We share some important recommendations on what to put on in Costa Rica and some of our favourite merchandise and Costa Rica outfits. Hopefully, it makes your Costa Rica packing record a breeze. It’s a reasonably straightforward vacation spot for vacationers to pack, as there are solely two seasons. It additionally helps that there’s loads of heat climate and sunshine.
Nonetheless, it does have its share of humidity and rainforests. It’s not all a rainforest regardless of its small dimension, nevertheless it comprises many ranging climates. In Costa Rica, yow will discover all the pieces from the steamy jungles of the Osa Peninsula to the cool cloud forests of Monteverde or the arid seashores of Guanacaste.
Most vacationers head to the semi-arid area of Guanacaste within the dry season as a result of its steady local weather. In fact, this does include a sacrifice, as vacationers might miss out on the pure wonders of the nation’s rainforests.
Straightforward-to-pack objects like a rain jacket, mountain climbing sneakers, and artificial garments will make sure you’re ready regardless of the vacation spot in Costa Rica. We’re right here to assist make your Costa Rica packing record with ease. That method, you don’t find yourself with pointless objects or neglect one thing vital.
What’s The Climate Like In Costa Rica?
Earlier than we dig into this Costa Rica packing record, let’s chat in regards to the climate. Costa Rica enjoys heat climate all 12 months. It’s a tropical local weather with daytime temperatures starting from 22-28°C / 70-85°F. Costa Rica has two seasons that are moist and dry.
Heavy rain showers and excessive humidity from the east dump numerous rain on the nation from Could to November. Most days are nonetheless sunny in the course of the moist season, however afternoon thunderstorms are frequent. September and October are the rainiest months, with Could and November being the shoulder season months.
The dry season runs from December to April and affords low humidity with cooler evenings. It’s uncommon to see rain in in style seaside locations like Gauncaste, however rain in Monteverde or Arenal can occur any time of 12 months.
When you’ve got plans to spend time within the cloud forests, it’s a good suggestion to deliver a jacket. Temperatures in these forests vary from 12-18C, which might really feel chilly with no jacket within the wind.
The Caribbean Coast is an exception to all of this data. Its seasons are reversed, so that you’ll expertise dry climate from Could to October and wet climate from November to Could. It’s not the place most guests journey, regardless of being a fantastic shoreline stretch.
Seasons in Costa Rica
What Baggage To Carry To Costa Rica?
Journey Duffel Bag
Journey Backpack
Earlier than we bounce into what to put on in Costa Rica, let’s cowl baggage. We’ve got two bag suggestions for a visit to Costa Rica. The Peak Design Journey Duffel and Osprey Farpoint/Fairview journey backpack. Any backpack or duffel bag will do, however we favor these bag kinds over conventional hardshell suitcases.
Whilst you can simply use a conventional hardshell suitcase, you might need to steer clear of a rolling bag, as many of the nation could be very hilly with grime/sandy paths. Outdoors the five-star resorts the place bellhops will whisk away your suitcase, a duffel or backpack is a greater match for Costa Rica. In case you are heading to a resort or favor a suitcase, we love the Delsey Helium Aero.
What to Put on in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an off-the-cuff vacation spot, and the nation has no costume code. Most touristic locations are alongside the coast, so the common outfit in Costa Rica consists of shorts, a shirt/tank prime, and sandals. In the direction of the nation’s heart, temperatures are cooler and wetter, so we advocate you put on closed-toe sneakers, lengthy pants, and a light-weight jacket. For those who go to larger elevation locations like Monteverde or Arenal, you’ll need to pack a light-weight jacket and lengthy pants.
Costa Ricans or “Ticos” costume casually, however sporting pants and collared shirts is commonest in public areas. As with many locations in Latin America, most Ticos are spiritual and stay conservative in costume. This may have probably the most vital impression on girls. It’s uncommon for native girls to put on leggings or too revealing clothes, so anticipate some seems to be for those who costume like this in additional conventional cities and cities.
Garments To Pack For Costa Rica
T-Shirts
A basic tee won’t ever exit of fashion. Whereas it’s finest to keep away from graphic t-shirts in most locations, in Costa Rica, they’re completely intertwined with browsing tradition and laid-back vibes. When you’ve got a cool surf shirt, throw it in your bag. We love the standard and ease of ordering from Bombas for those who’re after a basic cotton tee.
Some common cotton tees are nice, however we advocate a shirt materials that handles humidity higher. Because of antimicrobial properties, artificial shirts (polyester/nylon) do a significantly better job drying in damp environments and keep away from getting funky. We love the Out of doors Analysis Echo shirt line for mountain climbing or understanding in humid locations, however they’re too athletic for on a regular basis put on.
