So we are kind of (okay, really late) on making reservations for our 1st trip to C.R. And I am wondering at this point if we even should?

We will be leaving in one week arriving in SJO on Aug 6th. We have 10 nights and are planning on going to Arenal, Monteverde, and unsure about the 3rd destination. Usually, I have to have everything planned out in detail before a trip, but this summer has been unexpectedly busy and I have put it off.

I would hate to get there and waste too much time driving around trying to find available hotels, but we want to be flexible. We will have a car and a phone, but neither of us speak spanish. We just returned from a trip to Italy where we had all of our reservations planned ahead of time. It was okay, but what we found was that we were either stuck in one place too long or didn't get to stay long enough in the other places. Of course, it is hard to know which places you would spend only two nights and which you would want 4 if it is your first trip.

So to shorten this up, would we be crazy to just try to find accomodations as we go allowing us to decide spontaneously whether we want to stay or go on to our next destination. Or would you not risk it?

We aren't too picky but would like nice accomodations. We were thinking around $80-100 a night.

Also, has anyone used Exploradores Outdoors for there river rafting tours?

Personally, I wouldn't risk it. Places are booking up months in advance now. Maybe call a few places to see if they have availability? Arenal and Monteverde are two of the most popular places in CR.

I think I'd also want reservations, as this is the mini high season (of course, I've become less spontaneous about where I'm going to sleep as I've gotten older!) and both Arenal and Monteverde, as noted, are two of the most popular places for people to go. If you have 10 days, I'd do 3 nights Arenal, 2 nights Monteverde, then either fly to the Osa Peninsula for 3-4 nights, or maybe check out the Orosi Valley area.

I tend to agree with the others. We made a "last minute" trip last Aug and had hotel and car reservations (but nothing else). Although this is considered the rainy/low season, availability can still be an issue. And I suspect that with the dollar (if you're from US) in the tank against many currencies, CR and Latin America may be even more popular than last year. I just wouldn't want to drive around CR looking for a place to stay.

I'd book the hotels asap but not worry about the day trips until you get there. After talking with other travelers and tour desk workers, you will likely make some adjustments on what you end up doing so paying ahead and being locked in can be a pain. Once you know you want to do a particulr trip for sure, let your hotel know and they will book it for you. There is usually plenty of room but some popular activities are best planned a day or two in advance.

You may find that you will need to spend a little more than $80-$100 for a nice place. All depends on what you consider nice.

The three most popular rafting companies (for the Pacuare anyway) are very good and do things quite similar. Not sure which companies operate from Arenal but if you stick with the bigger companies used by the resorts, you'll be fine. If you are wanting to do the Pacuare from Arenal, it is a long haul.

Don't worry about not speaking Spanish. I bring a phrase book, but seldom use it. Learning a few common words helps unless you don't mind walking out of the wrong restroom with half the restaurant snickering, etc.

Since you are doing your own driving, you might want to get a good map and look at which routes you will be taking. Being at least somewhat prepared will help you stay on the better roadways and keep it safe. Roadway signs are sometimes missing and driving at night or getting lost can put you at risk. Ask someone with good English to show you the better roads to your next destination. Most everyone is very friendly and excited to help.

I would make hotel reservations. Not speaking Spanish, I feel could well "waste" a lot of time looking for nice places to stay, which could be better spent seeing the country, or relaxing or whatever.

This is not specific to Costa Rica, I feel that about anywhere I travel.

I don't mind planning everything else after arrival, but I book hotels ahead.

Thanks for all of the responses. After reading a few of your suggestions, I got kind of nervous about trying to go it alone and spontaneous once we got down there. So, thanks to Fodors I found Pat Hewitt with Costa Rica Travel Exchange.

Huge Thank you to Pat. I talked to him for about an hour on Thursday about what our situation was and what we wanted, and by Friday he had all of the Hotels (some really nice ones that we are excited to see) in San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Manual Antonio, plus our car rental and over night rafting trip booked. We received the vouchers which he overnighted us on Saturday. Needless to say he took a huge pressure off me and we are looking forward to flying out on Tuesday.

Anybody have any last minute reminders/suggestions.

We have tried to pack and prepare, but I am sure this will be a learning experience and we will just have to make note of things for the next time, even so we would like to try to be prepared.

Is 1 pair of quick drying, moisture wicking pants enough or do I need to pack 2?
Will shorts be acceptable in Arenal and Monteverde? What about on the ziplines?
How and when is the best way to pay the departing tax (or whatever it is)?
I wasn't able to find a map of C.R. at Barnes and Noble-any other suggestions?
Is it hot and humid to the point that I won't want to wear 100% cotton shirts or would they be okay?

Sorry this is getting lengthy, but I have really appreciated everybody's help. One more thing. We have a pretty good idea of some of the activities/tours we want to do, but are there any favorites/absolute must do's that you would suggest for the Arenal, Monteverde and M.A.

Thanks everyone, and Thanks to Pat.

We wore shorts and capri pants in Arenal, but I'd be sure to pack something warmer for Monteverde. We were there a couple of weeks ago, and it was very cold and windy - had to wear a zipped fleece jacket, and my husband had to pull out a sweatshirt. Bring rain ponchos since you're going during rainy season; we brought them and were glad we had them. Also, for ziplines, I'd wear longer pants or capris - shorts can ride up and give you a Britney Spears moment since you're strapped in a harness. I wore cotton t-shirts in the warmer areas and was fine. Our fave activities in Arenal were watching the volcano, doing the hot springs and dinner at Eco Termales, and taking the Sunset Tours trip to Cano Negro to see wildlife. In Monteverde, we hiked at the Monteverde Reserve to see the quetzal, ziplined with the Original Canopy Tour, and did a great night hike at Hidden Valley. In MA, we loved the national park with its wildlife and pretty beach; the mangrove tours and horseback riding are popular too. We always pay the departure tax when we leave - $26 each. Have fun!

Pat's a good guy! Glad you had him help you out.

VG's given you some great suggestions of activities. Most of your hotels will have tour desks available that can help you arrange specific outings.

For the departure tax, you can pay it upon arrival or when you leave. There's a handy counter for paying upon arrival right at the start of the cordoned area that leads you through customs. We prefer to pay up front so there's one less thing to deal with on the day we leave for home. Of course, you have to keep your receipt safe and handy for when you need it at the end of your trip (I usually tuck mine into my passport for safe keeping).

My last minute advice would be to take a photo copy of your passport to keep on your person at all times (leave the originals in your room safe at each hotel). I second VG's rec of taking rain ponchos. A small flashlight is also a good idea.

If you have more than 1 pair of moisture wicking pants, I'd throw them in. Be sure to take some layers for warmth in Monteverde (and possibly Arenal too...). You'll probably live in shorts and light weight tees in MA.

Don't sweat the small stuff too much. It'll all work itself out! Have a wonderful time!