Tour/Excursion operators Arenal & Manuel Antonio
#1
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Tour/Excursion operators Arenal & Manuel Antonio
We are booked going to Costa Rica in early March, 4 nights in Arenal & 4 nights in Manuel Antonio.
I am looking for recommendations for Excursion companies. Many are listed with good reviews.
I would like to avoid huge groups if possible. Any recommendations?
Also, would I save any money by booking myself over using the concierge at the hotels?
I'm getting so excited about this trip just trying to work out the details.
Thanks All!
I am looking for recommendations for Excursion companies. Many are listed with good reviews.
I would like to avoid huge groups if possible. Any recommendations?
Also, would I save any money by booking myself over using the concierge at the hotels?
I'm getting so excited about this trip just trying to work out the details.
Thanks All!
#2
Join Date: May 2007
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Desafio and Sunset Tours in the Arenal area are excellent, and Manuel Antonio Expeditions in Manuel Antonio; ask for Juan Brenes. MAE will let you book a private tour if that's your preference, but it will be more expensive. We did it and thought it was worth it.
#3
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We've had several concierges refuse to book with the companies we wanted; sometimes they have deals with their own providers. I prefer to book everything myself so I can go with the provider we want.
#4
Join Date: Oct 2011
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I just got back from both Arenal and Manuel Antonio earlier this week. Manuel Antonio was ok but I LOVED Arenal. I used Desafio, per Volcano Girl's recommendation and did their combination Sky Walk, Sky Tram and Sky Trek tour. A 2 1/2 guided walk through the rainforest, including hiking across probably a half-dozen hanging bridges. After a break for lunch (on our own), we took the Sky Tram gondola up to the top of the Sky Trek ziplining course. I had zip lined once before in Puerto Rico but this ziplining blew me away! The highest line (#1) is 660 ft. high and you have a straight on view of Arenal Volcano as you fly across the course. Most of the remaining lines offer beautiful views of Lake Arenal. Line #4 is the longest (they told us 1 mile long, although their website says 1/2 mile). Either way, it's a total rush. As I was staying at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, they didn't charge me anything extra for pickup, as the AOL is just a 15m or so drive from the start of the hike. I would recommend them in a heartbeat.
#5
Join Date: Mar 2011
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Yes, Thank You all!
I have written to many companies, some write back some do not. Interesting. And I to noticed that the hotels will not book every excursion company.
Please verify that if I am in need for transportation, I can usually get it through the hotel.
CASH
So many things want to be paid in US cash. Should I leave the US with lots of US cash? Or are there reasonable places to get additional US dollars in Manuel Antonio and Arenal?
I have written to many companies, some write back some do not. Interesting. And I to noticed that the hotels will not book every excursion company.
Please verify that if I am in need for transportation, I can usually get it through the hotel.
CASH
So many things want to be paid in US cash. Should I leave the US with lots of US cash? Or are there reasonable places to get additional US dollars in Manuel Antonio and Arenal?
#6
Join Date: Oct 2011
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I only dealt with an ATM once while I was in Manuel Antonio and it dispensed US$. I would take enough with you to get you going for the first few days and then use an ATM near where you are staying
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