Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I was in Costa Rica back in February. Take your long lenses. You'll want to look for monkeys, and colorful birds. It was very dusty when we were there, in February.
I got a respiratory infection, and had to see a doctor. We always take out medical insurance. So, take all your lenses, and enjoy your trip.

Cotondog Loc: Saskatchewan, Canada

I am not implying that it can not happen. Crime occurs in every country in the world. But this experience you describe is un usual. Costa Rica is considered to be in the top 10 countries in the world to retire, and the safety factor is one of those reasons.

FredCM Loc: Central Illinois

We were in the jungle on the east coast, almost literally on the east coast (Tortuguero), in March and it rained every day, generally 3 or 4 times a day. Rain like crazy for 10 minutes, then the sun comes out. Couple hours later, rains again, for 10 minutes. So figure out a way to keep that new camera dry. Rain is not a big deal there. It's just a brief interlude.

Take earplugs for the howler monkeys. They can be heard 1/2 mile away. You probably won't need insect repellant. We saw spiders, tiny ones, and 1 roach (outdoors).

Be sure to check the camera settings, constantly. I'd set the camera, then jostle it or something and everything would be off and I'd throw away 50 shots or more. Frustrating, not familiar enough to realize the need to constantly check. And all the stuff going on around.... Test the camera's limits before you go. You might be able to push the ISO to 3200 or beyond and still have nice photos. It gets dark early in CR.

The coffee and pineapple are fabulous. And no bugs, we saw hardly any bugs. Jungle and no mosquitos.

My hummingbird avatar was in Monteverde. If you go there, keep that camera ready (I didn't, pfui!), the purple sabrewing hummingbirds are beautiful.

nikondoug

I have been there twice, the people are very nice, and the country is beautiful. You may have a little problem with language. I have not been on the east side; I have been told that is not the safest side of the country. Family and I have only traveled on the Pacific side of Costa Rica.
As equipment goes, you should be just fine with what you have listed. Make sure you have a lot of memory cards, two batteries will be just fine (bring your charger, they have standard 110 voltage). If you are flying make sure you have your camera equipment as your carry on, by all means.
Enjoy your trip,

Mesa Dave Loc: Mesa Arizona

Be very careful in the jungle, Fer De Lances and Bushmasters abound, If you are bit, YOU are DEAD>

Dave

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

Take multiple smaller memory cards and rotate them, using two and shooting twice (once on each of two cards at memorable locations, particularly if you rely on your memory cards to bring your shots home.

I can tell you from experience that I will not ever use big memory cards and put a whole special trip on one. In fact, I'm not even sure where my 32Gb cards are?

When I travel, I usually have a laptop to download to. But in any event the largest memory cards I use now are 4 and 8 Gb. More reliable, and you can't lose the whole trip.

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

WAS great retirement... Too found and too expensive now for many retirement income.

Panama is reported to the be new Costa Rica. Still, a trip to Costa Rica is to be enjoyed, and as said, careful in the jungle.

The snakes are far deadlier in Costa Rica than the Western and South Western rattlers in the US. Not just the jungle either. Fer De Lance are often found near human settlements.

In Costa Rica, optimists look up at the jungle and the beautiful skies. Smart people look down... a lot.

MSG Leggett Loc: Wausau, WI (Central Wis)

It's been 17 years but remember like it was yesterday, something you will never forget. You have to remember a few thing to determine what lenses to take. 1. Jungle 2. Cloud Forests, 3. Mountains 4. Water 5. Volcanoes, the Aerial Volcano erupts like Old Faithful about every 2-3 hours 6. Bugs (macro and bites) 7. Birds 8. Monkeys 9. Gators 10. Jesus Christ Lizards, get on a river tour and thats what locals call them, they actually run ON the water. With all that now try to pick out your lense. When you get in country you will say Damn, I wish I would have brought the other lense. Yes as said before you can do it with one lense, two would be better, 3 & 4, get the picture (LOL). Next time I go it will be for a no less than 3 weeks and if I can carry it, it goes. One last thing take lots of gigs and have fun.

lhdiver Loc: Midwest

It is a beautiful place but does rain a lot. Take rain gear for the camera, it is too hot to worry about wearing it on you most of the time. It is no more dangerous than many other places including some US cities (not as dangerous as some!). Just be alert & don't act like a target & you should be fine. If you get in a crowd keep hands on your gear just in case. Wear good footwear so as not to slip in wet areas, it does get muddy.

Kalina54 Loc: Flagstaff, AZ

Malaria pills are a must for the southern Caribbean coast..I spent some time in Cahuita and Puerta Viejo mosquitos are fierce!

cfhousler

made Ccarribean cruise a year ago, mch to see, took a truck trip up to mts and walk thru jungle used my Nikon d7000 and tamron 18-270 and a macro lens (60 mm) all worked ok.

Pkfish Loc: Wilson Wy

Won a trip to the north east 10 years ago. Had a wonderful time. Went in march and the weather was perfect. We rented a 4/4 at the airport and had very little trouble getting around. They aren't big on road signs. Had a guy try to short change us at the airport. Like people said lots of snakes and insects. Loved the howler monkeys, birds and the local people. Went diving on the pacific side and swam with these huge " devil rays" . Anyway we had lots of fun and felt fairly safe, but I'm also very cautious in a foreign country.

Pkfish Loc: Wilson Wy

We were in the north west . Sorry

camera Dave Loc: Aurora Canada

I was in Costa Rica in late Dec for 10 days with Caravan Bus Tours. If you like bus tours this is the one to go on. I want to go back as it was just amazing. I got great shots using a 70-300 lens and also had one for landscape photos. Regarding safety I did feel a little concerned when I was in the city but everywhere else it was great. Just be careful as you are a target once they see the camera equipment. No different than any other country. Like I said I will be back as it was one of the most enjoyable adventures I have been on. If you like nature this is it.

buffoto Loc: Wesern New York

Gracias to all who responded; you have been more helpful than you know.