After hosting hundreds of guests over the past 4 years, I`ve come to realize there are 3 big and very common mistakes that people make when packing for Costa Rica:
1. Overpacking
2. Packing the wrong clothes
3. Bringing totally unnecessary things
Don`t be one of these people.
In this article, I will go over some packing guidelines, what to pack, things I LOVE and recommend, what NOT to pack and other important tips!
Packing Guidelines
To make packing easier, use the following guidelines:
- Pack for practicality, not a fashion show.
- Lightweight, quick dry clothes are best.
- Think casual dress code.
Unless you plan to do nothing but sit at a swim up bar and dress up for fancy dinners, you can ignore what I just said. But if you`re coming to Costa Rica to immerse yourself in nature, go on adventures, see wildlife and actually do all the things that Costa Rica is world renowned for, then these guidelines are what you should be aiming for.
An important thing to keep in mind is that LESS IS MORE in Costa Rica. It`s the culture here. Nobody cares what you look like or if you have name brand clothes. Nobody cares if you have makeup on or not. In fact, you will just look ridiculous if you try to wear makeup in this heat and humidity. It just melts off your face.
So I encourage you to challenge yourself to leave all your fancy things behind, ditch the eyeliner and mascara and just wear what feels comfortable! I guarantee it will make you enjoy your time in Costa Rica so much more and you will feel so free!
What to Pack
- swim suit(s)
- sunglasses
- sunblock
- insect repellent
- flip flops
- Columbia Drainmaker Trail Shoes*
- socks (breathable)
- quick dry hiking pants
- tank tops / tee shirts (light weight, non-clingy)
- shorts or skirts
- beach cover up
- casual dresses
- “nice dinner” outfit (only if you feel like it)
- lightweight rain jacket*
- pajamas
- long sleeved shirt (1 is enough)
- sports bras
- yoga pants
- laptop or tablet (to watch Netflix if your hotel doesn`t have a TV)
- hammock(s)*
- passport holder / travel wallet
- backpack (use for both hiking or your beach bag)
- water bottle
- toiletries (keep it simple, just bring the basics)
- hat
- GoPro (optional)*
Here`s some extra notes about some of the things listed above:
*Columbia Drainmaker Trail Shoes: These are my absolute favorite shoes to wear hiking, zip lining, waterfalling, etc. You can walk through water or even go swimming with them on and they drain the water super fast plus dry pretty quickly. Much better than a flimsy water shoe!
*Rain Jacket: Depending on where and what time of year you are traveling, you may or may not need a rain jacket. If you are traveling to places like Monteverde or Arenal, you should bring one. If you are only going to a beach destination (like Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Nosara, etc) you only need to bring one if you are visiting during rainy season (May- November).
*Hammock(s): These hammocks are super easy to pop up anywhere in about 30 seconds. So much more comfortable than laying on a towel on the beach or paying to rent beach chairs. Plus they are small enough to pack in your suitcase.
*GoPro: This is the best camera we`ve found that you can take with you anywhere (even in water!). Really fun for getting video footage swimming in the ocean, jumping off a catamaran, zip lining, waterfall adventures, snorkeling, etc.
Things that I LOVE and Recommend!
For those of you that prefer a visual list, here are links to the products that I personally love and recommend that you bring on your trip
What NOT to Pack
- jewelry
- high heels
- a bunch of makeup
- beach towel (most hotels or vacation rentals provide these, only bring a beach towel if they do not)
- hairdryer (it`s too hot for that nonsense)
- jeans (I call these “leg prison”)
- any clothing that is remotely uncomfortable
- fancy, oversized purses
Don`t Forget Your Passport!
Obviously. But here`s a couple tips you may not have thought about…
To prepare for your trip, double check the current entry requirements with the Costa Rica Embassy just to make sure you`re able to get in the country!
I also recommend making a photo copy or taking a picture on your phone (the photo and information page) of your passport to carry with you so you can leave your actual passport in your hotel room. It is unlikely that anyone will stop you and ask for it, but just in case it`s always best to have this info on you
Money Info
The local currency is called Colones, however USD (US Dollars) are accepted pretty much everywhere.
You do NOT need to exchange money if you are bringing USD with you. If you want to anyways for some reason, NEVER exchange money at the airport, they have the worst exchange rate! The banks usually are the best place to do this. When you pay with USD you will most likely get Colones back in change.
There are ATMs readily available in the main tourist destinations, but if you are going somewhere super remote, bring enough cash with you to hold you over.
Many places accept credit cards, but having cash on you in Costa Rica will make your trip a lot easier (souvenir shops, beach vendors selling coconuts, etc). Also, it is recommended to tip restaurant servers, taxi drivers and tour guides in cash!
Always be sure to tell your bank that you will be traveling in Costa Rica so that you don`t have any problems using your card or getting money from the ATM.
