Costa Rica isn’t all beaches and jungle. It’s a diverse country in Central America with many different climates and activities. For this reason, it can be challenging to create the perfect Costa Rica packing list.
However, don’t worry! I’ve traveled to Costa Rica several times, even during the rainy season (that was my most recent trip). And I can share the perfect Costa Rica packing list for all travelers.
You want to arrive in Costa Rica prepared, confident, and ready for the adventure to start, not stressing about whether you brought everything you need.
In this post, I highlight what to wear in Costa Rica and everything you should consider when you travel to Costa Rica, including the necessary travel documents you will need for your trip.
What To Pack For Costa Rica
Plan for Costa Rica weather
Before packing for Costa Rica, consider when and where you’re going. Costa Rica has diverse weather, with many different regions.
Unlike other places, there are only two main seasons: the rainy and dry seasons.
The rainy season (sometimes called the ‘wet season’ or the ‘green season’ in Costa Rica) is from May through November.
During the rainy season, you should expect more rain and cooler temperatures in specific areas like San Jose and Monteverde and plan accordingly.
The dry season in Costa Rica is from December through April. You can expect much more sun, little rain, and warmer temperatures.
Most people prefer traveling to Costa Rica during the dry season, as rain can get intense at times in the green season. However, don’t let it deter you if you can’t decide.
I traveled to Costa Rica during the rainy season and still had a blast. The rain isn’t too bad, and as long as you’re prepared with waterproof hiking boots, a raincoat, and a backpack rain cover, it might not bother you.
Factor in where you’re going and what you’re doing
The exact regions of your travels will influence your Costa Rica packing list and also help you decide what to wear in Costa Rica.
If mainly traveling along the coast, you’ll want to bring lots of good warm-weather and beachy clothes. If you’re also doing some jungle excursions, you’ll want to prepare for the forest, mosquitos, and everything else that comes with it.
There are also a lot of places that are much cooler during the rainy season, so you’ll need some cold-weather clothes and double-check the weather before packing.
There are so many amazing things to do in Costa Rica, and as long as you plan ahead of time, you can easily pack accordingly.
The Basics Of Your Costa Rica Packing List
Backpack
As a traveler, you know your backpack, suitcase, or duffel bag is the most important thing. This is what keeps everything together. And you’ll want a comfortable, water-resistant option for Costa Rica.
For Costa Rica, the size and style may depend on how long you’re traveling in Costa Rica and your personal preferences. But I’d recommend anything above 45 liters, especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season when you might need more fear.
I recommend the North Face Base Camp Duffel. Size medium has a gear capacity of 71L, which should be plenty of space for most people. It’s what I used for my trip and I packed around 10 kg which was just perfect for me.
But they do have larger and smaller sizes, as well. The North Face Duffel is water-resistant, which comes in handy. It also has backpack straps for those who prefer hauling their stuff on their backs.
If you’d like to stay true to the traditional backpack, I also recommend the Osprey Ariel 55 Pack because it’s incredibly comfortable and surprisingly spacious for such a large backpack.
Daypack
Your daypack is another important part of your Costa Rica packing list. After all, you don’t want to be hauling that big backpack or suitcase around on your adventures.
With a suitable daypack, you can leave the big backpack with the unneeded stuff while you go whitewater rafting, hiking through the incredible Costa Rican national parks, or just relax on the beach.
Osprey is my go-to brand (alongside 90% of other backpackers). It’s reliable, sturdy, and great for almost any travel occasion. The Osprey Stratos 24 is the perfect daypack for Costa Rica and other exciting countries.
A rain cover for your backpack and daypack is essential for Costa Rica, especially when traveling during the rainy season. The Small Duck’s Back Rain Cover is perfect for your daypack. For your backpack, you can opt for the Large Duck’s Back for backpacks between 70L-85L or the Medium Duck’s Back for backpacks between 50L-65L.
Packing cubes and dry bags
You don’t realize how helpful compression packing cubes are until you have them. They can help keep your stuff in order, organized, and clean. It’s nice to separate everything and know which bags hold what.
