MonteVerde and Manuel Antonio

Is it worth my time going to both Monteverde and Manuel Antonio? OR, would it be better to spend more time at one of these Parks and just skip the other? What are your opinions on Monteverde? Also, I'll be going to these both during Rainy season.....is there rain 24/7 or is it just in the evenings? I've heard some areas of Costa Rica are raining all the time.....I'm not sure what areas these are.

.....is there a bus from Jaco to Manuel Antonio?

here is my itinerary. I could use suggestions as Costa Rica has so much stuff to do.

starting June 17th

17th - San Jose

18th - Jaco

19th - Manuel Antonio Park

21-22 - MonteVerde.

23-26 - go to Playa Hermosa

You will get fog and lots of rain, all day in any mountain areas during those dates. Lots to do in Monteverde. Manuel Antonio, well you may as well stay at home. Commercialized, similar to Jaco and Tamarindo. Exspensive!

Is MonteVerde considered a mountain area?

Monteverde is one of the few places where you can observe the Cloud Forest, and, as the word describes it, since the forest is at higher altitude, it's hit by clouds almost constantly. This means that even if it's not raining, you'll get the water condensing on the leaves and branches of the forest. I went during the dry season, and I got "rain" all day anyway. It does not prevent you from walking around, though, as long as you're wearing waterproof clothes. It is still a great experience and well worth the trip. Also, here you an do a lot of activities that are fun (zip-lines included). The reserve in Santa Elena is a lot quieter and less crowded.

MA is crowded and congested, but the place is beautiful and well worth going. It's undeniable. Lots of chances to spot wildlife (especially if you go there as soon as it opens, so that you can avoid the big crowds of the mid-morning tours) and very rewarding hikes. It's definitely a highlight of the country, otherwise why would so many people go there?!

Yes there are buses from Jaco to MA.

I'd do the Arenal area instead of Monteverde (add an extra day there and take one from Hermosa), but that's a personal thing. I don't think you'll find MA particularly crowded in mid-June... And like with most parks, the further you walk, 'crowds' fall off geometrically. And when I say crowds, it's not crowded in a Mexican resort sorta way -- everything is on a much smaller scale...

Its always a tough choice, as above post point out, there are some factors to consider.

Most mountain areas, and cloud forest in particular, this time of year, you can pretty much count on being damp, misty, foggy and wet, part of the allure of the tropical micro climates in CR is that you have this these extreme temps and climates that vary greatly in each area.

Monteverde is a tad overrated in my opinion, but none the less a worthy adventure to see the unique setting. There are other cloud forest to see in CR, but this is the most touristed and popular. That being said, you can also access Monterverde via a Jeep/Boat/Jeep 1/2 day journey from Arenal, slicing thru various forests and villages along the way. This can be done vice versa as well.

Arenal area is a spectacular setting on the lake with a huge active volcano as a backdrop, the temps, scenery and vistas are really nice for hiking and outdoor activity. The Volcano itself most likely will only be able to see the lava flow late night, after 10, as the afternoon rains and clouds clear away, its hit and miss this time of year, but worth a try for sure...2 nights at both places is about what you need.

Manual Antonio on the other hand, as pace to relax, eat and goof off, is great, its one the finest developed areas in CR, and the lodges and nightlife is European in feel, and all very pretty. The park itself offers a good 1/2 day hike to see the entire place, all trails, monkeys and sloths are around, early morning is best, like any canopy or jungle area here, the animals are not too active in the heat and light of the day. Park Closed Mondays!

The beach in the park, #3 is a great secluded beach with few people during the week. Tha main beach at MA is fine too though, lots of places to eat and drink and small markets line the road... its very hilly in MA.most the lodges/hotels are perched above on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific, so its a hike back and forth to beach, and you have to pay to park as well, no matter going to park or beach.

So, if it were me, I would do all three, starting in Arenal, Jeep>Boat to Monteverde, transfer to either Manual Antonio or Hermossa, I would avoid Jaco, as its pretty touristy and not that great except for nightlife, bars and kinda guys place...

Id skip Jaco and Monteverde and spend 3 nights in La Fortuna Arenal
Much more to see & do, and Manuel Antonio is a good combo, best beaches are inside the National Park.

You are all very helpful. I appreciate all your help and will most likely skip Jaco!

Thanks!!!

Good decision:)