For those who’re not an enormous fan of artificial merchandise, we’ve fallen in love with wool tee shirts and journey clothes. A merino wool shirt is a worthy funding and top-of-the-line journey garments. Wool shirts keep recent longer and do a superb job at temperature administration. I’ve examined lots of wool shirts out, and my favourite for journey to this point is from Unbound Merino. Males must also try the lads’s journey put on line, Western Rise, for his or her Merino StrongCore Tee and X Cotton T.
Lengthy Sleeve Technical Shirt
Pack a long-sleeved technical shirt for those who head to the cloud forest or different rainforest locations. There are lots of little critters within the jungles of Costa Rica, and bites are a damper in your vacation. The long-sleeved Out of doors Analysis Echo is a good selection. It’s additionally nice for solar safety on the water for sports activities like kayaking or SUP.
Or you may go for a basic technical shirt just like the Columbia Tamiami II. The Tamiami II affords U.V. safety and is light-weight, quick-drying, and rugged. It has glorious options resembling a vented again, entrance pockets, antimicrobial therapy, and mesh panels, making the shirt excellent for Costa Rica.
Rain Jacket
When you’ve got plans to discover or journey round Costa Rica, you’ll have to pack a rain jacket. A lot of the nation is a rainforest, so it’s secure to imagine you’ll see one of many nation’s many showers. In case you are touring to Costa Rica within the moist season (Could to December), a rain jacket is crucial, however we advocate one any time of the 12 months. Whereas the rain is often transient, we nonetheless benefit from the possibility to remain dry.
Mountain climbing is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Costa Rica, so we wish to journey with shell jackets designed for mountain climbing. They’re light-weight, sturdy, packable, waterproof, and windproof. Any rain jacket will do, however the top-dollar ones will maintain up and maintain up in inclement climate. For those who’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced jacket, we’re massive followers of Patagonia’s Torrentshell Jacket. We share our favourite packable rain jackets on this submit in order for you extra suggestions.
Heat Fleece Jacket
It’s an awesome concept to pack your favourite fleece or light-weight jacket. This all is dependent upon the place in Costa Rica you might be touring, however you may be stunned that components of Costa Rica have cool climate within the evenings. This contains many in style vacationer areas, resembling Monteverde, San Jose, and Arenal. San Jose even sees the uncommon freezing nighttime temperature.
Fleece is a wonderful possibility as you doubtless gained’t want a winter jacket for Costa Rica. Guarantee it’s light-weight, as you might solely have to put on the jacket a handful of occasions. That additionally makes it simpler to hold on to a cold flight. One among my favourite fleece jackets for journey is Patagonia’s Higher Sweater. We additionally advocate extra in our submit about the very best fleece jackets for journey for those who’re after one thing completely different.
Technical Pants or Shorts
Technical pants like mountain climbing pants are water resistant and dry rapidly, to not point out they’re comfy on lengthy walks. Historically mountain climbing pants have been fairly ugly, however now occasions are altering, and pants look much like chinos or khakis. They’re a welcome addition to your Costa Rica packing record for those who plan to take some rainforest hikes.
We recommend the prAna Halle that rolls into capris for girls and the lads’s KUHL Renegade Rock Pants. They’re each large pairs of mountain climbing pants at an inexpensive worth. These pants gained’t maintain up in really heinous climate, however they give the impression of being appropriate for informal walks round city.
Joggers Or Relaxed Pants
We dwell in joggers or relaxed pants when touring or on the seaside. Athleisure has come to dominate vogue now, and it’s a pattern we will get behind. Joggers or relaxed pants are a terrific strategy to stay comfy and trendy.
Vuori Clothes makes unbelievable Efficiency Joggers that look sharp, supply glorious efficiency, and really feel nice for journey days. They make for distinctive journey garments and stay one in all our favourite objects. Plus, they double as lounge and gymnasium put on, saving area in our luggage.
Different nice choices are the lads’s prAna Vaha Pant and girls’s Kanab Pants, a few of our all-time favourite pants. We pack them for each journey; their relaxed type and luxury by no means allow us to down. The Vaha pants and shorts are glorious males’s yoga clothes choices — excellent for Costa Rica.
Journey Shorts
Due to its heat and tropical local weather, you’ll need some shorts on your journey to Costa Rica. They’re additionally straightforward to pack as they take up much less area in your baggage and may be simply washed. As temperatures common across the 80s F (26+ C), we spend most of our time in shorts.
I wish to pack two or three pairs for versatility, resembling gymnasium shorts, bermuda shorts, and technical journey shorts. Shorts are a kind of objects that I discover to be acceptable as low-cost cotton objects. We’ve examined lots of journey shorts out and solely been impressed by a handful.
