Are you planning your dream vacation to Costa Rica and are now wondering what to pack? Don’t worry, here’s a packing list with all the essentials and even some pro tips!
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There’s no doubt a million things you have in your head right now. With all the flight, hotel tickets and reservations, with the tours and activities and the itineraries, but how about your suitcase? Have you packed already? Are you sure of all the things you’ll need for this specific trip? When traveling to Central America there are a few things you need to consider before starting to toss your clothes and toiletries around.
Where in Costa Rica are you going to stay? If you’re traveling all over the country then you’ll need more clothes and specific items for the variable weather and the microclimates. While the coast is warm and dry, you’ll find more humidity in the rainforest. What activities do you plan to do? If you’re only going to the beach then your typical beach gear is completely fine, but you’ll need more layers and hiking boots if you plan to wander into the rainforest. To make your planning easier, here’s a packing list of all the possible things you can need during your trip to Costa Rica.
Packing List for Costa Rica
Must-Have Travel Documents and Money
You can travel without your passport, obviously, and with it, there are other important travel documents that you have to add.
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Passport: Don’t forget to check that’s valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date.
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Visa: If it’s applicable, but for most countries you won’t need one unless you spend more than 90 days.
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Flight Information and Accommodation Details: It’s a good idea that you have both printed and digital copies of the flight itinerary, hotel reservations and any other service or ticket you already bought.
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Driver’s License: If you’re renting a car then you need to prove you can drive one.
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Vaccination Certificates: This applies if you come from a country that’s considered at risk of transmission of some diseases, or the proof you’re vaccinated against COVID-19. Just in case check the health entry requirements.
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Credit and Debit Cards: You can use your Visa and MasterCard in most places in Costa Rica, but carrying some cash with you can help a lot. Preferably small bills like $1, $5 and $10.
Clothing: Pack for Every Climate
If you want to learn more about all the specifics of the Costa Rican climate and what to expect during each season, you can read our article about the best time to visit Costa Rica. But in general, you’ll find that each region has differences in weather.
For Hot and Humid Regions
If you’re going to spend a lot of time around the coast and in the lowlands, then expect a hot climate with high levels of humidity. Choose light, breathable clothes. Preferably shorts, t-shirts or tank tops. For the beach, of course, at least 2 swimsuits, a sarong or a sundress to cover up, and a long-sleeve shirt to protect against the hard sun. For the nights and city outings, you can wear casual sundresses, or pants and shirts.
For Rainforest & Adventure Travel
If you’re planning on going into the rainforest to get to know better the natural beauties of Costa Rica, then there are a few extras you need to add to your packing list for Costa Rica. Start with a light rain jacket or a poncho, so you won’t get drenched in the sudden rain. Also pack some long-sleeve shirts and pants, to protect your skin from mosquito bites. Even if you prefer to wear shorts, it’s better if you have leggings underneath. Finally, keep in mind that the rainforest can be chilly, and you might not notice it while you’re walking, but it’s a good idea to add a light sweater.
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For Cooler Mountain Regions
If you’re going to the Mountain regions of Monteverde and San Gerardo de Dota then you’ll need a bit more than a light sweater. Pack a warm jacket or a good sweater and jeans or thicker pants, keep in mind that the temperatures can be as low as 10°C. Adding some accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves can help you feel a bit warmer without packing bulky winter clothes.
Footwear
There are a few pairs you need and a few more you can add depending on the activities you’re planning to do. For the beach of course you’ll need some casual flip-flops, and your normal sneakers are perfect for walking around the city and you can wear them during your travels to save some space in your suitcase. Finally, you can add your hiking shoes, or your water shoes if you’re going to the rocky beaches or exploring the beautiful waterfalls of Costa Rica.
Sun Protection
Aside from the long-sleeved shirts you should have packed already, you should add your favorite sunscreen lotions. See that it’s SPF 30+ and reef-safe if you’re using it in the beach. Add an SPF lip balm since you’re not applying sunscreen there, and of course, the fashionable wide-brimmed hat and your sunglasses. Bonus point if they’re polarized to protect your eyes from the ocean glare.
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Bug Protection
Keep adding things to protect yourself against the elements. Only now the elements are hungry insects that want your blood. Costa Rica has lots and lots of mosquitoes, and nobody likes their bites so you better prepare early. Use DEET or Picardin insect repellent and if you’re going into the wild use long-sleeve clothing. You’re probably gonna get bitten at one point or another, so carry anti-itch cream or aloe vera gel to calm the itch. Finally, if you’re camping or staying in a remote area, having a mosquito net to sleep is a good idea.
