I received an itinerary from a travel agency of Costa Rica advising not to go to the Caribbean in January because it is plenty of rain. They advised us, besides, not to go to Tortuguero because it is not the proper season. I have 19 days to visit the country. I already had an itinerary but now I am a little confused.
We are traveling with two teenagers and want to visit: Pacuarè river,Arenal, Monteverde, Caribbean cost and Tamarindo o Playa Langosta depending of the hotel we get. Thanks for your help.

Not sure what you are asking.. Rain is unpredictable. Carib is a nice change and a diff kind of area. I'd not go to Monteverde AND Arenal. Pick one.
Otherwise, have a great trip!

BTW, Langosta is sleepy compared to Tamarindo, which is much larger, so pick your poison there.

I think I replied to a previous post of yours, so some of this may be repetitive.

As for rain in Jan. All 4 of our trips to CR have been at the end of Jan and into Feb. Yes, it is more rainy on the Carib side which could cause a problem. However it rains most everywhere in CR at some time during our trips. Mostly at night, and thankfully that cooled things down a bit. The Southern Carib coast of CR obviously gets fewer visitors than the Pacific Coast, thus not as many reports. We have yet to make it there but will on one of our trips. I do remember that early this year, there was flooding in the Southern Carib area and into Panama. However while we were in Tortuguero in Feb 04, we experienced only short rainbursts in the late afternoon. Unfortunately there is just no way to predict the weather. And - No the turtles are not nesting at that time, BUT the lodges were still full of visitors.

Sorry dbarton, but I disagree. Many visitors spend time at both Monteverde and Arenal, I would certainly not choose just one, if your time allows you ample time to enjoy both. We visited them in two seperate trips, but would have totally enjoyed visiting them both in the same trip. Just try to give yourself time enough to enjoy them both. Most people tend to agree 2-3 nights at each area. I would probably lean to 3 nights each. SO much to see and do at both, totally different from one another.

The Pacuare River rafting is great fun and offers beautiful scenery. Have you looked at or thought about the overnight rafting trip?

Can't comment on your Pacific Coast choices, yet!

Shillmac, who is a regular here at Fodor's visits the Southern Carib, seems most every year. Do a search above - I know it will bring up a lot of responses! - but scan down and see what she says about this area.

Also you may want to go back in the forum to Jan, Feb and see if anyone has comments.

Haydee, you seem to be doing a good amount of research, I would advise you to focus in on what is important to you and do those things, just always remembering that there is always a chance that you may have to adjust a bit.

We visited Arenal and Monteverde on the same trip and are glad we did. The areas are very different from one another.