Shuttle Monteverde to Montezuma, Santa Teresa & Mal Pais

Five hours across the Nicoya Gulf: minibus, ferry, and a rest stop with snacks

A shared shuttle from Monteverde to Montezuma, Santa Teresa or Mal Pais in an air-conditioned minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off, WiFi, and ferry boat tickets included. The route crosses the Nicoya Gulf by ferry. Most journeys include a 10-minute rest stop where you can stretch and grab a snack. Morning shuttles run with a minimum of two passengers. Afternoon shuttles require four.

The experience

The shuttle picks you up at your hotel in Monteverde and takes you south to the peninsula. The minivan is air-conditioned and driven by a bilingual Costa Rican professional who knows the route. You'll have WiFi on board to share photos or messages during the drive, and a complimentary water bottle for the journey. Depending on which destination you're headed to (Montezuma, Santa Teresa, or Mal Pais) the route goes through Puntarenas and includes a ferry crossing of the Nicoya Gulf. The ferry tickets are included in your fare.

About halfway through, the shuttle stops for 10 minutes so passengers can use the restroom, stretch, and grab a snack. Depending on the route, this might be a connection point where you change vehicles, or it might be a simple break at a rest stop. The driver will wait for you at your hotel pickup location for a maximum of 10 minutes, so it's important to be ready 15 minutes before your confirmed departure time. If your hotel sits outside the main hotel zone, a taxi can get you to the shuttle pickup point or from the final drop-off to your accommodation.

The entire journey takes around five hours from start to finish. You'll be dropped off at your hotel in your final destination (Montezuma, Santa Teresa, or Mal Pais), so there's no need to arrange onward transport once you arrive. The shuttle operates daily with two departure options: morning at 8:00 am or afternoon at 2:00 pm. Pickup time may shift slightly depending on traffic and other passenger pickups along the route, so confirm your exact pickup location and time when you book.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in your starting and ending destinations.
• air-conditioned minivan transport.
• ferry boat tickets across the Nicoya Gulf.
• WiFi on board.
• water bottle.
• driver.
• all taxes and fees.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or Spanish14:00

Guide in English or Spanish08:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 14:00

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Faro Travel Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Choose the 8:00 am departure if you want to arrive in the afternoon with time to settle in. The 2:00 pm shuttle gets you there by evening. Morning shuttles operate with a minimum of two passengers, while afternoon shuttles need at least four, so availability depends on how many others are traveling that day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What time does the shuttle pick me up from my hotel in Monteverde?

Pickup time depends on your hotel's location and is confirmed when you book. Be ready 15 minutes before your confirmed time. The driver will wait a maximum of 10 minutes at your hotel. Morning shuttles depart at 8:00 am and afternoon shuttles at 2:00 pm, though your pickup may occur earlier or later depending on traffic and other passenger locations.

Do I have to change vehicles when we cross the ferry?

It's possible. On routes that cross the Nicoya Gulf, the first minibus may drop you at the ferry dock in Puntarenas, and another shuttle will be waiting for you on the other side. You'll stay with the same shuttle service, but the vehicle may change depending on the route and ferry schedule.

What happens during the rest stop?

All shared shuttles include a 10-minute stop where you can use the restroom, stretch your legs, and buy a snack. The stop may be at a connection point or a rest area depending on the route.

What if my hotel isn't in the main hotel zone?

If your hotel is outside the central area, the shuttle may not provide door-to-door service to that specific location. In that case, you can arrange a taxi to get you to the shuttle pickup point or from the final drop-off to your hotel.

Is WiFi really available on the minibus?

Yes, free WiFi is available on board so you can stay connected during the drive. You'll also receive a complimentary water bottle for the journey.