danmin

We are going to C.R. 11-18 thru 11-28-04 for our weddingmoon. What should we bring w/ us. We are staying at the Lost Iguana(Arenal), Makanda by the sea(Quepos) and then Fleur De Lys (San Jose). Besides my wedding dress for our wedding...what else should we pack to wear? What are the resturants like, are they type of attire is required? Any tips are helpful!!! Also, what should we see and not see?

shillmac

Most of what you need will be casual. Keep your packing simple! If you think you will visit a couple of the more upscale restaurants, you might include a skirt and a pair of slacks for your husband (by the way, congratulations!). LOL--I guess I should've said a skirt FOR YOURSELF and a pair of slacks for your husband!
Even at the nicer restaurants near the beach, you can get by with shorts or capris and t-shirts. That said, some women wear "casual party/fun" dresses or skirts--if that makes any sense!

Other than that, Arenal might require a light weight jacket--likewise San Jose in the evenings. Bring tennis shoes if you plan to do any hiking. Outside of that, mainly beachwear. You really aren't going anyplace that will require you to dress differently--just the usual stuff: shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, appropriate shoes, jacket, etc!

As for what you should and shouldn't see, you'll figure it out when you get there! Just choose the activities that sound the most like "your cup of tea" at Arenal and again at Manuel Antonio! Have fun!

Iza

Congratulations! Other than your wedding, you will find Costa Rica very casual. Bring shorts, t-shirts, bathing suits, zip-off pants and a long sleeve top for Arenal, maybe a sundress. In our three visits to Costa Rica we still have to find a restaurant that has doors and windows LOL... They are all open air! Will you be staying in the city itself? If so, you may want to bring something nicer to wear at the city restaurants.

Latitude9Lisa

In Manuel Antonio, make sure to go thru the park! I strongly suggest hiring a guide as you'll see much more wildlife than with an untrained eye. Go early when the animals are most active. The park opens at 7 am and is closed on Monday. Additionally, you'll save alot of money if you go to the park entrance and hire the guide yourself vs. using a tour service =)

RE: Clothing. As previously stated, all the restaurants are open air (with the exception of San Jose) so casual is best. Shorts, capris etc., and during a rain storm it might get chilly so pack a few light shirts that can layer over tank tops. Cotton, cotton, cotton! Anything too clingy (spandex)avoid if possible. Sundresses are great. Flat or very low heel sandals. If you're doing alot of hiking, Teva style sandals or light hiking boots. Bring a small umbrella too in case of rain. Repost if you have further questions. Congrats on your future wedding!

Lisa in Manuel Antonio

lvk

I would recommend some "Coolmax"-type ventilated shirts. We found those to be the best for the CR climate, because 1)ventilation allows air in and out. 2) they dry super-fast, so if you're caught in a rainstorm, you won't stay soaked. Coolmax is the brand name of the fabric. I know LL Bean sells CoolMax, and I have a NorthFace tank made of Coolmax. Adidas calls theirs "Clima-lite" and Nike's name is "Dri-fit". You can find them in any Sporting Goods store.

I recommend the Hanging Bridges near your hotel in Arenal. I also second the recommendation of a guide in MA. We would not have seen any wildlife without a guide with a Swarowski scope.

Congrats and have a great time!