Packing for a visit to go to Costa Rica requires cautious consideration, as this stunning nation boasts various landscapes and diversified climate patterns. Whether or not you’re planning to discover the plush rainforests, lounge on the seashores, or hike by way of the mountains, it’s important to pack the precise gear to take advantage of your journey.
Understanding what to pack for Costa Rica could be particularly difficult. The packing listing for the sort of journey is a little more elaborate than your typical seaside vacation.
Fortunately for you, we’re right here to assist! Over the past 8 years, we’ve explored many corners of Costa Rica in each potential season. We’ve been right here within the peak of wet season and within the warmth of dry season and have now grow to be specialists at packing for each journey right here.
That can assist you pack effectively and take advantage of your time in Costa Rica, we’ve put collectively a complete packing listing that covers every thing you’ll want on your journey. From light-weight clothes to out of doors gear and important journey equipment, this information will be certain that you’re well-prepared for any journey that comes your means.
Earlier than You Start
Take a while to study Costa Rica’s local weather earlier than you begin packing. Whether or not you’re going in the course of the wet or dry season will drastically change the type of climate you may anticipate, relying on the place you intend on going.
The seasons in Costa Rica range vastly relying on whether or not you’re on the Caribbean Coast or Pacific Coast and local weather can vary dramatically inside simply 100 kms.
Common Pointers: What to Put on in Costa Rica
Maintain it Informal
On the subject of garments for Costa Rica, maintain it easy. Fancy garments are each impractical and unusual in Costa Rica. Particularly should you don’t need to stick out as a vacationer.
Pack for consolation and performance. Informal t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, unfastened pants and flowy attire ought to make up the vast majority of what you pack for Costa Rica.
Don’t fear an excessive amount of at attempting to slot in with the locals. The reality is, you’ll be a “gringo” it doesn’t matter what you do. But when do need to stick out a bit much less, pack much less and plan to purchase just a few objects at native shops throughout your journey.
You’ll discover heaps fo fundamental tank tops, attire and different trip applicable objects. You’ll be extra comfy and assist assist the native economic system.
A pair of shorts and a tank prime is a typical outfit for a sizzling day in Costa Rica
Pack Plenty of Beachwear
With beautiful stretches of shoreline on each the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, you’ll seemingly be spending plenty of time on the seaside throughout your time in Costa Rica. So make sure to pack a handful of swimsuits, as you is likely to be sporting them extra typically than common garments.
Don’t overlook to pack a cowl up or a sarong, in addition to some UV protecting lengthy sleeves. The solar right here is excessive, so that you’ll be grateful if in case you have a shirt for solar safety for lengthy seaside days or out of doors actions.
Pack Issues You Can Get Soiled In
Costa Rica is a rugged nation filled with adventures. If you happen to’re trekking by way of a Nationwide Park, exploring waterfalls, indulging in some Costa Rica mountain climbing, or zooming by way of the timber on a zip line, your garments must be the very last thing in your thoughts.
We at all times suggest packing one or two energetic outfits, one thing you gained’t thoughts getting soiled. Steer clear of cotton and go for materials like recycled polyester which are simpler to clean and dry.
Pack For the Seasons
There are regional variations in Costa Rica’s climate patterns, so it is likely to be a good suggestion to map out the spots you need to go to. The Caribbean Coast will get extra rain than the remainder of the nation, with drier spells in September-October. The North Pacific coast’s dry season is December-April, and the South Pacific area’s dry season is way shorter, operating by way of January-March.
If you happen to’re in Costa Rica in the course of the wet season, pack a light-weight jacket and lengthy pants for layering, as it might probably get unexpectedly chilly at evening. Costa Rica’s wet season could be very humid. Ensure you have garments which are mild and breathable. They’ll dry sooner should you get caught within the rain, and so they’ll be extra comfy within the humidity.
