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Hello! Our working itinerary would have us drive our Hyundai H-1 rental vehicle (seven people) from La Fortuna to Monteverde. Google maps suggests a route via 142 that goes west all the way around the north side of the lake (through Guadalajara), and then south on 145 and 606 (total 122km). I see there is another way, apparently less distance and time, via 142 through El Castillo and Rio Chiquito/145 south/606 south (total 88km). Are there any good reasons to prefer one route over the other, considering we will be driving a sizeable van? Thank you!
,Hey dvanslett!
This is a first for me! Never have I ever had a map system recommend the route through El Castillo (the second option in your comment above). That’s very strange! I don’t know why it’s recommending that, but I wouldn’t take it. It has the potential for upwards of six river crossings, depending on the time of year you plan to visit. Overall, the remote route is very rarely traveled, especially by foreigners, and I wouldn’t recommend it. Also, it cuts through an undeveloped area, so if you happen to need help along the way, you may need to wait a while for a passerby.
I’d recommend taking the regular route (Road 142 out of La Fortuna to the west, all the way around Lake Arenal to Road 145 in Tilaran, then on to Road 606 from there). You may find this article of ours helpful; it describes the route in greater detail:
Driving To Monteverde: Photos, Road Conditions, Routes, Drive Times, And More!
Also, as a heads up, when you’re using a map system to locate Monteverde, type in “Santa Elena” instead. Santa Elena is the heart of the Monteverde region; typing in “Monteverde” will take you to a random place in the region where you won’t find much. 🙂
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