Costa RicaCentral America
What to Pack for Costa Rica
How to pack for rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and adventure days
2seasons covered
Quick answer
Pack waterproof hiking boots for muddy Monteverde, Arenal, and Corcovado trails, a packable rain jacket for year-round showers, and quick-dry clothing for 72 to 90°F. Bring 30% DEET or Picaridin (dengue and Zika), reef-safe sunscreen for parks, and a dry bag for boats to Tortuguero and Drake Bay. US travelers skip the adapter: Costa Rica runs Type A/B at 120V.
Seasons
2 seasons covered
Region
Central America
Temp range
72-90°F
Country
Costa Rica
Costa Rica packs rainforest, volcanoes, cloud forest, and surf coast into a country smaller than West Virginia. There are two seasons. Dry runs December through April, sunny, with temperatures between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Green or rainy runs May through November, when showers roll in most afternoons and temperatures sit between 72 and 85.
The culture is laid-back, and the dress code follows. Shorts, sandals, and a t-shirt go nearly everywhere. Don't let that fool you into underpacking for the outdoors. Jungle trails turn to mud, so bring real hiking boots with ankle support. Bug spray with DEET is not optional, since mosquitoes here carry dengue. And the dry season isn't dry everywhere: the higher you go the more likely an afternoon downpour, so a packable rain jacket earns its place in every bag.
Whether you're zip-lining through Monteverde, watching sloths in Manuel Antonio, surfing Tamarindo, hiking Arenal, or spotting howler monkeys from a lodge, the same list works: sun protection, rain readiness, adventure gear. Most hotels and hostels do laundry for a few dollars, so you can pack lighter than you'd expect for two weeks.
Temperature: 75-90°FAPR 26Warm and sunny, with low humidity on the coasts and mild temperatures up in the highlands, this is the stretch most people plan their trip around: clear skies, almost no rain, and easy conditions for beach days, hiking, and wildlife watching from one end of the country to the other. The Pacific coast is driest. The Caribbean side still catches some rain. Midday UV is brutal. Up around Monteverde and the Central Valley, nights drop to the mid-60s, so pack a layer.
👕Clothing
Essentials
- Lightweight moisture-wicking t-shirts x5 (Breathable synthetic or cotton blend for hot, humid conditions)
- Quick-dry shorts x4 (Nylon or polyester blend for hikes, beaches, and daily wear)
- Lightweight long pants (convertible zip-off recommended) x2 (Protects legs on jungle hikes and from mosquitoes at dusk)
- Swimsuits x3 (Rotate so one is always dry between beach and pool)
- Long-sleeve sun shirt (UPF 50+) (Sun protection for boat rides, surfing, and open-air activities)
- Light hoodie or fleece layer (Monteverde cloud forest and highland evenings can dip into the 60s)
- Underwear (moisture-wicking) x7 (Synthetic or merino wool handles humidity better than cotton)
Nice to Have
- Casual evening outfit x2 (Costa Rica is very casual, but nicer restaurants in San Jose appreciate a clean look)
- Lightweight pajamas or sleep shorts x2
👟Footwear
Essentials
- Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support (Trails around Arenal, Monteverde, and Rincon de la Vieja are muddy even in dry season)
- Sport sandals with good grip (Teva or Chaco style for river crossings, waterfalls, and casual hiking)
- Casual flip-flops (For the beach, hostel showers, and everyday wear around town)
- Moisture-wicking hiking socks x4 (Prevents blisters on long jungle hikes in humid conditions)
Nice to Have
- Water shoes or reef walkers (Useful for rocky Pacific beaches and hot springs with uneven surfaces)
🧴Toiletries & Health
Essentials
- Insect repellent with DEET (30%+) x2 (Apply generously before jungle hikes and at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes peak)
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (SPF 50+) x2 (Zinc oxide based. Required at many national parks and marine reserves.)
- After-sun aloe vera gel (Equatorial sun is intense, even on partly cloudy days)
- Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte packets x5 (Stays hydrated during hot jungle hikes and long beach days)
- Anti-diarrheal medication (Imodium) (Stomach issues can happen when adjusting to new foods)
- Antihistamine tablets (For allergic reactions to insect bites or tropical plants)
- Prescription medications with doctor's letter (Bring documentation for any prescription drugs)
- Basic first aid kit (Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, blister pads, tweezers)
- Lip balm with SPF
📱Electronics & Gear
Essentials
- Type A/B power adapter (same as US) (Costa Rica uses the same outlets and 120V as the United States. No adapter needed for US travelers.)
- Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh) (Essential for long days in national parks without outlets)
- Waterproof phone pouch (For waterfalls, river floats, boat transfers, and rain)
- Compact binoculars (Costa Rica has over 900 bird species. You'll want them on every hike.)
- Headlamp or small flashlight (Night wildlife walks are popular, and jungle lodges can have dark paths)
- Dry bag (15-20L) (Protects gear during boat rides to Tortuguero and Drake Bay)
Nice to Have
- GoPro or waterproof action camera (Great for zip-lining, surfing, snorkeling, and waterfall rappelling)
📄Documents & Money
Essentials
- Passport with 6+ months validity (Costa Rica requires at least one day of validity beyond your stay, but 6 months is recommended)
- Proof of onward travel (Airlines and immigration may ask for a return flight or ticket out of the country)
- Two separate debit/credit cards x2 (Visa is widely accepted. Keep cards in different bags as backup.)
