Fortuna Waterfall

Costa Rica Packing List (Essentials For Dry & Rainy Season)

ByLayla Pond

Packing your suitcase for an upcoming trip to Costa Rica? You’ve come to the right article. 

Costa Rica is an amazing travel destination, with such a biodiverse natural environment, and year round sunshine. With that, there’s some very important things to pack so you stay safe and comfortable while exploring the country. 

As someone who packs lightly, I wish I put more thought into my packing list before visiting Costa Rica. I made every mistake (getting sunburnt, bug bites, phone dying, camera getting wet) while in the country so you don’t have to! 

Here are all of the essentials to pack for a vacation trip to Costa Rica.

Insect repellent and wristbands

15+ Costa Rica Packing List Essentials

1. Sunscreen (SPF 30-70)

Costa Rica is located only 8 to 12 degrees north of the equator, so sunscreen is an essential to ensure you don’t get sunburned. It’s best to wear SPF of at least 30, and SPF of 50-70 if you easily get sunburned.

Just remember to apply sunscreen on your face and body, and reapply it throughout the day.

Whether you’re hiking through the rainforest or sunbathing on the beach, you’re almost guaranteed to get sunburned if you don’t wear sunscreen.

Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo Beach

2. Insect Repellent

Pack insect repellent to avoid getting bit by bugs at night, and while going on hikes. There’s many bugs (mosquitos, sandflies, spiders) in Costa Rica, but you can easily avoid bites by using bug spray diligently.

If you’re sensitive to bug spray, you can also use mosquito repellent wristbands as a bracelet o anklet to avoid bug bites.

3. Phone Chargers

Packing two phone chargers is a good idea in case one stops working, and to have a designated one for the car. There’s nothing worse than your phone dying while you need directions, especially on long drives from region to region!

Most car rentals have USB ports, but it’s not a bad idea to bring a car charger if you have one.

4. Light, Quick Drying Clothing

The best thing to wear in Costa Rica is loose fitting, light clothing that dries quickly. Costa Rica is warm year round, so shorts and dresses are the best things to wear.

5. Hiking Shoes/Comfortable Sneakers

Hiking shoes or comfortable sneakers are important to pack if you plan on visiting national parks, waterfalls, and other natural attractions.

If you’re visiting during the rainy season, trails can be especially muddy and slippery, so ideally bring shoes with good grip!

Stairs down to Nauyaca waterfall

6. Swimwear

From beaches to waterfalls and hot springs, there’s many places you’ll need swimwear for in Costa Rica. I recommend bringing 2 swimsuits/swim shorts, so you always have a dry set for the day.

7. Rain Jacket/Ponchos (Wet Season)

If you’re visiting during the rainy season (May-November), rain jackets or ponchos are an absolute essential to bring. I visited in early November, so it rained nearly every afternoon. 

8. Water Shoes

Packing water shoes is a must if you plan on swimming in waterfalls, going whitewater rafting, or doing any water activities. They’re also amazing to have during the rainy season, so you don’t have to worry about your sneakers getting wet or muddy while hiking. 

Fortuna Waterfall
Fortuna Waterfall

9. Umbrella (Wet Season)

Umbrellas are very necessary for the rainy season (May-November) in Costa Rica. In my experience visiting in early November, it rains heavily in quick bursts, and at random times.

An umbrella can save your outfit from being soaked, and protect your phone/camera equipment!

10. Sun Hat And Sunglasses

Beyond sunscreen, pack a sunhat and sunglasses for extra sun protection. If you’re visiting in the dry season (Dec-April), the temperature can get into the high 90’s.

And if you’re staying by the lovely beaches in Guanacaste, keep in mind that it’s the hottest and sunniest region, so sun protection is extra important.

11. Long Sleeved Shirts And Pants

Long sleeved shirts and pants are good for preventing bug bites and extra sun protection while in Costa Rica. I recommend wearing long pants while sleeping, and if you plan on doing a night time jungle tour to avoid getting bitten on the legs. 

12. Extra Socks And Underwear

I recommend packing a few extra pairs of socks and underwear, so you don’t have to worry about doing laundry on your trip. There are no self service laundromats in Costa Rica, and laundry can be expensive depending on where you go.

Certain hotels and Airbnbs may offer free laundry service, but I ended up having to pay $20 to get my laundry done at a hotel!

13. Flashlight

Having a flashlight can be super useful in Costa Rica. Most roads in Costa Rica don’t have street lights, so a flashlight can help you walk around at night, locate your car in a dark parking lot, and other emergency situations.

14. Wet Wipes

Wet wipes are great to have for wiping off mud and dirt after hiking. If you’re renting a car in Costa Rica, they expect you to return it as clean as you received it, or they may charge you a cleaning fee.

Keeping wet wipes in the car is a really convenient way to maintain the cleanliness of the rental. 

15. Waterproof Cases

Whether you’re visiting during the wet or dry season, waterproof cases are another essential to bring.

Not only will a waterproof phone case protect your phone from the rain, but it’ll prevent it from being damaged while doing water activities (waterfalls, hot springs, river rafting, etc.). 

If you’re bringing a camera (during the rainy season), I highly recommend packing a waterproof camera case, as the heavy rainfall can easily damage your equipment. 

16. Backpack

For hiking in Costa Rica, I recommend bringing a little backpack so you can store snacks, drinks, and extra clothes with you. I brought a backpack as a carry on, and it was super convenient to have while hiking in the national parks and waterfalls.

If you prefer packing lightly, a fanny pack or water bottle sling will also do. 

17. Bandaids

Pack bandaids for minor cuts and scrapes that you may get while hiking.

Some other helpful things to pack for are Neosporin for small wounds/bug bites, and Dramamine if you happen to get motion sickness on long drives. 

18. Cash

To avoid the hassle of withdrawing cash while in Costa Rica, pack any loose change you have! Dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica, and you need cash for parking, tips, and to recharge your sim card at grocery stores.

19. Anti-Itch Cream

Anti-itch cream is a lifesaver for if you get bitten despite wearing bug spray. The Bug Bite Thing is a suction tool that also works amazingly for relieving itching from bug bites. 

Costa Rica Rainy Season Essentials

These are all of the must-pack essentials for rainy season (May-November), to stay dry in torrential rain:

  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Waterproof phone and camera cases
  • Umbrella
  • Water shoes

Summary

Costa Rica is a dream destination if you love an adventure, but it’s important to pack appropriately so that you can stay safe and comfortable.

The most important things to pack for Costa Rica are sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy, comfortable shoes.

If you’re visiting during the rainy season (May-November), rain jackets/ponchos, an umbrella, water shoes, and waterproof cases are must-haves as well.

And for more tips on how to get around and what to do in Costa Rica, check out our perfect 7 day itinerary!

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