What to Pack for Costa Rica: Our Personal Packing List 

Trying to figure out exactly what to pack for your Costa Rica trip? You’ve come to the experts. 

Packing for Costa Rica can be a bit overwhelming. From humid rainforest hikes to sunny beach days and boat tours, you’ll experience it all in one trip. Costa Rica requires a little more thought than your average vacation packing list. 

Lucky for you, we’ve lived in Costa Rica and still travel back frequently, so we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) what’s actually worth bringing—and what you can leave at home. This packing list is built from real experience to help you feel prepared, organized, and ready to fully enjoy your trip without overpacking or unnecessary stress.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What to Pack for your Costa Rica Trip

1. Reef-safe sunscreen

One thing I never skip packing for Costa Rica is reef-safe sunscreen, and this one is my go-to. Costa Rica takes conservation seriously, especially around coral reefs and marine life, so using a mineral sunscreen really matters when you’re swimming, snorkeling, or even just rinsing off after the beach. Some places, such as Manuel Antonio National Park, are quite strict about the products you use – aerosol sprays are banned, and mineral-based sunscreens are heavily encouraged. 

While you might be able to find reef-safe sunscreen once you get to Costa Rica, any that we’ve seen have been much more expensive! After trying a few different brands, this one is my personal favorite because it holds up against the intense sun and humidity of Central America. It also stays on even after a few dips in the ocean, so you’re not reapplying all the time.

2. Bug balm repellent

We love how lush and jungly Costa Rica is… but that also means that all of the jungle bugs are around! If you’ve never traveled in a tropical location like this before, trust me – you’ll want some good bug repellent. 

Costa Rica is pretty strict with their eco-tourism rules, so bringing bug spray with DEET or other chemicals is usually frowned upon (and let’s be honest – none of us want that on our skin).

My friend told me about this repellent balm, and now I totally swear by it! It’s made with natural products, so it’s eco-friendly, and feels light and clean on your skin. Best of all, it actually works really well at repelling mosquitoes and other unfavorable flying creatures. I also really like that it’s a balm, so it doesn’t leak if I toss it in my bag, and it’s small, so I take it everywhere with me. 

3. Comfortable walking sandal

One of my biggest stressors when packing is figuring out the exact right items to bring, especially when we’re talking shoes! Not only are the bulky items limiting you to how many pairs you can bring, but they also need to check all of the boxes. For me, comfort is key, but I also like functionality and a bit of fashionability, if possible. 

Both Dan and I love Tevas for comfort, durability, and they still look good! Whether we are hiking to a waterfall, walking on the beach, or heading to dinner at our resort, these all check the boxes for Costa Rica travel. I recommend the Teva Hydratrek for women’s sandals, and Dan swears by his Teva Hurricanes for the fellas. 

Another one of my favorite travel sandals is these EVA Birkenstocks. They are made with a durable foam, making them super lightweight and ideal for the beach and pool. I like to pack these if we aren’t planning on doing as much adventure travel. Since they are lightweight, they are really easy to pack, and they have the classic Birkenstock style that goes with almost any outfit (right!?). 

4. Filter Waterbottle

This Larq water bottle is high on the list for many reasons! 

Costa Rica has a ban on single-use plastic in many national parks. We learned this the hard way when we showed up to Manuel Antonio National Park with single-use plastic water bottles and weren’t allowed to enter with them. We ended up spending the day in the park without water – not ideal! So we learned that it’s important to have a good, refillable water bottle as you’re exploring Costa Rica.

The other reason I love this water bottle is that it has a built-in filter, so you can fill it with tap water and it will become drinkable! You typically don’t want to drink the tap water in Central America, but this purification system is high-quality, so you can drink without worrying about getting sick. 

It also self-cleans every 2 hours, which is great if you’re traveling for a few weeks and don’t have time to clean it yourself. I was so impressed when I started using this water bottle – it’s seriously ahead of its time! I also picked up replacement filters when I purchased my bottle, since you’ll need to replace them every 2 months. 

Another excellent filter bottle is the LifeStraw Water Bottle. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that the Larq Bottle has, it does its main job well and is a more affordable option. We like how it’s lightweight and compact, so if you throw it in your backpack or carry it on a hike, it isn’t too heavy or bulky. It filters out parasites, microplastics, bacteria, and even sand, dirt, or unknown cloudiness in water.

It’s a convenient travel item that gives you peace of mind while you travel to foreign places. Don’t forget to pick up a replacement filter as well, so you’re never without filtered water.

