Traveling from Monteverde or Santa Elena to the beautiful coastal towns of Dominical, Uvita, or Ojochal can be an exciting journey through some of Costa Rica’s most diverse landscapes. The towns of Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal are all with-in 15-minutes of each other. The journey is around 240-kilometers long and it takes around 4 to 5 hours to make the voyage by car. Here are five options for making this trip, with all the details you need to make an informed decision.
What is the best way to get to Uvita, Dominical, or Ojochal from Monteverde?
Pura Vida Traveling Recommendations:
On a Budget: Shared Shuttle, Public Buses
Singles, Couples, or Small Groups: Taxi or Rental Car, Shared Shuttle
Families or Large Groups: Private shuttle
To Uvita, Dominical, or Ojochal from Monteverde by Private Shuttle
Fast and Safe <> 4-5hrs <> $240
For a more personalized experience, you can hire a private shuttle. This option offers door-to-door service, meaning you can set your own schedule and travel at your own pace. A private shuttle from Monteverde to Dominical, Uvita, or Ojochal takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. While more expensive than a shared shuttle, this option provides more comfort and flexibility, ideal for families or groups.
Writers Tips:
Private shuttles are great for groups of 4-12 people.
Private shuttles charge by number of passengers. Plan to pay an extra $15 per person over six.
Ask your driver to stop along the way. There is so much to see and your driver should know the area well.
Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles
To Uvita, Dominical, or Ojochal from Monteverde by Group Shuttle
Solo travelers & couples <> 5-6hrs <> $99
Shared shuttles are a convenient and cost-effective way to travel. Local transportation companies offer shuttle services from Monteverde to the southern coastal towns of Uvita, Dominical, and Ojochal. The shuttle will pick you up from your hotel in Monteverde and take you directly to your destination, with a few stops along the way for breaks. The trip usually takes around 5 to 6 hours.
Writers Tips:
Reserve in advance as these shuttles can fill up.
Be aware of luggage restrictions. Surfboards and extra suitcases can cost extra.
Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles
To Uvita, Dominical, or Ojochal from Monteverde by public bus
Cost-effective <> 7-8hrs <> $12 US <> 3 bus transfers
Traveling by bus is the most economical option, though it requires some transfers and can take longer. This journey can be made in a couple ways. You can go from Monteverde directly to San Jose and then from San Jose catch a bus to Uvita. The other option is to go from Monteverde to Puntarenas. From Puntarenas to Quepos and from Quepos to Uvita. While the latter option requires more transfers, it is also more direct and therefore, it is the route we will recommend in this blog. For either route, we recommend you leave Monteverde on the first bus so that you can easily make all your connections. The first bus to San Jose leaves at 5:30am. The first bus to Puntarenas leaves at 4:20am.
Monteverde to Puntarenas ($4) (3hrs)
There are 2 or 3 daily buses with the company TransMonteverde from Monteverde to Puntarenas. There is 4:20am and a 3:00pm with a 5:30am option that may also exists but it's not on their schedule and does not run on Sunday's. You can buy tickets in advance through their website.
Puntarenas to Quepos ($4) (2hrs)
When you arrive in Puntarenas, you may have to change bus terminals to the terminal for buses going to Quepos. Puntarenas has multiple bus stations all within a block or two in Puntarenas. You can easily walk from one to the other. Catch the next bus from Puntarenas to Quepos. These buses go pretty frequently. They leave Puntarenas every hour or two starting at 4:30am with the last bus leaving Puntarenas at 6pm.
Quepos to Uvita ($4) (2hrs)
The last leg of your trip is to get a bus to Dominical or Uvita from Quepos. These buses leave from the central bus station in Quepos four times daily at 6:00am, 9:30am, 2:00pm, and 5:30pm.
*If your traveling to Ojochal, you should get off the bus in dominical and from there take another bus or taxi the rest of the way to Ojochal.
Writers Tips:
Leave as early as possible to make sure you make all your connecting bus transfers.
Store large suitcases and bags under the bus and keep a small bag with you for all your most valued items.
To Uvita, Dominical, or Ojochal from Monteverde by air plane
Not a good option <> 6 hr <> $250
There are no direct flights from Monteverde to Uvita, Dominical, or Ojochal. The closest domestic airport to Monteverde is San Jose which is a 2-3-hour drive and the closest domestic airport to Uvita is Palma Sur or Quepos airports and they are also not very close to Uvita either. Therefore, we don't recommend flying for this journey.
Writers Tips:
Be aware that flying with extra luggage or heavy luggage could come with an additional cost.
Be at the airport check-in at least 1 hour before your flight or they won't allow you to fly.
To Uvita, Dominical, or Ojochal from Monteverde by car or taxi
Fast and fun <> 4hrs <> $250
Renting a car or hiring a taxi offers the most flexibility for your trip. From Monteverde, you'll drive to the Pan-American Highway (Route 1) and head south toward Puntarenas. Continue on Route 23 and merge onto Route 34 (the Costanera Sur) near Orotina, which takes you all the way to Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal. The trip typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. This option allows you to stop along the way, explore different areas, and enjoy the scenic views. Ensure you rent a vehicle suitable for varying road conditions, especially if you plan to explore off the main highways. Hiring a taxi for this ride should cost $250to$300.
Writers Tips:
Airport taxis are normally a bit more expensive but they should be willing to negotiate a fair price.
Always check with your credit card company to see if international car insurance is an added cardholder benefit. This can save you some money on your rental.
Waze is the most used direction application in Costa Rica so it normally has the most up-to-date road conditions.
To Uvita, Dominical, or Ojochal from Monteverde by private vehicle
Best for extended visit <> Purchase and resell
If you are planning an extended visit to Costa Rica and want to travel the entire country in the luxury of a private vehicle, consider buying a car or van when you arrive and selling it when you leave. Buying a vehicle is both legal for tourists and pretty easy to do. You would have to pay the initial lawyer's fees to transfer ownership and then you would have to sell the vehicle in time before leaving the country but this hassle could end up being worth the hassle if you can get most of your investment back before you leave. For more information, check out our blog post> How to buy a car in Costa Rica?
Conclusion : choosing your ideal route:
Choosing the best travel option depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. A rental car or taxi offers the most flexibility, while flying can save time if you don't mind the added complexity. Shared and private shuttles offer convenience and comfort, and the bus is the most affordable but requires careful planning. Whichever method you choose, your journey from Monteverde or Santa Elena to Dominical, Uvita, or Ojochal will take you through some of Costa Rica's most beautiful and varied landscapes, promising an adventure before you even reach your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Shuttle from Monteverde to Uvita, Dominical, or Ojochal?
Yes, private or shared shuttles can be reserved using this link:
How much is a taxi from Monteverde to Uvita, Dominical, or Ojochal?
How much does it cost to fly from Monteverde to Uvita?
Is Monteverde closer to Liberia or San Jose?
What airport should I fly into for Uvita Costa Rica
What airport should I fly into for Monteverde Costa Rica?
How far is it from Uvita to Monteverde?
Is Monteverde or Uvita better?
Is Uvita close to Monteverde?
Why is Monteverde so popular?
Why is Dominical so popular?
Why is Uvita so popular?
What is the best route to take for getting to Uvita from Monteverde?
What is the best bus route to take for getting to Uvita from Monteverde?
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