Carara vs Manuel Antonio
 

We're staying close to Carara but very short on time. Other than Manuel Antonio's great beach, how do they compare, especially for animal sightings? Any advice appreciated.

Carara is very nice and very interesting but it doesn't have as much to offer as Manuel Antonio IMO.<BR>We did see howler monkeys, a beautiful huge black and white snake (rat snake I think). Lots of good birds. There are huge crocs in the river. We smelled but didn't see some wild pigs. We hiked for about 2 hrs twice a day there. Even the day trips from San Jose to Carara only stay at C for a few hours and then the rest of the time is spent in Jaco. If you are driving be sure to park in the lot with the park guard if you are planning on leaving anything in the car. Manuel Antonio is pretty much an all day trip with more monkeys, more iggies, etc. Possible to see Dolphin pods jumping out in the ocean. It is different in a lot of ways to Carara. If you are staying at Villas Caletas or have time to go for a sunset viewing and drink it is well worth the time. The amphitheater with the Roman columns and the music playing gives you a whole new perspective on sunsets.

Just returned from CR and went to both parks. Carrara is nice, very 'visitor friendly' (ie. easy hiking for kids, older people). Manual Antonio seems to have a lot more animals but it is very busy...suggest you get there when it opens (7:00 AM). I was disappointed with all the people talking away (instead of looking and listening for animals). <BR>Had a nice lunch nearby at Cape Verde Restaurant (I think that was the name).