Manuel Antonio National Park Forum: Manuel Antonio vs Puerto Viejo

First off, let the record state that I am biased as I am in Puerto Viejo and run a business...

Now that we have the formalities out of the way...

It is a bit of apples to oranges as they are definitely different places.

Puerto Viejo is less developed and would would be ideal for more adventurous type travelers who are looking to really experience tropical jungle/beach type of environment.

Accommodation on Caribbean side tends to be a bit more rustic and less North Americanized, For some that is great... But for others, that is a total drawback.

As for cultures, the Caribbean has quite a bit more diversity in types of people that live there then Manuel Antonio. Before it started being a haven for foreigners, there was already 3 distinct cultures living there before their arrival. Indigenous, Hispanics and Afro-Caribbean are evident all around Puerto Viejo.

As far as beaches go... Caribbean is basically one long beach which stretches from Panama to Nicaragua. The beaches south of Puerto Viejo tend to be most popular with their whiter sand colour.

Weather for Caribbean coast is very different then Pacific. Rather then explain the differences here, you can get a detailed overview of what one might expect here. http://puertoviejosatellite.com/weather.php

If you looking for a total "sun vacation", Puerto Viejo or Caribbean side would not be for you. Then again, you might rethink Costa Rica as your choice as rain is responsible for all its lush environment that many people came to experience.

Cost wise, Yes, Caribbean will be cheaper, but not a huge amount. It is easy to do all desired activities in Caribbean side without a car which would save a huge amount of $.

If you want to see Caribbean through other travellers eyes, rather then polished hotel photos, I would suggest you check out these photo galleries. puertoviejosatellite.com/photos-blogs.php…

Well that wraps up what I have to say. Either place, I am sure you will have a great time. Your kids are right age that if they are adventurous type will enjoy this type of Vacation.

We loved them both. As mentioned, Puerto Viejo area is a bit more rustic, but that isn't necessarily bad. It is much less touristy, and the beaches aren't as crowded. There were some days we had practically the entire beach to ourselves. I also enjoyed the restaurants more in the Puerto Viejo area - again, it didn't seem as focused on pleasing tourists as it did on serving great food. If you don't need an Americanized hotel and can live with rustic bungalows in the rain forest, you would probably prefer Puerto Viejo. But really, they are both beautiful places, and you won't be disappointed with either.

Hi!

I've been to both places a ton of times. They are quite different. PV is very accessible, more local and definitely cheaper. However, the restaurants in PV and MA are comparable, high quality and plentiful.

MA is gorgeous, more lush, the accommodations are from budget to 5 star.

Both places have a lot to offer as in activities, however, I think MA has a little more to offer and more wildlife options.

Hope this helps,

Marina K. Villatoro

PV

more of a laid back rustic dodgy backpacker vibe

for me a similar feel to Negril Jamaica with all

the good and bad of that.

I like it some do not...

www.bananaazul.com best for PV

wwwpachamamacaribe.com Punta Uva best beach

MA

www.manuelantoniopark.com

#1 visited

probably safest best for firsttimers with families

www.laposadajungle.com nice budget well rated there

Have fun

Since you're an active family, why not combine the two places? Costa Rica has so much to offer, I always find it a shame only to visit one part of it. If you have 10 or more days, it will work out perfectly. You could start on one side of the coast, then travel to the other with some stops inland. Let me lay it out for you day-by-day, to give you a bit of an idea how it could look like.

Day 1: Arrival and onward transportation to Manuel Antonio (since it is 4 of you, a private van will work out fine); check in for 3 nights

Day 2: Manuel Antonio NP

Day 3: Manuel Antonio NP

Day 4: Morning transportation to Monteverde; check in for one or two nights

Day 5: Monterverde and if you only stay one night, onward transportation in the afternoon to Arenal area; check in for 2 nights

Day 6: Arenal area

Day 7: River rafting on your way to Puerto Viejo (includes transportation from Arenal to PV); check in for 3 nights

Day 8: Puerto Viejo

Day 9: Puerto Viejo

Day 10: Transportation back to San Jose; check in for one night (depending on your departure time you may can leave PV the same day your flight leaves)

This itinerary also works viceversus and if you have more time you could add Tortuguero or just have more time at the beaches - all up to you.

Tour wise there is lots to do in each area so you may want to do a bit of reasearch what to do where. Or then just decide once you get there. I'm sure your kids would love all the different options of things to do!

As everyone mentioned, it is like two different countries! PV is laid back, jamaican feel and altho beautiful, it is a Long ride to get there on a highway prone to closures from landslides. No domestic flights either. If your kids surf, they will love the vibe, though the parents kind of feel out of place, as the crowd is younger and more European.

M.A. is much easier to get to and has a larger selection of tours to keep the younger crowd busy, as well as a nice beachy vibe. The park is amazing. Surfing is great and easy to rent boards right at the beach if the younger ones are into that. Lots of restaurants, hotels and a bit safer for enjoying the nightlife (not that that is a focus in this country).

You might want to consider Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio. The Arenal Volcano has been more active than normal this year and would give you all an incredible opportunity to see the volcano blow (almost every night it belches).

Whichever you decide...Have a great time they are both beautiful!

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