​Costa Rica is a tropical country with a wide variety of climates and environments. Depending on your itinerary, you may experience hot and humid beaches, cooler mountain temperatures, rainforest, and occasional rain. The key is to pack light, comfortable, and versatile clothing that can handle both heat and rain.

 

Important Documents & Travel Essentials

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• Valid passport — check that it meets your destination's entry requirements

• Digital and printed copy of your passport

• Travel insurance information and emergency contact details

• Flight itinerary and accommodation information

• Credit/debit cards

• Some cash in U.S. dollars and/or Costa Rican colones

• Emergency contact information

• Copies of any important prescriptions

• Phone and phone charger

• Portable battery/power bank

• Reusable water bottle

• Small travel wallet or secure pouch for valuables

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Tip: Keep your passport, money, electronics, and other valuables in your carry-on rather than your checked luggage.

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Clothing

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Choose lightweight, breathable clothing that dries quickly. Cotton is comfortable, but moisture-wicking or quick-dry fabrics can be especially useful for outdoor activities.

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• 5–7 lightweight T-shirts or tops

• 2–3 pairs of shorts

• 1–2 pairs of lightweight long pants

• 1–2 long-sleeved shirts

• 7–10 pairs of underwear

• 5–7 pairs of socks

• Pajamas

• Swimsuit

• Light sweater or fleece

• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho

• Hat or baseball cap

• Sunglasses

• Comfortable casual outfit for evenings

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Sandals or flip-flops

• Optional: lightweight athletic/outdoor clothing

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Tip: You generally won't need formal clothing in Costa Rica. Most activities and restaurants are casual.

Shoes

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Good footwear is important, especially if your program includes hiking, walking tours, service learning, or adventure activities.

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• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers

• Hiking shoes or trail shoes if your itinerary includes hiking

• Sandals or flip-flops

• Water shoes if participating in water-based activities

• Extra socks

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Tip: Avoid bringing brand-new shoes. Make sure your walking or hiking shoes are already broken in.

Rainforest & Outdoor Activities

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Rain is part of the Costa Rican experience, particularly during the green season. Even when the forecast looks clear, weather can change quickly.

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• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho

• Small daypack

• Waterproof phone pouch

• Small dry bag or waterproof bag

• Zip-top bags for protecting electronics

• Quick-drying clothing

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• Small flashlight or headlamp

• Binoculars, optional

• Camera, optional

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A waterproof backpack cover can also be useful for keeping your belongings dry during unexpected rain.

Beach & Water Activities

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If your itinerary includes beaches, hot springs, rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, or a catamaran excursion, consider bringing:

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• 1–2 swimsuits

• Quick-dry shorts or clothing

• Beach sandals

• Water shoes

• Rash guard or UV-protective shirt

• Waterproof phone pouch

• Dry bag

• Sunglasses with a secure strap

• Hat or cap

• Extra change of clothes

• Reusable water bottle

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Toiletries & Personal Care

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• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Body wash or soap

• Deodorant

• Face wash

• Moisturizer

• Hairbrush/comb

• Hair ties

• Razor

• Feminine hygiene products, if needed

• Lip balm with SPF

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Hand sanitizer

• Tissues

• Wet wipes

• Small personal first-aid kit

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Travel-size toiletries are recommended, particularly if you are traveling with only a carry-on.

 

Medications & Health Items

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Bring enough medication for the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of unexpected delays.

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• Prescription medications

• Medications in their original containers

• Copies of prescriptions, if appropriate

• Motion-sickness medication

• Pain reliever

• Antihistamine

• Band-aids

• Blister protection

• Anti-itch cream

• Electrolyte packets

• Any personal medical or dietary supplies

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If you take prescription medication, keep it in your carry-on luggage.

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Electronics

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• Smartphone

• Phone charger

• Portable power bank

• Camera and charger, if desired

• Headphones/earbuds

• Laptop or tablet, if required for your program

• Charging cables

• Travel adapter, if needed for your devices

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Costa Rica generally uses the same type of electrical outlets as the United States and Canada, so travelers from those countries typically do not need an adapter.

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For Service-Learning Programs

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If your program includes a service-learning project, pack clothing and shoes that you don't mind getting dirty.

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• Comfortable work clothes

• Long pants

• Closed-toe shoes

• Work gloves, if requested by your program

• Hat

• Reusable water bottle

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Small towel

• Extra change of clothes

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Tip: Save your nicest clothes for later in the trip. Service-learning and outdoor projects can be dusty, muddy, or messy!

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For Academic & Cultural Activities

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• Notebook or journal

• Pens/pencils

• Small backpack or daypack

• Phone or camera

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Lightweight clothing appropriate for visits to universities, organizations, and professional sites

• Optional: Spanish phrasebook or translation app

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Money & Valuables

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• Credit/debit card

• Small amount of cash

• Small wallet

• Money belt or secure pouch, optional

• Photocopy/digital copy of important documents

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Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or unnecessary valuables. Leave expensive jewelry and other items you don't need at home.

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Things You Probably Don't Need

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• Heavy jackets

• Lots of formal clothing

• Excessive amounts of shoes

• Large amounts of cash

• Expensive jewelry

• Hair dryers, unless necessary

• Large beach towels — accommodations and activities often provide them

• Excessive toiletries — most basic products can be purchased locally if needed

 

Your Daypack

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Keep a small backpack with you during day trips and excursions. A good daypack should contain:

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• Water bottle

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Rain jacket or poncho

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• Phone

• Portable charger

• Small amount of cash

• Personal medications

• Hand sanitizer

• Camera, if desired

• Small towel or bandana

• Zip-top bag for keeping electronics dry

 

One Last Tip

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Pack for the activities, not just the weather. Costa Rica's climate can vary considerably from one region to another, and you may go from a hot beach to a cool mountain environment within the same trip. Lightweight layers, comfortable shoes, rain protection, and quick-drying clothing will go a long way toward keeping you comfortable throughout your adventure.