This in-depth packing list for Costa Rica will have you prepared for your next Costa Rican adventure. Whether you're visiting La Fortuna's waterfalls, Arenal Volcano, or the beach at Tamarindo, this guide has got you covered.
Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and microclimates mean packing requires careful consideration. From rainforests to beaches, this comprehensive packing guide will ensure you're prepared for your Costa Rican adventure without overpacking.
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Essential Clothing
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothing: Pack t-shirts, shorts, and light pants that can handle humidity and dry quickly after rain or sweat
- Rain jacket or poncho: Useful year-round, but essential during the green season (May-November)
- Hiking pants: Preferably convertible to shorts for versatility on trails
- Swimwear: For beaches, hot springs, and waterfall swimming
- Light sweater or jacket: Evenings can be cool, especially in areas like Monteverde
- Hat and sunglasses: The tropical sun is intense, even on cloudy days
Costa Rica's "pura vida" lifestyle means casual attire is accepted nearly everywhere. Most importantly, pack your love of adventure and respect for nature.
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking shoes or trail shoes: For jungle treks and volcano hikes
- Water shoes: Ideal for waterfall visits and rocky beaches
- Comfortable sandals: For casual walks around town and beach days
- Flip-flops: For beaches and hostel showers
For a more detailed breakdown, check out our post on the best shoes for Costa Rica. It'll let you know exactly what kind of shoes to wear depending on what you're doing and where you're going. (Spoiler: avoid open-toe sandals in most situations.)
Health & Protection
- High-SPF sunscreen: The equatorial sun is powerful even when cloudy
- Insect repellent: DEET-based insect repellent for maximum protection in jungle areas (trust me, you'll need it!)
- After-bite cream: For inevitable mosquito encounters. We recommend picking this up at a local farmacia, as they have some great local options at reasonable prices.
- Basic first-aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, motion sickness medicine, and diarrhea medication
- Reusable water bottle: Tap water is generally safe in tourist areas, but check locally
Pro Tip
Bring a good quality sunscreen and insect repellent with you. While these items are available in Costa Rica, they're very expensive!
Electronics
- Waterproof Camera: If you like to capture your adventures, a waterproof action camera like a GoPro is handy. I carried my Insta 360 (use this affiliate link to get some discounts and free items bundled in!) without the waterproof housing on it.
- Portable charger: Power outages can occur, especially in remote areas
- Waterproof phone pouch: This is perfect in case you don't want a waterproof camera but still want to get photos in the water. It's also handy in case you're travelling during the wet season where sudden downpours are common.
Universal Adapters
If you're visiting from North America, you likely won't need a universal adapter as Costa Rica uses the same plugs as the US and Canada (types A and B).
Regional Considerations
- Caribbean Coast: Pack more moisture-wicking clothing as humidity is higher
- Pacific Coast: Extra sun protection for the drier, sunnier climate
- Cloud Forests: Warmer layers for cool, misty conditions
- San José and Central Valley: One smart-casual outfit for nice restaurants
Seasonal Tips
- Dry Season (December-April): Pack more sunscreen and fewer rain items
- Green Season (May-November): Enhanced rain protection and quick-dry clothing
Final thoughts
There are so many things to do in Costa Rica, what to pack depends on exactly what you're planning to do. Use this Costa Rica packing list as a template to work of and adjust based on where you're visiting and what you're planning to do.
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