Discover Costa Rica

Hotels
The hotels will have basic toiletries such as soap but of course, you will want to take your own personal items.

Clothing
While it will be subject to rain along the way, it will also be quite hot and humid, so I wouldn't take any footwear that is too heavy. The only really steep part I remember is up to the waterfall on Day 5, but aside from that it's relatively flat going so you don't need serious ankle support. Some people in my group did have full boots, and although they didn't seem to have any problems, I think they took up a lot of room.
I took some walking shoes which were waterproof (although they got soaked in some spots anyway!), a pair of converse trainers (which I normally take for day to day wear) and some flip flops.
I didn't take waterproof bottoms (don't have any any find them too bulky anyway) and just picked up a cheap rain poncho locally. I find shorts are fine in the rain myself.

Equipment
You don't need a mozzie net, but I would recommend repellent. The proliferation of lizards and frogs does a good job of reducing the mosquitoes. The 'biting' insects usually appear at dusk. I tended to wear a long sleeve top and casual trousers as opposed to shorts in the evening.
A sink plug and torch aren't essential but can be handy, especially around some of the smaller lodges.
The normal plug type is two pin straight but a Universal adaptor from Boots will cover everything.
A spare memory card isn't a bad idea either, I ended up taking a ton of photos - and don't forget your torch and binoculars!

Weather
I went in April, had a few days of rain but usually just downpours that dried up quickly. It was pretty hot as well, with some days over 30c. Try to avoid any tight, heavy clothing, as it's hot and humid a lot of the time so light and loose cotton is best.

Mobile phones
What service you get will be a matter more of who your provider is. There is some information here. Mine worked ok most of the time.

Money
It's hard to give specific advice on exactly how much money to take with you, as it will vary from person to person and depend a lot on what they want to do. I took $600 to start, of which about $300 covered meals. I spent about $200 on optional excursions (but you can spend a lot more) and then took out about another $200 towards the end, as there are extra costs such as snacks, drinks, a beer in the evening etc. You could keep it in your account and use a debit card but there's a risk of it not working at some point.

It was an amazing trip, and I was blown away by the whole country!

Sharmil Goswami - Sales

The food provided at the hotels and lodges are a mixture of typical Costa Rican meals and continental. From rice and beans, to steak and chips, you won't be disappointed! Vegetarians also have a great range of meals available to them, but please ensure you advise us in advance of travel.
The restaurants in Costa Rica have American/continental menus and portions tend to be pretty large!

Karol Rogacki - Customer Operations

Yes, taking a mix of dollar denominations is the best idea for this trip. Taking cash is fine, as long you excercise the same degree of common sense you would at home. The leader will best advise you on changing it once you arrive. ATMs are becoming more common but you shouldn't rely on them 100%, in case there are any problems.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

It can get hot and sweaty here at times, so lightweight cotton (or quick-drying fabrics) is best as a starting point! Long sleeved shirts and trousers will help prevent mosquito bites, especially in the evenings when they could be buzzing around. You should also take a jacket and/or sweater for evenings, as it will cool down. Essential kit includes some sunglasses and a sunhat, along with good sunscreen. A lightweight waterproof jacket or rain poncho is optional, as you can get some tropical rain here now and again!

Karol Rogacki - Americas Operations

The luggage is transported on a covered roof rack and within the vehicle, so no hard suitcases please! Soft suitcases with wheels should be fine, just check with us if in doubt.

Sharmil Goswami - Sales

Because of the distances involved, and the road conditions, some drives can feel long. However, there are ample opportunities to stop so you can grab something to eat or use the toilet. A long lunch stop is also within the itinerary, so you should have plenty of chances to stretch your legs!.

Karol Rogacki - Customer Operations

Most clients are eligible to travel via the US under the US Visa Waiver Programme, however to do this you must register for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). This must be done prior to departure - more details can be found at www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa.

Rebecca Caldicott - Customer Operations

A burrito from a local restaurant! - if its busy with Costa Ricans then it will be good and well priced.

Sharmil Goswami - Sales

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Costa Rica where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!