Packing for Costa Rica is not complicated, but it does require thinking about terrain rather than just weather. You may spend one day hiking through a 15°C cloud forest in Monteverde and the next snorkelling off a 30°C Pacific beach. The good news: a well-chosen carry-on can cover all of it.
The essentials: what everyone needs
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothing (2–3 pairs of trousers or shorts, 4–5 tops).
- A waterproof rain jacket or packable poncho — essential even in dry season.
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes or light hiking boots for trails and uneven terrain.
- Sandals or flip-flops for beaches, pools, and casual evenings.
- Swimwear (2 pieces — one is always wet).
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and reef-safe formula for marine areas.
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin — non-negotiable in jungle and Caribbean areas.
- A small daypack (20–25 L) for day trips.
- Reusable water bottle — tap water is safe to drink in most of Costa Rica.
- Portable power bank and universal adapter (Type A/B, same as the US).
Costa Rica’s power outlets are Type A and B (same as the US and Canada). No adapter needed for North American travelers. European travelers need a simple flat-pin adapter.
Packing by region
Costa Rica has five distinct ecosystems, each with different packing requirements. Most itineraries combine two or three regions, so plan for the most demanding one.
Cloud forests (Monteverde, San Gerardo de Dota)
Packing for Monteverde and cloud forest areas requires layering for cool, humid conditions.
- Temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C — bring a fleece or light down jacket.
- Waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended; trails are muddy year-round.
- Long trousers for evening walks and guided hikes.
- A headlamp for early-morning birdwatching tours.
Volcano and hot springs areas (La Fortuna / Arenal)
For La Fortuna and Arenal, pack for humid days and warm evenings with afternoon rain.
- Warm evenings but humid days — layers work better than heavy clothing.
- Waterproof jacket for afternoon rain (common even in dry season).
- Swimwear for hot springs — most pools provide towels, but bring your own to be safe.
- Closed-toe shoes for volcano hikes; sandals for the springs.
Pacific beaches (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Tamarindo, Guanacaste)
For Pacific beach destinations like Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, and Guanacaste, pack light and sun-ready.
- Light, breathable clothing — linen or moisture-wicking fabrics.
- Rash guard for snorkelling and surfing (protects from sun and reef).
- Dry bag for boat tours and water activities.
- Hat with a wide brim — sun exposure is intense near the equator.
Caribbean coast (Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita)
- The Caribbean is humid and rainy year-round — pack more rain protection here.
- Strong insect repellent is essential, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for evening protection against mosquitoes.
- Waterproof bag or dry sack for boat transfers in Tortuguero.
Osa Peninsula and Corcovado
- This is the most remote and humid region — pack for a jungle expedition.
- Waterproof everything: dry bags, waterproof phone case, sealed zip-lock bags for documents.
- Lightweight long trousers and long-sleeve shirts for trail protection.
- Trekking poles are useful for steep, muddy trails.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
Packing by season
| Season | Months | Key additions |
|---|---|---|
| Dry season | Dec – Apr | Sunscreen, hat, light layers for cool evenings in the highlands |
| Green season | May – Nov | Rain jacket, waterproof bag, quick-dry everything |
| Transition months | Nov, Apr–May | Both — weather is unpredictable; pack for rain and sun |
Green season (May–November) is not a reason to avoid Costa Rica. Waterfalls are at their fullest, prices are lower, and crowds are thinner. Just pack accordingly.
Health and safety items
- Personal prescription medications with enough supply for the trip plus a few extra days.
- Basic first-aid kit: blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, antihistamine, ibuprofen.
- Oral rehydration salts — useful after long hikes in the heat.
- Hand sanitiser for remote areas and boat tours.
- Travel insurance documents (digital and printed copy).
- Copies of your passport and visa (stored separately from the originals).
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Check the current entry requirements with the Costa Rican immigration authority (DGME) or your country’s embassy before your trip, as requirements can change.
What to leave at home
- Formal clothing — Costa Rica is very casual; even upscale restaurants accept smart-casual.
- Heavy jeans — they take too long to dry and are uncomfortable in the heat.
- Multiple pairs of shoes — two pairs (hiking shoes + sandals) cover 95% of situations.
- Excessive electronics — most lodges have charging points; a phone and a camera are enough.
- Single-use plastic bags — Costa Rica has restrictions on single-use plastics; bring reusable bags.
Tips for travel agents and trip planners
When briefing clients on packing, ask about their specific itinerary stops before sending a generic list. A client spending three nights in Monteverde and four nights in Tamarindo needs very different gear than one doing a week in Guanacaste only.
- Confirm whether their accommodation provides towels, hairdryers, and toiletries — most mid-range and above lodges do.
- Remind clients that domestic flights (Sansa is the main carrier) have a 12–14 kg checked baggage limit and strict carry-on size restrictions.
- For Corcovado and remote Osa itineraries, advise clients to pack in a soft-sided bag rather than a hard suitcase — easier to carry on boats and small planes.
- Clients doing the Arenal Lake Crossing should keep a dry bag with essentials accessible during the boat portion. See our transport options page for all available services.
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