Packing for your trip to Costa Rica is an exciting part of the adventure but can be challenging. Costa Rica is a beautiful country with various weather patterns and activities, so creating a packing list is essential in the planning process. Whether you're going north or south, to the Pacific or the Caribbean, we've compiled the ultimate packing list for Costa Rica so that you'll know what to bring and what to leave behind.

Costa Rica is one of those countries that can accommodate any traveler. Whether you're visiting on a romantic honeymoon, taking an adventurous solo trip, bringing the entire family, or ready to tackle active excursions like hiking around Arenal Volcano or snorkeling in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica will undoubtedly entertain you.

But one thing all these types of trips and travelers have in common is the need for a packing list. No matter where you go, you'll need to keep your luggage light and pack appropriate clothing for a misty, rainforest-dominated country. Try to stick to one piece of luggage and one backpack. This strategy will help when moving around the country on transfers. And if you plan to fly domestically within Costa Rica, light packing will help you meet luggage restrictions.

What to Consider Before Packing

Enjoy rafting down one of Costa Rica's beautiful rivers.

Before you start loading up your suitcase, look at your itinerary and what activities you want to do. There are a few essential factors to consider:

Consider activities that might need special gear, such as hiking boots for outdoor excursions, swimsuits for learning how to surf or snorkeling, or long pants for hikes and horseback riding. Once you have a better idea of your itinerary and particular needs, you can start considering your packing list, concentrating on clothing, shoes, and essential gear, such as insect repellent and sun protection. 

Clothing

Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are a must for walking in Costa Rica.

For a country like Costa Rica, what clothing and shoes you pack can make or break your trip. You won't want to forget things like rain gear, swimsuits, and comfy shoes to sustain hiking. 

Clothing

In general, it's best to keep it casual, as Costa Rica is a relatively relaxed country. Of course, if you're on your honeymoon or splurging on luxury accommodation in Arenal/La Fortuna, for example, feel free to pack a nice shirt or a lightweight sundress for when the moment allows. But even in fine-dining restaurants and luxurious resorts, the vibe remains relatively casual.

Packing lightweight and relaxed will also ensure comfortability. Traveling in Costa Rica requires moving around either in rental cars on a Costa Rican road trip, domestic flights to get from north to south quickly, or transfers to more remote places, such as Tortuguero. Plus, many of the most popular activities center around enjoying the country's famed natural environment, so you'll want to stay flexible with clothing that supports walking, hiking, boating, wildlife spotting, and more.

Take a look at the weather and pack what you're comfortable wearing. However, there are a few essentials not to miss:

  • A pair of long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. Surprisingly, long sleeves come in handy if you plan to spend some time in museums in San José, as it can get a little chilly indoors, and you might want something a bit more suitable for the city. And even with warm and humid weather, long sleeves can protect your skin from scratches and bug bites while enjoying the outdoors. Likewise, even in the hottest climates, you'll need long pants if you plan on going horseback riding.
  • A lightweight, waterproof jacket. Remember that Costa Rica is a tropical country, and it can rain at any time of the year in any region. Opt for a light jacket that you can easily condense when moving about, especially if it gets chilly in the highlands at night or in the case of unexpected rain. A jacket will also come in handy if you plan to enjoy a wildlife night hike or watch the turtles nest or hatch in Tortuguero.
  • Quick-drying clothes. If you have them or want to stock up for the trip, quick-dry clothing is ideal for Costa Rica's climate. Besides the inevitable rainfall here and there, remember that it's pretty humid and misty. If not quick-drying, plan on bringing one set of clothing per day so you have time to dry any victims of the misty rainforest.
  • Swimsuits. Many Costa Rican itineraries feature stops at beaches. Still, you might also want a swimsuit if you'd like to learn how to surf, go snorkeling, try standup paddleboarding, or simply relax at your hotel's outdoor pool.

