Kwoo

Hello,
My family and I are considering visiting Costa Rica this summer. Because of work commitments, we can go either in June or August. Not sure which month yet but those are our 2 choices. I read somewhere that those months are during the rainy season; however, mornings should be dry and the afternoons wet. Does anyone know approximately what the rainy season is like? Would it rain torrential downpours all afternoon or just some brief showers? We've never been to Costa Rica so appreciate anyone's advice/recommendations.

What airfare can we realistically expect from Boston to Costa Rica? So far the lowest I have found is $600 RT. Are there any safety issues in traveling to Costa Rica?

Thank you for any advice/information.

costaricafinca

Dear Kwoo,
I live in Costa Rica, and I can tell you that the rainy season is in fact my favorite season, and I always recommend it for traveling - everything is greener, cheaper and less crowded. Usually, in most parts of the country, it rains only a couple of hours in the afternoon. Most mornings are clear and sunny, and if you start your day early, you shouldn't be too worried about the rain. You will get all or most of your activity done before it starts raining, and you will see that the rain is actually quite refreshing, and perfect for a good siesta!
Please feel free to write me directly with any more questions or for any more information.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

LA_FadeAway

Check America West through Phoenix. They've had some good deals lately.

Wolfiesmom

Check www.qixo.com for fares to start and if you find a good one you can try the airline's website or 1800 # to see if the fare is available through them. I am flying from Ny to CR for
$541 rt

allison04

I haven't been there yet, but I just bought round-trip tickets from Washington DC for $290 on Orbitz! (I think that's REALLY good, though.)

Iza

We visited CR 3 times, each time in August. I would not hesitate to go in August again. The weather was mostly good with some occassional rain mostly in the evenings and at night. The weather varies depending on your location in the country. One advantage of travelling in the rainy season is that everything is very lush and green.

You should be able to get a better price than $600 from Boston. We usually fly from Hartford or Newark and pay usually $500 or less. Last year there were very good sales for less than $400.

Kwoo

Thanks to everyone for their very helpful replies. I feel much better now about going to CR during the summer. I will try the different websites and airlines that people have suggested for lower airfares.
I'm sure I will have more questions as we plan our trip. Thanks!

lvk

Try TACA (I think they fly from Boston), and keep trying. I've been checking daily for the last few weeks for my trip in August, and the airfare just dropped from $470 pp non-stop from LA to $430 this am, so we grabbed it. They "code-share" with American, and the AA version (same exact flight) was listed on Expedia/Orbitz/American web sites for $512, so do your homework. Good luck, maybe we'll see you there in August.

Ally

I would pick June over August if I had a choice. They are both in the rainy season, but August and September are the wettest months. That being said, I have been there both in Aug. and Sept. and would not hesitate to go at that time of year again. Like other said, usually just rain in late afternoons.

Kwoo

To Neta,
Thank you for your helpful information. Are you a travel agent?
To Ally,
Thanks for your suggestion about choosing June over August. I don't know yet if we have a choice...depends on my daughter's work schedule. But it sounds like August is fine if we can't go in June.

Does anyone know how far in advance we should start making reservations?
Thanks,
Karen

Ally

At that time of year, I would only worry about making reservations near the airport for the first and last nights, if needed. It will depend on when you flights arrive and depart. I have never made advance reservations for any other part of my travels there. I did go last Jan. which is high season, and found that my first choice of hotel in Nosara was booked, and my second choice only had one room left, but it was the most expensive room they had. So, I stayed a my third choice for one night. After that, my first choice was available for the rest of my stay. I have not had any problems getting my first choice, which is 'moderate' during the 'green' season. So, if you have a place in mind that you really must stay at, I would book in advance, but you should not need more than 4-6 weeks advance notice.

costaricafinca

Dear Kwoo,
I am not a travel agent but I own and manage a small country estate hotel called La Finca Que Ama (www.costaricafinca.com). I have been helping friends, family and guests arrange trips for about 3 years now, so I know a lot of people and it is really easy for me to make the calls, as they are local and I know who to talk to. I really enjoy helping people plan their trips, and this is one of the reasons I joined the forum in the first place (I never take commission from the hotels, I always give it as a discount to my fellow Fodorites!). It is also a good way for me to learn about Costa Rica, and what people enjoy and look for.
I will gladly help you with your trip too! You can write me directly with any specific info you need.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor