Costa Rica - must have vs nice-to-have?

[g25591]

Hi there,
I am excitedly preparing for my Go Costa Rica trip starting Oct31st, and am packing and buying things..

I have the GAP packing suggestions, and was hoping recent travelers to CR could tell me their opinions on the following items.
I will be in CR during the tail end of rainy season; my understanding is that there could be short thunderstorms in the afternoons.

- Backpack rain cover - can I live without it? (My sensitive stuff will be in plastic bags in my daypack)
- Binoculars?
- I have a waterproof light jacket with hood, can I live without the Poncho?
and the biggie,
Do I need Hiking Boots? ie. waterproof mid-height or full boots.. are they necessary? I expect CR is pretty warm/hot, so could I survive on a mix non-waterproof runners and hiking sandals?
If my stuff got wet one day, would the overnight be good enough for them to dry for the next day?

Other questions.. I'm excited and nervous!!
What does one do with their money belt (passport, docs, money) when enjoying water sports like rafting or the waterfalls?
Lastly, this is a Budget class tour, so when GAP says to bring toiletries, are they asking us to pack toilet paper and shower soap?

Thanks so much for your help!
Neal
Toronto area, Canada.

ps. If you happen to be in SJ on any of Nov 14th-17th, I will be there after my tour - leaving the 18th, let me know if you want to explore together

[thecakeisalie]

- Backpack rain cover - can I live without it? (My sensitive stuff will be in plastic bags in my daypack)
- Binoculars?
- I have a waterproof light jacket with hood, can I live without the Poncho?
and the biggie,
Do I need Hiking Boots? ie. waterproof mid-height or full boots.. are they necessary? I expect CR is pretty warm/hot, so could I survive on a mix non-waterproof runners and hiking sandals?
If my stuff got wet one day, would the overnight be good enough for them to dry for the next day?

Other questions.. I'm excited and nervous!!
What does one do with their money belt (passport, docs, money) when enjoying water sports like rafting or the waterfalls?
Lastly, this is a Budget class tour, so when GAP says to bring toiletries, are they asking us to pack toilet paper and shower soap?

The only thing you've listed there that I consider a must have in CR is the waterproof light jacket w/hood. Hiking boots are good, but you're right, trainers and hiking sandals will do just fine, and they are easier to dry if you get wet (and by wet, I mean "foot just went in the river" wet, not "its starting to drizzle" wet). The caveat is that things don't always dry well due to the humidity, but its not the end of the world. So for the binocs, poncho, and rain cover I would say those are "nice to have." But that's just me, and I don't mind getting a little wet.


Small point of correction on what to expect for weather though. Short rain showers in the afternoon could be just that, or they can just as easily be "wrath of God" type deluges that last for hours, or you could have no rain at all. Better safe than sorry, and better to consider worst case scenario.

[JaliscoJudy]

I like to get a good look at the birds and other wildlife so--no matter where I am traveling--binoculars are always a "must have" for me. The birds in Costa Rica are amazing. Take the binoculars.

[john m]

Hi, Just got back from the Costa Rica Adventure tour (4th Oct), and in answer to your questions...
We managed to get by without a backpack cover, but as the other person has already advised, the rain can be either short and sharp, or torrential for hours (as we found out). As for the binoculars, it depends on what you want to see. if you are taking a camera with a long lense, then you probably wouldn't use it, but if you are a keen bird watcher, then it would be a must. The footwear you have mentioned should be fine, as, if you will be doing anything that requires more substantial footwear (Rar Avis for example) then it will most probably be supplied.
We found drying clothes to be practically impossible over night, and had to visit a local laundry to get the job done properly ($5, and it was all folded too).
A cheap poncho that folds down to nothing would be a good idea and can be used for more than just keeping you dry (which is not going to happen).
Whatever you take, I can assure you that you will have a fantastic time in Costa Rica !!
Bura Vida !!!

[g25591]

Thanks for the replies everyone!
I'll pick up a poncho... Probably buy a cheap hat too, in CR itself.

John, do you think I need a fleece in my packing for the higher elevations.. I'll be bringing thin long sleeve cotton tops, that I could layer on tech t-shirts if needed, what do you think?

I'm getting excited for Costa Rica!

GAP - Does anyone know about the 'basic' service level on Go Costa Rica versus the availability of basic toiletries in our accommodations?

Finally, I'm staying in homestay for a couple nights before the trip, can I ask the forum for some nice gift suggestions that the locals would appreciate.

Appreciate it guys!

[hoopoe4me]

I live in Washington state and just got back from CR. The high elevation was no issue as far as "chill" I almost always wore a long sleeve shirt ( safari shirt) to protect from bugs and sun, even in the hotter environments. A windbreaker that was fold up in a pouch type lived in my hip pack. Many shops sell "disposable" ponchos. I brought mine and never used it though others in my group borrowed it. I also brought nylon rain pants since we did night patrol on the beach ( Project CR) and I needed dark clothing for that.