5. Sun shirt

Now, if you’re visiting in the dry season, you will need a different sort of top: a sun shirt! These are lightweight, long-sleeved shirts with UV protection, ideal for protecting your skin if you’re out in the sun for a long time. 

I like using these for any sort of boat trip, beach day, or any time I’m planning on being outside all day. It offers more protection than sunscreen, and you don’t have to reapply all the time. The Costa Rican sun is more intense because you’re so much closer to the equator, so don’t underestimate it!

For women, I recommend this specific sunshirt. It’s the one I’ve had for years, and it’s kept me cool in the hot weather and safe from sunburns. This men’s sun shirt is of the same quality and one of the top-rated options out there!

6. Backpack

Another essential on my Costa Rica packing list is a lightweight day pack, and this REI Flash 22 is the one I always reach for. 

Costa Rica is the kind of place where you’re out all day—hiking to waterfalls, exploring national parks, heading to the beach, or hopping on a boat tour—so having a backpack that fits everything you need is key. I can easily pack sunscreen, water, snacks, a rain jacket (because those tropical showers come out of nowhere), and my camera gear. What I love most is how compact it is. It fits easily in my luggage or works perfectly as a personal item on the plane, but once you’re there, it still holds everything you need for a full day of adventures.

Speaking of those rain showers, I’d highly recommend picking up a rain cover for this backpack, too! This backpack isn’t waterproof, and there have been times when rainstorms come out of nowhere, so having this rain cover on hand was a true lifesaver. 

If you’re looking to travel with a large backpack instead of a suitcase, we highly recommend this Cotopaxi Allpa. This is the backpack we’ve used for a few years now, and it’s my all-time favorite. It opens up like a suitcase, so it’s easy to stay organized, and at 42 liters, you can actually pack so many things in here – trust me, we live out of these backpacks! They are also very comfortable to wear if you’re carrying them through the airport. 

7. Headlamp

We were surprised by how often we used our headlamps in Costa Rica! Initially, we bought these headlamps for night walks and to see some nocturnal animals, and they were perfect for that. But we also started using them almost daily because many streets aren’t well-lit.

So while we head out for dinner, we toss the headlamps into our bag and can use them to walk home after it gets dark. Sure, we can always use the flashlight on our phones, but the headlamps are a lot brighter and easier to use. 

We got this two-pack of Energizer headlamps, which is perfect if you’re traveling as a couple or with a friend. But, if you’re traveling solo (or just need one headlamp), I loved this Black Diamond headlamp. It is lightweight, bright, and the batteries last forever. 

8. Hiking shoe

If you’re planning to do a bit of hiking but not a ton, a hiking shoe is a good middle-of-the-road option. These are great if a hike like Rio Celeste is on your itinerary, as hiking shoes offer support and protection without being too bulky and heavy in your suitcase. You’ll also need closed-toe shoes for ziplining, ATV adventures, horseback rides, or even night walks. 

For women, I recommend these Keen hiking shoes. Keen is hands down one of the best brands of adventure shoes out there. I like this pair because they are waterproof and have great traction, but also have a mesh lining, so if they do get wet, they dry out quickly in Costa Rica’s humid climate. Alternatively, these Solomon hiking shoes are lighter weight, made with Gore-Tex, and are another one of my top brands for outdoor gear.

For men, these Solomon X Ultra Alpine hiking shoes are a fantastic option. They are great for hiking, offering traction and support. But they also work well if you need them as a daily shoe as you travel through Costa Rica. They are comfy enough to go strolling through the shops in La Fortuna, then hiking on a trail around Arenal Volcano in the afternoon. 

9. Hiking boot

For most hikes in Costa Rica, hiking shoes will suffice. But if you’re visiting during the wet season or planning on doing some more serious hikes, a full-on hiking boot might be more suitable. These offer more protection and ankle support, can keep your feet free from debris and water, and are great for denser jungle treks. 

I have a pair of these Solomon Gore-Tex hiking boots, and they are one of the best hiking boots I’ve owned! They aren’t too heavy, so after miles of hiking, my legs don’t feel as tired, and they offer all the support I need.

Dan has had his pair of Keen hiking boots for years, trekking through Patagonia, the Canadian Rockies, and around Corcovado National Park here in Costa Rica. A good pair of hiking boots is worth the investment and will last you years! Plus, it’s always fun taking my boots on various international adventures, knowing all the beautiful places we’ve been together. 

