Monteverde is easy from San Jose but getting from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio is a bit of a pain by bus. There are plenty of people who do it and the best way is just wait until you hit MV and ask at any of the hostels in downtown Santa Elena. http://thebusschedule.com/EN/cr/#.VLSC6n... is a great resource but doesn't necessarily have all the latest schedules

You may need to buy your bus tickets the day before. Van services need to be booked ahead too.

just jump the bus

Me and a friend are looking to go to Costa Rica this February. We'd like to go to at least Montverde and Manuel Antonio. Can we just catch a bus or do we need to plan ahead?? Thanks!