courtneyclv

hi,
My husband and I will be arriving in San Pedro and then headed to Jaco. We have 10 days..no real plans or reservations, except for an suv. We are adventurous and in our 30's.

Any advice on what to pack, things to do (we will be heading south) etc?

Is it true that dryer sheets keep the bugs away?

Thanks!
Courtney

Kinkazote

Many people report that they do not use any repellent of any kind and are not troubled by bugs. Presumably dryer sheets would work as well as nothing for those people. If there are insects, why not use insect repellent?

We usually carry three kinds of repellent, but have never used any of them in seven trips.

Where is San Pedro?

We usually plan ahead for the major things that we are sure we want to do. That way we have more time for adventures.

hsmithcr

Dengue is a serious problem this year and you should not fool around with using dryer sheets but buy a good insect repellent and use it faithfully.

I hope you will be arriving at San Jose and not San Pedro because there is no airport at San Pedro! haha

Pack light. Bring lightweight clothes that dry quickly. It will be very humid at the least and will probably be rainy. I would not even bring blue jeans -- too heavy. Those pants that zip off into shorts are useful. Anything that you don't have, you can buy in Costa Rica.

Be careful when you are in Jaco.

Just relax and take it slow. I like the idea that you have no set itinerary - it's a great way to enjoy the country. Rains have played havoc with some roads so be prepared for some delays here and there. All part of the adventure!

hsmithcr

Kinzakote: There have been 21,000 cases of dengue this year. I live in Costa Rica and never use repellent but I am headed for an area where there is dengue and will use it there. It is a flu-like illness and something you don't want to get and spoil your vacation. The only way to prevent dengue is to use a good repellent. So while I'm with you as far as other years and not having to use repellent, this year, it's a must.

hipvirgochick

I'm just surprised people have the luxury of not wearing repellant! We have used ours up every trip. The mosquitoes seem to love us and hiking isn't even an option without DEET.

Kinkazote

Last month in the northern part of the country, we encountered no insect pests other than the ant. We carry our three repellents with us even on day trips. I am aware that there are areas where dengue is prevalent, and wouldn't dream of advising anyone not to use bug dope if they even see biting insects. I was both trying to counter the notion that the country is over-run by "bugs" and that somehow dryer sheets are as good as or even better than real repellents.

It's good to emphasize that this is a bad year for dengue and that precautions should be taken, especially in certain areas. (Which has been the case in the past, but it clearly spreading.)

However it's also good to emphasize that Costa Rica is not overrun with "bugs", and that popular fad remedies are as good as or better than DEET etc.

Kinkazote

Eeek! There should be a NOT in the last of my last post.
I guesss the bugs ate it.

volcanogirl

I'd pack shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, capri pants, one pair of long pants, insect repellent, sunscreen, a rain poncho, running shoes, flip flops, Keen's, one long-sleeved shirt, bathing suit and things along those lines. Jaco has a reputation for being a little seedy. Manuel Antonio has a nice national park and beautiful beach inside the park if you want to check it out. A guided tour of the park is nice - lots of wildlife, although it's kind of tame and used to people. The Damas Mangrove tour is popular, as is horseback riding with Finca Valmy. I wouldn't trust the dryer sheet thing; pack something with DEET. You want San Jose, not San Pedro.

courtneyclv

Whoops, San Pedro was where I was last year.. In Belize.

Yin

There is not much to say, just to be careful walking around late if you decide to come to downtown San José, or even if you stay in Jacó. I'm from Costa Rica and was in Jacó like 2 months ago, it's not what it used to be, since there is not much nightlife as it used to, though it's really cool still.
Be sure to use a really good sunblock, you may not want to get burn.
If you like to swin in the sea, I might suggest Herradura insted of Jacó, if you like surfing, then stay in Jacó. I don't surf, so I usually head to Herradura that is like 10 min from Jacó.

volcanogirl

One more thing to pack - if you want to do any wildlife spotting, it's fun to have your own pair of binoculars. Have fun!

Roncher

I agree with Volcanogirl. If you renting a car go to Manuel Antonio national park it takes longer to get there but it is a lot nicer than Jaco. The beach at Manuel Antonio is a lot nicer than Jaco's.
I'd stay away from the San Jose downtown nightlife, instead nearby there is "El Pueblo/centro comercial" teher are cool places for dancing, eating, driking.
If you are staying in San Pedro you already are on the East side of San Jose so going East to Cartago you can check Volcan Irazu. It will be rainy season there at this time so pack an umbrella.

courtneyclv

How is the currency there? Can I exchange at the airport or do they take dollars?

Do they mostly speak Spanish or English?

Thanks!

volcanogirl

They use colones, but U.S. dollars are pretty widely accepted. They've been accepted everywhere we've ever gone. Sometimes you'll get a better rate if you use colones. Be aware that if you use credit cards, your credit card company will probably charge you a financial conversion fee, usually anywhere from 1-3%. Also, call your company before you leave to let them know that you'll be using the card in Costa Rica. Sometimes they'll throw a block on your account if you don't let them know.

Yin

We use Colones, but dollars are accepted everywhere. However, if you can exchange dollars in the bank you are going to receive a better rate for it.
We speak spanish, but in most of the places tourist visit, they'll be able to find someone who speaks English.

volcanogirl

Most people we met are fluent in English, especially in the tourist industry like Yin mentioned. We have had some cab drivers that didn't speak fluent English, but we know enough basic Spanish to get by.

courtneyclv

Thanks. We want to stay away from touristy areas. I'll get an app for my iPhone.

volcanogirl

Are you going to check out the Osa? That's a great area - best wildlife we've ever seen and not too developed.

volcanogirl

courtney, make sure you don't rack up roaming charges for your iPhone. I've heard nightmare stories about that.

courtneyclv

Thanks for the info. I am getting a data package from AT&T, that worked great in Europe. But won't be making any calls

So, if I see something that is 300 colon (let's say, per night) how much in US dollars? I did a conversion but it looks too good to be true.

Thanks!