- US dollars in small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) (Accepted in most tourist areas. Avoid $50 and $100 bills, which are harder to break.)
- Costa Rican colones (Needed for local buses, sodas (local restaurants), and rural areas)
- Travel insurance documents (Ensure coverage for adventure activities like zip-lining, surfing, and ATV tours)
Nice to Have
- Printed copies of hotel and activity bookings (Backup in areas with no cell service)
🏔️Adventure & Outdoor Gear
Essentials
- Packable rain jacket (Afternoon showers can happen even in dry season up in the highlands)
- Lightweight daypack (20-25L) (For national park hikes, beach days, and day trips)
- Quick-dry microfiber towel (Lightweight and compact for waterfalls, hot springs, and beach days)
- Rash guard or swim shirt (Sun protection for surfing, snorkeling, and river tubing)
- Wide-brim sun hat with chin strap (Essential for beach days and open trail hikes)
- Polarized sunglasses with retainer strap (Strap prevents losing them during adventure activities)
- Reusable water bottle with filter (Tap water is safe in most of Costa Rica, but a filter adds peace of mind in rural areas)
Nice to Have
- Compression packing cubes (Keeps clothes organized when moving between multiple lodges)
Packing Tips for Costa Rica
- 1Pack insect repellent with at least 30% DEET or Picaridin. Mosquitoes in Costa Rica carry dengue and Zika, and they are aggressive in rainforest areas and near standing water.
- 2Bring sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and deep tread. Trails in Monteverde, Arenal, and Corcovado are often muddy, steep, and slippery regardless of season.
- 3A packable rain jacket earns its keep year-round. Even in dry season, high-altitude spots like Monteverde get frequent mist and light rain.
- 4Use reef-safe sunscreen only. Costa Rica takes environmental protection seriously, and many beaches and national parks restrict chemical sunscreens that harm marine life.
- 5Carry US dollars in small bills alongside Costa Rican colones. Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but smaller shops and local restaurants prefer colones.
- 6Download offline maps before your trip. Cell service is reliable in cities but drops out in remote areas like the Osa Peninsula and mountain roads.
- 7Pack a dry bag for boat transfers, river crossings, and beach days. Many popular destinations like Tortuguero and Drake Bay are only accessible by boat.
- 8Laundry services are available at most hotels and hostels for a few dollars per load. Pack for 5-6 days and wash mid-trip to keep your bag light.
Costa Rica Travel Guide
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need hiking boots for Costa Rica?
Yes, especially if you plan to visit rainforests, volcanoes, or national parks. Trails in popular areas like Monteverde, Arenal, and Corcovado are often muddy, uneven, and slippery. Waterproof boots with ankle support and aggressive tread are strongly recommended. Sport sandals work for easier trails and river hikes, but serious jungle trekking demands proper footwear.
Is bug spray really that important in Costa Rica?
Yes. Mosquitoes in Costa Rica can carry dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, and they're worst in rainforest, near rivers, and at dawn and dusk. Bring repellent with at least 30% DEET or Picaridin and apply it daily. For rainy season, treat your clothing with permethrin spray before the trip.
What should I pack for Costa Rica in the rainy season?
Focus on waterproof and quick-dry everything. A packable rain jacket is the most important item, followed by waterproof hiking boots, quick-dry clothing, and a dry bag for electronics. Mornings are usually sunny, so you still need sunscreen and sun protection. Bring extra socks, antifungal powder, and ziplock bags for keeping valuables dry. The rain typically falls in the afternoon and clears by evening.
Do I need a power adapter for Costa Rica?
If you are traveling from the United States or Canada, no. Costa Rica uses the same Type A and Type B outlets at 120V. Travelers from Europe, the UK, Australia, or Asia will need a plug adapter. Power can be unreliable in remote jungle lodges, so a portable power bank is a smart addition regardless of where you are from.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Costa Rica?
Yes, in most of the country. Tap water is safe to drink in San Jose, the major tourist areas, and most towns. In very remote spots like the Osa Peninsula or small rural communities, a filtered water bottle is worth carrying. When in doubt, ask your hotel or lodge.
What is the dress code in Costa Rica?
Extremely casual. Costa Rica runs on pura vida culture, and you can wear shorts, sandals, and a t-shirt almost everywhere, including most restaurants. There is no need to pack formal clothing. Even nicer restaurants in San Jose or beach towns rarely require anything beyond a clean, presentable outfit. Pack for comfort and function over fashion.
Should I bring US dollars or Costa Rican colones?
Bring both. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and tour operators, but local buses, small restaurants called sodas, farmers markets, and rural shops work in colones only. Carry small bills in both currencies. ATMs that dispense colones are easy to find in most towns. Avoid bringing large US bills like $50s and $100s, as many places cannot make change.
How many outfits should I pack for two weeks in Costa Rica?
Pack for about 5-6 days regardless of trip length. Most hotels, hostels, and jungle lodges offer affordable laundry services with same-day or next-day turnaround. This approach keeps your bag light and manageable, which matters if you are hopping between destinations by shuttle, domestic flight, or boat. Focus on versatile, quick-dry pieces that can be mixed and matched.
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