I use Northface Compression Cubes as they are also rainproof, just to be extra sure my clothes don’t get wet in case it rains.
Dry bags are another necessity for Costa Rica, given the rain and overall dampness of the rainforest. They are handy at the beach to roll your valuables and take them in the water. But they are also great for keeping your electronics dry and safe in your backpack during lousy weather.
Shoes
Shoes are perhaps one of the most critical components of your Costa Rica packing list. You’ll want several different shoes, depending on what you’re doing. At a minimum, you’ll wish to comfortable walking sandals and waterproof hiking boots for exploring.
Salomon hiking boots are great, lightweight shoes perfect for what to wear in Costa Rica while trekking. Salomon also has several pairs of waterproof hiking shoes, essential during the rainy season.
For exploring cities and beaches, I always recommend Teva’s. These are strappy sandals with decent arch support and a good style. They also dry very quickly, which is nice given the weather in Costa Rica at times.
You’ll also want a pair of water shoes if you’re going rafting in Costa Rica, which is highly recommended. For something simple and comfortable, I recommend ANLUKE water shoes. But if you want something a little more sturdy, which might be recommended for something like rafting, NRS Kicker Wetshoes are a great choice.
You should also add good hiking socks to your Costa Rica packing list when packing your waterproof hiking boots. This can make all the difference when going on full-day hikes around Costa Rica.
What To Wear In Costa Rica
There’s not a huge clothing etiquette in Costa Rica, and you hardly need to worry about to wear in Costa Rica.
Most people, tourists and locals, dress casually and comfortably. Since many tourist destinations in Costa Rica are along the coast, much of what to wear in Costa Rica will be beach and tropical attire.
However, you’ll also want to be practical and mindful of your planned activities. For example, if you’re hiking or in the jungle, you won’t want to walk in sandals and a swimsuit.
Here are some recommended clothing items to add to your Costa Rica packing list.
Hiking pants
You’ll want light hiking pants for the jungle and rainforest in Costa Rica. These will help protect you from mosquitos and keep you comfortable.
The key is to get a pair of pants that also dry fast – this is especially important if you visit Costa Rica in the rainy season, when you may be hiking in the rain.
I recommend the Sahara Convertible Pants – they come in various colors and if you end up hiking in hotter weather you can unzip the bottom bit. You can also consider Toomett Convertible Hiking Pants which have an adjustable waist line.
Shorts
Shorts will be your go-to for the beach in Costa Rica, so don’t forget this one, and if you are visiting in the dry season they will be a good item for any hike too. I like Kuhl Freeflex Shorts for their comfort and practicality. I have had a pair for years and they come with me literally on every trip.
Skort
This isn’t a must, but it’s very convenient. I have the Haven Skort, and I use it for hiking, going to the beach, and just as a cute skirt. It’s hard to have variety when traveling, so this is a great way to spice things up.
Leggings
You’ll need leggings if you go rafting. I didn’t have them, and my legs got cut up badly. These ATTRACO Swim Pants are specifically designed for water sports; they can also be useful for surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, or boating.
These Weekendr Leggings are another good all-purpose pair of pants recommended for hiking.
T-shirts
You’ll want to bring three to five T-shirts for your trip to Costa Rica. They are great everyday wear and perfect for almost all activities around Costa Rica.
The Kuhl shirt section has some really stylish and practical t-shirts – you can pick anything from the most sporty t-shirt to one that you can easily dress up, so they are practical and will help you save space in your backpack.
Swimsuit
Costa Rica doesn’t have a huge dress code for swimsuits. You should pack whatever you’re most comfortable with. I brought a one piece and used it whenever I went to the beach or snorkeling, but my sister took a bikini and she was just as comfortable.
If you plan on doing active watersports, like surfing, you might want to pack a comfortable swimsuit for said activity. The REI swimsuit section has a large variety of different styles.
Beach cover-up
A beach cover-up or sarong is also very useful when enjoying the beautiful beaches around Costa Rica. I love the prAna Stellium Sarong. If you aren’t a fan of sarongs, a pair of shorts or a skort like the one mentioned above will be just fine too.
