What activities are still doable on rainy days? Insect Protection Repellent and Clothing, The central and southern Pacific coast, Osa Peninsula, and Caribbean Coast (Tortuguero, Cahuita, and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca) are probably the most buggy overall. This is because many adventure activities involve water, dirt or mud but sneakers dont have the best traction nor are they waterproof. Thanks! Also, are there any basic Spanish words/phrases I should make sure to know? Hello! That area tends to rain more and you may cross streams. Some of the links in this post are connected to affiliate programs we have joined. We actually have been helping another woman with her solo travel plans and she just decided on Manuel Antonio for her time at the beach as well. We are so excited, I love traveling but this will be my kids first time out of the country. As for car vs. shuttle, it is much easier to get around the Dominical area with a car because restaurants, stores, and activities are more spread out. There are chemicals in most common sunscreens that cause bleaching of coral reefs. If you want tennis shoes especially, its really easy to find them. Are they sufficient? My husband and I are planning on visiting the arenal volcano and guancaste beaches during he week of oct 8-15 (yes, this weekend). Also, Im bringing a pair of Adidas running shoes, a pair of Teva flip flops, and a pair of low top converse. Going to Manuel Antonio from Feb 10-17 2018 is a 4 wheel drive vehicle recommended to visit Los Campesinos? Just wondering how rainy it is and if its worth coming during this super rainy season? Hello. Should we bring seats to Costa Rica or it is not worth the effort? Thanks! We will go in mid-April and I just want to be sure of the weather (dry or rainy.) We had the whole trip planned through Costa Rica Expeditions, and we are seeing a lot of the country! Were are kinda between Uvita and Domincal, and want to do surfing, hiking, visiting the local animals and refugees and just relaxing. do you have a suggestion since we fly into San Jose, where we should go for our first night and if we should try navigating the roads ourselves? Closed toe hiking boots or sneakers are best because of ants and other biting insects, but a lot of people love heavier hiking sandals like Keens. They suggest a few others like Hep A and typhoid but most people dont get those prior to travel. Should I book in Manuel Antonio and La Fortuna/Arenal? But for casual hiking during the dry season, sneakers are fine. 2022 programs are running with advanced COVID-19 Protocols! Better to book activities in the morning or afternoon? We will be leaving the airport at around 5:00 pm. It has a section on what to bring for the beach. Youll probably want to double up on a raincoat and umbrella. Your email address will not be published. A lot of times your credit card will provide some coverage so check on that before buying anything more. Underwear? What do you think? Would love to try Marlin fishing. For a completely covered shoe, bring trail running shoes or an all-terrain shoe that is light, breathable, protects against mud and dirt and has a good grip. I have used three of your posts now for help planning the little things for our trip. Well visit Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Rincon de la Vieja, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio. Great reading and comments above. I dont think the town has a problem with crime. CR has some awesome hikes! The key here is being able to find a destination such as a hotel or inn (or my cousins farm) which may not come with traditional street addresses. Hi Shaunta, Your packing list sounds good. Ask it below. hi, we are going in February to San Jose, driving to Turrialba and doing the Rio Pascuare river rafting trip for a day. If you havent booked anything yet, Guanacaste is the driest area of the country. We are going toward the end of April and are staying in the Arenal area. And you should be able to get there same day as your flight no problem. Does that mean more mosquitos than normal since well be in the reserves? Al Bedford, NY. Hopefully one day Ill be able to quit my teaching job and live in paradise too! Travel mid to late July hit pacific and Caribbean coasts with time in la fortuna . If you do decide to rent a couple of cars, make sure to check out our discount. But sometimes, with Costa Ricas infamously poor signage and rough mountain roads, you still end up getting lost. We crossed several small rivers and streams and the rain boots protected against all of the elements. Hello, Matt & Jenn! Also bring a rain coat. And for renting a car, be sure to read our FAQs article about renting a car, which explains pitfalls to look out for regarding insurance. How well GPS works in Costa Rica really depends on if the maps are current, and the ones the rental car company gives you (at least the company that we work with) usually are. Have a great trip! Also, I should mention one thing that caught us off guard with our son recently: fire ants at the beach. Is it possible to get American dollars from an ATM in Costa Rica. Hope your family has a great trip! Read our Money Matters post for lots more information on this topic. Hi Katrina, Sorry for the delay. Hawaii has just banned sunscreen that contains exactly those chemicals. The first thing you need to know is that kids shoes are going to get super dirty. How will the weather be around this time? You dont need to bring boots for those places either as they are for rent outside