Shoes

To pack light, you'll need to try and minimize the number of shoes you bring. An all-around choice is a pair of closed-toe sandals, which you can use in the water, on the beach, and even for a light hike through the forest. Closed-toe sandals are also helpful for whitewater rafting or kayaking trips, where you want to have shoes with thick soles that are not likely to come off in the water. If you're not planning any water activities, a sturdy pair of sneakers is enough for most excursions into Costa Rica's forests. However, hiking boots are better for long treks in rougher terrain, such as the Osa Peninsula. 

Plan your trip to Costa Rica
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

Essential Gear

Sun protection, water, packs, and insect repellent are all essentials in Costa Rica.

Besides adequate clothing and sturdy shoes, Costa Rica requires a few pieces of essential gear to help you enjoy your travels fully. As a Central American country bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, you'll spend lots of time outside in the sun. You'll need things like sun protection, bug spray, and a water bottle, among other things. 

Sun Protection

Sunscreen can be three to four times more expensive to buy in Costa Rica, so it definitely pays to bring your own. Another tip: get more than you think you need, especially if you're going to the beach. Costa Rica is a warm, humid, and sunny place, so you'll probably use more SPF than ever before! If you plan on swimming or snorkeling in the sea, opt for reef-friendly sunscreen. 

Sunscreen is just one tool when it comes to sun protection. Don't forget sunglasses and a hat to keep the rays out of your eyes and away from sunburn-prone areas like your face, scalp, neck, and shoulders. If you're planning on spending a lot of time in the water, rash guards can help prevent sunburn while swimming, snorkeling, or surfing. 

Insect Repellent

Insects aren't too bad in the dry season, but if you're going to more remote areas, like Tortuguero or the Osa Peninsula, or visiting in the wet season, you'll want to bring repellent to keep the bugs away. If hiking in these areas, zip-away pants treated with permethrin (built-in insect repellent) are super handy.

Dry Bag

Consider a dry bag or even just a waterproof case for your phone. This is helpful if you plan to enjoy water sports like whitewater rafting or go to Tortuguero, where you'll rely on lots of boat tours to get around and see the sights. Either way, using a small dry bag or waterproof case can help protect your valuables, including your phone or camera. 

Water Bottle

In most parts of Costa Rica, the water is safe to drink, though not in remote areas. Nowadays, it's easy to find water bottles specific for travel with a built-in filter. Most restaurants and hotels will be happy to refill your water bottle, so you can bring a reusable one to save money and reduce your plastic use. 

Backpack

Since you'll be moving around a lot—whether hiking, exploring the rainforest, or transferring to your next overnight—a comfortable backpack to carry your daily items will surely come in handy.  

Additional Considerations for Remote Areas

The remote village of Tortuguero Town.

Two of the more isolated areas of Costa Rica are Tortuguero and Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. Both places offer memorable excursions, such as scuba diving at Isla del Caño, trekking in Corcovado National Park, whale watching, and kayaking through mangrove estuaries. For these types of excursions, and because these areas are more secluded, there are a few additional considerations for your Costa Rica packing list.

  • Stock up on cash. Before you go, stock up on money in the local currency. Drake Bay doesn't have an ATM or bank, and Tortuguero has just one ATM. Additionally, these are small villages, and many businesses only accept cash.
  • Bring a flashlight or headlamp. In these remote destinations, a flashlight is a necessity. You won't find general lighting here like in other towns in Costa Rica, so you'll need a source of light when walking around at night.

Other Must-Haves

Of course, any trip to Costa Rica will require a few must-haves in addition to clothing and gear, such as your passport and airline tickets. Internet access can be spotty in some areas of the country, especially as you transfer from place to place before settling into your accommodation. It helps to have everything downloaded onto your phone (or as paper copies) if you need something when you don't have internet access.

As you start to plan your trip, don't forget these essentials:

  • Valid passport with at least six months before the expiration date
  • Copies of your passport (either paper copies or photos on your phone)
  • Visa (not all nationalities require a visa, so check with your local embassy or consulate if you need one to get into Costa Rica)
  • Driver's license (if you're renting a car)
  • Travel insurance card (if you've purchased insurance)
  • Airline tickets (downloaded to your phone at the very least)
  • Other confirmations (like for accommodations or tours, downloaded to your phone or paper copies)