Rainforest adventure Costa Rica

Costa Rica in November

Hello firefly,

Thank you for posting on the forum. I see no-one has been in touch yet but hopefully someone will soon.

One of my colleagues went on this tour in August last year during August, which is in the middle of the rainy season. She was extremely lucky with the weather and they did not have much rain, so it shows how much the weather can vary.

I've checked a few websites and it can vary as to when the rainy season is listed as taking place. I think the reason for this is that there are a few distinct geographical regions in Costa Rica, and the weather can be different in each one. Have a look at this link to the BBC world weather site:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/country_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT005...

As always, I'd recommend taking a variety of clothing including a lightweight waterproof, a hat (which can protect from sun or rain) and a compact umbrella for shorter walks. Lots of people also take those rather attractive plastic ponchos which serve their purpose if you are in the rainforest as they are big, protect your clothes, and can go right over your bag. It's a good idea, even if they don't always look great!

I would also recommend some long trousers and long sleeves, as some barrier against the mossies. It's also worth noting that you will need long dark trousers and a long sleeved dark top (preferably black) when you go turtle watching.

I hope this is helpful!
Regards
Kelly

Hi

I was in Costa Rica in August on a different trip. We were lucky and didn't have much rain. Any type of waterproof is okay really depending on what you are comfortable with. I had a sports type pull on waterproof. Some people had the large poncho style things and were good as they covered your bag. Something you ought to consider. (I just managed to squeeze my rucksack under my waterproof; although I looked like a turtle).

I wouldn't say you would need waterproof shoes as such as long as you have another pair to change into. Also bear in mind the rainforest gets quite slippery with wet leaves.

If you want to see some photos there are some posted by our tour leader in the photos section or I have uploaded some here:
http://lynteacher.photoape.com/album/index.cfm?albumID=21496

In terms of what to take one thing I wished I had taken was a pair of binoculars.

I hope you have a fantastic time.

Lyn

Hi Lyn,

Thanks for your reply and the photos, it all looks great.
You obviously did the zip lines - which look amazing, not sure if we'll get the opportunity to do that on the tour I'm on, but would love to do if we did get the chance. Was it expensive? And where in costa rica did you zip line?

Thanks

Sam

Hi,

Glad you liked the photos. I did the ziplining in Monteverde, which is covered in your trip, so you should get the chance to have a go. Everyone in our group did it and we loved it. You must do the Tarzan Swing (part of the zip lining) as it's fantastic.

I was trying to remember how much it was then cheated and looked on the website - the ziplining is $40. I combined the day with a canopy tour and butterfly house for $70 total. I would recommend the canopy as a nice way to relax and see some wildlife. The butterflies are good but very similar to other butterfly houses so not sure how much I would recommend it.

Have a great trip and I'm happy to answer any other questions you have.

Lyn
I enjoyed the ziplining so much I did it again in Rincon de la Vieja (sadly not part of your tour).

Hi firefly,
As someone who's lived in Costa Rica (experiencing the climate every month of the year) and run some of the tours there, I can tell you a thing or two about rain in Costa Rica. Basically there's a reason it's a country full of rain forest - in parts of the country they joke that it rains 13 months a year. having said that, it's also sunny for much of the year (you just get a bit of both). November is a bit of a transitory season where your luck could go either way - but normally the rainy season ends at the end of October so though you will undoubtedly have some rain you should also get a lot of sun. It's actually one of the best times of the year to go to CR as the weather should be better and the christmas hordes haven't arrived yet, plus everything is even greener - if that's possible.
As for what rain gear to bring, well a poncho is probably the best for when you're in places like Monteverde, Tortuguero or La Fortuna doing hikes in the forest. I would also bring a small umbrella - not great for the forest but a lot nicer than a poncho for when you're just wlking around the lodges or villages that you visit.
As for footwear - remember that it may be muddy so a shoe with good grip is essential.
Rainforest Adventure is a great trip and really hits some fantastic spots.
Bon Voyage

Hi Tharari,
Good to hear from someone who has lived there. Thanks for the advice. Obviously we expected rain when going to a country packed with rainforests. But its good to hear that you think November is a good time to visit. We're really looking forward to it and even if it rains every day I'm sure we'll still have a great time, it looks like an amazing country. Thanks again for your insight.

Sam

please can you contact me if you were booked to go on the Quetzal Quest 28th feb 2008 or any other dates for 2008. they have cancelled my trip ;due to lack of people, which is hard to beleive this is the 2nd problem i have had with imag traveller,pd for a

cancelled trip quetzal quest 28th feb 2008

mothersruin69@hotmail.com, please can anyone who was booked for costa rica for 2008, who have had there trip cancelled e-mail me,they have just cancelled our trip.due to underbooking,hard to beleive !!!