Several tested repellents (see Ratings below) protected against deer ticks and two common types of mosquitoes for 8 hours or more. Four of those―Off Deep Woods Sportsmen II (30%), Cutter Backwoods Unscented (23%), Off FamilyCare Smooth & Dry (15%), and 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent 8 (25%)―contain deet in varying levels.
I've never had trouble with drinking water in Costa Rica, but I lived in Cartago. If it makes you feel better, buy bottled water, they have a brand called Cristal which is fine. Another note---Liberia is hotter than blazes. Be prepared. And on the opposite end of the spectrum,San Jose could be downright cool at night, so a sweatshirt would be great. It could also downpour, so a light raincoat or a tiny umbrella if you can find room.
I don't know how it is now, but when I was living in Costa Rica, shorts were generally not acceptable on women in San Jose or other cities, but they are fine for the beach.
Hope you have a great time!
I usually bring OFF and Bullfrog Mosquito Coast.... the Bullfrog is sunscreen and mosquito repellent in one, which is nice... I am usually on the south pacific coast when I go, and mosquito's have never been much of an issue.
A friend of mine got sick as crap drinking the water from the faucet. Some places are safe, others DEFINITELY are not... so saying "It's safe everywhere in the country" is 100% a lie. I have seen places that have a 5-foot wide open deep well, where you can look down and see some debris floating on top of the water, they pump it up and it comes out the faucet. Don't ruin your trip with something stupid like this, be safe and just drink bottled water.
I am not sure why you would need sea-bands.
Just have fun. Don't leave valuables out where they can be seen (like the front seat of a car) and be safe!
Hi!
Yes, water is drinkable, anywhere. I'm Canadian living in Costa Rica since several years and I never get sick for drinking water from the tube.
About repellent, I like Watkins. But any repellent will work...
One thing you must know, is to be careful when swimming in the Ocean.
In Costa Rica, waves are big and there are rip currents. A lot of people ( some tourists) drown every year...So, when there are big waves, just don't go to far. Swim where there are lifeguards.
Costaricans are very kind people. Be respectful and everything will be okay.
I hope you enjoy your trip!
Pura Vida!
Yeah I'm going to Costa Rica to study Spanish abroad for 11 days and I wanted advice so that my trip would be enjoyable. Like what's the best type of mosquito repellent to protect myself against those mosquitoes that spread malaria and dengue fever, do sea-bands actually work, if the water is safe to drink, and anything else important. We should be landing in Liberia, but as soon as we can we'll be traveling to Tamarindo. We are also going near the Arenal Volcano, and I think in the last few days we'll be in San Jose. Anything you guys can offer is greatly appreciated.