these two national parks. Looking for any helpful advise. I am taking a group of high school students to Costa Rica next summer; this will be my first time taking a group to CR, however, I have taken many groups of students to Europe. Outdoor Research's Rampart ($89) is completely waterproofand also coated, so it will not breathe well. For more general travel information, look at the articles in our Practical Travel section, which cover things like exchanging money, tipping, driving, road conditions, weather, etc. Required fields are marked *. Hello Hiking boots arent really necessary for most of the tourist attractions in Costa Rica but there are a couple of places where they are recommended instead of trail running shoes or hiking sandals. Hi Alyssa, For packing tips, this post pretty much covers it. Since our kids need new hiking trousers (again ) Ive been browsing the internet to find advice about what kind of trousers to buy: lightweight cotton, or a synthatic fabric? 9 national park followed by drive to SJO Hi Maggie, May is a great time to visit. I will be staying in shared hostel type accommodation. Just reply to this thread and let us know. Hi Thank you so much for all the info!! And dont forget a flashlight. You also can get pants that have been treated with permethrin, a built-in insect repellent. Hi Barb, Thats great that youll get to enjoy Playa Chiquita for two months! Sneakers would be good for light hiking around Manuel Antonio and Sarapiqui and for anything more rigorous, hiking boots are best. Thank you. Do you have any tips and/or suggestions for families? They are excellent for going from land to water, dry fast and let your feet breathe. Well be driving to La Fortuna, Monteverde, then Tamarindo. They go from day to night really well. Is bringing a mosquito net, besides DEET, advisable? Jenn and Matt visiting CR this August and its rainy season and staying at Jaco..first timers and dont know what to see aroundpls advise and also renting carwhat to expect and is driving in CR safe? We are spending 2 nights in San Jose (Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens), 3 nights in Tortuguero, 2 nights in Arenal, 2 nights in Monteverde, and 2 nights in Tamarindo. Thanks again! If you have water shoes, bring them. (And the basics like sunblock and insect repellent, of course!) Volcanoes are too far from Samara to do on a day trip, unfortunately. Hi Carrissa, We have a post on Puerto Viejo with more information about the town here. Just wondering if you were able to make the trip with the travel limitations going on. Hi SC, We definitely recommend reserving any tours you know you want to do in advance. 1 jacket & 1 rain coat Key times we always get bit are at dusk or shortly thereafter when going out to dinner. We have a lot more info on the weather in our posts Why You Should Visit Costa Rica During the Rainy Season and Weather in Costa Rica. An email each week with new content. Solo traveller meeting up with a group. If youre looking for recommendations for a good raincoat, Jenn has this Columbia one. If youre visiting during the rainy season and plan to do some more rugged hiking, opt for hiking boots or old sneakers, as trails can get muddy. In general, though, you cant rely on the long term forecast here so dont worry what that says. But people bring essential oils in their luggage all the time. ? Ps Im going in late December. I personally was considering bringing an old pair of high-top sneakers and an old pair of vans in addition to flip flops. in fact, these days I just bring only my clothes in a carry-on, and spend 10-20 dollars when I arrive to buy small things that I will need (shampoos, shaving razors, nail clippers etc.) However,as of Feb 2014 a guide is required in the park. Right now, I am leaning towards just my Optio point and shoot camera. These are also easily purchased in Costa Rica, even in the countryside. Any advice on what to pack specifically for weather? We do a discount through them though, which helps offset the cost. Kind of worried what to expect. We are on a short trip this time, only visiting Samara & Monteverde. I have a nightmare that I ship everything and then run out of money to actually get it. Just a quick note here on your sunscreen recommendation. south of Manuel Antonio), but it isnt prime season now so probably isnt worth the trip down there, unless you enjoy time out on boats. check out my Ask Christa page for more information on custom Costa Rica trip planning geared towards families. Suggestions on what to do/where to find a temporary prepaid phone to travel with? Get Exclusive Costa Rica Travel Tips and our Free Travel Guide Straight to You! Be sure to bring sandals or shoes you dont mind getting wet for wading through the ankle-to-knee-deep water. Some days it will probably rain all day though (it is the rainforest, after all) so be sure to build in some flexibility in your itinerary when planning activities. Is this true for CR or should students just take USD? You would only find those shoes in San Jose at bigger malls. You can definitely bring waterproof trail running shoes instead of closed toed hiking sandals and sneakers. Would you recommend just using American USD in Costa Rica, or would you recommend exchanging some money for colones? Im visiting Costa Rica and I will arrive via the SJO airport. Hi Robin, That sounds like a good itinerary. Temperatures are a lot cooler in these areas compared to the beach, especially at night. Lighting is used much less in these places than what youre probably used to. I