I doubt it ever got below 65 the whole time. Monteverde was a happy relief after a week on the pacific coast where we sweltered at 90+ temps.

Take your bins, even if they are a small pocket size. I am a birder and put them to good use. I will admit I used my camera a lot .

TP is provided everyplace, though it is always handy to have a little packet of kleenex type tissues. TP goes in the basket , NOT the toilet

I took my own soap, because I am picky, and a hand sanitizer. I never saw shampoo provided, typical hotel soap was.

I took a light hiking shoe made with gortex type waterproofing. At Monteverde they provided boots if desired. The soil is curious. Here at home any amount of rain produces mud, there, particularly in Monteverde and El Fortuna, the wet soil was unusually "dry" Not very gummy or mucky. I hiked Charo Chato in El Fortuna and was amazed at how stable the trail footing was. Most of the venues we went to had a cement block tread in the trail and the other natural trail I hiked was very honest footing. IN the higher elevations, if not all of CR, the rainy season is suffering from lack of water.

drying overnight depends on location and fabric. technical fabrics and nylon likely will, cottons won't if it is humid . I used a lot of lightweight hiking pants and technical fabric tops and was not troubled. Bras are a different matter and I would suggest having at least 4 ( if that applies ). Many hotels and local stores or sodas provide laundry service and there are self serve laundries everywhere

I left my documents locked in room, either safe or in my bag. I made use of ATM for money and having Master Card could only take from Bank of CR branches. Other places you should plan to have your passport. Everyplace we went took US dollars or Colones. Change was always in Colones

I did not do many adventure type activities. At Monteverde, zip line , they provided a locker for your valuables. I trusted our van drivers implicitly. and it was sometimes possible to leave items in the van.

[JaliscoJudy]

Take your bins, even if they are a small pocket size. I am a birder and put them to good use. I will admit I used my camera a lot .

What were your favorite birds in Costa Rica hoopoe4me? Did you see a Resplendent Quetzal?

[hoopoe4me]

I always feel my favorite bird is the one I am looking at.

I admit a fondness for sparrows and woodpeckers. The ubiquitous Rufous collard sparrow was sassy fun. Lineated Woodpecker was a treat. I did not seek quetzal ( at Monteverde) but was thrilled with the hummingbird garden at La Selvatura. The Violet Sabre-wings were fantastic and the Steely vented very charming. I had one ( unidentified) hummer really check me out on a hike at Cerro Chato . I then remembered that I was wearing a red sweatband. Highly recommended for anyone birding to have a bit of red to make the hummers pause

[ReeRee]

- Backpack rain cover - can I live without it? (My sensitive stuff will be in plastic bags in my daypack) You can do with out (I didn't take one), I did wish I had one when it was pouring rain and our backpacks had to go on top of our transport. For the most part they used tarps to cover our bags, but having the cover would have been nice. I always made sure my bag was covered by others. You can live without it though.
- Binoculars?
eh, I would save the space. The tours I really needed binoculars, the tour guide had them.
- I have a waterproof light jacket with hood, can I live without the Poncho?
and the biggie,
I brought a Poncho I got for free. It was handy when walking to and from places (across borders, waiting in line at borders). I ended up trashing it though because I didn't dry it properly and it smmmeellled. No loss though-it was free!

Do I need Hiking Boots? ie. waterproof mid-height or full boots.. are they necessary? I expect CR is pretty warm/hot, so could I survive on a mix non-waterproof runners and hiking sandals?
You'll be fine with trainers. I didn't find them necessary, and I was happy I didn't have them.

If my stuff got wet one day, would the overnight be good enough for them to dry for the next day?
Sometimes it will. Depends how long a travel day is. But the humidity really makes it difficult to dry your wet clothes. This probably the most frustrating thing about the trip. Clothes line is a must.

Other questions.. I'm excited and nervous!!
What does one do with their money belt (passport, docs, money) when enjoying water sports like rafting or the waterfalls?
I was very lax about leaving my money-maybe too much?! I would leave it in my backpack at the hotel. Never had any problems. Most of the time you can pay to use a storage or leave it at the front desk-I found it unnecessary. Most of the rafting/water places provide dry bags or storage that was always locked and safe also.

Lastly, this is a Budget class tour, so when GAP says to bring toiletries, are they asking us to pack toilet paper and shower soap?

I did. They will provide teeny-tiny little soaps, but I liked having my own. TP wasn't necessary, but baby wipes sure did come in handy. Buying toiletries there was actually much more convenient then I expected. I wouldn't have brought such a large amount of shampoo had I known.

Thanks so much for your help!
Neal
Toronto area, Canada.

ps. If you happen to be in SJ on any of Nov 14th-17th, I will be there after my tour - leaving the 18th, let me know if you want to explore together