment, the warm and helpful disposition of the guides, and the free transportation that they offer.

Lastly, you can reserve the adventure package that’s best for you online, with 8 different choices for both those who seek extreme adventure, and those who are looking for more relaxing options. You can also book a room at one of their 3 hotels, choosing from the budget option, the one in the middle of the cloud forest, or the luxury hotel.

Do you want to learn more about this adventure park?

More information about Selvatura Park