wouldnt expect more mosquitoes in reserves. Downtown Alajuela, which is actually closer to the airport, has a lot to offer too. You may want to stay for more than one night, though, if youre planning it as a day trip from Jaco because it is a fairly long drive. Your cross trainers should be fine for casual hiking. Usually it isnt too rainy but we have been getting a lot on the S. Pacific coast. OMG! Sometimes it doesnt start raining there until after May- but this is both good and bad since everything is very dry and barren there until the first rains come. Are waterproof trainers ok? Hi Colleen, La Fortuna has different weather patterns and typically isnt as rainy in the traditional rainy season (May to Nov.) so late June is usually pretty nice. Sometimes rainwater on the road can be a few inches deep during a heavy downpour! Temperatures are a lot cooler in these areas compared to the beach, especially at night. Its great because it keeps his money hidden and safe. Receive our newest articles by email. Hi Christian, We have the guidelines for car seats in Costa Rica in our Traveling with a Baby post. I dont want it to be a wash out. Corcovado is an amazing place it has the greatest density of wildlife that Ive seen anywhere on earth. Thanks for the tips!! My husband and I will be at Arenal in the last week of June as well. For ways to prepare, dont forget an umbrella, raincoat, shoes you dont mind getting wet (and muddy- lots of dirt roads in ST), and maybe clothes that dry quickly if you plan on hiking. What are your experiences here and what to do to avoid them? The most common are Imperial and Pilsen, but you can find a lot of craft beer in San Jose now. If you are looking for hiking shoes, specialty shoes with something like Gore-Tex, or name-brand shoes, be prepared to pay a much higher price than in the United States. We like the versatility of headlamps and have been usingEnergizer models for several years. Packing shoes for kids is a whole other ballgame. You can find this type of pant at any outdoors store or on Amazon. There will be bugs since its the rainforest but your resort should have things under control for the most part I cant think of anything special to pack other than what we put in this list so you should be all set. They also come in handy if you plan to go whitewater rafting or kayaking. We are visiting CR this Thursday your recommendations are so helpful We also just read a great article from NPR on which repellents work the best that might be helpful. Fortunately, monkeys are much easier prey. Hi Rick, That sounds like a fabulous vacation. thank you a abit unsure of what we can buy in Uk for mosquito repellent This post may include affiliate links. Hi Delilah, End of November is a transition time between rainy and dry season. Or is it just a matter of using common sense, not flashing your iPhone or a big wads of cash around, and staying smart? Driving to San Jose for flight to Bocas Del Toro for 3 nights and then returning to San Jose for return to US. If youre visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season (generally May through November), youll also want to bring the following. He also enjoys the armpit zippers for extra ventilation while hikingit gets steamy hiking in the tropics. He also keeps a few extra 20 mil bills in there in case a place is cash only, which has come in really handy. We wanted to do La Fortuna Waterfall and also hike Rio Celeste. I hike 14ers and rugged terrain in fivefingers (MINIMAL shoes), and I HATE hiking shoes or boots. Thanks! Key times we always get bit are at dusk or shortly thereafter when going out to dinner. is the best way to avoid most crimes. And Tortuguero. Having adequate and sufficient footwear can be one of the most important aspects in being prepared to embark on yourOutward Bound Costa Rica course. Whether youre coming to Costa Rica to lay on the beach, hike up a mountain or embrace your adventurous spirit, which pair of shoes you bring can make or break a trip. Leaving for Costa Rica in a couple of days and excited for a mix of R&R and adventure! Only going for 10 1ist night fly into SJO and stay there This waterproof map is one of the most popular. It does rain frequently there so youll get some but it shouldnt be bad. Thank you for any and all input. The rainy season gets wet. Most people who travel to CR start in San Jose which is relatively large city. HI there. Question: should we add another night in Drake Bay and stay one less night in Manuel Antonio? Visiting San Jose? 3 nights in Manuel Antonio, 4 nights in La Fortuna (including New Years eve), and 3 nights in Playa Hermosa (west coast). We plan on taking the ferry back to SJO. It all started about 10 years ago with an amazing two-week vacation . I already did hiking in the US and Europe with my sandals. So your advices are much appreciated. Something even shorter would work too because the Merrells have a low ankle, like sneakers. Mytanfeet LLC Copyright 2013 - 2022 - Thank you for supporting our Travel Blog! I will be in La Fortuna, Monteverde and Malpais for a while before I head to Cuba. We are staying in the San Isidro area, do you have any suggestions for family friendly beaches where the younger grandchildren could swim? Can you bring essential oils to Costa Rica? tips? In July, you can generally expect dry, sunny mornings and showers in the afternoon. Thank you! Thanks! Hi there, Its a good idea to have local colones too for that reason. For many activities in Costa Rica, they require closed toed shoes so in general, they are better than open toed. Hi, you mention that children under 12 need a booster seat for the car. Were looking forward to surfing, zip lining, white water rafting, etc Ive left quite a bit of time on our itinerary for exploration. Staying at Condovac La Costa. So if it were me, I wouldnt change my plans at all. If you would like, we can also help you through our itinerary service. The Tamarindo article has a couple of good options for who to go through for a surf lesson. On security, Costa Rica is a really safe place in general. Looking to go hiking in January 2017 coast to coast. I cant foresee that we will be doing much shopping. 