Dry season is the height vacationer season, so fashionable vacationer sizzling spots could be fairly vigorous. Contemplate packing an additional outfit or two for an evening in town.
It doesn’t matter what time of the yr you’re visiting, the solar is excessive right here, so a solar hat or sun shades are positively a should.
On the bridge to Path to Oropendola Waterfall, Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park
Pack for Your Itinerary
If you happen to plan on visiting each seaside in Costa Rica you may, you don’t need to solely have garments for mountain climbing. In case your itinerary is filled with adventures, you don’t need to be caught with nothing however sundresses. Pack for what you’ve deliberate to do.
If you happen to can, pack some versatile objects. Leggings or mountain climbing shorts and tank tops could be worn on any day. Something you may hand wash and cling dry in a single day is ideal.
Zip lining in Guachipelin, Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park
The Final Costa Rica Packing Record
The Fundamentals
Underwear
Let’s begin with the fundamentals. It’s unlikely that you just’ll overlook to pack your underwear, but it surely’s value noting that no all underwear is appropriate for Costa Rica. Depart behind your lacy clothes and go for objects designed for warm, sweaty climates.
We desire pure breathable materials, like natural cotton or hemp.
Keep in mind to pack mild! There is no such thing as a have to convey a pair of underwear for day by day of your journey. Deliver 5-7 pairs and wash as you go. The climate in Costa Rica is extraordinarily sizzling, so your underwear will undoubtedly dry in a single day.
Swimwear & Watershoes
Be sure to pack at the very least just a few swimsuits. You could need to pack some nicer swimsuits for pool days and seaside days and perhaps a barely older pair that you just don’t thoughts getting soiled that you should utilize for warm springs, mud swimming pools, and waterfall swimming pools.
You may additionally need to convey a pair of water footwear, and we don’t imply flip-flops. Scorching springs, waterfalls, and rocky seashores can all pose risks to reveal toes. A pair of fine, closed-toed water footwear can stop plenty of accidents.
Tank Tops
Tank tops are a staple in any tropical vacation spot, and Costa Rica isn’t any exception. With its heat, humid local weather, tank tops are a cushty and sensible alternative for exploring the nation.
Go for light-weight and breathable materials and think about packing quite a lot of colours and patterns to combine and match along with your different journey outfits
T-shirts: Quick & Lengthy Sleeve
Along with tank tops, T-shirts are one other important merchandise to pack on your journey to Costa Rica. They’re light-weight, comfy, and simple to put on within the heat and humid local weather.
Select T-shirts produced from breathable, moisture-wicking materials that can assist maintain you cool and dry throughout your adventures. Contemplate bringing a mixture of brief and long-sleeved T-shirts to accommodate altering climate situations, particularly should you plan to discover larger elevations or spend time within the rainforest the place it might probably get cooler.
Impartial colours and easy designs are versatile and simple to combine and match with different journey gear. Once we come to Costa Rica, we normally put on T-shirts and tank tops from our favorite sustainable model, prAna.
Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park
Rash Guard
If you happen to plan on doing any type of browsing, paddle boarding, or scuba diving, then don’t overlook so as to add a rash guard to your Costa Rica packing listing.
A rash guard is a sort of athletic shirt that’s fabricated from quick-drying and light-weight material. It protects from the solar’s dangerous UV rays and may also assist stop rashes and irritation brought on by sand, saltwater, or surfboard wax. Search for a rash guard that matches comfortably and offers enough protection on your arms, chest, and again. Some rash guards might have built-in SPF safety, which could be useful in decreasing your solar publicity.
These lengthy sleeve, fitted shirts can perform as a wetsuit or layered over a traditional swimsuit and do an incredible job at defending you from the solar.
Sarong
No Costa Rica packing listing could be full with no sarong for seaside days. You should utilize a sarong as a cover-up over your swimsuit, as a skirt or costume, and even as a makeshift towel.
