How to Pack for a Trip to Costa Rica

Tropical forests, colorful wildlife and spectacular beaches are part of daily life in Costa Rica. The climate varies depending on where you are, so pack accordingly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carry-on Bags
• Garment Bags
• Hiking Boots
• Luggage Sets
• Sunglasses
• Travel Clothes
• Umbrellas
• Travel Adapters And Converters
• Insect Repellents
• Sunscreen
• Backpacks
• Duffel Bags
• Umbrellas

1. Prepare for hot, humid summers. Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, skirts and tank tops in lightweight fabrics should keep you cool. Take a sweater for evenings at a higher elevation.

2. Bring plenty of sunblock. Also include insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit.

3. Take rubber-soled sandals or hiking boots for journeys into the rain forests. Flip-flops and sandals are great for resorts and hanging out by the beach.

4. Pack separate clothes for evenings. Simple dresses are great for women, while men will do well in long shorts and a button-down shirt.

5. Prepare for cool winters, particularly in the northern regions and at higher elevations. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are a must, while a fleece jacket or a sweater is advisable.

6. Take an umbrella if you plan to travel between May and November - Costa Rica's wettest period. A rain slicker will come in handy while hiking.

7. Take an electric converter and adapter.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a carry-on bag that includes all necessities - your passport, a change of clothes, all medications, spare contact lenses or glasses, all forms of money and any important documents - in case your luggage goes astray.
• Pack to accommodate your needs. Leave superfluous items at home.

on 11/22/2005 I highly recommend that you bring a large trashbag to keep wet or damp clothes in. If you are visiting during the wet period, clothes do not dry fast and tend to smell very bad if you do not have convenient access to a washer and dryer.

on 11/22/2005 Costa Rica is great - be sure to take plenty of bug spray (i.e. Deep Woods Off) and good hiking boots. It's hot and rainy, so a good rain slicker or windbreaker will come in handy. Roads are really rough out there. If you plan to rent a car, rent a 4x4. It's the best bet if you to drive around alot. Take good music (CDs for the car)- everyone will say everything is a 2 hr drive, but after wrong turns and getting lost, you are in the car for a long time. Have fun - be safe!

on 11/22/2005 Ticos tend to dress up more than most norteamericanos. You won't see many natives wearing cutoffs or t-shirts. Men wear nice shirts and slacks. Women wear sexy clothes and nearly always have their faces and hair done, especially when going out at night.

on 11/22/2005 Rent only a 4x4 in Costa Rica, as the roads are bad and frequently wash out. There are many places you cannot go without one. Also, wear pants in the rainforest because of the insects.

on 11/22/2005 In Costa Rica, they accept only new American money for exchange. They will not accept money that is torn, folded or worn. When shopping, it may be helpful to bring a small calculator or conversion chart so that you know how much 6000 colones is worth!