10. Rain jacket

Costa Rica has two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. For the former, you will definitely want to travel with a rain jacket. For the most part, it won’t be raining all day, but you can expect at least one massive downpour per day. I actually love traveling here in the rainy season, as you can still do most of the activities, and it’s not as busy with other tourists. 

There are plenty of rain jackets out there, but we love the classic REI Trailmaid jacket. The important thing to keep in mind for Costa Rica is getting a hot-weather rain jacket (one that is lightweight and breathable) and one that is waterproof, not just water-resistant. Trust me – when you get caught in your first monsoon, you will know the difference between the two!

You can get this jacket in men’s or women’s, and don’t worry, they have multiple colors, so you don’t have to match your partner. Check out the men’s REI Trailmaid rain jacket or the women’s Trailmaid jacket here! 

11. Binoculars

We were on the fence about packing binoculars for our first trip to Costa Rica, and ultimately, we were glad we did. As you know, Costa Rica is full of wildlife – from sloths to birds, and sneaky animals hiding in the bushes. Having a good pair of binoculars was a game-changer.  

Not only were binoculars useful for any of the tours and excursions we went on, but we found ourselves using them every day! Our hotel in La Fortuna had a beautiful Toucan that lived in a tree outside our window, so every morning over coffee, we passed the binoculars back and forth to check out the bird. I never knew I’d be so into bird watching!

This specific pair is small and lightweight, so you can bring them along in your day pack, as you never know what you’ll see in the trees! I was surprised at the quality for the price, too. You don’t have to overspend to get a good pair of binoculars. 

12. Battery pack

A portable charger quickly became one of my must-haves when traveling, no matter where I’m going! 

There are many days when we would leave in the morning and be out for the entire day. So while I started with a full charge, by the time we spent a few hours at the beach, looking up lunch restaurants and getting directions to the meeting point for an afternoon tour, my phone would be nearly dead. 

We love this battery pack specifically because it holds a charge forever – I usually don’t even have to charge it on a trip! It also has multiple types of cords, so we can charge Dan’s Android, my iPhone, and even our GoPro while we’re out and about. Plus, it’s not ultra-heavy or bulky, so it doesn’t take up too much space in a bag. 

13. Travel adapter

A travel adapter is one of those items that is easily overlooked, but can be essential depending on where you’re from! Costa Rica uses type A and B electrical outlets, the same as those in North America. 

We have this universal travel adapter, which is really handy because you only need this one, no matter where you travel. It also has multiple charging ports, which can be helpful as hotels often have a shortage of plugs. This is a must-pack for any international trip, in my opinion. 

14. E-sim

You’ve probably used SIM cards while traveling, but have you converted to an eSIM yet? Dan and I have recently been won over by the ease of eSIMs – instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. 

We’ve tried out a handful of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve decided that Airalo is our favorite! It is really easy to set up (even my mom figured it out on her own!), and still very affordable. You can choose the amount of data and the length of the plan, and your phone will easily connect to a local network. 

Plus, you won’t have to try and get a SIM card at the airport, or be worried about being overcharged by a vendor (which happens a lot!). This is definitely the most straightforward way to go!

New users can get 15% off by using the code DTRAVEL15, and returning users can get 10% off their next eSIM by using DTRAVEL10 when you follow our link below!

15. Adventure camera

Costa Rica is full of moments you’ll want to capture—snorkeling with tropical fish, spotting whales off the Pacific coast, zip-lining through the jungle, or hiking to waterfalls. But if you want to document your adventures without worrying about your phone, picking up a GoPro is a must!

We first got a GoPro Hero to use for scuba diving, but we have used it for all sorts of adventures around Costa Rica. It’s compact, durable, and really easy to use. For an extra layer of protection, I also got this protective housing, which keeps it safe from drops, and this dual battery charger, so I’m never without!

While the GoPro is ideal for activities and can be used by all travelers, those who are looking for a more creative filming experience will like the Insta360. 

This camera is cool because it can capture videos 360° around you. I’d recommend this option for travelers who really enjoy making videos, as the editing software is a bit more challenging to use. But, if you have the selfie stick and a panoramic video of your trip, it will certainly capture just how beautiful Costa Rica is!

16. Travel medication

It’s always good to be prepared, especially when you’re traveling in a foreign country. After getting sick one too many times, we’ve learned how important it is to pack a solid travel med kit—and this particular one truly has it all. While you can find pharmacies all over Costa Rica, it can be tricky navigating a language barrier or ending up with an unfamiliar off-brand (I know this from experience!). From food poisoning and allergies to cuts or basic pain relief, having everything you need in one place is a huge relief.

