Infographic: What to Pack for Costa Rica
This quick guide should help you get everything in check!
Wondering What to Pack for Costa Rica?
Packing for Costa Rica requires careful planning due to the country's multiple climates and rapid weather changes. Your packing needs will shift based on your planned activities and the regions you'll visit. A surf trip calls for different gear than a hiking expedition in Monteverde or a luxury stay in Manuel Antonio. And you might well find yourself doing all three!
This guide on what to pack for Costa Rica covers everything you need for a successful Costa Rica vacation, including essential documents, clothing, health items, and electronics. We'll help you pack smart and travel light, with specific tips for surfing, hiking, rainforest visits, and beach activities.
Needs might change depending on every traveler and their group, so check these guidelines to ensure you arrive prepared while avoiding overpacking.
Frog TV: What To Pack for Costa Rica & Central America
Check this video guide from our channel to see what your essentials might be and what you can expect from Costa Rica.
Essentials: Documents & Money
Start your packing with the most crucial items: travel documents and money essentials. Keep these items in a money belt or passport holder for security.
Required Documents
- Valid passport plus a photocopy of the photo page
- Airline tickets and boarding passes
- Driver's license and a photocopy
- Travel insurance documentation
- Any prepaid reservation confirmations
Money
- Credit and debit cards
- Cash in both USD and local currency
- Money belt or secure passport holder
Important Tips
- Keep photocopies of all important documents with your emergency contact at home.
- Consider scanning these documents and keeping digital copies in a secure cloud storage as backup.
- Leave expensive jewelry and unnecessary keys at home.
- If traveling with kids, consider a family-sized passport holder: they are designed to contain everyone’s documents in one single place.
- Notify your bank about travel plans before leaving the country so your cards aren’t frozen due to suspicious activity.
- It’s not a required document, but you should prepare and keep handy an emergency contact list.
Clothing for the Tropical Weather
Costa Rica is super casual, but you'll need specific items based on your activities and locations. Pack light, quick-drying clothing that works in both sun and rain.
Daily Wear
- T-shirts and tank tops (light colors work best)
- Lightweight shorts
- Swimsuits (two to three pairs)
- Casual beach cover-up
- Light sleepwear
- Quick-dry underwear and socks
- Sun hat or baseball cap
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes for trails and towns
- Beach sandals or flip-flops
- Water shoes if planning river activities
- One pair of nicer sandals for restaurants
Additional Clothing
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Long-sleeved shirts for sun protection and bugs
- Quick-dry hiking pants
- One set of nicer clothes for restaurants
- Light sweater for air-conditioned spaces
City Considerations
If you plan to spend time in San José or other cities, pack:
- Long pants
- Closed-toe walking shoes
- Slightly more formal attire than beachwear
Remember that Costa Rica's humidity makes quick-dry fabrics your best option. Pack clothes you can layer, and try to avoid heavy materials like denim that take forever to dry.
Health & Safety Items
Though you can find all of these in Costa Rica, keep in mind that a couple might be more expensive (such as sunscreen) or they might not stock your preferred brands (as it often happens with over-the-counter medicine). This is why we advise you to consider these when deciding what to pack for a trip to Costa Rica.
Sun Protection
- High-SPF waterproof sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sun hat or cap
- Light long-sleeve shirts for extra coverage
Insect Protection
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Anti-itch cream for bug bites
- Light pants and shirts for evening protection
First Aid Kit
- Prescription medications in original bottles
- Pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Band-aids and basic bandages
- Anti-bacterial wipes or gel
- Basic stomach remedies
- Eye drops
- Personal toiletries
- Waterproof bandages if doing water activities
Water Safety
- Reusable water bottle
- Water purification tablets as backup
- Zip-lock bags for electronics
- Waterproof bag for wet clothes
Important Tips
- Prescription medicaments are a MUST for your trip. If possible, bring more than you expect you’ll need, in case you have a delay.
- Bring your insurance details and keep them somewhere safe in case they are needed.
- Have your emergency contact numbers readily available.
- Keep a basic first aid kit in your day pack during activities.
Electronics & Accessories
Pack smart with electronics. You'll want to capture memories and keep your gear from rain, sand, and humidity.
Camera Equipment
Most people simply use their own phones for photos, but if you’re considering a hand-held camera, remember to bring the following.
- Camera and charger
- Extra memory cards, either as backup or in case you run out of space
- Waterproof camera case
- Portable power bank
- Extra batteries
Phone Protection
- Waterproof phone case
- Charging cables
- Portable battery pack
- Basic phone holder for activities
Day Packs & Bags
- Lightweight backpack for daily activities
- Waterproof bag for beach days
- Small dry bag for electronics
- Zip-lock bags for extra protection
Travel Gear
- Key chain flashlight
- Basic multi-tool
- Small packable umbrella
- Reusable water bottle
- Beach towel or quick-dry travel towel
Important Tips
- Costa Rica uses the same electrical outlets as the US and Canada, so adaptors needed if you visit from these places.
- If you’re from elsewhere, you might need an adaptor. Feel free to ask us, as details vary from country to country.
- Keep electronics in waterproof containers during the rainy season and beach activities.
Activity-Specific Considerations
Your packing needs might vary based on planned activities. Here are extra items to consider for specific adventures.
Nature & Hiking
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
- Trek poles if planning serious hikes
- Light pants for trail protection
- Small backpack with rain cover
- Refillable water bottle
Beach & Water Activities
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Rash guard for sun protection
- Water shoes for rocky beaches
- Snorkel gear if planning multiple trips
Rainforest Visits
These are particularly important if you’re wondering what to pack for Costa Rica in the rainy season, but, as the name suggests, in rainforests, rain can always happen.
- Quick-dry clothing
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Closed-toe water-resistant shoes
- Insect repellent
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- Waterproof bag for camera
Surfing Trips
- Board shorts or surf leggings
- Multiple rash guards
- Surf wax appropriate for warm water
- Ding repair kit
- Extra leash
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Ear plugs
- Surfer’s first aid kit
- Board bag for transport
- Soft racks if renting a car
Note: If you're a beginner, skip bringing your own board. Surf schools provide equipment. Experienced surfers should consider bringing at least two boards for variety and backup.
What To Buy Locally (or What Not To Bring)
Save space in your luggage by leaving these items at home.
Easily Available Locally
- Beach towels (most hotels provide these)
- Basic toiletries (shampoo and soap)
- Heavy rain gear (local stores sell affordable ponchos)
- Basic over-the-counter medications like aspirin, if you don’t mind which brand you get
- Common batteries
- Beach toys and basic snorkel gear
Skip These Items
Heavy hiking boots (light hiking shoes work better)
Formal clothing (Costa Rica is casual)
Multiple jeans or heavy cotton items
Expensive jewelry or watches
Full-size toiletries
Heavy books (download digital versions instead)
Important Tips
- Pack light and buy basic supplies after arrival if needed.
- Most tourist areas have well-stocked stores with everyday items at reasonable prices.
Final Tips on What to Pack for Costa Rica
Getting ready for your Costa Rica trip is exciting! Start packing your bags a few days before departure to ensure you haven't missed essential items. Keep important documents and medications in your carry-on luggage. Most importantly, and I know we’re repeating ourselves here, pack light. You'll appreciate having less to carry as you explore Costa Rica.
Remember that almost anything you forget can be purchased locally, so don't stress too much about bringing absolutely everything. Everyone's needs are also different, so make sure to prioritize what you'll need most. What you pack for Costa Rica should be comfortable and practical, items that work well in both sun and rain. It'll make your trip much easier and more enjoyable.