5 t-shirts Just let us know by responding to this and we can email you. I will be staying for one week in October. Also, any attractions you can suggest in the area would be welcomed. We really wanted to check out Tamarindo and Nosara from Liberia but I guess that will have to wait until another trip Do you have any tips on getting a shuttle or taxi all the way to Mal Pais from San Jose? Hi Elle, Sneakers will be fine for the walk down to La Fortuna Waterfall and Rio Celeste. For tour operators, it really depends on exactly where youre going and what activities youre doing. We had a client there a few days ago and she had a couple of days of typical misty cloud forest weather so definitely bring pants and light layers and raingear. Your email address will not be published. Temps at the beach vary depending on exactly where youre going but generally are in the 80s and can feel warmer with humidity. From SJO we are renting a 4WD car and plan on driving to La Fortuna. Thank you for the tips on the bug repellent (will be buying via Amazon through your link), and for the information on currency. We decided to stay in Tamarindo at Hotel Luamey the whole week and reducing the amount of time driving. Also, it is recommended to bring warm clothes and rain gear for Monteverde but when I just checked the forecast it sounds like it will be very hot and not too rainy. They are still great shoes, for both light hikes and more challenging terrain. Im heading to Puerto Viejo area in a few days! Not at all keen on these! For clothing, its the rainy season so San Jose and Panama will be experiencing some rain. Also, regret not listening to the advice of bringing beach towels. You can follow whats happening here with our coronavirus post, which we are updating regularly. Where do you recommend changing currency? Hope that helps! Hi Rachel, You should check out our post Money Matters. Dry bags are available in all sizes, from small wallet-sized pouches to hefty 20 liter bags. And, for a hat, Outdoor Research's Transit Sun Hat ($29) is light and airy, and it dries fast. Theyre nice to have for waterfall hikes like you said, and you can use them for rafting and easy hikes too. Hi JS, Yes, credit cards are accepted in most, but not all, restaurants and shops. Thank you for all your posts with great information. This would, of course, be better for a nice day. thanks Hi Sarah, That is the very beginning of rainy season so it will be just starting to rain. Good tip on the cash for Tortuguero. We will be in Costa Rica the middle to end of July, (in the Arenal area for 4 days, and Quanacaste area for 5 days.) They might just get a little wet/dirty. depends on the level of ankle support, Type of boot material for foot protection against sharp and rugged materials and wear & tear, Long-term continuous hiking will cause feet to swell, Facing unexpected water conditions such as rainy season and deep creeks or pools of water, High ankle support for steep inclines and adequately supporting weight on your back, Midweight boot (1.5-2 kg) to prevent blisters when breaking in, Waterproof in order to be prepared for wet conditions, Leather/Gore-Tex combo material for better durability, lighter weight, and breaking the boot in quicker, Increasing a half to full size depending on type of socks and amount of time you have to break the shoes in, Merino wool socks are highly recommended due to their ability to effectively absorb moisture from water and sweat as oppose to 100% cotton socks that will often lead to blisters and dry slower, Try on at least 3 or 4 pairs of boots with these criteria so see what works for you and talk to the specialist at your outdoors sports shop, If you buy boots brand new, BREAK THEM IN THOROUGHLY-wear them around the house for several days, go on hikes, allow enough time for them to mold to your foot, Camping on the beach and walking through sandy areas by the water, particularly in Girl Scout courses, Rafting or kayaking in rushing rivers with large and jagged rocks, Scuba diving while handling heavy tanksand heavy-duty equipment, Waterfall rappelling or standing in cold water, Closed-toed mesh shoe to protect the entire footagainst rocks, sharp objects, and other large equipment, Non-Velcro water shoes due to the amount ofsand that will cause the Velcro to beineffective and also tend to be sturdier than most Velcro water shoes, Sturdy ankle straps (especially for rafting) for extra supportin strong waters andprevention from sliding out of shoes, Solid soles that have suitable grip to prevent slipping and maintain balance if walking on wet oruneven surfaces, Be sure that the shoe is composed of quality materials in order to maintain foot warmth if in cold waters, Amount of activity done per day and length of course, Difficulty of terrain (Does it really require a full support boot or could something less intense do?
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