Costa Rica packing list
- Costa Rica packing is humidity, sudden rain, and trails that start wet—quick-dry clothes beat cotton.
- A light rain shell and bug spray belong in the daypack even when the beach looks clear.
- Plugs are usually A/B; still confirm your lodge if you are deep in the hills.
What you’ll likely need
A quick peek at must-bring and strongly suggested items for this trip. Your full checklist with checkboxes appears in a moment.
- Sunglasses
- After-sun / aloe gel
- Beach towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Wide-brim sun hat
- Light sundress / linen pants
- Packable rain jacket
- Pants / shorts
- Socks
- Sun hat / cap
- Swimsuit
- Swimsuit
- T-shirts / tops
- Underwear
- Credit / debit cards
- Driver's license / ID
- Flight / booking confirmations
- Health insurance card
- Passport
- Visa / entry documents
- Phone
- Phone charger
- Travel power adapter
- Quick-dry swim towel
- Swim goggles
- Prescription medications
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (travel size)
- TSA liquids bag (100ml)
- Day backpack
- Packing cubes
- Dry bag for phone & keys
- Mesh beach bag
- Rash guard / UV shirt
- Water shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hiking boots
- Light jacket / layer
- Sandals / flip-flops
- Sleepwear
- Wicking hiking socks
- Emergency contact list
- Local currency / cash
- Travel insurance documents
- Headphones / earbuds
- Portable charger
- Reusable water bottle
Tips for this trip
- Pack one nicer outfit for a town dinner; leave the rest in trail and swim mode.
- Waterproof sandals or light hikers handle both beach towns and muddy paths better than dress shoes.
- International documents still matter—pair this with the international list for passport day.
Related packing lists
More beach vacation packing lists guides on our beach vacation packing lists hub , or use the full packing tool
Common questions
What should I pack for Costa Rica? +
Quick-dry shirts, rain shell, swimsuit, bug spray, sunscreen, and shoes that can get muddy. Add hiking items if you have trail days.
Beach week or rainforest lodges? +
Turn on swimming for coast days and hiking for volcano or cloud-forest trails. The list above follows those chips.
Cancún vs Costa Rica packing? +
Cancún is resort sun. Costa Rica adds rain, bugs, and trail dirt. Use the Cancún list for the Yucatán; stay here for CR.
Can I print this Costa Rica packing checklist? +
Yes—Print / Save as PDF after you set days and activities.