Arenal or Manuel Antonio?
 

Planning a trip to Costa Rica with family (kids 18, 15) and only have 7 days. If I Have to pick only one place because of cost/time, which one should I pick? Arenal or Manuel Antonio? We are more interested in the Rain Forest/volcano/adventure, but I'm afraid if I only pick Arenal I won't get to see the beautiful beaches/rainforest at manuel Antonio. Is going to both places in 7 days do-able? Or is that too much driving to go from Arenal to Manuel Antonio?
Also-would like to hear comments on best place (cheapest) to fly out of US to San Jose airport. We live in San Diego and it's sooo expensive to fly from here.

I think it's doable; you could do three nights each and a last night closer to the airport. If I had to pick one, and I don't think you do, I'd hands down pick Arenal just for the volcano and all the adventure activities and the waterfall and hot springs. You might check flying out of Houston; it's a 3 hour direct flight.

I believe TACA has flights from LAX, connecting thru San Salvador. With 7 days, I would split my time between the two locations.

The cost for transport between the two isn't that much so I'd split your time. I hear you on the airfare though. I fly from SEA and I think it's the most $ anywhere from the states unless you buy tix at the right time.

Personally would divide between

www.arena.net

www.manuelantoniopark.com

but

www.hotelvillacaletas.com nice pretty close to airport

for beach around your flight nights and spend the rest

at www.arenal.com for more volcano time www.tabacon.com

my fav there..have fun,

www.servicecarrental.com usually cheapest with 4

3 hour drive to from www.arenal.net then

6 to www.manuelantoniopark.com then 3 back to SJ

not bad at all for me have done it a bunch nice stops

along your way...www.mapcr.com

LACSA as nonstop flights from LAX to SJO.

If you're willing to drive, fares from LAX in general are more competitive than from SAN regardless of connection.