They’re additionally straightforward to pack and take up little or no area in your baggage. Sarongs are available quite a lot of colours and patterns and are plentiful in memento retailers right here in Costa Rica. So should you don’t personal one already, it’s one in every of a objects you should purchase domestically while you arrive in Costa Rica.
Overlooking the ocean from Costa Verde
Lengthy Pants/Leggings
I personally don’t journey anyplace with no few pairs of leggings! Not solely are they good for chilly nights, however they’re additionally nice for journey days and are significantly helpful should you plan to go on hikes, bike rides, or every other out of doors exercise that requires plenty of motion.
Go for leggings produced from light-weight, moisture-wicking supplies that can maintain you cool and dry within the humid local weather. My favorite manufacturers now make them out of recycled water bottles!
Oksana sporting Teeki Leggings whereas on a mountain climbing journey
Mountain climbing Pants
Good mountain climbing pants are versatile and sturdy. Our favorite pairs are stretchy and produced from fast drying sustainable supplies.
Search for light-weight, breathable mountain climbing pants that can maintain you cool and dry on the paths. Convertible pants are an incredible possibility, as they are often reworked into shorts when temperatures rise, supplying you with added versatility for altering climate situations.
Shorts
A pair pairs of comfy, light-weight shorts are a MUST for a Costa Rica packing listing. You’ll put on them in all places from seaside cities to mountain climbing trails. Keep away from jean shorts as they are often onerous to clean and dry with no washer. Linen is a well-liked various that lends a bit of fashion to an in any other case wardrobe staple. If you happen to don’t personal a pair, you’ll haven’t any drawback discovering them in memento retailers in lots of vacationer cities in Costa Rica.
Contemplate packing each athletic shorts for out of doors actions and informal shorts for exploring cities and cities. Impartial colors like khaki or black are sensible and simple to match with totally different tops and footwear, however don’t be afraid to pack just a few pairs with enjoyable patterns or vibrant colors so as to add some character to your journey wardrobe.
Denims
I do know, I do know. Denims in a sizzling, humid local weather? You assume I’m loopy! However hear me out!
If you wish to slot in with the locals in Costa Rica, denims are a should. Although most would think about the local weather too sizzling for denims, they’re stylish in Costa Rica. Sporting denims is the one solution to “slot in” with the native fashion.
In all seriousness, we don’t suggest denims for Costa Rica. The locals might discover them fashionable however they don’t seem to be a sensible merchandise on your Costa Rica packing listing.
Rain Jacket
Costa Rica is roofed in tropical rainforests so it’s finest to be ready to get moist. Particularly in the course of the wet season, don’t go away dwelling with no mild jacket and even higher, a very good rain jacket.
When selecting a rain jacket, search for one that’s light-weight, waterproof, and breathable. This may be certain that you keep dry with out getting too sizzling and sweaty. A light-weight jacket with a hood will even present additional safety from the rain, preserving your head and face dry.
Max and Oksana on the suspension bridge on the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
Closed Toe Sneakers
Subsequent merchandise you MUST pack for Costa Rica are closed-toe footwear. Whereas closed toe reveals are nice for mountain climbing, they might even be necessary for security causes for some journey sports activities, like zip lining, canyoning and horseback driving.
Sneakers, mountain climbing footwear or path runners are nice choices which are versatile and sensible. Closed-toe sandals may also be helpful as they double as water footwear for seaside days or different water actions.
Whereas it’s essential to prioritize consolation, understand that some actions might require extra sturdy footwear, so think about bringing a extra sturdy pair of footwear or boots should you plan to go on prolonged hikes or treks. Try a listing of our favourites for some nice suggestions.
Mountain climbing Boots
If you happen to plan on being very energetic, you may even go a step additional and convey a pair of fine mountain climbing footwear or boots with you. Select boots that supply wonderful traction, ankle assist, and sturdiness to navigate the nation’s diversified terrain.
