MargieHar

Can you use personal checks for rooms, tour and etc? Do you have to make the small tour outings in advance? Monteverde in Feb and LaFortuna in Feb? Our transfer driver said he would take us to the "Great Jungle River Cruise" near MA anyone ever heard of it? Would you advise it? Any clothing that you would not take along, and anything that you not go without? We noticed that we are in cool and hot climate In the rental car - which one would you do? Thanks so much

volcanogirl

It would be very rare to use personal checks for those sorts of things. Most places take credit cards though, but I'd check in advance. Some cards will charge you a foreign transaction fee. I would assume that the river cruise is a tour on the Rio Tarcoles, but you should double check. We did a similar tour and saw huge crocs in the water and lots of cool birds as well. Most of the tours will feed the crocs so tourists can get photos.

MargieHar

Thanks, the tour for the coast with Fran and Modesto asked us for personal check during the three days with them. I think the river tour is the Carara River near the Tarcoles - but could be wrong. Will the tour operators and transfer people take the credit card? LaFortuna - want to get a rental car as we had to split up with our lodging 2 here and 2 there. Have any thoughts on that? Any clothes advice? thanks again.

volcanogirl

We stayed at Bosque del Cabo, and they asked specifically for a check. It's the only time that's happened to us, but some operators do use them. We book our tours ahead and reserve them with a credit card; it's always worked for us, but it's up to each individual operator. Private drivers usually request cash in our experience. For clothes, I bring shorts, tees, capri pants, running shoes, water shoes that are quick dry like Keen's, a bathing suit, binoculars, camera, etc. If in rainy season, I bring a rain poncho. Going to Monteverde, I'd pack a sweatshirt or fleece jacket in case it gets cool at night. It was chilly when we were there

volcanogirl

Your cruise may be similar to this.

http://www.costaricavacationplanning...glecruise.html

MargieHar

Thanks for the help. Have an odd question, what quality rain coat would one take along? Is it used a lot? What about the disposable ones? Never used one so haven't a clue. What do you take?

volcanogirl

We have cheap ones that fold up into a little pouch; we got them at Target for about ten dollars each. I wouldn't expect a lot of rain in February though. We travel during green season.

colibri

Don't take jeans because if they get wet they do not dry in a humid climate. As VG said, go with lightweight, quick dry type clothing.

Many smaller lodges prefer cash over credit cards - US dollars. Some tours and lodges will accept checks since they may have offices which maintain a bank account in south Florida. You'll find that many stores and restaurants will often have both USD and colones listed on goods, menus, etc.

MargieHar

Thank you again, ?? Is it still in effect that MA National Park is closed on Monday's? We have been encouraged to book tours in advance - do most hotels assist with activities for the next day? In LaFortuna we thought to get a cab - would that be a good idea instead of a rental? thanks

volcanogirl

Yep, the park is closed on Mondays. Most hotels will book tours for you, but they may not use the provider that you want; most of them use specific ones. We book our tours on our own online because we have a preference for certain providers. La Fortuna is a lot more spread out that Manuel Antonio; you can use taxis, but the cost will add up since things aren't that close together. We use taxis there, but it isn't cheap.