Toiletries and Medications
You can buy some in Costa Rica, or you can use what the hotels provide, but it’s better to bring your own. So start packing! For basic hygiene, you’ll need soap or body wash, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste, and deodorant. You can add a face wash and moisturizer to save your skin from the high humidity, a razor, and shaving cream if you use them frequently, and hand sanitizer for daily use. If you need tampons or pads, better pack them now, especially if you’re not staying in the major cities.
In this same category, you can add your medications, from the prescriptions you can’t live without (always bring a bit more than needed and copies of any medical papers involved) to the common pain reliever and band-aids. For Costa Rica specifically, you’ll want to add Dramamine for the boat rides, triple antibiotic, and anti-diarrhea medicine. Try to group them in a separate bag so they don’t get lost with all the other things in your suitcase.
Tech Essentials for Your Costa Rica Packing List
You’re going on vacation, so maybe leave your laptop at home. Depending on your style of traveling you can do with very little technology, but some basics can be really helpful. Firstly, your smartphone with its charger and a power bank. Then you can add a portable gaming console for long flights and road trips, paired with noise-canceling headphones. If you love photography and adventure then pack your GoPro with extra batteries and SD cards.
An eSIM is not a physical card you can pack, but you need to buy one before using it in Costa Rica and Yoho Mobile has incredible offers. Even if you’re planning to do a whole tour over the Caribbean, Central America, and beyond. You can add as many countries as you need to your eSIM with a few clicks. Say goodbye to the skyrocketing roaming costs and hello to the convenience.
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Essential Travel Accessories for Costa Rica
As we already said, sudden rains are pretty normal in Costa Rica, so better add a waterproof dry bag to your packing list for Costa Rica. A Ziploc bag can serve the same purpose if you’re wondering how to keep your electronic devices dry. To keep yourself dry and comfortable, a microfiber towel is essential, and just in case you’re out in the night or there’s a sudden power outage, add a headlamp or flashlight.
If you’re coming from outside of the US you should add a universal adapter, so you don’t have trouble charging your electronics. And of course, if you don’t speak Spanish, either add a Spanish phrasebook or download a translation app. Try to choose one that can be used offline if you’re traveling to remote areas.
Hydration and Snacks
Of course, you can buy snacks in Costa Rica and it is a great way to taste the local flavors, but if you have a favorite brand that you choose for all your adventures better stock them before your travel. That way you can do all the hikes and road trips you have planned more comfortably. On that topic, you should pack a good reusable water bottle. Preferably with a filter, and some electrolyte packets that can be handy to stay hydrated in the heat.
Adventure-Specific Items
If you’re going to be chilling in the beach or sightseeing you can skip this category, but for the hard-core adventurers, here’s what you might need. If you have good snorkeling gear then pack it, you know that the rental ones aren’t always that great. If you’re passionate about wildlife and want to see them more closely, then add binoculars so you can stay at a safe distance. There’s also your trusty backpack for hiking, complete with some dryer sheets so your clothes stay fresh and nice in the humid weather.
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Things NOT to Pack for Costa Rica
We’ve been talking and listing most of the things you’re going to need. But it’s also important to disclose what you shouldn’t be packing for your trip to Costa Rica. Starting with expensive jewelry. We know you’re extremely proud of that lovely diamond, but please leave it safely at home, or you can attract thieves. Similarly, avoid packing your fancy outfits and your heels, and try to stay casual and comfortable. Bulky sweaters and heavy coats are also a no-go unless you’re going to the mountains.
What to Pack for Costa Rica: Pro Tips
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Pack light: You’re not going to live in the rainforest, and you can find laundry services in Costa Rica. So you can pack less clothes.
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Stick to a color scheme: If you want to pack even fewer clothes and still have tons of different combinations then pack fewer colors. Choose basics like black, white, gray, and navy, so you can mix and match.
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Bring a daypack: It doesn’t have to be a big one, but it will be extremely convenient so you can pack your daily essentials every day.
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Leave room for souvenirs: Don’t fill your suitcase to the brim. Leave a bit of space for the possible souvenirs that are going to make the trip back home with you.
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Stay Connected with eSIM: Keep your phone handy in case of emergencies and for quick access to mobile data. This will help you contact family or emergency services when needed. Using Yoho Mobile eSIM is especially useful in cities where safety could be a concern, ensuring you stay connected and informed.