What to Pack for Costa Rica

Good for Costa Rica's varied terrain. Wear them as pants for cooler cloud forest hikes in Monteverde. Zip off the legs when you reach the warm, sunny Pacific coast beaches.

Good for Costa Rica evenings when you need a layer that breathes. The loose weave lets air circulate and keeps you comfortable during warm nights out in La Fortuna or Tamarindo.

Essential for Costa Rica's heat and sudden rain. They dry fast after a storm or a waterfall dip, preventing that clammy, damp feeling for hours.

A non-negotiable item for Costa Rica. Afternoon downpours hit hard, in the green season. A jacket that packs into its own pocket is easy to carry on any hike or city stroll.

The sun in Costa Rica is strong, even under clouds. This hat shields your face and neck from intense UV rays on boat tours, black sand beaches, or coffee plantation visits.

Good for Costa Rica's laid-back vibe. Use them on wet paths after rain, to cross shallow streams, or to explore towns where warm pavement greets your feet.

Necessary for longer hikes on uneven trails in national parks like Corcovado or Manuel Antonio. They give support and traction on muddy, slick paths.

Costa Rica's humidity slows laundry. Quick-dry underwear is practical. You get a fresh pair after a quick rinse, even in damp coastal air.

Costa Rica uses Type An and B outlets at 120V. This adapter lets you charge devices anywhere, from a modern San José hotel to a rustic eco-lodge in the Osa Peninsula.

Long days in remote parks or long bus rides between regions drain phone batteries. This bank keeps your camera and navigation apps alive all day.

Protects your phone from sudden tropical downpours, ocean spray on catamaran tours, or splashes while rafting the Pacuare River. Snap photos without worry.

Captures the spirit of Costa Rica adventure. Zip-line through misty canopies. Hear waves crash at Playa Hermosa. Film colorful fish while snorkeling in Cahuita.

Many older lodges in Costa Rica have few outlets. This lets you charge multiple phones, cameras, and power banks from one socket.

Mandatory to protect Costa Rica's coral reefs and marine life. The mineral formula is safe for swimming in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Humid jungles and coastal zones teem with mosquitoes. Reliable repellent prevents bites, at dawn and dusk.

Treats minor scrapes from hikes, small burns from hot surfaces, or blisters from new shoes when pharmacies are far away.

Winding mountain roads to Monteverde or bumpy boat rides to Tortuguero can cause nausea. These give drug-free relief.

Soothes skin that feels hot and tender after a day under Costa Rica's strong sun. Use after volcano hikes or beach lounging.

Keeps passport and credit cards safe from digital theft in crowded spots like San José bus terminal or busy tourist markets.

A discreet way to carry cash and cards under clothing while navigating busy streets or riding public transport in Costa Rica.

Shields passports, printed itineraries, and cash from humidity, sudden rain, or splashes during water activities in Costa Rica.

Blocks early morning sunlight that slips through thin curtains or lights from a shared hostel dormitory in Costa Rica.

Drowns out howler monkeys at dawn, nocturnal rainforest sounds, or urban street noise in Costa Rica.

Folds flat when empty. Good for staying hydrated on hikes. Refill with filtered water at your Costa Rica lodge.

Gives instant shelter from brief but heavy rain showers that pop up often in Costa Rica, in the green season.

Useful for carrying souvenirs from a Costa Rican mercado, taking supplies to the beach, or holding wet swimwear after adventures.

Essential for dawn hikes to watch sunrise over a volcano, for dark eco-lodge paths, or for spotting nocturnal wildlife in Costa Rica.

A safety tool for remote treks in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. Lets you drink safely from natural water sources.

Dries fast in humid Costa Rican air. Sand won't stick from Playa Conchal. Packs small for day trips.

Protects feet from hot sand, sharp volcanic rocks, or rough terrain in tidal pools and river mouths on Costa Rican beaches.

Shields your torso from intense sun while surfing, snorkeling, or swimming in Costa Rica. Cuts down on sunscreen use.