We suggest boots which are waterproof or waterproof to guard you from rain or water crossings. If you happen to aren’t an avid hikes, make certain the boots match effectively and are put on them in at dwelling earlier than you journey to keep away from blisters.
Don’t purchase cumbersome mountain climbing boots on your journey to Costa Rica. It’s unlikely that you’ll want them right here! Our favorite mountain climbing boots are light-weight and breathable good for Costa Rica’s sizzling and humid local weather.
Flip Flops/Sandals
Pack a pair of flip flops or informal sandals for seaside days or occasions while you don’t need to put on closed-toe footwear. Go for prime quality flip flops that gained’t break after just a few wears or pack sandals which have sturdy straps to forestall them from falling off in water or getting broken throughout mountain climbing.
Waterproof sandals, like Chacos, may also be used as mountain climbing sandals or for actions like rafting, kayaking, white water rafting, or waterfall hikes. They’re my private favorite!
Chaco Flip Flops and Solar glasses
Solar Hat
Even should you’re already sporting sunscreen, extra solar safety is essential. Sunburn and warmth exhaustion set in shortly and could be harmful. If you happen to’re in Costa Rica in the course of the dry season, that is much more essential.
Select a hat fabricated from light-weight and breathable supplies like cotton, linen, or straw to maintain you cool and cozy within the warmth of the day. Some solar hats include a chin strap or adjustable drawstring, which could be useful in windy situations or throughout out of doors actions like mountain climbing.
Keep in mind that darker colours might soak up warmth and make you’re feeling hotter. Go for lighter colours like beige or white to replicate the solar’s rays and maintain you cooler. If you happen to’re significantly delicate to the solar, some even have panels to guard your neck.
Equipment and Toiletries
Reef Pleasant Sunscreen
Good sunscreen is an important merchandise to pack for Costa Rica. Sunscreen in Costa Rica is pricey to purchase, so it’s one merchandise you positively need to convey from dwelling.
Given the delicate ecosystem in Costa Rica, think about shopping for reef-safe sunscreen that will probably be higher for you and the ocean.
Common sunscreen can hurt coral and different Costa Rica marine life that’s already threatened. To be able to defend each your pores and skin and the ocean, we suggest a model like Uncooked Components.
Non-Deet Bug Spray or Lotion
Bug spray is one other completely mandatory merchandise on your Costa Rica packing listing. Mosquitoes, ticks, and different bugs are widespread in lots of components of the nation, and some might carry ailments like dengue fever.
Hottest bug sprays in the marketplace are likely to have a excessive DEET focus, which could be dangerous to the surroundings, poisonous to aquatic life, and hurt useful bugs like bees and butterflies.
We suggest searching for bug sprays that use picaridin as a substitute of DEET. Picaridin is an artificial compound that’s efficient in repelling mosquitoes and ticks, however it’s typically thought-about to be much less poisonous than DEET and has a decrease environmental affect.
If you happen to’re delicate to conventional bug spray, it’s also possible to strive an all-natural selection or give insect-repellent bracelets a strive. Bracelets may not be as efficient as a twig, but when your pores and skin can’t tolerate the chemical substances or important oils, they’re a good backup. There are reusable bracelets you can fill with important oil pellets.
Shampoo/Conditioner
Whereas many resorts in Costa Rica provide toiletries, it’s a good suggestion to convey your individual shampoo and conditioner to keep away from any wasteful single-use plastic bottles and preserve your hair care routine throughout your journey.
We personally desire to journey with strong shampoo and conditioner bars, which will help scale back plastic waste. They final lengthy and get rid of the danger of spils throughout your suitcase!
When selecting your shampoo and conditioner, think about the local weather and your hair sort. Costa Rica’s local weather could be humid, so you might need to go for a light-weight components that gained’t weigh your hair down.
Ethique shampoo bars
Different Private Toiletries
Keep in mind to pack every other toiletries you may want, together with toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, cleaning soap, make-up, contact lenses and resolution, shaving cream, and so forth.
