I’m targeting a trip in February. In my research I’ve read that it’s so crowded in Manuel Antonio that it gets 20 people deep when you stop on a trail to take a photo.
Anyone with recent experience at Manual Antonio or Arenal who can comment on how crowded it was?
Thanks!
We visited both of those places in July. Manuel Antonio NP does get crowded because it is small, but there is a reservation system in place to limit the number of visitors. I recommend booking the early morning tour through the NP to beat both the crowds and heat. The animals are high in the trees, so people will not be blocking your ability to see and take pictures of the animals. The perk of a tour is that your guide will have a scope through which to see the animals close up. Definitely find time to enjoy the beach in the NP, too. One of my favorite moments on the trip was swimming there. In terms of Arenal, the only place that comes to mind that gets crowded is the Mistico Hanging Bridges. Again, if you go early in the morning when it opens, you will be able to beat the crowds. I've been to Costa Rica three times and I haven't been bothered by the number of visitors as I do in some places in Europe. Just be aware that a lot of places require online reservations and limit number of visitors, so book in advance once you know what you want to do.
Although the holidays are very crowded, February should be fine in Manuel Antonio. I was in Arenal last February and the crowds were not too bad. I would recommend making reservations well in advance for popular places like Arenal Observatory Lodge as they fill up fast.
RDJ
We were at Manuel Antonio in February. We met our fruit for an 830 tour (George Guide, would recommend) Definitey do a guide tour, I think we paid US$35 pp not including park admission. I bought our park tickets first and then found a guide. It was busy by manageable, it will be almost impossible to see anything without a guide. Our guide did say that it’s actually better to come later than early and mid morning. He said animal sightings are the same and with tree cover there isn’t much difference in heat.
Any advice on finding a guide in Costa Rica?
