Really makes no difference where you go first. Most people like to chill at the beach first, but when we combined Manuel Antonio and Arenal we did the former first.

OK great, hopefully they have the dates available. That is what I get for waiting so long to book

I think most people like to chill at the beach last. I think that's what RAC meant. You do all the sweaty stuff first and then spend the last part of your vacation on the beach with a tropical drink! But like he said it really doesn't matter logistically. Just remember that MA park is closed on Mondays when you're doing your planning. Where is the Groupon for? I've seen them for the Lost Iguana and for the Springs Resort and Spa; those are great deals.

Lots of things to do in the MA area, even if the park is closed; and as volcanogirl says, it's just a matter of many preferring relaxing after doing lots of activities.
HOWEVER: if your GRoupon is for the Lost Iguana, call them personally and talk to a representative. They were very helpful when we had a Groupon, and might be able to tweak things for you.(such a deal!).

thank you all for your help. Initially I wanted to do MA last because I wanted to relax at the end. I ended up having to get a refund for my Groupon because none of the dates were avaiable. I then booked a room through another website only to find out they are also booked, and got another refund. I just called expedia and book Lost Iguana for three nights, and another three nights at Hotel Plaza Yara....it has really good reviews although its not so fancy (I don't mind). Does anybody have experience with this one?

Also, I didn't realize the park was closed on Monday and that is one of the days we will be there. What do you recommend instead? Are they open Sundays?

thanks you in advance for your help. Having a mini melt down after I have spend hours getting refunds and trying to find rooms....I guess I will learn to not leve things for the last minute

I really liked the Villa Vanilla Spice Farm tour when we were in MA last year. There is plenty to do on the day the park is closed. Search this board for dozens of other suggestions. Loved Costa Rica, can't wait to go back.

We spent a day sailing and that was fun; the snorkeling was a dud due to sediment in the water, and I wouldn't waste time doing that again. The Finca Valmy horseback riding is popular and the Damas mangrove tour.