Before we went to Costa Rica, my suitcase was forever on my mind. Which outfits do I take? What shoes are appropriate? Do I really need that much bug spray? If you too have lots of questions about what to pack for Costa Rica, this post is for you! We luckily had a few people to talk to before, so we got it mostly right. However, there are definitely some top tips that I wish I had known.
What to Pack for Costa Rica – Top 10 Things
Raincoat
If you are going to Costa Rica, you will need a raincoat or poncho. Most good hotels will likely give out the latter, so focus on a strong, light coat. When we went in July, it rained every single day, ranging from light showers to tropical storms. Don’t expect to see many sunny days!
Jungle Formula
On the transfer to Tortuguero, our guide told us that the mosquitoes here were like Apache helicopters. He wasn’t lying; these things are huge! The mosquitoes are everywhere in Costa Rica, so make sure that you bring plenty of bug spray. From experience in tropical countries, ‘Jungle Formula’ is the best. We brought two large bottles, which is more than enough. Oh, and make sure you bring bite cream too!
Flip Flops
This one really surprised me. As above, in Costa Rica it rains a lot and, by the coast, the humidity is so high that your clothes will not dry. Our paper itinerary even got wet from the humidity in the hotel room… Because of this, the guides in Tortuguero actually suggest that you wear flip flops if it rains on hikes or boat tours. This way, you won’t get damp trainers! I would however say to please ask your guide first. The last thing I want is you wearing flip flops on a proper hike…
Trainers
As you might have guessed from point 3, the trails of Costa Rica are really tourist friendly. Of all the walks we did, I never felt that I needed walking boots. This included larger trails in the National Park. My advice is bring a decent pair of trainers that you won’t mind getting muddy. We both did this and it saved carrying heavy hiking boots.
Thin Clothing that Covers You
Costa Rica is mostly warm (see my point below), so most of the time shorts and t-shirts are the way to go. However, in the National Parks there are so many insects that can bite you. Jungle Formula will help, but I would suggest a good pair of thin trousers and a top that covers your arms. This should prevent most of the insects from biting you…
A Sweatshirt
If you are heading to Monteverde, expect there to be low temperatures. Most days, it will reach no higher than 23 degrees celsius. In the evenings in particular, you are going to want to wear a thin sweatshirt as it will feel cold. If you are not going to Monteverde, then you should be fine without it.
Camera
There is so much to see in Costa Rica and a good camera is a must. We brought our Canon EOS R7, which is an amazing bit of kit. We also brought two lenses; 18-150mm and 100-400mm. This suited us perfectly and allowed us to take photos of wildlife and scenery. If you are doing any ziplines, bring your GoPro. The main places (like Treetopia) actually have helmets to attach your camera too. If you are using your phone, I would suggest a waterproof case as it will rain. A lot.
Reusable Water Bottle
Costa Rica has some of the best tap water in the world. Yes you read that right. The only place we couldn’t drink it was Tortuguero. Our reusable water bottles were an absolute lifesaver and it was so easy to fill them up. If you can, make sure that it is insulated as otherwise your water will get warm quickly.
Hat, Suncream and Sunglasses
Temperatures in Costa Rica can get very high and the UV levels are the highest I’ve been exposed to. Wearing suncream each day, even if it is cloudy, is a must. We also made sure that we wore hats and sunglasses wherever possible too. These should be top of the list when you are planning what to take to Costa Rica.
Rucksack
A lot of your time in Costa Rica will likely be spent driving between hotels. In fact, this sometimes took up entire days for us as the roads are slow. We both brough a rucksack as handluggage this time instead of small suitcases. This meant that we could easily grab snacks, water, the camera etc., without opening up the entire suitcase.
What to Pack For Costa Rica – Final Thoughts
I hope that this post has helped you decide what to pack for Costa Rica. Looking back, a lot of these are obvious, but I want to make sure you all have a great time. Make sure to check out my two weeks in Costa Rica itinerary to help plan your trip too. If you have any suggestions or any questions, please reach out. I am always happy to answer any questions.
