Costa Rica Packing List: Don't Leave Essentials at Home!

Framed by a fusion of nature, gastronomy, and adventure, Costa Rica is a melting pot of memorable things to do. Tucked in the beating heart of the Caribbean, I bet you’ll leave this awe-inspiring destination wanting more!

But with so much to offer, knowing what you should pack and how to fit it all into one suitcase or backpack can be challenging. Let’s be real—there’s nothing worse than arriving at a new destination only to find you’ve forgotten an essential item. 

You can ditch the packing calamities and keep your cool with this complete packing list for Costa Rica. Whether you’re checking out Costa Rica’s nightlife or taking a multi-day Costa Rica tour, now’s the time to zip up your baggage and get your vacation mode on. Arriba! 

What to Pack for Costa Rica 

Keep your travel essentials close by because now’s the time to get moving! If you’re wondering what to bring to Costa Rica, here’s a basic breakdown of the must-have items: 

• Clothes and footwear 
• Toiletries and personal items 
• First-aid kit (especially for adventurers!)
• Electronic items 
• Documents and miscellaneous items 
• Travel items 

Clothes and Footwear 

Hey, even if you plan to spend all your time at the beach in a bikini, adding something to the mix is always a good idea. If you end up on a spontaneous jungle trek, you’ll be grateful to have some extra clothing in order! 

Costa Rica is a dynamic destination, cemented with colorful landmarks and immersed in idyllic jungles. It’s a treasure trove for every type of traveler. You can unplug on a beach trip or get your adrenaline pumping on a wildlife adventure.

Let’s break this clothing list down into two parts. Here’s what you’ll need for the dry and wet seasons in Costa Rica. 

Clothes Packing List for the Dry Season 

This tropical paradise is woven with a world of adventure. There are many things to do, from exploring the hilltops to snorkeling in Costa Rica. When traveling during the dry season between December to April, it’s always best to be prepared. 

This gem harbors a relatively unpredictable weather scene. The highlands boast cooler weather, while the Caribbean and Pacific coasts offer more heat. That being said, the weather in Costa Rica is fairly unpredictable. A little preparation can go a long way! 

When packing for a trip to Costa Rica, make sure you’ve got the following clothing and footwear: 

• Activewear 
• Casual shirts, shorts, or skirts 
• Dresses 
• Hat 
• Swimsuits 
• Sandals or flip flops 
• Sneakers 
• Hiking boots 
• Comfortable backpack 

Clothes Packing List for the Wet Season 

The wet season in Costa Rica spans from May to November. In most of the country, October is generally the peak of the rainy period. 

There are around 25 micro-climates in Costa Rica, so the weather will differ from place to place. You can still pack all the same gear listed above. Just be sure to add the following items to your list: 

• Long-sleeve shirts and pants 
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof backpack
• Plastic bags (ideal for separating wet or dirty clothing) 
• Waterproof trail running shoes 
• Poncho 

Toiletries and Personal Items 

I’m not sure about you, but I sometimes get swept up in the fun of packing outfits and completely skimp on toiletries. 

Depending on your trip length, you may or may not need some of these personal items and toiletries. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to prepare a toiletries bag:

• Shampoo and conditioner 
• Soap 
• Deodorant 
• Sunscreen and insect repellent (essentials for any season)
• Moisturizer and facial products 
• Toothbrush and toothpaste 
• Makeup 
• Hairbrush and hair products 
• Razor and shaving cream 
• Lip balm 

Electronic Items 

So, now that you know what to wear in Costa Rica and what essentials to bring, it’s time to move on to the fun stuff. It’s nice to disconnect, especially when you’re on vacation. But in today’s day and age, traveling is made so much easier thanks to electronic items. 

Top-rated travel cameras like the GoPro 9 are perfect for places like Costa Rica. If you’re trekking to a waterfall or snorkeling in the ocean, a good-quality camera can make all the difference. Plus, its compact size means you can fit this easy-to-use camera in your pocket! 

So, whether it’s a flashlight for jungle trekking or an e-book to read while drinking coffee, these are a must-have when packing for Costa Rica: 

• Universal adapter 
• Headphones 
• Laptop or tablet and charger 
• Camera and charger 
• Portable phone charger 
• Batteries and flashlight 
• Portable speaker
• E-books or kindle  

Documents and Miscellaneous Items 

Nail the packing process in next to no time! Here are all the essential Costa Rica items: 

• Passport, visa, and travel wallet 
• Driver’s license and international driver’s permit 
• Health insurance card and travel insurance policy 
• Credit cards and cash
• Hotel, flight, and car rental confirmation 
• Books or magazines (perfect for a rainy day activity)  
• Umbrella (a must-have for the rainy season) 

Travel Items 

Make the most of your travels by kicking inconveniences in the butt. Save yourself time with these travel items: 

• Travel pillow (ideal for long-haul flights) 
• Sleeping mask 
• Earplugs
• Travel blanket 
• Luggage scale
• Packing cubes

Things to Do in Costa Rica 

Coined for its fascinating culture, lush scenery, and delectable foodie scene, Costa Rica boasts a lot of exciting escapes. Whether you want to bask on the beautiful beaches or get your heart racing in the jungle, there are diverse experiences to keep everyone happy. 

There are plenty of under $50 activities to do in Costa Rica. If the great outdoors is your thing, you could hop on the Tamarindo Estuary Boat Safari or get sweaty on the La Leona waterfall hike. For a more chill day, jump on a craft specialty coffee and chocolate tour or take a walking tour around San Jose.

Before you jet-set over, save this guide on the top things to do in Costa Rica. With everything you need to know about the best waterfalls, natural hot springs, water sports, coffee plantations, and more, you’ll be set for gold! 

Where to Stay in Costa Rica 

Home to a diverse landscape, the accommodation scene in Costa Rica varies greatly. Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure, group trip, or couples getaway, picking the right place to stay in Costa Rica can be challenging. 

Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, Monteverde, La Fortuna—each personality-packed district is worth checking out. This guide on where to stay in Costa Rica will be a godsend for your next getaway! If you’re a budget traveler, save money with these pocket-friendly Costa Rica hostels. 

Your packing list can also vary greatly depending on your accommodation. Some hotels will have towels, toiletries, and other conveniences such as shampoo and conditioner. If you’re staying in a hostel, it’s more likely that you’ll have to bring all the necessities along with you. So check what amenities will be available when packing for your trip.

Costa Rica Travel Guide 

When packing for a one-week trip to Costa Rica, you must add at least 3 pairs of each clothing item. Since this tropical paradise can pour down with rain at any given point, include enough socks and underwear, just in case!   

If you’ve only got one week to explore, make the most of your time by planning ahead. Before you get packing, check out this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary for all the highlights, destinations, and top travel tips. 

If you’re wondering about safety, traveling as a woman, and things to do as a solo traveler, you’ve run into luck. Solo travel can be one of the most enriching experiences, and Costa Rica is crowned with fun-loving opportunities.

Natural Splendor, Wildlife, Beaches, and Beyond! 

Thanks to this extensive list, packing for Costa Rica couldn’t be any easier. Now’s the chance to make memories that’ll last a lifetime! Ditch the stress of speculating and start planning your trip with Pilot today!