Costa Rica Travel Tips

Traveling so easy a Gingerbread can do it!

• Bring water shoes.

Canyoneering required us to be completely submerged underwater. Not wanting our only pair of sneakers to get wet, we purchased a $10 USD pair of water shoes when we booked our activity. They also would have been great for the hike in Montezuma to our surf lessons and to the Montezuma Falls.

• Purchase an underwater camera.

Before the trip, we ordered a set of 2 Fujifilm Disposable Underwater Cameras to bring with us canyoneering, visiting waterfalls, and snorkeling. After developing the photos, we invested in an underwater camera. While some of the photos turned out well, most were grainy and dark.

• Invest in travel insurance.

We easily compared plans and found affordable insurance at Travel Insurance.com.

• Don’t bring your favorite roller bag.

Stephanie’s carry-on roller bag couldn’t handle the rough Montezuma terrain. Dragging her bag along the dirt roads caused damage beyond repair. Many of our group members recommended Osprey Travel Packs.

• Bring sweat wicking clothing.

Most of our trip involved hiking, climbing, rivers, or traveling without air conditioning in the hot Costa Rica temperatures. We wore sport shorts and quick drying tops most of the trip. 

• A raincoat is essential in the rain forest.

Although we had packed a raincoat, the unexpected bursts of rain still caught us off guard on occasion. 

• La Fortuna has the best souvenirs.

Shops with any souvenir imaginable are scattered throughout La Fortuna. The only touristy shop we found in San Jose was located in Mercado Central and wasn’t open during our early trip to the market. Montezuma has small shops and street vendors, but the selection is limited.

• Consider taking an Uber instead of a taxi.

We took a taxi from the Juan Santamaría International Airport to the hotel. Comparing costs later with group members, we learned Uber was significantly cheaper than a taxi.

• Pack a sarong.

Knowing our tour involved quite a bit of traveling, we only packed carry-on bags. With limited space, we didn’t want to bring a beach towel. Stephanie packed a sarong that doubled as a dress and towel on our excursion to Isla Tortuga (read about our excursion to the island here) and visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall.  

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April 2018