we are a group of 3 couples, in our late twenties going to CR. We are starting our 8 night trip in Arenal for three nights. Then we are trying to decide to go to Montezuma or Manuel Antonio. We don't want luxury, we want an experience. We love the nature, preferably surrounding by jungle. Please help, which city???? Thanks!

You can't go wrong with either. Manuel Antonio is more developed, with better restaurants and a bigger attraction--the national park with practically guaranteed sightings of monkeys and sloths.

Montezuma is laid-back, a classic surfer town, with less crowding on the beach and a slightly less cheesy atmosphere in town.

The main thing we loved about Montezuma was staying at Ylang Ylang beach resort--right on the beach, north of town about 500 meters and you feel like you're on a tropical island. Monkeys pass through regularly, two gourmet meals per day included with your room, beautiful grounds, sigh.

Manuel Antonio has a lot more options in a broader price range--we stayed at La Posada bungalows, and it was fantastic--kind of like a B&B except with bungalows and a pool and right next to a national park.

Do you have any interest in the Osa? If you want jungle and nature and an experience, that would be a good spot for you.

We liked MA, but it didn't feel very Costa Rican to us. The wildlife is very tame there; the beaches are beautiful though. You might like Mango Moon.

Thanks everyone. I never heard of Osa until now. I just researched it. I love the jungle but it seems almost too secluded. I would love it but the other 4 travelers are virgins to Costa Rica and I think they would enjoy a city where we can experience different dining options and activities. Montezuma I think is still in the lead. I don't want over developed and that is what Manuel Antonio sounds like. What I like about Montezuma is that it is a short drive to other great cities such as Mal Pais & St. Teresa. Am I correct?? SInce there is not alot of wildlife at Montezuma, is there neighboring cities that we can travel to for the day to see it? Also, we are thinking about doing a vacation rental in Montezuma. They are super cheap and HUGE! Thanks again!!!!

You can visit the Curu reserve up the coast which has fantastic wildlife. There is wildlife in the Montezuma area--especially monkeys. Eduardo Sanchez gives very enjoyable tours and he has a van that could probably fit your entire group. His contact info I believe is here:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTop...untarenas.html

Awesome RAC! I will definitely look into that. Thanks!

Montezuma is small but everyone comes out at night, very social. If you like that vibe you'd probably love it there. Very beautiful and laid back. Nothing there seems built up at all. One "fancy" hotel a 10 minute walk down the beach from town where you will see wildlife like monkeys, iguanas, other lizards, agoutis, many birds, things like that.

So far Montezuma seems like the front runner. Thanks everyone. I am just hoping the person on VRBO gets back to me. Does anyone know of any vacation rental houses that are awesome?

Definitely check out Agua Vista rentals 10 minutes outside of Montezuma. Very reasonable and great reviews on trip advisor. I'll be visiting there next week when in Montezuma and report back.

Thanks Costa Rica Lover. I don't know if that place would work for us since there is 6 of us and don't want to split into two houses. We are thinking of Chez Mu that we found on VRBO. Looks awesome and has three bedrooms. Thanks and I look forward to hearing suggestions about Montezuma. I am jealous, I want to go now!