Most people who visit the mountains of Costa Rica will combine a trip to Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna with a one to Santa Elena/Monteverde. Travel between the two locations is usually accomplished by shuttle-boat-shuttle in approximately three to four hours (travel brochures promote the trip as a Jeep-boat-Jeep but these are usually mini-vans, not Jeeps).

Santa Elena and Monteverde, two small adjoining towns, offer visitors tours to the rain forest using a variety of modes of transportation including walking, zip lining, tramway, ATVs and biking. Guided tours of the rain forest – daytime and evening – permit visitors to see wildlife and birds they might not see without the trained guides.

There are a good number of hostels and low-priced hotels but restaurants tend to be pretty pricy as are the activities. Some of the hostels offer a guest kitchen which makes a huge difference if you want to save cash for something other than restaurant food. There are two grocery stores in Santa Elena which stock all the basics, fresh produce, beer, wine and alcohol.

ATMs are plentiful although some don’t accept all foreign cards. Hotel and hostel bills as well as most activities can usually be paid for in either American dollars or Costa Rican colones or by credit card. Keep small bills and coins for the public bus, sodas (small lunch counters), the great bakery on the main street as well as purchases at the grocery store.

Santa Elena Monteverde (click photos to see full size)

More Info:
Wikipedia
Monteverde Preserve
Zip-Lining & Other Adventures

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