Discover Costa Rica
Planning Your Trip
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Arranging a visit here takes some forethought. While Costa Rica looks small on a map, it can take a lot longer than you think to get from one place to another, thanks to all the mountains and valleys, and convoluted roads. Many of these roads are unpaved, in appalling condition, or lack road signs (or all of the above). It’s best to outline your trip region by region, focusing on destinations that look interesting to you, and plan on spending three or four days in each place. Trying to take in the whole country would occupy at least a month.
The country has a well-developed network of roads, and if you don’t fancy driving, modern air-conditioned buses serve all major destinations without breaking the bank, as do passenger planes, which can also get you speedily between remote destinations otherwise hard to access.
The country is a nirvana for active travelers and the vast majority of visitors to Costa Rica come to see wildlife and/or to get adrenaline kicks in youthful pursuits (if you’re seeking world-class museums and galleries, or pre-Columbian temples, head elsewhere). Whatever your taste in recreation, Costa Rica has something for you. The most popular activities are horseback riding, scuba diving, sportfishing, surfing, and whitewater rafting.
When to Go
Costa Rica has distinct seasons, with dry season (December–April) the ideal time to travel. This is the busiest time, however; during Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter, many accommodations are booked months in advance. The rainy season—promoted as the “green season” but known locally as invierno (winter)—runs May–November. Prices are often lower, and it is usually easier to find vacant hotels rooms in popular destinations. The Central highlands can be especially delightful at this time of year. The Golfito and Caribbean lowlands, both of which can be lashed by the whip of tropical storms in the wet season, don’t have a distinct dry season anyway.
What to Take
Pack items that work in various combinations. Darker items don’t show the inevitable dirt and stains you’ll quickly collect on your travels, but dark clothes tend to be hotter than khaki or light clothing. Bright clothing tends to scare off wildlife. Be sure to bring a pair of cargo shorts or pants, or a photographer’s jacket, with heaps of pockets.
A comfortable, well-fitting pair of sneakers will work for most occasions. You’ll want lightweight canvas hiking boots with ankle protection for hiking muddy trails.
If you’re going to be in San José and the highlands, or cloud forest destinations, pack a warm sweater and/or a warm windproof jacket (a light waterproof jacket is also a good idea). The lowlands are humid and hot: you’ll want light, loose-fitting shirts and pants. Denim takes forever to dry when wet; light cotton-polyester-blend pants are cooler and dry quickly. Ideally, everything should be drip-dry, wash-and-wear.
Visiting in wet season? Eschew raincoats for a breathable Gore-Tex jacket or a hooded poncho, plus a small umbrella (you can buy one in San José).
Two T-shirts plus two dressier shirts, a sweatshirt and sweatpants, a polo shirt, a pair of Levi’s, “safari” pants, two pairs of shorts, and a “safari” or photographer’s jacket suffice me. Women may wish to substitute blouses and mid-length skirts. And don’t forget your bathing suit.
Most travelers will not need dressy clothes. However, you may wish to take a jacket and tie or cocktail dress for dinners in more expensive hotels and restaurants, and for the theater. Otherwise, Costa Ricans dress informally, but always very neatly. Knee-length shorts for men are acceptable almost anywhere.
Space on buses and planes is limited. Limit yourself to one bag, plus a small day pack or camera bag. Avoid backpacks with external appendages: they catch and easily bend or break. A small day pack allows you to pack for a one- or two-day journey and leave the rest of your gear in the storage room of a San José hotel and return frequently using the capital as a base.
© Christopher P. Baker from Moon Costa Rica, 6th Edition
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