Will we need hiking boots?
 

We are planning a family trip to Costa Rica for February. We will be spending our time as follows:

* 2 nights at the Peace Lodge
* 4 nights at Arenal
zip lines
La Catarata de la Fortuna
Tabacon
Los Tucanes Lava Hike
Hanging Bridges
Cano Negro
* 4 nights Manuel Antonio
National Park
Maybe Finca Valmy

Can we get buy with a couple pairs of sneakers and some sandals for the beach or should I buy everyone in the family some hiking boots?

Thanks!

Cathy, I don't think hiking boots are necessary at all. A good pair of sneakers will be fine for whatever hiking you and your family will do.

Absolutely agree--especially in February!

My husband and I swear by our Keens. When we have been hiking in both hawaii and costa rica we wore out keens and thank goodness. There were a number of times we had to walk through mud and water. If we were wearing sneakers our shoes never would have dried. At last with water shoes like keens you can stick your feet right in the water to wash them off.

I totally agree; we've hiked all over CR without hiking boots. We used good running shoes, and if there is water, our Keen's. If you have a set of each of those, you'll be fine.

I don't think they are necessary; as others have mentioned, Keens are the way to go. I wore mine all over (jungle, rivers, ocean, etc) and they were wonderful.

Just got back on Nov. 27th, had 3 days of rain, we had just walking shoes, some wore those low cut hiking boots and either would be fine, thick soul is good in case you have to walk in standing water, rain is lessening now as the dry season is approaching. I wore the same shoes for 10, they are called Rugged Exposure from Big 5, they are cheap,even danced in them on a couple of nights at some of our parties, Buck