I posted below... Which would you choose and why? MA or Arenal?

j

Arenal is our favorite place in CR - the volcano is amazing, natural hot springs, Cano Negro - our favorite tour to see wildlife and ride on the river, good restaurants, the Hanging Bridges, ziplines, waterfall - lots to offer. MA is nice too, but it's more Americanized that what we want if we're visiting CR. We honestly felt like we were still in the states - lots of the restaurants and hotels are American-owned, and the wildlife is really used to people, so doesn't seem as wild. Very pretty beach inside the park, but we've been to Hawaii, and I think that kind of spoiled us. We did both for our first trip, and they made a nice combo if you have time, but if I were just picking one, I'd go for Arenal.

I totally agree with volcanogirl.

I'd probably agree with VG and jbella, but it depends on what you think you'd enjoy most.

Arenal has an active volcano, which is not something most of us get to see everyday. It's a really beautiful area with lots to see and do.

MA has some beautiful beaches and is more compact (easier to get around if you don't have a car). VG is correct in stating that it's more touristy and the animals are more acclimated to people, but we really enjoyed our stay there and got to see tons of wildlife (which was one of our goals).

Both are good options for you. You just have to decide; volcano or beach?