the bug  Lady's  guide

to Drake Bay, Costa Rica ...

Tips for Travelers

Beryl-crowned Hummingbird

  Packing  Light

If you will be flying from San Jose, there is a 25 pound maximum luggage weight allowance per person on the flight.  Resorts do  recommend traveling with only a small pack for the Drake Bay leg of your Costa Rican itinerary.  Hotels in San Jose offer safe, dependable luggage storage for the rest of your bags.

  Clothing

Because it dries quickly,  light weight cotton-polyester blend clothing is ideal for the rainforest.   Along with shorts and T-shirts, you should bring along at least one pair of long pants.  Jeans are not  recommended because of the heat.   Pants with zip-off legs, which can be purchased at most  sporting goods stores  or  camping retailers, are great.   Definitely pack lots of socks.  A hat and sunglasses are also must-bring items.

   Binoculars 

With an abundance of tree dwelling wildlife, such as  birds, monkeys, and sloths, binoculars are essential travel gear in Costa Rica.   

 

Three-toed Sloth

  Water Resistant Day Packs

Traveling with a "Dry Bag"  back pack  is a great way to protect  your  camera and other belongings  while hiking , kayaking, and  traveling by boat to Corcovado and the Island.  Dry bags can be purchased at boating supply stores.  "Seal Line"  makes  durable, quality dry bags  in a variety of sizes. 

    Comfortable Foot Ware 

Packing a pair of comfortable hiking  or tennis shoes  is another must  do  for the Costa Rica  traveler.  Hiking boots have better traction and are better suited for Drake Bay.  During the green season, rubber boots will prove to be the best foot ware.   If you choose to go with rubber boots, it is important to pack socks that reach  above the top of the boot.  Otherwise your legs may become  chaffed.

Sandals should really only be worn  on the beach (the sand can get quite hot for bare feet), and during beach side boat landings.  It  is not a good idea to wear sandals while hiking in the forest. 

Boa Constrictor

  Flashlights

 A good flashlight is highly recommended.  It  will be essential for  walking from your cabin to the hotel restaurant each evening.

  Rain Gear

If you'll be traveling in the green season, you should bring both a poncho and a small folding umbrella.   The poncho will keep you dry and warm  on boat transfers.  Many  prefer a small umbrella while  hiking in the forest, though.  Dry season typically begins in mid to late  December and runs to April, but there's always a chance of an occasional shower. 

  Eyeglasses

If you wear glasses, bring along an anti-fogging agent.

 

Howler Monkeys, mother with young

  Tipping

Tipping  your resort staff, captains, and guides is, of course , a matter of personal choice.  Tips are much appreciated.  It's always nice to consider the "behind-the-scenes" staff at your resort (housekeeping, gardeners, cooks, etc.) .