Packing for Costa Rica can feel tricky. You’re heading somewhere that’s beach and rainforest, sunshine and afternoon showers, relaxed beach town and rugged adventure. So what do you actually need?
After years of guiding travelers through Guanacaste and beyond, we’ve seen what people are grateful they brought—and what they wish they’d left at home. This is our honest, practical packing list for a Costa Rica trip, tailored to the realities of the tropics.
The golden rule: pack light, pack breathable, and plan for both sun and rain. You’ll be more comfortable, move more easily, and have room to bring home a bag of Costa Rican coffee.
Clothing: Light, Breathable, Quick-Dry
Costa Rica is warm and humid year-round, so natural fabrics and quick-dry materials are your friends.
- Lightweight t-shirts and tank tops (quick-dry fabrics beat cotton in humidity)
- A couple of long-sleeve shirts (sun protection + cooler evenings + insect protection in the rainforest)
- Shorts and/or lightweight pants
- A light sweater or fleece for cool mornings, higher elevations, and air-conditioned spaces
- Swimsuits (bring two so one can dry)
- A wide-brimmed hat or cap
- A light rain jacket or packable poncho (essential in green season, smart any time)
Pro tip: Convertible pants (zip-off legs) are popular for a reason—they adapt to changing conditions on tour days.
Footwear: Beach to Trail
You’ll need shoes that handle sand, water, and rainforest trails.
- Sandals or flip-flops for the beach and around town
- Water shoes or sport sandals (great for river activities, waterfalls, and rocky beaches)
- Closed-toe shoes or light hiking shoes for trails, hanging bridges, and adventure tours
You don’t need heavy hiking boots for most Guanacaste activities—a comfortable, grippy pair of trail shoes covers it.
Sun & Insect Protection (Don’t Skip These)
The tropical sun is stronger than most visitors expect, and the rainforest has its bugs. Come prepared.
- Reef-safe sunscreen (high SPF; reef-safe protects the ocean ecosystems you’ll be swimming in)
- Insect repellent (with DEET or a natural alternative—more important in green season and rainforest zones)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- After-sun aloe for the inevitable first-day overexposure
- A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated in the heat
Gear & Essentials
- Daypack for tours (room for water, camera, sunscreen, a layer)
- Dry bag or zip-lock bags to protect electronics on river trips and rainy days
- Portable charger / power bank for long days out
- Travel adapter (Costa Rica uses the same plug type as the US/Canada—Type A/B, 120V—so North American travelers usually don’t need one)
- Waterproof phone case for water activities
- Binoculars if you love wildlife (optional, but wonderful for birds and sloths)
Health & Personal Items
- Any personal medications (in original packaging)
- A small first-aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, anti-itch cream)
- Motion-sickness remedy if you’re prone to it (some roads are winding)
- Hand sanitizer and travel tissues
- Toiletries in travel sizes (most lodgings provide basics)
What You DON’T Need to Overpack
A few things travelers often bring too much of:
- Heavy hiking boots (trail shoes are enough for most tours)
- Formal clothes (Costa Rica is relaxed—smart casual covers even nice restaurants)
- Too many outfits (laundry is widely available; pack less, re-wear more)
- Hair dryers and bulky electronics (most accommodations provide the basics)
Leave the extra room for what matters—and for souvenirs.
Season-Specific Additions
Dry season (December–April): Extra sun protection, lip balm with SPF, and electrolyte packets for the heat.
Green season (May–November): A reliable rain layer, quick-dry everything, an extra dry bag, and closed shoes that handle mud.
Not sure when to come? Our Best Time to Visit Guanacaste guide breaks down each season in detail.
Ready for Your Costa Rica Adventure?
Pack smart, travel light, and leave room for the unexpected. And when you’re here, let us handle the logistics—so all you have to carry is your sense of wonder.
👉 Explore our Guanacaste experiences · Read our complete Guanacaste travel guide · See the best time to visit.