Okay, I have some more questions?

Question

Our plan was originally to fly into Juan Santamaria internation airport, and stay somewhere near Alejuala (the city). Then, we'd go to Arena for a few days and then head to Manuel Antonio for the rest of the 10-day trip. But now, I've read some travel write that Manuel Antonio/Quepos are "overrated" and that, for example, Cahuita is a much better park for wildlife. Also, that Manuel Antonio is overcrowded on weekends, etc.

We will be there around March 20th, will that be true?

Other people are recommending flying to Liberia and going to Playa Conchal/ Playa Flamingo a short drive away. Great, but there seem to be no rainforest expeditions nearby, no zipline tours, no rafting, and Arenas is more difficult to get to...

Maybe there's an uncrowded beach near Manuel Antonio, where we could drive to Manuel Antonio when needed? We would PREFER to be near some kind of small town or village, but it's not necessary.

Suggestions for where best to go? Thank you!

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Answer 1

if you stay in Guanacaste, http://www.lafortunainfo.com/guanacaste....

there are canopy tours, horseback riding and others.

http://www.lafortunainfo.com/kokodrilocr...

Playa Hermosa is very nice and from there you easily go to playa panama, playas del coco, ocotal and golfo de papagayo.

Answer 2

We just were in CR and I can tell you that from Liberia it is approx. a 6 hour drive to the Manuel Antonio area. I personally did not care so much for the Guanacaste area.

We stayed in the Arenal area (La Fortuna) at the Kioro Hotel by the volcano and it was amazing!!!!! From the we went to the Papagayo area (near Liberia approx) and it was so la la....

And then we drove to Quepos / Manuel Area (Hotel Parador) and it  FANTASTIC. So much wildlife. It was amazing.

It was not crowded by all means....there are so many beaches in the park that are empty.

I think you won't find it too crowded at all, but this area is so worth going too.

We loved it!!!!