We fly to SJO from California and usually arrive between 8-10:00 pm (depending on routing). Because we arrive late, we always stay close to the airport (Courtyard Marriott or Hampton Inn). Personally, I wouldn’t consider staying in San Jose (terrible traffic and nothing interesting).

If you arrive earlier, there are a few hotels within a short drive from the airport that are more “charming” than a corporate hotel brand. Others on the forum could give you more info on other hotels.

“Where do you recommend we stay our first night? We've talked about San Jose, La Fortuna or Monteverde?”: Neither of these locations are a good option for the first night. SJO is in Alajuela. You do not need to stay in San Jose city. Getting there and out of there the next morning will likely take up lots of time in traffic. There are lots of accommodations not far from SJO that include airport transfers + some include breakfast, too. La Fortuna/Arenal is about 3 hrs from SJO. Arenal to Manuel Antonio/Quepos is about 5 hrs.

Feb. is high season. If planning to visit MA park, it is closed on Tue. and gets even busier on the wknds. This is one of the previous threads about buying online entrance tickets into that park - https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g291982-i813-k14441040-When_Manuel_Antonio_passes_are_sold_out-Costa_Rica.html . If you are planning to hire a guide, they may have your tickets, depends on where you book and the tour terms. We took ~ 3 hrs to walk along all the paths in that small park + more time if you want to spend time on the beaches inside the park. We did not think that the park required a guide. We saw wildlife, but also lots of ppl everywhere (in low season). There is also a longer public beach right next to the park. There, you can rent beach chairs, umbrellas. Might have waves and surfboards for rent. Check the tides schedule before heading there.

With so much time based near Manual Antonio, you can visit the NP on a weekday. I like the idea of sharing responsibility for planning activities.

In addition to the hiking venues and water activities, you can arrange a cooking class. Do you have a host who can direct you to local vendors?

I’ve used Iguana Tours a few times and they are good. If you’re up for an interesting cultural experience, you can arrange transport to Boruca Village and see where the fabulous masks are created.

Regardless of any negative comments you read about the Manual Antonio area, it is a very beautiful location, as is the coast further south.

You should be prepared for heat. This past February it was in the mid 90s most days; that may or may not be a continuing trend.

Wow! Thank you all for your input. VERY helpful. I love the idea of visiting Poas volcano and maybe Waterfall Gardens...instead of going up north to Arenal and further from out VRBO. Ok, so now I'm getting concerned that we're going to have too much time in MA and should've broke it up. However, we can't cancel our VRBO now. What are some of the negative comments you mentioned we might hear about MA? I love the idea of the cooking class, going to hang with locals & beaches. Thanks again:)

@5, Keep in mind that Poas visit is brief and the views are weather dependent. Check the reviews - https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g309227-d592793-Reviews-Poas_Volcano-Poas_Volcano_National_Park_Province_of_Alajuela.html .

Poas camera - http://www.ovsicori.una.ac.cr/index.php/acerca-de/8-camaras-poas .