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17 Top Costa Rica Packing Listing Items for 2022 + What to Wear & Not to Bring

17 Top Costa Rica Packing List Items for 2022 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

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Republic of costa rica is one of the more tourism-focused locales of Central America, and it'south an easy spot to travel for anyone, from backpackers to families.

To help you pack, I've created a list of 17 must-accept items to bring, along with a guide to what to article of clothing in Republic of costa rica and what NOT to bring.

Whether it'south a sleepy beach town you're after or an adventure through the treetops of a tropical rainforest, Costa Rica will teach you lot all about the fun and relaxing "la pura vida" lifestyle past the end of your trip.

Costa Rica
Who doesn't love sloths!?

What to Pack for Republic of costa rica – 17 Essentials

  • 1. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

    With and so many adventures to enjoy in one Costa Rica, your telephone is spring to be at risk. Whether yous're in the dominicus, sand, water, or rainforest, your phone will demand to be protected. This universal-fit phone case keeps your device safe from water, scratches, and well-nigh dents and dings then you can gamble without worry, and still use your phone'southward camera and touch screen.

    waterproof phone case

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • two. Activated Charcoal

    Travelers ofttimes find themselves plagued by tum upset when they see unfamiliar foods, drinks, and travel stress. Fortunately these bug are seldom dangerous, but they can certainly terminate you from enjoying your trip! Activated charcoal is a remedy that works well to absorb whatsoever toxins or other harmful substances in your digestive tract then that you lot tin can get back to feeling better and exploring Costa Rica.

    Natures Way Activated Charcoal Capsules

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • three. Travel Insurance for Costa Rica

    Misfortune while traveling can't ever be avoided and usually occur when you lot least wait them. If you need an emergency trip home or to compensate your losses after a theft while traveling, travel insurance plans can help with these and other, like issues. Plans are generally inexpensive and volition give you comfort in knowing you're protected should something happen. TravelInsurance.com volition aid y'all find a policy that covers Republic of costa rica'southward COVID-19 mandatory travel insurance requirements.

    Travel Insurance for Costa Rica

    Compare plans at TravelInsurance.com ➜

  • 4. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    Having a spare charge for your devices on-hand at all times is extremely handy. When you lot're out taking part in daily activities in Costa Rica, you won't want to take to make a end back at your accommodation to charge your camera or your telephone when they run low on bombardment. This portable charger is the size of a tube of lipstick and works with standard USB charger cables so that you tin utilise it to deliver powerful charges to your devices, fifty-fifty while on the become.

    Lipstick-Sized Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • v. Packing Cubes

    Organizing items while packing should be easy, not a hassle. These packing cubes come in various sizes so that y'all tin pack items abroad and know exactly where they are should you need to detect them while en road. I like that they gave me the ability to move items from my suitcase to my daybag and dorsum without having to unpack and re-pack things.

    HERO Packing Cubes Set Organizers

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Mosquito Repellent Wristbands

    These wristbands are the perfect solution for travelers on-the-go. They don't crave reapplication similar lotions and sprays, and they're effective without the nasty chemicals that other repellents rely on. They clip on securely so you tin keep them on while surfing and hiking, or just lounging at the beach.

    mosquito wristbands

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Sarong

    Y'all may non realize information technology, but sarongs accept a multitude of uses across just a swimsuit encompass-upwards. I've used mine as a travel canvas, a privacy screen, a pillow case, and many other things. I always accept one with me while traveling, and I always recommend information technology to other travelers.

    Flower Cover Up

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Slip-on Mesh Water Shoes: Women's and Men'due south

    It'southward really nice to have a pair of shoes that you can wear both in water and on land. These practice a great task of protecting your anxiety while you're doing anything in or near the water, and they'll allow your feet to dry quickly and without trapping sand in your shoes. They're comfy and lightweight, as well, which makes them like shooting fish in a barrel to carry and pack.

