Costa Rica – August Clothes Tips

[TikehauLilly]

I got some great advice on a CR holiday from this forum and now it’s all booked - 3.5 weeks in August so thank you.

With 60 days to go, I have started thinking about clothes and shoes for the children (12,7,9) as I am sure it will creep up on me given all the other life admin – plus I am excited.

Two questions:

• Any tips for types of shoes for the rain forest walks – not sure that waterproof shoes are best given rain / humidity/ heat / and waterfall hikes etc. I am thinking of just taking my fast-drying trail running trainers and avoiding my Merrell Gore-Tex.

• Quick dry trousers for the children – 7-year-old has some zip off thin ones from mountain warehouse Steve Backshall that I think he will use. Not sure for the other 2 – one a fashion conscious 12 yo boy! Have looked at safari store.

Hence any tips for either or indeed other tips I might find useful!

Thanks!

We went last August with an 8 year old and an 11 year old. Both kids used the mountain warehouse zip off trousers for the walks through the rainforest to a waterfall. We all took old trainers that I think we ended up not bringing back as they did get quite wet and smelly. We had lightweight waterproof jackets from mountain warehouse and I took very thin long sleeved shirts to wear over my tops when we were in some of the mozzie areas. However, I think from the second week we were so hot and humid that we just wore t shirts and shorts with spare clothes left in the car to change into. We struggled to get some clothes dry because of the humidity, fortunately the villa had a tumble dryer as nothing dried outside!
Which part are you going to? It was an amazing experience. I may have some tips depending on where you are going

oh this is helpful thank you- I thought some of the mountain warehouse stuff looked a bit thick as do some other technical brands so will order some to look at. at least if not used they are not a huge waste of cash. Unlike the pricey safari ones I found!

luckily have kept some of my 12y/o's old sketchers so will take also to then not worry about - top tip!

we are going to the below destinations
its not the Caribbean side or Osa as numerous factors to consider meant these got discounted, not least - after discussion with travel agent, reviews they had, 5 of us the budget was already v ££, weather in august, accessibility decided to focus on the below

Manuel Antonio
Isla Chiquita
Santa Teresa
Monteverde
La Fortuna
Bijagua
Playa Hermosa (have not got anything planned here - was "near" airport) but do have a couple of days to fill but might be exhausted from all the action preceding!

Ah amazing - a similar itinerary to us. Are you hiring a car? Everything took longer than Google suggested - the roads were tricky in places so definitely allow much more time.
We went to MA twice - once without a guide and once with. The guides are amazing at spotting animals that you wouldn't notice at all! We used the official guides from MA booked in advance. When you approach MA there are lots of official looking people with whistles, hi-vis jackets and clipboards. Do not stop!! Keep driving! They do not need to check your tickets, sell you parking or other excursions (these ones take food on tours to encourage monkeys to jump on you, which is so bad for wildlife and also you run the risk of being bitten!) The first time we did stop and ended up paying them for parking - we then realised we were parked next to a sign saying free parking 🤦‍♀️.

It didn't tend to rain until mid afternoon onwards so we tried to get out early - the wildlife was more active then and it was a bit cooler. Don't underestimate the amount of wildlife that you will see out of the national parks - it's everywhere!!

We did a mango grove tour with Toucan Tours. They were a reasonable priced company to use and the tour was well run. They did lots of other tours too I think.

I really rated the large lightweight towels from mountain warehouse - they dried quickly and we're light to take around or keep in car. They are also half price if you buy any item in the shop.

This was taken in MA with the tour guide

And this just came out of a drain I was stood next to!

Chiclets Ziplining in Playa Hermosa was great, we went twice in the end

thanks again - ill grab some towels! used to have some in pre kids era for diving. really out of practice with long holidays / multi destination

yes we are self drive (so also worried about luggage space! need to be creative)

thanks for other tips. will pop them in my spreadsheet!

ps love the pictures...

did you get your children any cameras? everything is smartphone now and the younger 2 don't have but would be nice for me to not have to share!

thanks for the zip line info - only have one booked in Fortuna