Costa Rica, with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for many travelers. Whether you’re planning to explore its lush rainforests, relax on pristine beaches, or indulge in thrilling outdoor activities, packing wisely is key to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Here is our comprehensive guide on what to pack for your Costa Rica adventure:
Clothing:
Lightweight Clothing:
- Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to stay cool in the tropical climate.
- Investigate if your accommodations will have a place to do laundry, many times you might come back from a hike with wet cloths and it will be nice to have something fresh and clean to change into.
- Pack more socks than you think you’ll need. Our trip was about a week long so I packed a pair for each day, but changed them at least once a day, so I ran short quickly.
Swimwear:
- Don’t forget your swimsuit! With its numerous beaches, you’ll likely find yourself taking a dip in the Pacific or Caribbean waters.
- You might want to even throw your suit in your bag for the day, its hard to predict where an opportunity might pop up.
Rain Jacket:
- A compact, waterproof jacket is essential, especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season (May to November).
Comfortable Shoes:
- Bring sturdy and comfortable footwear for exploring nature reserves, hiking trails, and walking tours.
- Having waterproof hiking boots was a big bonus for us, but if you don’t have a pair and can’t invest before your trip, plan to bring multiple pairs to switch out to dry.
Hat and Sunglasses:
- Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, even in the cooler months, you can still expect to see high temps and sunny skies, so be prepared.
Suitcases and Bags
Suitcase and Packing Cubes
- Be smart about the suitcase you bring, if you are like us and move hotels a couple of times during your trip, you’ll want to keep organized, and not overpack. Many places in Costa Rica also do not offer elevators if your room is on a higher floor, you can find yourself hauling up a heavy suitcase after a long day.
- We use both packing cubes and organizational bags when we pack, I made a list of some of the essentials we love here.
DayPack and Reusable Bags:
- Be environmentally conscious by bringing reusable bags for shopping and other purposes, Costa Rica focuses a sustainable travel, so many locals will appreciate your eco consciousness.
- A small, lightweight daypack is handy for carrying essentials during day trips and hikes. I use this one from amazon, its pretty cheap and has held up well over a few trips, it also has a drybag built into the back, which is great for some of the rainy days and misty waterfall hikes of Costa Rica.
Gear & Safety:
Water Bottle:
- Many of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica are quite remote, its important to make sure you are prepared with the essentials, especially water. Packing a reusable water bottle will help you cut down on single use plastic, and make sure you are prepared.
Sunscreen & Insect Repellent:
- Protect your skin from the tropical sun by packing a high SPF sunscreen.
- Costa Rica is home to various insects, so pack a reliable insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes.
Binoculars:
- If you’re a bird or wildlife enthusiast, binoculars will enhance your experience in the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica. They are also very strict on wildlife interactions, so having binoculars will give you the best shot of an up-close view, without interfering with the natural habitat and behaviors of wild animals.
Basic First Aid Kit:
- Include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications. I’ve added basic over-the counter-things to ours like Benadryl, anti-diarrheal pills, and anti itch cream.
Hiking Gear:
- Things like hiking polls and portable fans are usually overlooked when packing for a foreign location, but if you are planning any serious hikes and usually relay on some specific hiking gear at home, be sure to pack it with you for this trip.
Electronics:
Chargers and Adapters:
- Check the power outlets in Costa Rica and bring a suitable adapter for your electronic devices, if coming from North America, the plugs will be the same as at home, but they will be different if you are traveling from Europe.
- We also found less USB charging options, so bringing power blocks for charging electronics is also recommended.
Camera:
- If you’ve got a good camera separate from your cell phones camera, don’t leave it at home. There is plenty to photograph that you will be glad you have the good camera. And, don’t forget extra memory cards and batteries.
- If you have a GoPro, Costa Rica is the perfect place to bring it. On many of the waterfall hikes, even if you don’t plan to get into the water for a swim, you will still be soaked from the mist after just a short time.
- If you are like us and create travel videos, there is plenty more gear that you can pack, find everything that we are using here.
Miscellaneous:
Cash and Cards:
- While credit cards are widely accepted, having some local currency can be useful in more remote areas. Get cash when you arrive in the country by using your debit card at an ATM, this gets you the best exchange rate typically.
- Check with your bank to make sure your credit card has “no foreign transaction fees” before your trip, that 2 or 3% fee adds up very quickly.
Important Documents:
- Having your passport with you is just commonsense in a foreign country, but it is also important to bring your drivers license if you are renting a car. Our USA (Florida) drivers license was enough to rent a car and a foreign/international drivers license was not required.
Maps and Travel Guidebook:
- Having a hard copy map of the area where you are traveling is helpful if cell signal is spotty. You can also download google maps for offline viewing, but having a hard copy is still a good backup.
Spanish Phrasebook:
- While many locals speak English, having a basic understanding of Spanish can enhance your interactions. With recent technology, having a digital translator on your phone also works just as well, but its nice to know a few basic phrases for brief interactions with locals.
By packing thoughtfully, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your Costa Rica adventure.
Embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle, immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty, and create unforgettable memories in this Central American paradise.
Safe travels!
For tips and tricks about planning your itinerary for Costa Rica, find our video series here:
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The Savory Suitcase 