Manuel Antonio vs. Osa Peninsula?
 

If we're the type of travellers who prefer fewer crowds and off the beaten path, which area would be best for us? How do these 2 differ?

Osa, hands down.

MA is much more developed and much busier. Osa is still kind of wild, with a very basic infrastructure & many nice, simple, beautiful lodges. The amount of wildlife you would see at MA can no way compare to Osa, much, much less and not as varied.

Totally agree. In retrospect, we would have cut out MA in favor of more time in the Osa Peninsula.

The beaches at MA are beautiful and easily accessible. But you definitely won't be secluded or alone. We saw so much more wildlife in the Osa, too.

This is the beach inside the park:

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/photos...costarica.html

MA is the most popular destination in CR, i like it but its RIGHT on the beaten path.