Packing List for Costa Rica

When packing for your trip to Costa Rica, there are some essential things you'll want to bring along. Beyond the basics, here's our thoughts for your Costa Rica packing list:

• 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

For more information on planning your trip to Costa Rica, visit Fast Facts About Costa Rica.

Pura Vida!
Ed & Connie