Regina_V023

Hi everyone! I was hoping to plan a trip to Costa Rica from April 17th- 22nd (travel dates flexible +,- 2,3 days). It was brought to my attention that the rainy season in Costa Rica begins in May. Am I cutting it too close?

Kinkazote

You are not cuting it too close. Rain varies with location. Rain may ruin an afternoon's activitiy, but it probably won't ruin a week's vacation. Learn lots of general CR facts from a typical guidebook.

hipvirgochick

I actually travel IN rainy season (prices cheaper, weather cooler) and have only found rain to be a hinderance a couple of times. For your dates I wouldn't worry as most likely it will be hot and dry (depending on the area).

volcanogirl

We travel during rainy season too; I like it because things are lush and green, and prices can be cheaper like hip mentioned. We've had the same experience, never a total rainout, and sometimes no rain at all.

colibri

My only total rainouts have been in November on the Caribbean side. 1 1/2 straight days of heavy downpours prevented us from doing much of anything besides laying in a hammock with a bottle of rum - not a bad way to spend some time!! Same trip - more rain at Sarapiqui for one full day and another afternoon had us chilling out at the rancho spotting wildlife along the river.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

Remember, April 24 is Easter next year, so you'll be traveling during Holy Week (Semana Santa). That will mean higher prices and bigger crowds.

Allylam

Cutting it too close to rainy season, no way. Cutting it too close to Easter, that's too close for me! Since you have 2-3 days +/-, I'd use them to avoid Easter.

tully

Rainy season doesn't start at midnight, May 1st, so I wouldn't be too concerned if you get close to May. I've been to CR May, June, July and Nov, at most have had an hour or two of showers delay plans. May is my favourite month in CR actually.

hsmithcr

It would be better if you can change your trip dates to something before or after the week leading up to Easter, April 24. This is the biggest vacation week of the year for Costa Ricans and most head for the beach. Most of the tourist areas are crowded and some people rent places a year in advance. Vacation for them starts on the Friday, a week before Good Friday. The 15th?

If you don't mind the crowds, you will be fine but you will need to make arrangements far in advance.

As tully said, May is just an estimate for the rainy season and not a "law." How much rain you will see also depends on where you will be because the weather systems are different in different parts of the country. That time of year, lots of rain is unlikely.

Regina_V023

Thanks so much for all the great responses! Unfortunately, I can't change my days b/c I'm a masters student so I vacation according to the breaks we get. The earliest I could leave would be the 14th or 15th and return the 26th or 27th, maybe even 28th. The huge crowds and tourists are usual for me b/c I'm still a student but I think it would be even worse in like Mexico or one of those other spring break spots.

I often look on travelzoo for deals and they've had some good packages for Costa Rica. A lot of the packages require some hotel jumping (transportation is included) but they also include tours of the volcanoes and scenic attractions, plus a few meals also. Would it be better to just find one hotel and stick with it?

hsmithcr

It is not feasible to stay in one hotel and then go different places, other than the area where you are staying. Most people like to do a mix of mountains and beach and perhaps a trip to Tortuguero. However, with this short amount of time, you will really only have time for two places.

I don't think you need to book a package - you can easily do this on your own. Two popular places are Arenal Volcano (La Fortuna) www.arenal.net and Manuel Antonio National Park www.manuelantoniopark.com

It takes a lot longer to get around in Costa Rica than you imagine -- for distance and travel times, check here: www.yourtravelmap.com

Some of what you are able to do will depend on what time you are arriving and leaving. Arriving early in the day and leaving late in the day will give you a little more time. If you are leaving anytime before late afternoon, you will need to stay somewhere near the airport on your last night.