    Water Shoes w

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Waterproof Underwater Photographic camera

    You won't want to miss out on any neat pictures of your trip just considering you don't want to adventure getting your camera wet. Since it'south likely that y'all'll be taking role in water-related activities, information technology's a adept idea to take one of these with y'all for quality pictures in and out of the water. This sporty photographic camera is a great alternative to the spendier GoPro, and is waterproof upwardly to 30m!

    underwater camera

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Hiking Shoes: Women's and Men'due south

    Yous'll probably be doing quite a bit of walking and hiking, and your shoes for these activities will brand the divergence between condolement or soreness and stiffness at the finish of the day. When choosing shoes, program to break them in with a few longs walks or hikes before your trip so that y'all can avoid blisters while traveling.

    Hiking Shoe

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Pelting jacket: Women's and Men's

    No matter which flavour you're traveling in, Costa Rica volition probably treat you to a taste of the rain that makes the state and then lush. A rain jacket is an absolute must, and one that'due south packable and meaty can be carried hands in your daybag during the day, just in case yous get caught in a downpour while you're out.

    Rain jacket: Women's and Men's

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    I recently had my credit card information stolen on a trip to Paris, and it was because I wasn't using my VPN while I was browsing the internet on someone else's WiFi. A Virtual Private Network is intended to unrestrict your access to internet in places where censorship and monitoring of your online activity are a problem. What many people don't realize is that it also adds an actress encryption step between you and potential hackers or cyber-threats, so y'all're much safer while using online services. But the touch of a button on your mobile device protects you and the service is very affordable.

    Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    View options at NordVPN ➜

  • xiii. Backpack

    Yous'll want a comfortable way to carry your daily items without hurting your back and neck, and a feather-weight daybag like this is ideal. It'due south designed for traveling, so it'south got all of the pockets and clips you'd wait of a good hiking backpack, but without the weight and bulk. Utilise information technology to carry things like your rain jacket, phone, h2o bottle, photographic camera, and any items you may buy throughout the day.

    Venture Pal Ultralight Lightweight Packable

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Get-go Aid Kit

    I always accept a start-assistance kit on hand while traveling – you never know when a modest scrape or cutting will need some attention, and you certainly don't want to risk infection while traveling away. This kit has all of the essentials and is designed to be manageable and compact for traveling.

    First Aid Kit

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Travel towel

    Information technology's not wise to count on the towels at your adaptation being up to par unless you're staying at a squeamish hotel. Either way, it'due south incredibly prissy to have an absorbent and quick-drying spare on hand only in example. This towel is ideal, since information technology's small but simply as absorbent as a regular towel. It as well dries quickly so it'll be set for your adjacent use.

    Sunland Microfiber Compact Sports Towels

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • xvi. H2o bottle With Congenital In Filter

    It is not technically unsafe to beverage the water in well-nigh parts of Costa rica, though you'll detect that the taste is not platonic. In fact, many places will withal offer yous bottled water or water that's been filtered manually, just for comfort'due south sake. I recommend bringing a filtered water bottle with you so that you can control your ain water quality, and you lot won't be stuck without beverage water should you visit more rural locations in Costa Rica.

    water bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Beach Handbag

    There are beaches all forth both coasts of this country, so you lot'll have no problem finding a sandy place to spend some fourth dimension relaxing! Bringing a beach handbag with you full of the items y'all'll need – toys for the kids, a book to read, drinks and snacks – is a good idea. This embankment pocketbook is cute and easy to clean, and so yous won't have to worry about tracking sand dorsum with y'all in your luggage or daybag.

    Beach Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What should I wear in Costa Rica?

Casual comfort is the idea here. Breathable, light fabrics will serve yous well in this tropical climate. Thin cotton or linen, airy athletic fabrics, and anything quick-dry out will be assets on your chance, as well as when packing since they're so low-cal and compact.

Calorie-free layers, rain jacket, convertible quick-dry pants, and a pair of expert-quality, cleaved-in (preferably waterproof) hiking shoes will exist your best friends hither. The idea is to stay comfortable in any of Costa Rica'south climate zones by adding or removing layers, and staying every bit dry every bit possible.

