Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Whether you’re exploring lush rainforests, relaxing on tropical beaches, or trekking volcano trails, knowing what to pack is key to a stress-free Costa Rica adventure. To help you prepare, I’ve created a printable Costa Rica packing list that covers all the essentials for this beautiful destination. Whether you are traveling for one, two, or three weeks in Costa Rica (or even more), this packing list will ensure you have everything you need without overpacking.
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Costa Rica Packing List
In general, I recommend using a backpack instead of a suitcase for your travels in Central America, as it is so much easier to carry, especially in more remote areas. Here’s what to put in your bag:
Travel Documents for Costa Rica
Having all your essential documents in order is crucial for smooth travel in Costa Rica. A valid passport is required to enter the country, and an international driver’s license allows you to legally rent and drive a car. While Costa Rica is relatively modern, it’s a good idea to carry copies of your vaccination records, especially for proof of required vaccines. Keep your wallet with ID, credit cards, and a little cash handy for easy transactions, especially in areas where card machines might not work.
- Passport
- International Driver’s License
- Vaccination Record (copy)
- Wallet with credit cards and ID
- Some cash
Bags/Organization
Keeping your belongings organized and secure is key for a hassle-free trip. A neck pouch or crossbody bag keeps your valuables close and protected from pickpockets. A sturdy backpack is perfect for day trips or hikes, and a fanny pack offers easy access to essentials while you’re out exploring. Reusable tote bags are eco-friendly and can come in handy for shopping while packing cubes help keep your suitcase or backpack neat and make it easier to find things.
- Neck pouch
- Crossbody phone bag
- Backpack
- Fanny pack
- Reusable tote bag
- Packing cubes
Electronics
Costa Rica offers beautiful landscapes, making it a dream for photographers and digital nomads. Your laptop, camera, and drone will help capture those memories and stay connected. Be sure to bring an adapter as the outlets might differ from your home country. Power banks are essential on you Costa Rica packing list for long hikes or remote areas where electricity isn’t readily available. Keep all your devices charged and secured, with tools like an AirTag for extra protection against loss.
- Laptop with laptop case
- Mouse & Batteries
- External hard drives
- USB sticks & flash drives
- Camera & accessories
- Drone & accessories
- Charging cables for all devices
- Adapter
- Power bank
- Headphones
- AirTag
Medication for Costa Rica
It’s always smart to be prepared for minor health issues when traveling in Costa Rica. The tropical climate means mosquito bites are common, so anti-itch cream and malaria prevention (like Malarone) may be necessary depending on the area. Make sure you bring pain relievers, first-aid supplies, and cold or stomach remedies to handle any unexpected discomforts, especially if you plan to venture into remote areas where pharmacies aren’t easily accessible.
- Malarone (malaria prevention)
- Band-aids & blister plasters
- Bandages
- Pain relievers (Aspirin and Ibuprofen)
- Disinfectant
- Antiseptic ointment & disinfectant spray
- Anti-itch cream for bug bites
- Throat lozenges
- Cold relief balm
- Stomach tablets
- Vomex (motion sickness relief)
- D-Mannose (for urinary tract health)
- Eye drops
- Magnesium
- Voltaren (anti-inflammatory gel)
Personal Care
With Costa Rica’s tropical sun and outdoor activities, personal care items like sunscreen and after-sun lotion are must-haves backpacking essentials to protect your skin. Packing solid shampoo and soap saves space and keeps liquids from spilling. Microfiber towels are lightweight and dry quickly, perfect for beach days and hikes. Don’t forget your usual grooming supplies, as finding specific products in rural areas can be challenging.
- Contact lenses & solution
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties and clips
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Sunscreen (body & face)
- After-sun lotion
- Creams (day cream, night cream, eye cream, hand cream)
- Razor & blades
- Deodorant
- Solid soap, shampoo & conditioner
- Q-tips
- Nail set: scissors, file & tweezers, nail polish
- Lip balm
- Makeup: concealer, powder, lipstick, eyeshadow, blush, mascara, eyeliner
- Perfume
- Jewelry: watch, earrings
- Laundry detergent
- Microfiber towels
Clothing for Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s diverse climate requires versatile clothing. You’ll need lightweight, breathable clothes for the hot and humid coastal areas, but warmer layers like a fleece or sweater are necessary for cooler mountain regions. A rain jacket and hiking boots are essential on your Costa Rica packing list for the rainy season and outdoor adventures in the rainforest. Don’t forget swimwear for the stunning beaches and hot springs, and comfy shoes for walking and exploring.
- Shoes: flip-flops, sandals, sneakers, hiking boots (1 pair of each)
- Cap or hat (for sun protection)
- Pajamas (1 pair)
- Bikinis & swimsuit (4 pairs)
- Scarf & headband
- Jackets: windbreaker, rain jacket, fleece/cardigan
- Underwear: panties, bras, sports bras
- Socks (short socks & hiking socks)
- Jeans
- Leggings
- Long lightweight pants
- Shorts
- Dresses
- Skirt
- T-shirts and tank tops
- Long sleeves (1)
- Thick sweater (1)
Miscellaneous
These miscellaneous items add comfort and convenience to your trip. An inflatable neck pillow and earplugs make long flights or bus rides more comfortable, while a reusable water bottle keeps you hydrated during hikes. Combination locks secure your bags in hostels or during transit, and a pocketknife is always useful for outdoor adventures. Resistance bands are great for maintaining a fitness routine, and a notebook or playing cards are perfect for relaxing downtime.
- Inflatable neck pillow & earplugs
- Combination locks
- Water bottle
- Notebook & pens
- Playing cards
- Glasses (& cleaning cloths)
- Sunglasses
- Swim goggles
- Resistance band
- Tissues
- Pocket knife
Don’t forget to grab your Costa Rica Packing List!
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