To remain organized, pack every thing in a useful toiletries bag and use reusable journey containers which are keep it up pleasant.
Take note Costa Rica’s ecosystem is wealthy however delicate, so attempt to use as many eco-friendly, sustainable toiletries as you may. Restrict plastic as a lot as potential, and particularly single-use plastic. If you happen to can, go for merchandise with zero-waste packaging. Test the ingredient lists to seek out pure, cruelty-free merchandise.
Eco-friendly journey containers
Micro Fibre Towel
Microfibre towels are the best option for vacationers. They’re skinny, sturdy, and dry shortly, making them the proper towel to make use of each on the seaside and after the bathe.
They’re produced from a particular sort of cloth that’s extremely absorbent and quick-drying, which implies you should utilize them for a spread of actions, from drying off after a swim to wiping away sweat throughout a hike. Since they’re compact and simple to pack, microfiber towels are an incredible space-saving resolution, particularly should you’re touring with restricted baggage area.
Yow will discover sustainable, recycled choices on-line from small sellers. Some improbable choices on Etsy, resembling this one, value about the identical as every other seaside towel.
If you happen to desire a extra conventional towel possibility, a Turkish cotton towel is a good alternative. These towels are produced from high-quality cotton, which makes them gentle, absorbent, and sturdy. They’re additionally light-weight and versatile. We use ours as a towel, a seaside throw, a blanket, and at the same time as a shawl on these chilly flights!
Flashlight or Headlamp
Energy outages are nonetheless widespread all through Costa Rica. So we at all times suggest packing a travel-size flashlight. And even higher, spend money on a headlamp. They’re normally smaller and mean you can have each arms free to hold on with actions at the hours of darkness.
If you happen to plan on taking any wildlife evening excursions, think about a flashlight with red-light mild setting or ultra-violet setting (to see scorpions). They make evening excursions actually enjoyable!
First Assist Equipment
Having a small first support package with the fundamentals in it’s a should in Costa Rica. You’ll need over-the-counter meds for ache, allergic reactions, and abdomen illness. Embrace a small aloe vera (we assure you’re going to get burned at the very least as soon as throughout your time in Costa Rica), antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, gauze, and bandages. Pack tweezers and scissors, however keep in mind – you can’t convey these in your keep it up baggage.
We suggest a pre-assembled package designed to suit into mountain climbing backpacks. They’re very compact and lightweight-you’ll barely discover it.
Quite a lot of first support package. You don’t want quite a bit, however make certain to convey essentially the most important ones.
Sun shades
Don’t overlook a useful pair of shades to guard your eyes from the vibrant Costa Rican solar.
When selecting sun shades on your journey, think about getting a pair with polarized lenses. Polarized lenses are designed to scale back glare from reflective surfaces like water, sand, and pavement. In addition they present higher readability and distinction, making it simpler to see particulars in your environment. Search for sun shades with UV protection to make sure that your eyes are protected against the solar’s dangerous rays.
Are your sun shades sturdy sufficient to take to the seaside?
Water Bottle
Bringing a reusable water bottle in your journey to Costa Rica is a wonderful solution to keep hydrated whereas additionally decreasing waste. Many resorts and eating places in Costa Rica provide water refill stations, so you may simply refill your water bottle with clear filtered water all through the day.
Search for a sturdy, BPA-free water bottle that may stand up to the trials of journey and could be simply carried in your backpack or daypack. An insulated water bottle will probably be even higher, as it’s going to assist your chilly water keep that means longer. Our favorite manufacturers are Hydro Flask and LARQ. A camelback sack may also be helpful should you plan on doing plenty of mountain climbing.
Energy Financial institution
It’s at all times potential a visit may take longer than you anticipated. Even worse, there’s at all times the potential of getting misplaced. You don’t need to doubtlessly wind up stranded with a lifeless telephone, so a transportable charger is a good thought. Small ones that may present over a full cost on your mobile phone could be discovered for lower than $20.