Rash Guard
I forgot a rash guard in Costa Rica and seriously regretted it after getting some mean sunburns. The sun is intense here, and a rash guard can help. The O’Neill long-sleeve rashguard is a great option and perfect for surfing and snorkeling.
Underwear
You can’t forget underwear! You should bring enough for about a week of travel, but you can wash them as you go. You should keep one or two pairs in your carry-on luggage if something happens to your checked bag. You should also pack an extra sports bra, regular bras, and several pairs of socks.
What To Wear In Costa Rica In The Rainy Season
If you’re visiting during the rainy season, everything I have mentioned above should be on your Costa Rica packing list. Still, you’ll need to make a few additional considerations because of some areas’ rain and colder temperatures.
Rain jacket or poncho
A rain jacket and/or poncho is a must-have during the rainy season. I have the Black Diamond Rain Shell and highly recommend it. It’s not cheap, but it is comfortable, cool, and very water-resistant, an important feature of a rain jacket.
I usually prefer a rain jacket to a rain poncho, but a poncho can come in handy if you want to keep your daypack dry or are hiking for a while in the rain. The Anyoo Waterproof Rain Poncho is a good choice.
Sweater
You wouldn’t think a sweater is what to pack for Costa Rica, but you will be glad you have one. First of all, you can wear it on the plane on your way there – it’s usually so cold during flights anyways!
During the rainy season, some areas in Costa Rica get a little cooler. For example, San Jose can get down to 10°C (50°F) at times, and Monteverde is just about the same as it is in the mountains. When we visited, it got really cold at night and the rain did not help!
I really love Kuhl Stria Pullover Hoody for colder weather: it’s actually fairly lightweight and it will take almost no room in your backpack when you don’t wear it. If you want something even warmer, the Ascendyr Zip is another great light jacket.
Long sleeve shirt
If you want a light jacket, you might also want a long-sleeve shirt to keep you warm or protected. If you get something lighter, it’s also great while hiking in mosquito-infested parts of the forest. Personally I much prefer it to having to smother myself in mosquito repellant.
The Kuhl long-sleeve selection has a lot of different styles, sizes, colors, and fabric weights. My personal favorite (the one that I am wearing in the picture above) is the Sojourn.
Waterproof backpack cover
This was mentioned before, but it’s so important that it’s worth mentioning again. If traveling during the rainy season, you must have a waterproof rain cover for your backpack and your daypack. Ducks Back rain covers are great covers that come in many different sizes.
Costa Rica Packing List – Personal Care
Toiletries
Your toiletries Costa Rica packing list may differ depending on your regime and the products you use. The important thing is to balance having everything you need while avoiding overpacking.
You should also have a good toiletry bag to store everything in. With a bag that folds and zips, you can keep all your toiletries organized and in one place. Pick one with a hook so that you can also hang it in the shower if needed.
Toothpaste / toothbrush
You definitely don’t want to forget a toothbrush on any trip. I always travel with my toothbrush in my carry-on luggage because it can be nice to freshen up after a long flight and in case my bags get lost or delayed along the way.
I recommend a set of bamboo toothbrushes because they don’t take up much space and they are much more environmentally friendly.
Shampoo and conditioner
I recommend a bar of shampoo and conditioner because it’s much easier to travel with. I really like the HiBAR Moisturizing Shampoo for travel.
All purpose soap bar
This is another convenient must-have while traveling. It’s very useful for showering and washing your clothes in the sink when you can’t do laundry. I recommend Kirk’s Castile’s all-purpose soap bar which is actually perfect for sensitive skin too.
Face wash
You’ll also want to bring some face wash. I recommend avoiding anything with microplastics or beads, as these are really bad for the environment. And you’ll want to bring your own face wash, as you’ll likely only find larger bottles in stores in Costa Rica.
La Roche Posay Facial Cleanser is perfect for traveling and staying refreshed. Pick one that is good for your skin type.
