gjeff

Why does everyone seem to be going to Tamarindo instead of Manuel Antonio. I would like your thoughts on both areas. Thanks.

Iza

We went to both and can give you some feedback on both places.<BR>Tamarindo is a laid back, surfer town, much smaller than Quepos/Manuel Antonio, with basically one large beach. Tamarindo is located on flatter ground and has good sunny weather almost all year (it is drier in the rainy season than other places in Costa Rica). Because of its location, Tamarindo has a number of hotels that are directly on the beach.<BR>Manuel Antonio/Quepos is more spread out on a series of hills, with almost no hotels located on a beach or with easy beach access. Most of the hotels have beautiful views but you have to take a bus/shuttle/taxi to get to the beach. The main attraction in Manuel Antonio is the national park, which is truly beautiful (if somewhat crowded). <BR><BR>Manuel Antonio has lush, rainforest type flora and more variety in wildlife. Tamarindo has tropical dry forest, which is lush and green in the rainy season but dry and brown in the dry season. Only howler monkeys can be seen in Tamarindo, while you can see three varieties of monkeys in Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio is more expensive (both as far as hotel prices and restaurant prices are concerned) than Tamarindo.<BR>If you have any other questions, please post here.<BR>