Costa Rica Packing List

I lived in Costa Rica for 8 years and traveled all over. Because we run a travel agency there we had to make sure we knew all of the areas we would be sending our clients to so we traveled quite a bit. As with many trips, especially to more remote places, it was important to bring the right items. When you’re in the middle of the jungle you can’t just “pop in” to a little store and get what you need so being a bit more prepared for this trip is important. If you are going to be staying in the major tourist spots, then you’ll have more items available to you so it really depends on your type of trip. Either way, this Packing List will have you covered!

The photo packing list above shows my style of what I would pack while traveling around Costa Rica. You can use it as a visual guide and make it your own by customizing what items you love and want to travel with. Costa Rica is a very casual place so no need for anything fancy unless you are planning on staying in a 5 star resort or staying in the big cities and going to high end restaurants, churches, museums, etc.

IMPORTANT TIPS: Don’t overpack, bring lightweight high tech fabrics which pack nicely, breathe, dry quickly and take up very little space. If you are going to the Osa Peninsula/Corcovado National Park via a boat, they cannot accommodate large suitcases so pack light! Last but not least, when you arrive in Costa Rica, make sure to hit the DUTY FREE store for wine and spirits and buy your “max allowance”…this will honestly save you quite a bit during your trip.

Quick Links to items in the above photo (Amazon.com):

Kimono Beach Cover-Up, Black One Piece Bathing Suit, Navy Suit with Macrame Back, Sun Protection/Rash Guard, Long Sleeve Green Cotton Tee, Lightweight Zip Front Jacket, Sleeveless Bandeau Sundress, Panama Hat, Black Melange Quick Dry Tank, Loose Burgundy Racerbank Tank, Sleeveless Gray Muscle Tee, Cap Sleeve Peach Tee, Off the Shoulder Tee, Denim Shorts, Moisture Wicking Skort, Black Straight Leg Athletic Pants, Travelon Messenger Anti-Theft Bag, Black Ray Ban Sunglasses, Multi-Color Tassel Necklace, Silver Feather Earrings, Silver Hoop Earrings, Vionic Cork Style Sandals, Vionic Black Leather Sandals, Merrell Water Shoes.

Women’s Must Have Costa Rica Packing List Items

Beach Bag that double as a Carry On is a great use of space
Quality Water/Hiking Shoes, Merrell Water Shoes are fantastic
Sturdy Non-Slip Sandals, I am addicted to Vionics Sandals, they look beautiful too, many styles to choose from
Bathing Suits. I always like to bring 2 so if one is wet, the other should be dry (hopefully).
Bathing Suit Cover-Up
Shorts
Skirt or Skort
Pants to hike. I like to hike in Yoga pants or athletic pants. It just makes me feel more secure so when I walk by a plant and it touches my leg, I don’t freak out! LOL
Quick Dry Tees. It’s humid in Costa Rica so things just don’t dry quickly unless you have air conditioning. So quick dry is popular so you don’ t have to send all of your things to the laundry..or go find one! Just a quick rinse, hang up and you can wear it again.
Rash Guard. The sun is very strong in Costa Rica so make sure you protect your skin.
Lightweight Rain Jacket. Honestly I never wore this because it was always so warm that all it did was make me sweat. Most of the time the rain would feel nice and cooling. I do, however travel with a sweatshirt made of quick dry fabric. If you get cold easily, bring this and a very small pancho or lightweight jacket that takes up little space.
Sundress or Sarong which can double as a dress & towel
Sunglasses with UV Protection
Sun Hat
Crossbody purse or small day pack
Bandanas, work great for drying your hands, headbands, etc
Socks, Underwear, Bras
Toiletries

Additional Items to Bring

Waterproof Camera. We love our Nikon Waterproof Camera
Binoculars
Headlamp. Having a headlamp with the red light function is great especially if you’ll be going to see the turtles nesting in Tortuguero.
Bug Spray, favorite that I used for years is OFF Family Spray
Insulated Hot/Cold Beverage Tumbler In the smaller towns, they don’t do “coffee to go” so I would always bring mine in…or you end up sitting there when you want to be on to your next destination! It also keeps cold drinks cold for hours. Packing hack: I like to pack this and put all my undies, socks, etc inside = space saver!
Water Resistant Sunscreen. I am a Neutrogena Sunscreen fan…so much so that I would always bring it back from the US to Costa Rica since I couldn’t find it where I lived in Costa Rica.
BOOK: The Ticos. If you want to understand something about the Costa Ricans, get this book and read it on the plane!

For a Men’s Packing List for Costa Rica, go to Bushmaster Costa Rica Tours website.

If you are going to Monteverde Cloud Forest or Poas Volcano, these are at higher elevation and get chilly…so add pieces into your suitcase:

Beanie
Long Sleeve Shirt for layering

If you are ding Carry On Only, skip these items and purchase them in Costa Rica instead:

Note that many of these items will be more expensive in Costa Rica but if you don’t have to pay for checked luggage, it’s worth it!

Waterproof Sunscreen, can be purchased in the pharmacy or many grocery stores
Beach Towel, available all over in most tourist shops
Sarongs, they have really cute Costa Rica sarongs available especially in the beach areas and can double as a towel
Bug Spray, can be purchased in the pharmacy or many grocery stores

Enjoy Costa Rica, it’s a beautiful place! If you need help planning your trip, head over to Bushmaster Adventures Costa Rica and get some ideas on itineraries!