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Do your travel plans include Costa Rica? Our comprehensive Costa Rica Packing List will have you ready for all your adventures and relaxation!
While you can find anything you need in Costa Rica, products often cost a lot more (the tourist tax). To save yourself some money (plus time that you don’t have to spend shopping), bring the items from the Costa Rica packing list.
Costa Rica Packing List
Rain jacket
Especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season (May-November), make sure you pack a rain jacket and perhaps even a mini umbrella. As a fan of traveling off-peak to save money, an easily packable rainjacket is necessary for any Costa Rica packing list.
Headlamp or flashlight
If your travel includes a night-time adventure into the jungle, you’ll want to bring either a headlamp or flashlight. These are also useful in the event of a power outage. While we don’t recommend walking on the beach at night, a flashlight will help you find your way back if you stay out too late and are in an underdeveloped area.
Sunscreen
Due to Costa Rica’s proximity to the equator, the sun’s rays are exceedingly strong. A good sunscreen is an essential element of every Costa Rica packing list. Because Costa Rica prides itself on being a supporter of the environment, your sunscreen needs to not affect ocean life. Reef-safe sunscreens usually feature mineral UV-blocking ingredients. Help save the coral reefs by packing a reef-safe sunscreen.
Mosquito repellent
Mosquitoes, no see-ums, and all types of biting insects love me. The feeling is not mutual. The best repellents for Costa Rica will include DEET or Picaridin. I’ve tried using less toxic products, but unfortunately, these are the ones I keep coming back to. Let me know if you find something more natural that works well! Some spots you visit ask that you use environmentally friendly repellent, so do consider that.
Sunglasses
As mentioned above, you’re close to the equator. The sun’s glare is very strong. Just as you protect your skin, you should protect your eyes with a pair of sunglasses that offer 100% protection from all UV light. If you’re going to be driving or fishing and want to avoid glare, pick a pair that is also polarized. I don’t recommend spending too much money on sunglasses since they’re easily lost, including during water activities.
Long pants (quick-dry type)
If you’re traveling to higher altitudes (like Arenal or Monteverde), the temperature is slightly cooler and you’ll want long pants. Choosing the quick-dry pants means you can quickly wash them in your sink and let them dry overnight. The long pants are a great option if you plan on going on a night hike and are afraid of creepy crawlies getting on your legs. While some people like the type of pants that convert into shorts, I find the zippers at my knees annoying. Long pants were particularly useful during our night-time bioluminescent kayak adventure.
Hiking Shoes
Travelers who enjoy hiking should pack a pair of hiking shoes or boots. If you’re not planning on engaging in serious hiking, make sure you pack at least a pair of closed-toe shoes. You can’t zipline or do many activities without closed-toe shoes!
Water shoes
If your adventure includes water activities like whitewater rafting or going into hot springs, you’ll want to bring a pair of water shoes. Merril makes shoes that double as water and hiking shoes.
Day Pack and dry bag
If you’ve got a home base, a day pack can carry all your necessities for the day, including sunscreen and insect repellent. If you’re planning on doing water activities like whitewater rafting, a dry bag is essential to keep your items dry. If you plan on using your cell phone for photos, consider a waterproof case for your phone (make sure you don’t lose your phone in the water though!).
Swimsuits
I like to pack two swimsuits so that one can dry. Many adventures in Costa Rica involve the water (whitewater rafting, hot springs, the beach), so you’ll want to be prepared for all the fun.
SPF long sleeve shirt
There will come a time when you need to avoid the sun. A long-sleeve shirt with SPF protection can save you. The trick is to find one that is lightweight and breathable. The light pink I ordered was made of a soft fabric whereas the olive one was not. A long sleeve shirt is a great option if you plan on going on a night hike and are afraid of creepy crawlies getting on your arms.
Flip-flops
If you’re planning on visiting the beach or a swimming pool a lot, a pair of flip-flops is essential.
Zippered sweatshirt
In case it gets cold in the evenings in the mountains, you’ll want some type of sweatshirt. I prefer the zippered ones because then I can leave them open if I get too hot. I usually wear mine on the plane since I like to keep my air vents open the entire flight.
Shorts
Most areas of Costa Rica are tourist-friendly and shorts are the norm. If you’re spending some time in San Jose or other cities, consider dressing up a little bit so it isn’t as obvious that you’re a tourist. Shorts are a comfortable way to dress when in the beach areas.
Quick-dry shirts
You’ll be sweating… a lot! Unless you’re in the mountain areas, as mentioned before, you’re close to the equator, meaning that the temperatures in Costa Rica vary between 70 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit (12 and 27 degrees Celsius). But if you’re being active or participating in water activities, you’ll get wet and won’t want to go around wet for the rest of the day. Plus quick-dry shirts can be washed in your sink and left to dry overnight – making them a great packing option.
Underwear/Socks
This goes without saying, but any time that I leave undergarments off my list, I inevitably forget them and end up having to stop at a store to buy what I have forgotten at home. Consider whether you can wash some while you’re traveling and plan accordingly.
Packing List Standards
These items are standard packing list items that I take on every trip. I keep a set of these in my luggage, ready to go at any time so that I don’t forget these essentials.
Water bottle
Always, always, always bring a water bottle. Not only can you refill it at a water fountain in the airport once you pass TSA, but you can refill it at your hotel and other places. Not only does carrying your own water bottle save you money, but it’s good for the environment.
First Aid Kit
In addition to items that should be part of your travel first aid kit, don’t forget to take your medications with you. Check the requirements for entrance in each country as some require you to bring your original prescription bottles. I don’t like carrying all those prescriptions with me so I use a pillbox instead. I take photos of each container with the pill in front of the prescription bottle so that authorities can identify them easily.
Hand Sanitizer, Sanitizing Wipes, and Masks
These days, these are a must! I attach a hand sanitizer bottle to my handbag. Sanitizing wipes, both for surfaces and for hands (they’re not the same!) fit in cute containers that attach easily to my bag so they’re easy to find. Different locations have mask mandates, and they should be used on airplanes even if there is no requirement since you can even catch colds or the flu while traveling. Who wants to spend their vacation sick?
Charging Cords
I have purposely bought extra charging cords and USB and other wall chargers. Consider buying long cords (6ft-10ft) since outlets in hotel rooms are not always conveniently located.
Deck of cards
Whether you’re traveling alone or with family or friends, a deck of cards is a great addition to your packing list. A card game is a fun way to pass the time and takes up very little space.
Reading glasses (if needed)
You may laugh but there’s a reason I own about a dozen reading glasses — I’m forever misplacing them! I bring a couple of reading glasses with me on every trip: one in my personal bag and one in my suitcase.
Phone with an international plan
Obviously, this one stays with me all the time, and not in my luggage. Check with your regular provider on the cost of an international plan. Both Verizon and AT&T charge $10 per 24-hour period to use the international plan, so for a trip of a week or so, it isn’t worth spending it to me. However, if you have your phone unlocked (generally by contacting your carrier), you can buy a SIM card upon arrival at your destination and activate it so that your phone works there.
Now you’re ready for a great Costa Rica adventure with this Costa Rica packing list!
Check out some of our other Costa Rica posts:
Do you have other suggestions? Share them in the comments below!
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.