So, you’ve been reading up about Costa Rica, but you’re running into a challenge. There’s a whole lot to see and do, and it’s starting to seem like there’s no way you can possibly prepare for everything, from mountain biking at night to exploring the rainforest to hiking up a dormant volcano.
So what do you need to pack for Costa Rica?
The short answer is, not a lot. In most of the country, you can pack a light set of necessities and get most of what you need from local shops. After all, you certainly won’t need heavy jackets, and most of the adventure gear you’ll need — surfboards, mountain bikes, etc.— can be rented on site.
Still, spending time in San Jose will come with different considerations than a beach town like Las Catalinas, so here are a few things to keep in mind as you pack. To help we’ve put together a list to help you ensure you’re ready for your Costa Rican adventure.
Outside of some districts in San Jose, Costa Rica is a relatively laid-back place. People dress to suit the activities for the day, so you won't feel out of place in a pair of sandals and comfortable shorts in most places. Still, a more stylish outfit for going to dinner will definitely be a plus, especially if you find yourself out at a sunset restaurant like Sentido Norte.
As for comfort, temperatures in the tropics tend to stay warm year round, even overnight during the Costa Rican winter. At most, you’ll need a light sweatshirt for nighttime beach strolls depending on the season. Otherwise, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to help stay cool and comfortable.
One of the most interesting parts of traveling to a new country is learning the language. English speaking travelers can manage in Costa Rica with only a little foreign language fluency, especially in urban areas, but nothing helps make friends faster than working together to figure out new languages. For example, at Las Catalinas many travelers say that learning to speak Spanish and communicate with their house mom was one of the most rewarding experiences of their trip.
With that said, a basic Spanish phrasebook or App definitely comes in handy — especially if you want to get out of town and explore some of Costa Rica’s smaller rural communities.
This is a piece of advice that particularly pertains to travelers visiting between May and November, which is the green season in Costa Rica.
If you’re looking to book a trip during this time don’t worry — in many parts of the country rainfall is often confined to short, intense bursts, and life goes on as usual rain or shine. Still, during these months it’s always good to have a light raincoat, especially when visiting one of the country's many rainforests.
Costa Rica is a fantastic place to be outside, on the beach or on the trails. But the last thing you want is a nasty sunburn on the first day you arrive. While you can buy sunscreen at just about any store along the coast, the selection can be a bit limited, and prices can be high. The quick solution –bring your preferred brand and make sure you get the coverage you need.
Most towns in Costa Rica do a very good job preventing widespread bug problems, but if you're heading out into the forests and jungles of the country, mosquitos and other pests are a fact of life. The most effective protection against these insects is a loose-fitting long sleeve shirt and pants, so when hiking in the forest taking this approach will be the best bet for preventing irritating bites.
In addition, bug spray comes in very handy. Like sunscreen, you can always pick up mosquito sprays and lotions when you arrive, but they can run a little pricey, so if you have one brand that works for you, well, bring it along.
Interested in boogie boarding or surfing in Guanacaste? Protect yourself from irritating sand burn and get an extra layer of sun protection with a rash guard. Much of the Costa Rica experience comes back to the coastline, especially out in the Northwest corner where beachfront towns like Las Catalinas are thriving, and having a well-fitting rash guard can make a big difference.
A lot of travelers will arrive at the airport with one pair of shoes — flip-flops, to be precise. This is a major oversight, though.
Much of the cultural and environmental wealth of Costa Rica is in its forests and jungles, and you will be doing a lot of walking. That is, after all, one of the things that make this corner of the world so great: a wide variety of ecosystems in walking distance from each other.
Bring a pair of sneakers or hiking boots and be ready for every microclimate this beautiful country has to offer.