Costa Rica packing list
What to pack for Costa Rica, without overpacking
You’ll need outfits for beach days, rainforest hikes, and maybe a cool mountain morning. We’ve lived here since 2016 and pack for trips around the country all the time, so here’s what we actually bring.
For men, women, and kids, by destination and by season.
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Before you zip the suitcase
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Packing lists for every area of Costa Rica, all in one place.
Rainy season must
Waterproof backpack
Keeps your phone, passport, and camera dry on hikes and boat tours.
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The short version
The essentials at a glance
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Real rain gear
Rainy season is actually rainy, and in Monteverde you’ll want it year-round.
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A sun shirt
We always cover up. A long-sleeve UV shirt beats reapplying all day.
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SPF 50+ sunscreen
The sun here is very strong, even on cloudy days.
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Bug spray
Pump bottles only. Aerosols aren’t allowed on planes.
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A good hat
Shade for beaches, boats, and hikes.
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Water-friendly sandals
For hikes with river crossings and muddy trails.
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Sweatshirt and pants
For Monteverde, mountains, and cool evenings.
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Backpack
Easier than a suitcase on stairs and bumpy sidewalks.
By season
Dry season vs. rainy season
Mid-December to late April
Dry season
Expect little to no rain on the Pacific coast and in the middle of the country. The exceptions are cloud forests like Monteverde and San Gerardo de Dota, which always have a chance of rain. On the Caribbean coast, the drier stretch runs from early August through December.
Focus on sun protection. The UV index here is very high.
Late April to early December
Rainy season
Don’t underestimate it: rainy season is actually rainy. Usually you’ll have nice mornings until about 2 p.m., then the rain rolls in. From August to early December, it can be much wetter, with full washout days. Bring real rain gear, not just a flimsy poncho.
💬 Sarah & Thomas tip
Heading to Monteverde? Pack a rain jacket no matter what month it is. In the cloud forest, we pretty much always end up wearing ours.
More on the seasons: rainy season in Costa Rica.
By destination
Where you’re going changes your bag
Costa Rica is small, but the temperature swings a lot between the beach and the mountains.
Beach towns
Pack light
It’s really hot during the day and only cools off a little at night. Bring very lightweight clothing, and since the sun is super strong, avoid outfits that leave too much skin exposed.
Cloud forests
Monteverde and San Gerardo de Dota
Usually chilly and often misty or rainy. Bring long pants, long-sleeve shirts, a sweatshirt, and a rain jacket.
Volcano country
Usually warm, but it can get cooler in rainy season. Bring at least one pair of pants and a sweatshirt for evenings.
We include packing lists in all of our destination guides, and our Amazon storefront has lists for every area of the country.
Who’s packing
For women, men, and kids
Women
Activewear and swimwear
A mix of activewear and swimwear, depending on where you’re going. Unless you’re at a resort, Costa Rica is very relaxed about clothing.
I usually go for UV-blocking pieces that dry quickly, plus a few lightweight dresses for nice dinners out.
Men
Relaxed and wrinkle-free
Mostly relaxed clothing for hiking and the beach. Thomas likes to bring a few nice things for dinners.
Most hotels don’t have an iron (unless it’s a resort), so pack things that don’t wrinkle easily.
Kids
Sun-safe and light
Similar to yours: lightweight clothing that protects them from the sun.
You can buy beach toys here or bring a small foldable set. Kids may love snorkeling in calm water, but always ask your hotel about rip currents first.
Don’t skip these
Sun and mosquito protection
Sun protection needs to be your number one concern here. We’re not being dramatic.
Sun
We always cover up
It’s crazy how many times we’ve gotten burned here, even on cloudy days. And the number one reason we hear of tourists going to the doctor in Costa Rica is severe sun exposure.
Mosquitoes
Pack bug spray
Once the sun goes down, mosquitoes can be really bad. Aerosol cans aren’t allowed on planes, so bring pump spray bottles. We like Repel 100.
Footwear
What to wear on your feet
💬 Sarah’s tip
I’m obsessed with my Keens. They’re great hiking shoes, and there are so many watery areas here. At Cahuita National Park, there’s a river crossing where everyone else is taking their shoes off, wading across, and trying to dry their feet. I just walk right through the water and keep going.
Luggage
Backpack or suitcase?
If you can, we suggest a large backpack instead of a suitcase. It makes life so much easier when you’re visiting multiple spots.
The exception is resorts, where we bring hard-shell luggage.
Our day bags
A waterproof backpack in rainy season, a foldable travel backpack in dry season, and a waterproof beach bag at resorts.
Gear
Don’t go too fancy
Costa Rica is relatively safe, but we sometimes feel like carrying lots of fancy stuff makes us a target for petty theft. A GoPro is amazing for zip lining and snorkeling, just don’t flash it around.
Souvenirs
Leave room for coffee
One of our favorite places to buy souvenirs is the grocery store. Everyone on our list loves coffee or chocolate, and every grocery store has plenty of authentic Costa Rican goodies.
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Don’t forget
Travel insurance
Heymondo’s plans include 24/7 assistance, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, lost baggage coverage, medical assistance, and optional adventure activity coverage.
FAQ
Costa Rica packing FAQ: your questions
What should I pack for Costa Rica?
Lightweight, quick-dry clothing, a swimsuit, a long-sleeve sun shirt, a rain jacket, SPF 50+ sunscreen, pump-bottle bug spray, a hat, sturdy flip-flops, sneakers or water-friendly sandals, and a sweatshirt and long pants for the mountains or cool evenings.
Do I need a rain jacket in Costa Rica?
In rainy season, yes. It’s actually rainy, so bring real rain gear. In cloud forests like Monteverde, we pack one no matter the month.
Can I bring bug spray on the plane?
Aerosol cans aren’t allowed, so bring pump spray bottles instead.
Should I bring a suitcase or a backpack to Costa Rica?
We suggest a large backpack if you’re visiting several places, since many accommodations have stairs and no elevators and sidewalks can be rough. If you’re staying at a resort, hard-shell luggage works well.
How do I protect myself from the sun in Costa Rica?
Cover up with a long-sleeve sun shirt, wear a hat, and use SPF 50+ sunscreen. We’ve been burned plenty of times here, even on cloudy days.
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