Dry out SEASON – December, Jan, February, March, Apr:

For well-nigh regions, Costa Rican dry flavour lasts from December through April, and features significantly less rain and much more comfy temperatures. This is besides pinnacle tourist season, and so if you're not into crowds you may want to opt for travel during the shoulder season.

Pack comfy and lightweight layers so that you can add together them and remove them equally needed. Fabrics that dry quickly are still important – you may be engaging in h2o activities, or ones that make you sweat. Don't forget your hat, reef-rubber sunscreen, and sunglasses – the sunday is extremely strong when y'all're near the equator, then come prepared!

Temperatures average between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) during this time of year, with Nov through January being the coolest months.

WET SEASON – May, June, July, August, September, October, November:

These months bring rain to well-nigh the unabridged state – and lots of it! Although the Caribbean region of the land has very enjoyable conditions during September and October, if you're looking to travel during those months.

The best parts about traveling during the rainy or "green" season are the gorgeous vegetation (hence the term "green season"), the incredible waterfalls, and the smaller tourist crowds that make sight-seeing easier. The pelting, still, can have a toll on unprepared travelers. Bring a proficient pelting jacket and dependable hiking shoes that can withstand water. It'southward besides wise to bring a second pair of sandals or water shoes to avoid having to re-vesture soggy shoes. Quick-dry fabrics are crucial.

Temperatures during the moisture season average between 75°F to 85°F (about 24°C to 29°C), though it will experience humid and a petty hotter than information technology really is.

A note about regional differences: Costa Rica is known for its topographical and climate variations. Exploring the state volition take you to some loftier and cool areas, and to some low and very warm areas, plus everything in between. It'due south a good idea to do some research nearly your specific destination(s) in the country before you go, and to follow the packing guide to a higher place to be certain you have gear for any weather.

What Non to bring:

  • i.DON'T PACK valuables and irreplaceables:

    Every bit with most tourist destinations, theft can happen, as can adventitious impairment. It is definitely safer to leave valuable items at home where yous know that they're safer from both.

  • 2.DON'T BRING your computer:

    Costa Rica is truly a place to kick back and relax. Instead of spending your time backside a screen, leave it at habitation — best not to chance it being stolen or broken anyway.

  • 3.DON'T TAKE cold-weather condition wearable:

    No need for a heavy coat or excessive layers here. While it tin absurd down at dark, a rain racket should suffice to protect you from those afternoon showers. Leaving other heavy layers at home will salve you weight and packing room.

  • 4.DON'T PACK prissy jewelry:

    Costa Rica is casual, so trade your jewelry in for some shades. Fine or heirloom jewelry is non on trend, and not needed in this tropical environment. Avert the possibility of theft or damage to your love adornments by leaving them safely at abode.

  • v.DON'T TAKE fancy clothes:

    La pura vida" is a life of relaxation and comfort. The Costa Rican clothes code is quite coincidental. Dressing up too much will keep you from blending in, and will proceed you lot from truly relaxing.

  • 6.DON'T BRING a large amount of cash:

    U.Due south. dollars are accepted in many places, but don't behave a lot at a time. Colones are the Costa Rican currency, and ATMs are widely accessible to restock, either in U.South. dollars or colones.

FAQs about Republic of costa rica

  • 1. Is information technology safe to beverage the Costa Rican water?

    It'southward technically safe to beverage the water in much of Costa Rica, still, many accommodations will still provide filtered water for your comfort and peace of mind. Once you venture into more rural locations you're less probable to be able to drink from the tap, so bottled water is recommended. Bring along a filtered water canteen if you desire to exist admittedly sure that your h2o is drinkable.

  • ii. What is the best time to visit Republic of costa rica?

