Hi, my husband and I would like to go to Costa Rica in July and since we went 7 years ago and stayed for a week in Manuel Antonio and didn't venture far from our resort though it was beautiful, we'd like to go back there but go to Arenal Volcano area and/or Monteverde Cloud Forest. Should we do both or which one is better if you could only do one? Also, another important question is can you rent transportation to pick you up at your hotel to drive the long distance to that area? I notice it takes 6 hours or longer. By the way, the last time in 2017 when we went to Manuel Antonio in Quepos, we flew to San Jose and had a driver pick us up at the airport and drive us directly to the hotel. I hope this helps in giving me advice. Thank you all in advance for any and all advice.

We've been to both those areas. Monteverde is well known for its cloud forest and is popular with birders. We went to see the resplendent quetzals. It was cold and rainy for us when we were there. We love the Arenal area and have been there several times. We fly into San Jose and have a driver pick us up at the airport and drive us to the Arenal/La Fortuna area. It's about a three hour drive. You can drive it yourself if you're comfortable. Lots to do in the Arenal area including beautiful natural hot springs like Tabacon and Eco Termales, the Mistico Hanging Bridges, hiking at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, do the guided trail at the Bogarin Trail to see sloths, ziplining at Sky Trek, visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall, doing a day trip to Cano Negro with Desafio, doing a day trip to the Rio Celeste with Desafio, white water rafting with Rio Tropicales, and doing a cooking class with Costa Rica Cooking.

How was your experience? I’m going to Manuel Antonio - Costa Rica in October.

I hope you had a great time in Costa Rica!