Deodorant
I think roll-on deodorant is much better for traveling as there are strange rules with flying with spray-on deodorant because of the aerosol. To avoid any issues, it’s best to bring a small roll-on or stick deodorant. I recommend Schmidt’s Stick Travel Size for sensitive skin.
Other necessary toiletries
Here is a list of a few other necessary toiletries you might overlook when making your Costa Rica packing list.
Mosquito repellant
One of the most important Costa Rica travel tips is to be aware and prepare for the mosquitos, especially during the rainy season. You should bring good mosquito repellant no matter the month to be ready. Eucalyptus Insect Repellant is a good choice if you want deet-free repellant.
Let me stress how important it is to apply mosquito repellent any time you are wearing shorts and / or short sleeves. I did not apply it just once when I was in Manuel Antonio, as I was only going for a quick meal, and I ended up with a botfly in my arm!
Sunscreen
Bring good sunscreen with high SPF, as the strong is especially brutal at times and near the beach. You’ll also want to bring face sunscreen; I recommend Neutrogena Age Shield SPF 110.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil can help with minor cuts and is also great to help ease the discomfort from itchy bug bites. I always travel with a small bottle, which is handy.
Hand sanitizer
I also recommend bringing some travel-size hand sanitizer. Not all bathrooms and public areas are 100% sanitized in Costa Rica, so it can be convenient to have this while traveling.
Personal pharmacy items
When bringing medicine and pharmaceutical care, you don’t need to bring the entire medicine cabinet. You can find many things in Costa Rica, but you’ll also want a few necessities on you at all times.
Pain relief medicine
You can find pain relief medicine in pharmacies in Costa Rica, but it’s easy enough to pack, and headaches and such can hit at any time. You might be happy you have some and don’t need to go out to get it.
Non-drowsy anti-nausea medicine
I definitely recommend bringing some non-drowsy anti-nausea and motion sickness medicine, like this Dramamine Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Relief.
The roads can be pretty windy if you’re traveling by bus (we literally all got sick on the bus from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio!), and boats are also a little rocky if you’re snorkeling or going on a boat trip (like to Caño Island Biological Reserve).
Bandaids
Bandaids are another one of those things that you can easily find there, but you may want them on you for your adventures. If you get any cuts or scrapes, you’ll want to clean and cover them immediately to prevent infection.
Antiseptic wipes
Along with the bandaids, you should carry antiseptic wipes and cream to clean any minor cuts and scrapes and prevent infection. I didn’t have any on me when I cut myself rafting, and had to run to the pharmacy to get some.
Costa Rica Packing List – Electronics
Travel adapter
Power outlets in Costa Rica are typically the two-pronged flat type, the same as in the United States. If you’re from outside the United States, you’ll need a travel adapter for your electronics.
The EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter is a must-have for all travelers. This adapter has four plugs covering more than 150 countries, including Costa Rica.
Remember that with any adapter, they are not voltage converters; they are only used for general electronics like phone chargers, laptop chargers, battery chargers, and so on.
You don’t want to plug in anything extremely high voltage and double-check certain hair appliances (like hair straighteners – which however you really should not pack for Costa Rica) to make sure they are compatible with Costa Rica’s voltage outlets.
Camera and camera gear
Costa Rica is truly a playground for photographers with all its natural beauty and excitement. For this reason, you can’t forget your camera and camera gear in your Costa Rica packing list.
If you’re looking for some new equipment, here is what I like to travel with:
- OM System Olympus – It’s small, convenient for travel, and takes very nice photos.
- You’ll also want a couple of good lenses. I recommend 40-150mm for wide angles and landscapes and 70-300mm for wildlife.
- Memory cards – You’ll want these to ensure plenty of room for all those amazing photos.
- GoPro Hero – If you’re looking for a good underwater camera for rafting, surfing, snorkeling, or diving, you can’t really go wrong with a GoPro.
Smartphone/tablet
Of course, you’ll want to bring your phone and tablet (if you have one) to Costa Rica!
Make sure to get a really good protective case for your phone and tablet. The last thing you want to deal with is a broken screen while running around and adventuring around Costa Rica.