    For a majority of the country, the dry season is from December to April. All the same, due to the various terrain, there are several micro-climates throughout, and you'll demand to do a little bit of research to be sure of what to expect. The Get Visit Costa rica site has a helpful guide for planning based on where you lot're headed.

  • 3. Do you have suggestions for where to go and what to do while I'm traveling in Republic of costa rica?

    • Trekking: from a simple stroll to a guided nighttime-hike, in that location'due south a spectrum of options when it comes to seeing Costa Rica's natural dazzler upwardly shut. Most treks are 2-3 hours long, and you lot can book a guide through your accommodations.
    • Surfing: From Playa Hermosa to Playa Tamarindo, one thing you won't find is a lack of good surf spots. If you're a starting time-timer, at that place are schools in many of the beach towns, and I highly recommend you take lessons earlier having a get at it unsupervised.
    • Beaches: The listing is nearly endless. Your starting time pick will exist Carribbean vs. Pacific. From there, it'south piece of cake to just rent a car and notice them for yourself.
    • National parks and reserves: With more two dozen national parks in the country, you should save time to savor the ecological diversity they provide. In that location's the chance to view nesting sea turtles, a rare opportunity to check out sloths, and even places to see spider monkeys. One of the about popular spots is the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
    • Bank check out Costa Rica's neighbors: If y'all're on the backpacking trail, Costa rica's neighbors are two spots that are worth the look. Nicaragua and Panama offer unique culture and food — with equally cute sites. These destinations are best traveled to past bus.
    Do you have suggestions for where to go and what to do while I'm traveling in Costa Rica?
  • iv. Are any vaccinations recommended?

    Routine vaccinations for anywhere — measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly influenza shot — are burning, and a good idea.

    Additionally, the CDC recommends Hepatitis A and Typhoid if you're planning to travel to Costa rica. Other suggestions include Hepatitis B, rabies, and Yellow Fever shots depending on your intended length of stay and if you program to travel elsewhere.

    Are any vaccinations recommended?
  • 5. What is medical intendance like in Costa Rica?

    In that location is a fairly loftier quality of medical care available in Costa Rica. Yet, keep in mind that many U.S. insurance policies do non comprehend some international incidents, so it'south best to cheque with your provider. Trip insurance is also recommended in case of last-infinitesimal cancellations and re-bookings for emergencies.

  • vi. What's the all-time way to become around Costa Rica?

    When nosotros visited, we rented a car — a popular option to be able to encounter much of the country on your own. There were days we simply collection along the coast, stopping at several beaches along the manner.

    The car was a stick shift, so information technology'southward probably best to make sure y'all check alee of fourth dimension or know how to drive i. Some of the roads can get a bit tough at times, equally they may non be the best maintained. Another option would be to book transportation ahead with your accommodation or hire a driver.

    What's the best way to get around Costa Rica?
  • 7. Do I need a power adaptor to use Costa Rican outlets?

    Costa rica electrical outlets run on 110 volts — the same as the Usa.

  • 8. Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?

    U.S. passport holders practice not need a visa to travel to Costa Rica. All the same, you ARE required to prove proof of onward travel. Check the embassy website for requirements of other nationalities.

  • 9. What's the food similar in Republic of costa rica?

    Fresh seafood, beans, and rice are staples of the diet here. One of my favorite dishes in Costa Rica was the elementary arroz con marisco — or rice with seafood. Ceviche is also very popular here.
    You'll also go enough of fresh tropical fruit, which you should absolutely take advantage of – some varieties are hard to get in us, and you lot'll be pleasantly surprised how different they taste when they're fresh. Costa Rica is also known for its coffee, so make sure you enjoy a cup…or three.

    What's the food like in Costa Rica?
  • 10. What is the Costa Rican Divergence Taxation?

    The difference revenue enhancement is a fee charged to travelers leaving Costa rica by air – information technology's typically non charged to those leaving past land or sea. The tax is around $29 and is sometimes included in return airfare if you purchased ahead of time. Check your buy confirmation for your airline tickets if you're unsure.