How's the weather right now? Should I pack mostly shorts? Do I need any pants at all (maybe for the evenings)?

Sorry this is such a silly question, but I don't want to pack only shorts and regret it when I get there.

Thanks!

At the higher altitudes (if you're visiting Monteverde, Irazú, Poás, Chirripó...) You'll probably want a pair of long pants. Otherwise it's a matter of fashion and what you feel comfotable in.

There's a realtively comprehensive, annotated suggested packing list at costa-rica-guide.com/pack.htm

Soniela, you are going to be in some cooler areas I believe. Did you decide to go to Monteverde? It can get quite cool and windy up there. It can also be cool in San Jose. You might even think about a light sweater or jacket for those areas. Long pants are better for horseback riding although Ally, I believe, said she just throws a towel or sarong across the saddle and then can wear shorts.
Chino type pants are better than jeans.
Don't forget your flashlight, suntan lotion, and deet. Make a copy of your passport and keep it separate. A cheap poncho doesn't take up any room and wouldn't hurt to have.

Thanks! I will check out that website with the comprehensive list.

We will be in San Jose, MA, Arenal, and Neta's La Finca Que Ama hotel.

Suzie2: A flashlight? I didn't think of that...what do I need it for? Thanks for the poncho idea. I'm off to buy one right now!

Flashlight (small maglight type) comes in very handy as outdoor lighting is not available many places. There are also fairly frequent brownouts and blackouts depending on where you are going. For example--resort or hotel restaurants are often in a separate building. While the grounds probably will have lighting, it might not cover all the pathways. We experienced 3 blackouts while visiting Arenal and Monteverde in January--they weren't especially long, but the flashlight did help us get back to our room, find the bathroom, etc.

Suzie2- What size carry on do you bring when you travel? I was amazed to read that for your last trip you only had one bag. I have connecting flights both in and out of CR and it would be much easier if I could pack light. I printed the packing list but have never brought only one bag on vacation. Please share some secrets

Hey wolfiesmom,
I don't know what Suzie's secret is, but I can tell you that there is almost no place in Costa Rica I can think of, where you cannot wear casual clothes to. There is no need to bring any special clothes for dinners or restaurants. Think comfortable and light. Most hotels offer laundry services, and if you stay in a town for more than a couple of days (like La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio), you will find a local laundry service that is very cheap and fast (drop off one day, pick up the next).
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

Thanks Neta. I can always count on you. Also, I am very happy to hear that Eric from Costa Rica Transfers has been so cooperative. I am much more at ease since I wil be using them in November for the first time.

I just carry a medium sized backpack as well as a small day pack. I even had room to bring back a bunch of stuff from Sarchi, including a small lamp! As Neta mentioned, laundry is widely available and when I am down on the southern Osa I do a lot of handwashing. I bring a lot of coolmax shirts from LLBean which dry quickly and pack down to almost nothing. 1 or 2 pairs of Columbia zip offs, and a pair of light shorts are about it for pants.I have been dressed down for saying this but, I also bring a couple of sun dresses. I enjoy changing into something that is not what I have been hiking in. Just my personal preference. They aren't fancy, just comfortable. Things are pretty casual down there. I have a very small rainjacket that comes in its own little bag that I can hook to my day pack in case I need it. It also doubles as a light jacket for the cooler areas. I do bring one or two long sleeve shirts if I know I will be spending much time in cool temps. I don't bring a hairdryer or curling iron but do bring a curling dryer. It is round and dries as it shapes. When on the Osa I can't use it but many other places I can. Socks, bathing suit, etc don't take up much room. Shampoo is widely available if you run out. My pack usually ends up around 28lbs with books to read.

Just got back from one week in MA. Took 2 pairs of pants, I never even took them out of the suitcase except for the trip back to Toronto. It is very hot and humid there, not a drop of rain.

just wanted to let you know that we packed pants and did not wear them once. we were in the central valley, caribbean side, sarapiqui area, monteverde and manuel antonio. if anything bring a pair of convertible pants/shorts. most of the ticos wore long pants but the tourists could easily be spotted in their shorts. if you plan on eating at a posh restaurant you might want to have a pair of pants. the only hotel we stayed at that was in that realm was the bourganvillea (lovely) with a formal dining room and still it was filled with tourists with shorts and tevas. we were never cold in any location. still our experience is a 1x only and may have been a fluke at that time of year. after having traveled a good bit, we still pack too much. my advice is the same as other fodor's folks. pack and then eliminate 1/2 of what you packed! have fun! cindyjo

I was in Monteverde and Arenal just a couple of weeks ago. I wore long pants with a fleece top the whole time in Monteverde and needed it some in Arenal.
It was windy there.

A lot of people were wearing pants. A few Canadians and Northerners had on shorts. I'm from Texas, and I get cold easily. But my husband doesn't, and he wore pants too.

Manuel Antonio on the other hand was blazing hot.

Last week in Arenal - we wore Capri Pants (ladies that is ) guys wore long pants but really didnt need them.
It was dry and comfy warm.
Casual is the dress mode everywhere.
We found by the way - food to be very very good and ever so low priced.
Flashlights are a must - as it gets dark early and not all walkways, paths or road areas have good lighting at all.
Even restaurants are dark.
We visited Sarchi as well and purchased a chair and a table which is being shipped home - also oh so very low priced.
We also enjoyed that not once were we hasseled by anyone as one can be in Mexico to buy property or trinkets.
CR is upscale, polite and wonderful.
Paulette
Paulette