What To Pack For A Trip To Costa Rica – Essentials That Made My Trip Awesome!

Costa Rica is a place where a little bit of preparedness goes a long way when it comes to your packing. It doesn’t mean it has to be overly complicated though. I was able to pack in carry on only and still have everything I needed for an amazing trip. There are a few things that really made the trip as awesome as it was, so in today’s post I’m sharing those as well as an overall look at what I took with me. Here’s my guide on what to pack for a trip to Costa Rica. If you have any questions, just let me know.

What To Pack For A Trip To Costa Rica – Essentials That Made My Trip Awesome!

Disclaimer

There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.

Before we get started

This is what I packed for an 11 day trip in May and I hope it can help give you some ideas of what I found really helpful.

Before you start packing though, check the weather for your dates so you can adjust your packing to line up with the weather.

To make it more convenient, I also made a list of the essentials on my Amazon Storefront.

Shoes

Sandals

These sandals were simply perfect for Costa Rica!

I liked them because it was just too hot to wear closed in shoes and I didn’t want the tan lines at my ankles either.

But aside from that, they were very practical for the adventures of Costa Rica. It was easy to go from snorkeling to hiking, or swimming in a waterfall to hiking. You can just slide these on and don’t have to worry about wet feet in socks with sand and dirt rubbing on your feet too.

They had solid grip and I never slid around while hiking, even on the more slippery trail to a waterfall.

I also wore them for longer walks to the beach or around town because they were more sturdy than my flip flops.

Practical, versatile, and lightweight for packing – they ticked all the boxes!

Flip Flops

I used my flip flops for short walks around town or to the beach, and going to breakfast or dinner.

Clothing

Adjust this for however long you’ll be there. This is what I packed for 11 days with access to laundry.

Shorts x 3

Not much explanation necessary but I packed 3 pairs of shorts.

Lightweight hiking pants x 1

I took a pair of the Patagonia Quandary hiking pants and they were a game changer – I 100% recommend! They were super light and cool (much cooler than jeans shorts), and they were fantastic for hiking to protect my legs from things like plant scratches and bugs.

Shirts x 3

I kept it simple with 3 basic t-shirts.

Singlet x 1

One singlet for beach days and lounging.

Swimsuit x 2

I always take 2 swimsuits because I have Endometriosis and am subject to extreme bloat on short notice. You could definitely just take one if you want.

Cover up or beach dress x 1

I always like to have a beach dress so I don’t have to walk around in wet jeans shorts.

Maxi dress x 1

I took 2 maxi dresses for dinners but only used one.

Nice top x 2

Something nicer than just a t-shirt that I could pop on with jeans shorts for casual dinners or breakfast.

I took this one and this one.

Rain jacket x 1

This is another game changer! I’ve had my Patagonia rain jacket for many years and it’s been a great investment. It’s very light and easy to pack, and you’ll always be ready in case it rains.

Underwear

You should be able to handle this.

Plane outfit

I get really cold on planes, so I also had the outfit I wore for the travel day there and back. It was jeans, one of the nice tops, and a sweater.

Day trip gear

Dry bag

When we are talking about things that prepared me well for an amazing trip, a dry bag is high on that list.

I used this 10L dry bag.

Usually I would use a small backpack for my adventures, however it wasn’t as practical for the weather and style of adventures in Costa Rica.

With the dry bag, I was always prepared for the elements. Whether it was a sudden rain shower, the water coming into the small boat on the snorkeling tours, or even just the sheer level of humidity – my belongings could always stay dry and protected.

I 100% recommend having one to make the adventure days easier (& worry free!)

Lightweight towel

You may not think you need a towel, since many hotels will have beach towels you can use.

The reason I am very glad I took my lightweight towel is because the beach towels that hotels offer are usually big, bulky towels. They become cumbersome to carry around all day and more annoying than helpful.

I was glad I had a lightweight towel that I could roll up and keep in my dry bag easily.

Water bottle

Most people are already traveling with a water bottle, so I don’t need to say too much. But just a reminder to keep hydrated while you’re out and about because the humidity will have you sweating buckets!

It doesn’t hurt to pack a couple of electrolyte packets to help with hydration as well.

Toiletries

Four pack of solid toiletries

I use this four pack of solid toiletries when I travel whether it’s a weekend trip or international vacation.

It’s super convenient because they cover your shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and moisturizer in four small, lightweight bars. The conditioner is not my favorite, but it’s a small downside and I really like the other products.

Makeup

Costa Rica is a place where you can lean toward a little more natural, lightweight look – you’re going to sweat off all your makeup anyway.

Of course, pack your makeup however you want. But to give you an idea of what I took, here’s what I packed:

• Tinted moisturizer
• Concealer
• Highlight/blush stick
• Eyeshadow stick
• Mascara
• Lip gloss

Feminine hygiene

I packed a Pixie Cup, but pack whatever period products you need. Even if you’re not due for a period while on your trip, I still recommend packing some just in case. Firstly, it’s better to be prepared than not. But also because in some places they can be hard to get.

Epic Wipes

I love these for adventure days but they came in handy while in Costa Rica for freshening up during the day.

Insect repellent

If you’re packing carry on only, you may want to buy a can when you arrive in Costa Rica because you’ll probably need more than a travel size bottle.

I packed a travel size bottle to cover me initially, then bought a can to top up while I was there.

However you prepare, you’ll definitely want something to deter the mosquitoes and a good spray with DEET will come in handy.

Sunscreen

Another thing that you may want to buy there depending on how you pack, but another helpful thing to pack for your adventures.

Medication

If you take medications, check if they are allowed in the country as well as what paperwork you might need for it.

The only thing I’d recommend is a small pack of Imodium to have as an emergency in case you get travelers diarrhea.

Electronics

GoPro

My GoPro was the camera I used most while I was in Costa Rica because of its versatility. It was the one that could do it all and keep up with my adventures.

With this one camera that could go hiking, go underwater, and it wouldn’t matter if it rained or I dropped it or anything like that.

If I was at the beach I could take it swimming, so I didn’t need to worry about having to leave a camera on the beach.

Selfie stick and tripod

I have used this compact selfie stick and tripod with my GoPro for many years now. I love it because it’s so discreet and compact, but still does a great job.

I also took a GoPro Floaty Handler for snorkeling because it is a floaty stick and can be strapped to my wrist.

Kindle

I took my Kindle to read during downtime at night or sometimes at dinner.

Charging cords

• Phone charger
• Camera charger
• Adapter if necessary (wasn’t necessary for me coming from the US)

Miscellaneous

The basics

• Phone
• Wallet
• Keys
• Passport

Backpack

I use a Patagonia 60L duffel. Have done for years and it’s my go-to backpack. I like the duffel for traveling because it’s one big open space that allows me to squeeze in a lot.

They don’t make the 60L anymore, so you could either go down to the 55L or up to the 70L.

Other guides you might enjoy

• How To Book An Incredible Horse Riding Tour In Puerto Viejo

• The Best Hotel In Puerto Viejo For Solo Travelers – Le Cameleon Review

• So You Can’t Drink Tap Water – Here’s How To Avoid Travelers Diarrhea

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