- proper hiking or walking shoes/boots that are already broken in (this is not the time to try out some new shoes!)
- sunscreen & a sun hat - even for men!
- bug spray/insect repellent
(this will be essential, especially if you're planning a trip to any of the volcanoes in Costa Rica, but you can also purchase locally)
- sunglasses (and maybe even a back up pair if you're prone to losing them!)
- a light hoodie/sweater/jacket if you're heading to Monteverde Cloud Forest or the volcanoes!)
- jeans/quick-dry long convertible hiking pants
for rainforest tours
- a good guidebook such as
Frommer's Costa Rica 2017 (Complete Guide)
and Lonely Planet Costa Rica (Travel Guide)
.
- if you're traveling, it's very important to have either a detailed Waterproof Travel Map Of Costa Rica
and/or a Costa Rica Adventure Travel Map (Trails Illustrated)
- trust us, you'll probably need it at some point
- camera/binoculars
- upload your photos to a cloud site so you can reuse your memory card without having to purchase multiples
- extra pairs of contact lenses (if you wear them) as they can be expensive to buy/find
- a travel adapter
for a three-prong plug to a two-prong plug (if you're coming from the U.S.)
- a good daypack or backpack
- but nothing special as you don't want to draw attention to it
- U.S. cash/colones for small incidental purchases but don't carry large amounts of either; take advantage of abundant ATMs and only withdraw what you'll need for a few days
- a small first aid kit
with the basics added in: such as Pepto Bismal/Immodium, Tylenol, Ibuprofen and bandaids. Always good to have on hand, just in case - the last thing you'll want to do is go out and buy if you're not feeling well :(
- be sure to take copies of your passports showing your details/entry stamp but leave the originals in your condo safe; it's also a good idea to keep copies on a cloud server for easy access
and 
.
For more information on planning your trip to Costa Rica, visit Fast Facts About Costa Rica.
Pura Vida!
Ed & Connie
Pura Vida!
Ed & Connie
