We are a family of 4-5 adults planning our first trip to CR over Christmas. Yes, I'm hearing busy and expensive. If looking at a 10-day trip, would folks recommend heading from SJO to Manual Antonio and then up to Volcan Arenal, or the other way around? Any recommendations relative to C'mas day or NYE/day - to avoid or enjoy? Any 'must see' place recommendations also welcome. Thank you.

I'd lean towards being in La Fortuna for the holiday since a lot of people like to go to the beach for holidays and it could be crowded. There's tons to do in the Arenal area - the waterfall, the Mistico Hanging Bridges, the guided tour at the Bogarin Trail, Penas Blancas safari float, Cano Negro tour to see wildlife, white water rafting, ziplining at Sky Trek, cooking class at Costa Rica Cooking, natural hot springs like Tabacon or Eco Termales, hiking at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Desafio is a good tour company if you need one. They'll usually pick you up at your hotel and drop you back off after a tour. Do you know where you're staying yet?

In Manuel Antonio, we like Manuel Antonio Expeditions for tours. Have used them for a guided tour of the national park and for the Damas mangrove tour. Also enjoyed our visit to Villa Vanilla - a fun spice tour. Enjoyed going sailing; snorkeling was a bit of a dud though due to sediment in the water so visibility wasn't great. Plan the beach portion of your vacation so it doesn't fall on a holiday if possible.