Better make a trip on your own to see the real deal. Skip the tour if it's not too late. Go to Monteverde, the Osa Peninsula, and the beaches in the Pacific, as well as the Arenal, Poas, Irazu, etc.. volcanoes. You can also check out the Atlantic. You can meet travellers along the way and travel with them - it's much more exciting than in an organised group. If you do travel with a tour company, expect to get ripped off everywhere you go. Be a bit adventurous. Go on your own. And yes, watch out for crime. It's everywhere here these days. Just be alert but not paranoid in areas like downtown San Jose and the Jaco beach area.
<3 Costa Rica.
I went in early June a few years ago and went to many of the same places you're going. This is actually their winter, but it's still pretty hot. I packed tank tops and shorts as well as bathing suits, tennis shoes, and sandals. Bring a rain jacket, because it will rain unexpectedly. It's pretty humid there, so prepare to sweat and don't bring anything that you're not afraid to get a little gross. If you go into the canopy and go zip-lining (that's what we did) BRING SOMETHING OLD. The oil from the sip-lines will splatter all over your clothes and the stains won't come out. That happened to me and I ruined my favorite summer outfit and jacket. Bring lots of sunscreen and bug spray. Buy a lock for your suitcases, because there have been cases where the hotel staff will take things. This didn't happen to me when I went, but it's just a precaution. The lock needs to be TSA approved. For your money, I suggest this thing that kind of looks like a fanny pack. You can find them over with the luggage stuff at the store. It's slim enough to hide under clothes and you can keep your money on you at all times.
Some other advice: Don't walk alone at night, or at all really. The prostitution rate is very high, and there are people that WILL take you if you are vulnerable. The hot springs are beautiful! I loved the horseback riding. We went to a waterfall, and if you do that I have to warn that there are a lot of stairs and it will be very tiring.
Have fun and enjoy it!! It's such a wonderful experience.
You'll need a sweater and one pair of pants to do horseback riding and climb volcano.
For the rest, bring light clothes, if possible, something that dry easily.
April is a great period to visit Costa Rica. It is sunny and less touristic. You'll love it.
Bring 1 pair of walking shoes and sandals.
Don't forget your bathing suit!
Have a good trip!
Bring 2-3 pairs if swimming trunks if you plan to be in and around water a lot, 7 pairs if long pants and 8 pairs of shorts, i suggest short sleeve t-shirts and if you get cold bring sweaters and jackets! Sunscreen, tooth brush + tooth paste, shampoo, deodorant, and a camera! Costa Rica is beautiful, enjoy your trip!
good plan
I will be going on a trip to Costa Rica with EF Tours at the beginning of April. What do I need to pack as far as clothes, shoes, etc? What will the temps be like? Will it be rainy or muddy? Any tips you have would be great. Itinerary is below:
Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica
Meet your Tour Director at the airport in San Jose
Day 2: San José ? Arenal region
Visit INBioparque
Ecosystem exhibits and trails
Travel to the Arenal region
Visit Poás Volcano
Visit hot springs
Day 3: Arenal region
Enjoy a kayaking trip on Lake Arenal
Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
Day 4: Monteverde
Travel to Monteverde
Visit a local school
Time to explore on your own or
Time to explore on your own, or include:
Horseback riding in Monteverde
Day 5: Monteverde
Visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest
Plant a tree in the EF reserve in Monteverde with your group
Participate in a canopy adventure
Day 6: Carara ? Central Pacific Coast
Visit Carara Biological Reserve
Travel to the Central Pacific Coast
Day 7: Central Pacific Coast
Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
Return to Central Pacific Coast
Day 8: Sarchi ? San Jose
Travel via Sarchi to San José
Time to explore on your own or
Time to explore on your own, or include:
