Costa Rica in May?

January 30, 2013 8:20 PM

There's a deal that looks inexpensive for a trip to Costa Rica in May, to Arenal and Matapalo Beach in Guanacaste. Usually the deals have some kind of catch to them, such as off-season rainy weather, or hotels undergoing construction, or something. I can't find anything bad about this one. Is there a reason not to go in May? Or should I start getting excited about going to Costa Rica?!

Also, how is the driving there? For reference, driving in Puerto Rico isn't a problem at all, but I'd probably have a heart attack if I had to drive in Thailand.

posted by never.was.and.never.will.be. to travel & transportation around Costa Rica (13 answers total)

Buses in Costa Rica are clean, comfortable and inexpensive. I would not drive anywhere in Central America if I had a choice. I don't know of any reason not to go in May. I went in the middle of rainy season and it wasn't even that bad.

Enjoy your vacation :)
posted by empath at 8:25 PM on January 30

May should be OK in Costa Rica. Agreed with empath though, take the bus or transfers. The roads in CR are confusing and terrible.
posted by sweetkid at 8:48 PM on January 30

I stayed in Arenal in May and loved it! The weather was fantastic.

We rented a huge SUV and am glad that we had that, and am also glad that it wasn't me doing the driving. The roads are terrible.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 8:59 PM on January 30

My wife and I rented a car and drove in Costa Rica (Guanacaste region) and it was very easy and I'd strongly recommend it. And I've never driven in any other remotely non-developed country. Having the flexibility to drive around and visit many places was one of the highlights of the trip.
posted by Perplexity at 9:00 PM on January 30

It is the rainy season. It's not actually that rainy. I went to Costa Rica in May for four weeks and only had a couple of rain days.

I had a great time. No crowds at all. We could just blow into any given town and easily find a great place to stay. Damn near had some of the hotels to ourselves. Enjoy the seafood and booze and sights.

Start getting excited! Take advantage of the deals. And take the bus.
posted by Mercaptan at 9:01 PM on January 30

I agree with Perplexity that driving isn't that bad. Just allow a lot of extra time for slow going on rough roads and don't be afraid to ask for directions. Most rental places will rent you a GPS, too, if you feel you might need one.
posted by ghharr at 9:05 PM on January 30

Don't depend on Apple Maps, for sure. It doesn't even have most of Costa Rica mapped.
posted by empath at 9:23 PM on January 30

May is kinda right on the line between dry (high) and rainy (low) season in Costa Rica. In my experience, though, it doesn't matter when you go; the weather is always awesome. Who cares if it's pouring rain when it's 85 degrees out? I actually prefer going in the "wet" season because there tend to be less crowds. Definitely go.

As far as driving in C.R. goes, this question gets asked often. I've answered it at least twice, but I'll go ahead and reiterate my answer (which seems to be the prevailing attitude): Don't rent a car unless you have tricky logistics, want to visit very remote places, or both. The whole country caters to tourists, so it's exceedingly easy and inexpensive (relatively: I'd guess around $200 for a private van; less if you split it with another party) to book private "TURISMO" van travel between destinations. That said, it's a long way from Arenal to Matapalo. I'd break it up into two trips and stop off for a day or two in Quepos.

Have fun! ¡Pura Vida!

If you do make it to Quepos, look for a little place that sells hot empenadas from a window on on a side street just off the south end of the frontage road that faces the ocean. Yum.
posted by maniactown at 10:13 PM on January 30

Just in case you missed it - everyone is correct, the roads in Costa Rica are fucking terrible.
posted by phaedon at 10:36 PM on January 30

I drove in Costa Rica. The driving is a bit intimidating as the roads are terrible sometimes washed out and people come at you in your lane only getting over at the very last minute. Also sometimes people walk down your lame and you can't see them as you're coming around the corner. But the absolute worst part? There are no addresses in Costa Rica!! I am not kidding. It makes finding things relatively difficult especially when you are in a car. GPS is not all that helpful since you don't have a final destination address to put in. We flew into the name airport city and rented a car to drive to the volcano and mountain area. I'm not sure how else you would get there without a rental car or buying a possibly expensive tour package. If you get a chance stay at the treehouse near La Fortuna!! It is awesome.
posted by TestamentToGrace at 12:31 AM on January 31

Do you know the name of the hotel? If so, read reviews at Trip Advisor
posted by obscure simpsons reference at 7:05 AM on January 31

The roads are indeed awful but it's great to have your own (get 4wd!) vehicle so you can follow random impulses to explore. You're lucky.
posted by fivesavagepalms at 7:52 AM on January 31

We took taxi/van/bus between cities and rented a 4x4 for local excursions. Allow much more time than you expect to drive any distance. On many roads, trying to go 30mph will rattle your teeth out of your head.

In dry season the roads are very dusty with washboarding. In wet season they get a bit slippery and you encounter potholes the size of farm animals.

Watch out for one-lane bridges that say "CEDE PASO" - it means GIVE WAY to traffic from the other direction.

Pura Vida!
posted by ElGuapo at 9:01 AM on January 31