Monteverde or Tortuguero
 

I am trying to decide between two tours. One is:
San Jose
to Arenal
to Monteverde
to Manuel Antonio
back to San Jose and then the flight home

The other:
San Jose
to Tortuguero
to Arenal
to Manuel Antonio
to San Jose and then home

The main difference is Tortuguero vs Monteverde. Which one is better? Which tour has less driving time? Any suggestions? I really appreciate it! Oh, I'm going in January, if that helps.

Thanks!!

I haven't been yet--leaving on Jan 15--but I did a lot of research. I think there is greater variety by including Tortuguero. You'll have east coast, volcano, and west coast by choosing #2. Just my opinion.
Jane

We loved Tortuguero, but a big highlight of that was the amazing viewing of a green turtle nesting--only July-October. We liked Monteverde also, but something about those twice daily boat rides up and down the rivers and canals of Tortuguero was just intriguing--and extremely peaceful and relaxing.