Another personal must-have for me is motion sickness relief. I get motion sick on boats, planes, cars—basically anything that moves—so I never travel without SeaBands. They sit on your wrist and apply pressure to help ease nausea. It sounds strange, but they really work! I’ll also pair them with non-drowsy Dramamine for rough boat days, like a whale-watching tour that suddenly hits choppy water, or long-distance drives, as most of Costa Rica’s roads are mountainous and winding.

17. Organizational packing

Staying organized while packing is a game-changer, especially if you plan on visiting multiple destinations in Costa Rica. If you’re looking for a way to keep everything neat and tidy, TSA-friendly, and stress-free so you can focus on your adventure (and not laundry day), these are two of my favorite organizational tools.  

These packing cubes are a lifesaver for keeping everything organized—clean clothes, swimwear, hiking outfits, and even a separate cube for laundry after humid days. They make unpacking and repacking so much easier, especially if you’re changing locations often. If you’ve never used packing cubes before, they will change your perspective on packing altogether! 

I also swear by these refillable liquid tubes that actually don’t leak. Between sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, and bug spray, Costa Rica requires a lot of liquids, and the last thing you want is a spill in your bag. I’ve tried a lot of options in the past, and these are hands-down the best. 

18. Dry bag

A dry bag is one of those Costa Rica packing items you don’t realize you need until you’re there—and then you’re so glad you brought it. Between boat rides, waterfall hikes, beach days, and sudden tropical downpours, your essentials are constantly at risk for water damage! 

We use these lightweight dry bags because they don’t take up much space but are perfect for protecting clothes, cameras, or snacks on excursions. They are especially useful for rafting or snorkeling trips where splashes are unavoidable. 

And if you want to have your phone accessible while at the beach or out adventuring, this waterproof phone case is incredibly convenient. You can use it to take photos or perform normal phone functions, while it’s still safe in the case. I preferred to use this specific waterproof case because I know it’s high quality, whereas the ones I’ve seen in Costa Rica aren’t as protective. 

19. Microfiber towel

Microfiber towels are another one of those “must-pack” items that all seasoned travelers will swear by. This is especially true in Costa Rica, where you will be using it at the beach, on a waterfall hike, or on a snorkeling tour. Since microfiber towels are so small and lightweight, they are really easy to pack and come in handy frequently!

While there are a lot of options out there, I prefer this microfiber towel! It comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose what is best for you. It’s quick drying and packable, and high-quality microfiber – I’ve used the same towel for years, and it’s held up!

20. Personal entertainment must-haves

Costa Rica’s unofficial slogan is “pura vida,” which directly translates to Pure Life. But in Costa Rica, it’s more of an overall way of life: a slow, unbothered life with a carefree, positive outlook. While you’re here, you’ll probably sink into the slow, relaxing ways of Pura Vida – we always do!

To add to the relaxed vibes, there are two things that I have come to love having with me here. The first is my Kindle, so I can lie by the pool or on the beach and get lost in a good book. Can you imagine anything more pura vida? As a long-time traveler, I’ve come to prefer kindles over physical books because you can have multiple books on hand, it’s lightweight, and easier to pack! You can snag the same Kindle Paperwhite I have here. 

We have also started traveling with a portable speaker, which adds to the vibe entirely! As you’re relaxing on a secluded beach, making friends at the pool, or even in your hotel room, just enjoying an afternoon, this JBL speaker brings a little extra ambiance to the day. It’s small enough to fit in your suitcase, and JBL is a fantastic speaker brand, so the sound quality is great. Is it necessary? Not exactly. Do we love having it? Absolutely!

Pura Vida!

Costa Rica is one of those places where it pays to be prepared. From personal experience, nothing can make your trip less than amazing by packing incorrectly! But don’t worry, we’ve traveled all over the country, and these items are always in my bag. So stick to our recommendations, and you will be ready for any adventure!

Before you take off, check out our other Costa Rica travel blogs. Besides packing, we love sharing our favorite travel tips and tricks to make your vacation as memorable as possible. I’ll leave a few blogs below to inspire your next destination and help you plan the perfect trip to Costa Rica – cheers!

5 BEST La Fortuna Whitewater Rafting Tours (Which One to Book!)

15 Things to Know Before Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall + Complete Guide

The BEST Time to visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Every Month of the Year