What to Pack for Costa Rica: Real Packing List From Experience
- costaricacorner
- Apr 17
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
If you’re heading to Costa Rica, packing smart can make your trip way easier.
This isn’t really the kind of trip where you toss random clothes in a suitcase and call it good. Between tropical heat, sudden rain, muddy trails, beach days, jungle humidity, and long travel days, bringing the right few things can make your trip a lot easier.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Costa Rica, and some things matter way more than people realize.
I wrote this post that covers the items you want to make sure to bring, what people often seem to forget, and what can save you money, stress, and time once you arrive. If you’re still deciding the best time to visit Costa Rica based on seasons, that can also change what you’ll want to pack.
What I’d Definitely Bring to Costa Rica
1. Good Sandals or Walking Shoes
Not every road in Costa Rica is paved and smooth. Some towns have gravel roads, uneven paths, stairs, mud, or rough sidewalks. I’d definitely bring footwear you can comfortably walk in for hours. Both myself and my kids use Keens shoes because they are lightweight, strong quality, and the ones we use are like sandals with closed toes and traction, so they are good for literally everywhere.
2. Lightweight Rain Jacket
Costa Rica weather can change fast, even when the morning starts sunny. A lightweight rain jacket takes up almost no space and can save you from getting soaked during a sudden shower.
After being caught in plenty of Costa Rica rain over the years, the BALEAF raincoat is the one I always recommend and personally use. If you're visiting in green season, I’d consider it one of the most useful things to pack.
3. Reusable Water Bottle
Do NOT leave home without this baby. The mix of heat and humidity can hit fast and staying hydrated makes a bigger difference than people think. Between the heat, humidity, sun, hiking, beach days, and long travel days, it’s easy to get dehydrated before you even notice it.
When I was working at an animal sanctuary in Costa Rica, one guest actually passed out, and another day I had to help a woman who became overheated and faint and I actually had to stop the tour to help her and her family. Situations like that really stay with me, because with awareness about proper hydration, you can take it seriously early on and hope to avoid these kinds of situations.
From both my nursing background and my experience in Costa Rica, my advice is simple: drink water consistently, even before you feel thirsty.
I also can’t overstate how good it feels to have ice-cold water ready whenever you need it in that kind of heat. After a beach walk, hike, or long drive, having a bottle that actually stays cold all day is a trip changer.
The insulated water bottle I personally use is the one I’d recommend from experience. It stays cold for up to 36 hours, and I can honestly say mine still had ice in it two days later, no joke. It’s been one of my favorite travel items for Costa Rica by far.
4. Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag
A waterproof dry bag is one of those items a lot of people don’t think about until they wish they had one. Costa Rica is full of boat rides, beach days, waterfalls, sudden rain, river tours, and humid adventures where your phone, wallet, or keys can easily get wet.
I’ve found it extremely useful to have one bag where I can quickly toss everything in and not worry about it. It’s especially nice when you want to relax, swim, or hop on a boat without constantly checking if your valuables are safe from water.
I use the EarthPak waterproof dry bag myself. I would recommend this one because it really works well, the phone pouch is handy for photos or quick access, and it’s one of those simple travel items that ends up being way more useful than expected.
5. Portable Power Bank
A portable charger is one of those things people don’t think about until they really need it. Between using maps, taking photos, translating signs, booking rides, and long travel days, your phone battery can disappear fast in Costa Rica.
I’d definitely bring a portable power bank that you know can withstand the heat and humidity. I've been stuck with a dead phone many times, and now I never leave far without it. It can make for a mess when you are stuck with a dead phone and need directions, tickets, or a way to contact someone. It’s one of those small items that can save a lot of stress every day.
What I’d Skip or Pack Less Of
Clothes - Most people really overpack for Costa Rica.
Fancy Outfits - Many places are casual.
Heavy Toiletries - Bring your favorites, but you can buy basics there if needed.
Multiple Pairs of Shoes - Bring a couple smart pairs, not six sets of shoes.
Most people pack too much for Costa Rica and end up dragging around bags full of things they don't even end us using.
The Small Item You Will Be Glad You Packed
Portable charger. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been glad I had one. Between maps, photos, ride apps, reservations, and travel days, your battery will drain way faster than expected. It’s one of those small things that makes the trip smoother.
Quick Costa Rica Packing Checklist
Travel Documents You Need for Costa Rica
Passport (original) with two paper copies – Valid for at least six months from your travel date
Proof of onward travel – Return or onward flight or bus ticket
Travel insurance – Don’t skip this; Costa Rica is fun but unpredictable!
Valid driver’s license – Only if you plan to rent a car
Optional but recommended: Passport holder or travel wallet, digital and paper copies of documents
Travel Gear to Pack
Waterproof bag & phone case – Essential for hikes, kayaking, or sudden rain showers
Lightweight, water-resistant daypack – Perfect for jungle excursions or beach trips
Waterproof map of Costa Rica – Keeps you on track without relying on Wi-Fi
Insulated water bottle – Stay hydrated while exploring the sun and jungle
Portable phone charger block – Life-saver for long travel days
Quick-dry towel – Ideal for beach or river adventures, or just sweat!
Good walking shoes or closed-toed sandals – I recommend Keens - they are comfortable, durable, and lightweight for hiking, sand or water
Comfort & Climate Essentials
Reef-friendly vegan sunscreen – Protect your skin while keeping nature safe
Hat – Sun protection for hikes and beach days
Sunglasses – Essential for bright tropical sun
Lightweight raincoat – Must-have for rainy afternoons and jungle adventures
Battery-operated hand fan – Helps beat the heat in lowland areas
Swimwear – For beaches, rivers, waterfalls and pools
Health & Safety Items Worth Packing
Bug spray – Mosquito protection is a must in Costa Rica
Compact first-aid kit – Band-aids, blister pads, antiseptic wipes, etc.
Fun Extras & Travel Comfort
Color Me Costa Rica Coloring Book – Fun for kids, made by me :)
Optional: binoculars, travel journal, small snacks for hikes, lightweight reusable shopping bags
Packing the right gear is a great start, but what really makes a Costa Rica trip smoother is knowing where to go, what to expect, and how to plan around the seasons, routes, and local details.
That’s exactly why I put together my free Costa Rica travel guide below. So you can start to make the plans, and get your feet up!
Free Costa Rica Travel Guide
Those were just a few of the things I’d personally make sure to pack for Costa Rica. If you’d like my full packing list, along with route ideas, money-saving tips, common mistakes to avoid, and practical advice for first-time travelers, I included it all in my free Costa Rica travel guide.
You can download it here and use it as an easy starting point for planning your trip.
Hope this helped make your Costa Rica planning a little easier. If you ever have questions, feel free to reach out.
Happy packing, and enjoy Costa Rica!
Shaya
Costa Rica Corner
This was such a helpful post! Sometimes we are too focused on the trip itself and looking cute that we aren't stopping to think realistically about what we should be packing.