Digital camera Gear
There’s a big vary of digicam gear you may pack for Costa Rica. Contemplate bringing a digicam that matches your wants and funds. For most individuals, a smartphone digicam will just do tremendous. A GoPro is a good choice to seize adventurous actions. A DSLR digicam or a mirrorless selection may give you extra superior options and higher high quality photos. Keep in mind to convey additional batteries and reminiscence playing cards – these are usually not straightforward to purchase in Costa Rica.
If you happen to plan on doing any wildlife images, think about bringing a telephoto. A wide-angle lens can be nice for capturing sweeping landscapes and vistas.
We additionally suggest bringing a digicam bag or backpack (see our favourites HERE) to maintain your gear protected, particularly when mountain climbing or hanging out on the seaside.
Reusable Totes
Costa Rica has taken large strides in the direction of sustainability, and this contains decreasing single-use plastics. Pack a pair reusable totes for while you go grocery and memento procuring. They’ll additionally double responsibility as seaside totes.
Automobile Energy Inverter
If you happen to plan on renting a automobile on your adventures, you may need to have one in every of these inverters simply in case the rental doesn’t have a USB port. If you happen to overlook or don’t have already got one, you may simply choose one up at a neighborhood store.
Closing Costa Rica Packing Ideas
Pack Utilizing Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are our final journey hack and one in every of our prime Costa Rica journey ideas. These small, foldable garments containers assist maintain your suitcase organized all through your journey, saving you each time and stress.
If you happen to don’t personal packing cubes but, it’s value investing in a set on your journey. Select an eco-friendly choices produced from recycled supplies.
Keep in mind a Mesh Bag for Laundry
Having a separate laundry bag will mean you can separate your soiled garments out of your clear ones. It’ll assist you to keep organized and by no means combine up your soiled and clear garments once more, saving you from rewashing issues or sporting soiled garments.
Deliver a Day Pack For Day Hikes
Nature lovers from throughout flock to Costa Rica to discover its pure wonders from towering volcanoes to arid grasslands to lush rainforests. Exploring on foot is the easiest way to find Costa Rica’s nature, so make certain to convey a sturdy and compressible day bag should you plan on mountain climbing. Guarantee it has room for a water bottle, snacks, a digicam, and sunscreen.
Ensure you pack a light-weight, sturdy day pack
Don’t Overlook a Dry Bag
Dry luggage are most frequently used for boat journey and water sports activities to defend electronics and different priceless gear. That features your mobile phone, if it’s not already waterproof.
When selecting a dry bag, think about the dimensions that you just’ll want based mostly on the objects you intend to convey. Search for a bag with a safe closure and sturdy supplies that may stand up to put on and tear. Some dry luggage include a strap that may be worn as a backpack or over the shoulder, so they’re simpler to hold whereas preserving your arms free.
Purchase Journey Insurance coverage
Don’t go away your house with out shopping for journey insurance coverage! After my severe accident in Costa Rica again in 2016, we by no means journey anyplace with out journey insurance coverage!
When selecting journey insurance coverage, search for insurance policies that cowl medical emergencies, journey cancellations, and misplaced or stolen belongings. Some insurance policies additionally provide protection for journey actions, which could be helpful should you plan on mountain climbing, zip-lining, or different out of doors actions in Costa Rica. Be sure that to learn the coverage particulars rigorously and perceive what’s and isn’t lined. Some insurance policies might have exclusions or limitations, so it’s essential to know what you’re getting earlier than you buy.
Packing for an enormous journey can typically be overwhelming, however making ready forward of time can vastly scale back your stress. Whereas this Costa Rica packing listing contains our greatest suggestions, make certain to customise it to fit your needs and your fashion or wants.
Keep in mind, when doubtful, comply with the golden rule of packing – convey half the stuff and twice the cash!