​​​​​​WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR MY TRIP TO COSTA RICA?  

SEE OUR SUGGESTED PACKING LIST BELOW​

Below is a list of THE BEST items to pack when visiting Costa Rica and links to where you can buy them.  These have been tried and tested and will not only help you save you money but make your trip more enjoyable.  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. Key tips: Don't overpack, bring lightweight high tech fabrics which pack nicely, breathe, dry quickly and take up very little space.  Regarding Travel Insurance, see the bottom of the page. Have additional questions about packing, insurance, etc? Contact us and ask! 

MUST HAVE ITEMS TO BRING  

• Waterproof Camera​  
  
• Binoculars, Compact Size
  
• Headlamp, with red light function
  
• Sunglasses with UV Protection
  
• Bug Spray, favorite is OFF Family
  
• Insulated Hot/Cold Beverage Tumbler
• Water Resistant Sunscreen 
  
• BOOK: The Ticos  ​

WOMEN'S COSTA RICA PACKING LIST 

• Beach Bag that double as a Carry On
• Quality Water/Hiking Shoes
• Sturdy Non-Slip Sandals
  
• Bathing Suit,This Year's Best Sellers
• Sundress/Cover-Up
• Shorts or Skort 
  
• Pants to hike
  
• Quick Dry Tees
  
• Sun Shirt/Rash Guard
  
• Lightweight Rain Jacket
• ​Sarong, can double as a dress & towel
  
• Hat with Wide Brim
  
• Bandanas, work great for drying your hands, headbands, etc​
  
• Socks, Underwear, Bras
• Toiletries
  

MEN'S COSTA RICA PACKING LIST

• Waterproof Day Pack
  
• Quality Water/Hiking Shoes
• Sturdy Non-Slip Flip Flops 
  
• Quick Dry Shorts for Hiking & Swimming
  
• Quick Dry Pants to hike in
  
• Quick Dry Tees
  
• Sun Shirt/Rash Guard 
• Hat with Wide Brim
  
• Bandanas, multiuse
  
• Socks, Underwear
  
• Toiletries
  

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IF YOU ARE GOING TO MONTEVERDE, YOU MAY WANT TO ADD A COUPLE OF WARMER ITEMS INTO YOUR SUITCASE 

• Beanie
  
• Long Sleeve Shirt for layering

IF YOU ARE DOING CARRY ON ONLY, SKIP THESE ITEMS IN YOUR LUGGAGE AND PURCHASE THEM IN COSTA RICA

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
  
• Bug Spray, can be purchased in the pharmacy or many grocery stores
  

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Please make sure that you have travel insurance. Whether it is mandated by the government to have coverage at the time of your travel or not, it is a great investment to make sure you are covered for any travel interruptions, lost luggage, medical emergencies, etc.

Compare plans & prices by clicking here: Travel Insurance Comparison

Disclaimer:  We do earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase items using the links above.