Laptop
Not everyone likes traveling with a laptop, but many do. It might be nice to relax with a movie in the hotel/hostel bed, upload photos and videos during downtime, or even get some work done here and there.
You don’t need a laptop for Costa Rica, and it might even add more of a headache if you’re visiting during the rainy season and have extra incentive to keep everything 100% dry, so this is your decision.
If you bring a laptop, make sure to have a sturdy case and laptop bag so it doesn’t get banged up while you travel from one place to another, and try to keep it dry by all means.
Chargers and power bank
You’ll also need all your electronics chargers for your phone, tablet, laptop, kindle, or anything else.
But you might also want to bring a portable power bank. These are really useful when traveling as you never have to worry about a dying phone or anything like that.
I recommend the Anker Portable Charger with 20,000mAh and 2 USB-As, 1 Micro USB, and 1 USB-C.
Headlamp (and binoculars)
You’ll also need a headlamp for full-day, multi-day hikes and adventures. This will definitely come in handy, and it’s much better than relying on your cellphone flashlight.
We needed one for the various night walks we took to observe frogs, and it was a necessity when we slept in Corcovado National Park as the management turns all the lights off at 8:00 pm.
I recommend the LHKNL Rechargeable Headlamp. It has eight different modes of light, white and red light, and is water resistant.
Kindle
If you’re a big reader, I definitely recommend bringing a Kindle along for the journey. Even if you have a lot of action and adventure planned for your travels, it can be very convenient for relaxing on the beach and on long flights or bus rides.
Traveling with a Kindle saves so much space in your bag and is obviously much lighter.
I like the Kindle Paperwhite because it mimics the appearance of a paper book, meaning it’s still easy to read in the sun and without glare.
Other Things To Pack For Costa Rica
Microfiber towel
A quick dry towel is another must-have while traveling, whether for washing your face or if your hotel doesn’t have a towel for you (or charges extra to use one, which is rare, fortunately). It’s also something you can take to the beach with you, and you will need it for multi-day hikes (ie for Corcovado).
Reusable water bottle
Water is safe to drink in Costa Rica, and you can refill in many places – national parks have fountains scattered along the trails and, hotels, many restaurants and local eateries will refill your bottle for you. Bring a reusable water bottle to save on plastic (and money too!).
Books and a Spanish dictionary
If you aren’t bringing a Kindle, bring some of your favorite books to read for the travels. And you might also want to bring a Spanish-to-English pocket dictionary, as well.
Nowadays, translations are as easy as ever with the smartphone. You can even download a language on Google Translate for offline reference. But a pocket dictionary might be useful if your phone suddenly dies or you just want to practice your Spanish when you’re out.
Moneybelt
I also recommend a moneybelt to keep your money safe when traveling. You should also get one that fits under your shirt; that way, it isn’t even noticeable.
Costa Rica is a relatively safe place; you shouldn’t have any problems. But it’s always best to be as prepared as possible.
I recommend the RFID Blocking Travel Wallet. It’s relatively comfortable, very secure, and made from good materials.
Laundry bag
I recommend a foldable traveling laundry bag for your Costa Rica packing list.
You will likely be on the move, so you won’t have time to do your laundry daily. There’s also a good chance you’ll be pretty active, hot, and sweaty, making your clothes pretty smelly.
And you don’t want to subject others to the smell of your dirty clothes or have to mix it in with your clean clothes.
You can even use a dry bag as a laundry bag. This is especially useful if you’re staying in hostels and sharing rooms, as it can fully mask and cover the smell of your dirty clothes.
Ziplock bags to protect electronics
If you aren’t bringing special dry bags for your electronics, you can also pack some ziplock bags. These can be useful for small and quick trips, like walking through the city.
It’s also especially recommended if you’re traveling in Costa Rica during the rainy season. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll get stuck in the rain at least once, and having a little extra protection for your phone and such is very convenient.
Some people also like using ziplock bags for their phones at the beach. This helps prevent any sand or salt from getting trapped in the openings.
Luggage and master locks
Some people like to use luggage locks to protect their bags at the airport or in the hotel when out and about.
