Our family of four wil be heading to CR in early June. What should we plan on wearing? Specifically: Are we o.k. in shorts and t-shirts most of the time? Is it cool enough in the evenings that we'll need pants? What is the dress code in restaurants? What about the restaurant at the Don Carlos hotel (we'll be there for two nights)? Comfort is our goal but we don't want to be dressed inappropriately anywhere.

A lot depends on where you're going. I usually take t-shirts/tanks, shorts, a sundress and the pair of capris or pants I wear down on the airplane. Have never been anywhere where the above would be under-dressed. Unless you're going to fancy upscale restaurants or the AI's in the the NW, most places are pretty casual.

I wear shorts and t-shirts, capris, things like that. Arenal got down into the 60s at night when we were there, so it's good to tuck in something long-sleeved or a light jacket. MA was really hot when we were there - in the 90s during the day so brings things you'll be comfortable in. I brought a pair of high-heeled mules on the first trip and learned that that was pretty ridiculous - lol. A casual skirt or sundress is great if you feel like wearing it, but you'd be just as fine in a pair of capris. I like to tuck in a few extra clothes so I can shower before dinner and put on something clean that's not sweaty or dirty. If anyone is going to zipline, you'll want at least one pair of long pants or capris because shorts will ride up.

Agree with the above. Just comfy summer clothes. The restaurant at Don Carlos is casual.

I second (or third, or fourth?) the recs above. Casual comfort is the rule.

We've taken some of those quick-dry type t-shirts and shorts that you get at places like Campmor.com or REI. They wick moisture away from your body and are great for the days when you're out hiking and work up a good sweat. You can rinse them out and they'll actually dry enough in the humidity to wear them again.

I was glad to have my lightweight fleece jacket in Arenal. MA was hot and humid (which I think is the norm).

Hi,
Comfort is definitely key. As far as I know, unless you're going to the ultra high class fine dining, there are no dress codes, and quite frankly, I don't even think they have codes there either

So just dress comfortable and enjoy!
Marina K. Villatoro
http://travelexperta.com

Thanks for the advice. I'm happy to keep the heels at home! I appreciate the reminder about capris for the zipline - that could have been a painful experience. Now I just need to convince the teenage daughter that the howler monkies won't care if her outfit doesn't look like it came from the pages of Vogue!