Monteverde, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#1594
10.303347, -84.808493
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Monteverde is a small community located in the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica, known for its lush cloud forests and biodiversity. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 5,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 600 CRC. Local currency is Costa Rican Colón (CRC). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but bottled water is recommended in some areas. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco Nacional and BAC Credomatic offer services for expats; ATMs are widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hostels, and hotels. Prices range from $30 for hostels to $150+ for hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept credit/debit cards, but cash is still recommended for small vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are commonly used for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Monteverde and Sleepers Sleep Cheaper offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Green Place is a popular coworking space equipped with good internet and comfortable work areas. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Monteverde offers a cozy atmosphere and good coffee for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional networking meetups can be found on local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups operate on social media platforms where events are planned. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in nearby areas; local taxis are also available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking around Monteverde is popular; rentals available at various local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Santa Elena Beach is about 1.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air and Sansa Airlines provide regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major carriers include American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines flying into San José. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via Route 606 connects Monteverde to larger towns. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Local buses operate between Monteverde and larger towns. There is no train system. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus fares are affordable, usually around $2 to nearby towns. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Monteverde to San José, Arenal, and other tourist regions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Monteverde is the main healthcare facility in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Sanctuary at Monteverde offers yoga and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness studios can be found, but options are limited. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide efficient laundry services for residents and travelers. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats operates in certain areas. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Casado, a traditional Costa Rican dish featuring rice, beans, meat, and salad. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Tree House Restaurant offers diverse vegetarian options and is highly recommended. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Chocolate Factory in Monteverde is famous for its delicious chocolate treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Santa Elena offer fresh produce and artisanal goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local websites provide delivery services to the area. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Online local grocery services are limited; shopping typically done in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | While Monteverde has a low-key nightlife, bars like The Tree House bar offer a vibrant atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Pura Vida Brewing Company offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars, but various restaurants offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street vendors serve snacks like empanadas and fresh fruit. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Fork & Knife is known for its burgers and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a key attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Monteverde Cheese Factory offers tours and tastings. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The area has rich history linked to eco-tourism and conservation. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Monteverde Friends School and its chapel are notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Monteverde Cloud Forest Festival celebrates the region's biodiversity. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Santa Elena district is the hub of local culture and commerce. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited theatre options, but occasional performances take place in community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekend farmers markets feature local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local acoustic music sessions can be found in cafes and bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals can be seen around Santa Elena. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes incorporating local ingredients are available at various local services. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artisan shops featuring Costa Rican crafts and art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old coffee plantation houses are scattered around the region. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Culture deeply rooted in conservation and sustainable living. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Corcovado National Park is accessible on day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Multiple scenic trails are available for both cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Miradores in the Cloud Forest offer spectacular views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Monteverde is famous for its diverse bird species, including the Resplendent Quetzal. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks allow bonfires under specific regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services provide package deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic tech support and repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may offer table tennis options. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes offered through local schools and private tutors. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Community centers serve as libraries and study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Monteverde Community Center hosts various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options within local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in the immediate area. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $52,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for foreign investors. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system for individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard rate of 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes vary but are usually low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Usually around 1% for property transfers. |