If you stay in a hostel, you should also bring a master lock. Most hostels have lockers, but some don’t always have locks to give away. Or if they do, they might not be the best quality lock.
Ear plugs
If you’re staying in hostels or are really sensitive to unfamiliar noises, you should also bring earplugs.
These are such a small thing for your Costa Rica packing list and are usually very affordable, so it’s worth bringing no matter what. And if they come in handy and get you a few extra hours of sleep, that’s wonderful.
I recommend these Mack’s Blackout Soft Foam Earplugs. They even come with a small traveling case for storage.
Necessary Travel Documents For Costa Rica
One of the most important things to bring to any vacation is all the necessary travel documents. The last you want is to get to the airport and realize you forgot your passport or to rent a car in Costa Rica and find out you left your driver’s license behind.
Here’s a list of the essential travel documents for Costa Rica.
Passport
You must bring your original passport valid for at least six months after arriving in Costa Rica. I also suggest having a photocopy of your passport tucked away in your bag, just in case.
Return flight
You should book your return flight before arriving in Costa Rica and have a printed flight reservation for immigration. Most of the time you will be asked for proof of an outbound flight at the time you check in for your flight to Costa Rica, so it’s best to be prepared.
Some airlines may decide not to let you board unless you show them that you also have a return flight.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential for any international trip, especially if you’re planning adventurous activities in Costa Rica. Everything you pack won’t matter at all if you get in an accident and find yourself unable to afford any treatment.
Some travel insurance even covers things like delayed flights and stolen phones, though you usually have to get a higher package.
While the risk of something major happening to you is slim in Costa Rica, it isn’t zero. For this reason, you need to make sure you cover the worst-case scenario. And you’ll feel much better knowing you have some support if something does happen.
I recommend Heymondo as one of the best insurance companies for travelers. It’s what I had for my trip to Costa Rica and they responded immediately when I needed help (I injured myself while rafting).
You can print out your travel insurance policy to make things easier if something does happen to you.
A copy of your birth certificate
You should also print a copy of your birth certificate. If you lose your passport, this might help you get an emergency passport issued.
Driver’s license
You should have your physical, original driver’s license if you plan on renting a car and driving in Costa Rica. Costa Rica accepts your driver’s license from your home country unless it’s written in a different alphabet.
List of emergency contacts
A list of emergency contacts is also recommended for the worst-case scenario. If something happens to you and you can’t talk or call anyone, medical or police workers can find this list to call home.
Hotels, tours and reservations
You should print any reservations and bookings you’ve made beforehand or just save them somewhere neat on your phone for easy access.
Final Tips For Your Costa Rica Packing List
Avoid bringing unnecessary items
One of the biggest mistakes any traveler makes is overpacking and ending up with a backpack or suitcase full of unnecessary items.
You don’t need to bring your entire bedroom and closet with you. So, try to map things out beforehand and only pack what you need.
You will want to leave a little room in your bags if you bring any gifts or souvenirs home from your trip, so there is even more reason not to go overboard in your packing.
Don’t know how to travel light? My post How To Pack Light will show you how to travel carry-on only.
Don’t worry if you forget something
And if you become a little too restrictive and forget something, don’t worry. You can get most things in Costa Rica if you have the time to go shopping and explore.
There are many cute shops and markets where you’ll find clothes, accessories, jewelry, and anything else you might need.
These markets are usually pretty cheap, as well. Generally, the more touristy a place is, the higher the prices are. But it’s very convenient if you forget a sweater, jacket, poncho or something small.
Further Readings
These other posts will be useful when planning your Costa Rica trip:
- Is Costa Rica Safe To Visit?
- How To Visit Marino Ballena National Park
- How To See Nauyaca Waterfalls
- A Guide To Visiting Rio Celeste Waterfalls
- 15 Gorgeous Costa Rica Waterfalls
- The Best Things To Do In Manuel Antonio
- A Complete Guide To Manuel Antonio National Park
- A Complete Guide To Tortuguero National Park
- The Best Thing To Do In Puerto Viejo
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