Costa Rica is a gem of a country with coastlines, jungles, cities, and mountains. With a little of everything, it’s famous for its biological diversity. Within its borders, you’ll find active volcanoes, rare species of wildlife, cloud forests, pristine beaches, soaking wet rainforests, and tall mountains. It’s a country that can give you the adventure of a lifetime or a much-needed recharge. That said, pack incorrectly and you could end up drenched, chilled to the bone, or sunburnt. So, without further ado, here are our suggestions of what to put on your Costa Rica packing list:
Daily wardrobe essentials
Lightweight everyday clothing
Costa Rica is sunny and for the most part, hot! This means you want to pack summery, light-weight clothing appropriate for the sun’s strong rays. Think linens, shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. Of course, in many places in the country, it can get a little chilly in the evening so don’t forget to pack a light sweater for your everyday wear.
UV shirt
Got sensitive skin? This Central American country is close to the equator, meaning that the sun’s rays are stronger and skin is more exposed. For those reasons, a UV shirt is a good item to add to your Costa Rica packing list. You can find them at most sportswear shops and your skin will thank you.
Bathing suit
If you’re headed to Costa Rica, you can’t miss out on the pura vida beach life. Costa Rica is lined with sparkling shorelines on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Ahead of your trip, you might be wondering about what to wear in Costa Rica and honestly, if you’re travelling to live that beach life, you’ll be spending most of your days in a bathing suit. Bring one or several and get ready to catch some waves!
Safety & preparedness
Cash
Always travel with cash in the local currency. In Costa Rica, locals use the colón (though in tourist hotspots, many will accept U.S. dollars). For an avid traveller, it’s smart to always have cash because it’s accepted everywhere and you won’t have to stress about malfunctioning machines or high ATM fees.
Travel documents
This is the broccoli of items on your Costa Rica packing list. Travel documents (passport with an expiry date at least six months from your travel date, visas, proof of residency/citizenship, immunization records, etc.) might not be exciting but they ensure well being and safe travels. Have these organized, stored safely and at the ready when crossing borders. Put this on your international travel checklist and make this part of your travel routine.
Battery pack
Costa Rica is a relatively small country but you’d be surprised by how long the bus rides can feel when your phone is running out of battery. As a traveller, you always want your phone to be charged so that you can keep track of where you’re going, double-check addresses or make calls. This is why a battery pack should be on your Costa Rica packing list.
Local SIM card
Getting a local SIM card just makes life easier if you don’t already have an international plan for your phone. Costa Rica’s main carriers are Claro, Movistar, and Kolbi. Or, ahead of your travels you can also sign up for an eSIM service like Airalo. While not a tangible item for your Costa Rica packing list, it is an essential one that’ll simplify your trip.
Gear for outdoor adventures
Day pack
One of the most important things to pack for a Costa Rican adventure is a quality day pack for beach afternoons, mini excursions, and hiking. Your best bet here is to go with a hiking backpack with padded shoulder straps, hip straps to distribute weight evenly, a compartment for a hydration bladder, and a rain cover (when in the rainforest…). This is one item that you must bring to Costa Rica whether you’re doing a challenging trek in the mountains or a leisurely walk through the cloud forest.
Warm jacket
When thinking about what to wear hiking in Costa Rica, a warm jacket might not be the first thing that comes to mind for this sun-soaked paradise. Outdoor adventurers really ought to pack that puffy hiking jacket though: Costa Rica is as much a land of mountains and volcanoes as it is balmy beaches. Between Poás Volcano, Cerro de la Muerte, and Chirripó, many of this country’s top trekking spots are in high-altitude, breezy places.
Hydration bladder
A water bottle from a local shop won’t cut it. Your Costa Rica itinerary might include lots of hiking, sightseeing, high-altitude tours, and time spent under the hot sun. You’re going to need to stay hydrated and for that, a hydration bladder (we recommend at least 1.5L) is a must. Double-check that the water is drinkable if you’re filling it from the tap.
Hat
Central America = strong sunshine and lotsssss of it. To prevent heatstroke and bad burns, pack a lightweight hat with lots of coverage. You’ll be sporting this at the beach, on the peaks, or chilling in the countryside.
Trekking poles
If your definition of the pura vida means trekking through the clouds along the spines of mountains, a set of trekking poles will be just as useful as your translation app. Look for trekking poles that fold down and can easily fit into a carry-on and side-pouch of your hiking day pack.
Footwear
Hiking shoes
If your trip to Costa Rica is fast approaching, your hiking shoes or boots should be one of the first items into the suitcase. The best hiking shoes for Costa Rica are ones that you’ve already broken in, have strong grip, are specifically designed for hiking or trail running, and are waterproof.
Sandals
Sandals are on the ultimate Costa Rica packing list for many reasons. With Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, the vibes are beachy and open-toed. One hack for active travellers though is to clip a pair of lightweight sandals onto your hiking backpack. In planning for gear to use during adventures, many forget to pack for blistered and battered feet afterwards.
Health and wellness items
Reef safe sunscreen
Reef safe sunscreen is a must-pack for your trip to Costa Rica. In today’s day and age, travelling in a way that respects the earth is a prime concern for many an ethical traveller. Plus, Costa Rica’s dedication to eco-friendly initiatives makes protecting its marine life all the more essential, as traditional sunscreens can harm coral reefs. A reef-safe option ensures both your skin and the environment are protected.
Electrolyte tablets
This item could go on any international travel checklist. Travellers are susceptible to dehydration from flights, long days on the trails or city streets, traveller’s tummy, and feeling sluggish from jet lag or happy hours. These are all good reasons to pack electrolyte tablets to replenish after a tough day.
Ear plugs
As much as you may love the soundtrack of bachata music and monkeys howling, there comes a time when you need to catch up on sleep. For that, we have two words: ear plugs.
For a rainy day
Breathable rain jacket
A waterproof but breathable rain jacket is a key item on any Costa Rica packing list — for the rainy season especially. Sudden deluges are common, especially in lush, wet regions like Monteverde or Puerto Viejo. Whether you’re hiking through cloud forests or exploring vibrant rainforests, a good rain jacket will keep you dry… but you also don’t want to overheat in balmy weather. The rainy season can be unpredictable, so having a reliable rain jacket ensures you’re ready for Costa Rica’s frequent downpours.
Dry bag
A good tropical storm in Costa Rica can feel much like standing underneath Nauyaca Falls. And guess what? Even the most thrilling adventures in beautiful spaces probably aren’t worth sacrificing your phone and expensive camera. A dry bag keeps your tech safe and your change of clothes dry.