Our suggestions for males’s shorts are the Western Rise Evolution, Quicksilver Amphibian, Vuori Kore Shorts, and Outlier OG Freeway. Suggestions for girls embrace the prAna Elle Brief, Vuori Sprint, prAna Kanab, and Patagonia Baggies. We recommend no matter fits your type and advocate they don’t contain cargo pockets.
Swimsuit
We are able to’t think about heading to Costa Rica and never having fun with a few of its splendid seashores. A swimsuit is an apparent addition to any packing record. We advocate packing two fits so that you at all times have a dry one. It’s a simple choice on your Costa Rica packing record.
For a unbelievable girls’s swimsuit model, we advocate Londre. They make high-quality swimsuits for girls. Lots of their items are trendy but supportive. So for those who plan to log on, bodyboarding, kitesurfing, or play seaside volleyball and need to guarantee your ta-tas keep intact, these swimsuits are for you.
Vuori makes unbelievable light-weight Cruise Board Shorts in varied prints and colours. They’re tremendous comfy, rapidly dry, and the minimize is ideal. We don’t like board shorts which might be too lengthy or free, as they give the impression of being sloppy.
Ladies’s Garments For Costa Rica
Cute Summer time Costume
A pleasant outfit is a fantastic concept for these date nights and trendy resorts. We advocate a basic costume like an uncovered shoulder prime, slip, maxi, or your favourite summer time costume. I like to put on a cute summer time costume in Costa Rica. Proper now, my favourite summer time clothes come from Salty Crush. They make a bunch of high quality bohemian-style summer time clothes. For those who’re after one thing extra stylish, we love the kinds and affords from Lulus.
Yoga Pants
With the entire eco resorts and surf tradition, Costa Rica is a hub for yoga retreats within the Americas. Most massive resorts even supply yoga lessons within the morning or night. Pack at the very least two pairs of yoga pants in your suitcase. Our favourite yoga pants and sports activities bras come from Handful – you gained’t discover larger high quality for the worth – belief me! Better of all, they’ve lots of initiatives to help girls preventing breast most cancers.
Males’s Garments For Costa Rica
Linen/Costume Shirt
Linen is as sensible as it’s trendy. It’s nice because it tends to dry quicker, really feel lighter, and deal with sweat higher than its cotton counterparts. Pair a linen shirt with sandals, shorts, denims, or sneakers, and even go barefoot. It’s a flexible shirt that appears nice on each sexes and works on the seaside or a restaurant. It’s robust to seek out respectable linen shirts on-line, however I like the standard of Everlane’s linen shirts. We discover it the right resort put on, however you gained’t really feel misplaced strolling round a sleepy surf city.
Chinos
Pack a pleasant pair of pants like chinos for those who plan an evening out at a resort or restaurant. It’s a basic look that when mixed with a costume shirt. I at all times have a pair of dressier journey pants in my bag! In Costa Rica, it’s a strong selection for resort put on or perhaps a hip bar if that’s the place you’ll spend your time in Costa Rica.
My favourite journey pant is the Western Rise Evolution 2.0 Pants in Dune. It’s a versatile shade that may match nearly any shirt and appears sharp with a t-shirt or costume shirt. Be warned; they’ll turn out to be your favourite pair of pants! Their journey garments are all comfy, wrinkle-resistant, and stain-resistant. Superb for journey!
Hat Or Cap
We normally advise vacationers to keep away from the baseball cap, besides in a couple of places the place that’s an exception, like Costa Rica. Hats are nice as they assist maintain the sweat and solar out of your eyes on a sizzling, sunny day. On the very least, you’ll expertise some sizzling and humid climate in Costa Rica!
As self-professed hat snobs, our suggestions embrace the Patagonia Lo-Professional Trucker Hat, Out of doors Analysis Swift Cap, and Western Rise Versa Hat. Each has a unique type. They’re all technical, so that they deal with sweat and pack nicely.
Footwear For Costa Rica
Sandals
Sandals are by no means dangerous at seaside locations and ought to be on each traveler’s Costa Rica packing record. Our favourite model is Rainbow Sandals, as they final perpetually and are tremendous comfy as soon as the leather-based kinds to your foot. One other enticing possibility for girls is the Sanuk Yoga Sling 2. If thong flip-flops aren’t nice on your toes, select one thing with extra help. Some nice choices can be the Birkenstock Arizona, Teva Unique, or Chaco Z/Cloud.
Mountain climbing Boots/Footwear
Costa Rica is a vacation spot price a stroll within the jungle. We went on many hikes to waterfalls, by the forest, and sloth looking out. For those who don’t have many hikes or exploring plans, go for a snug path operating shoe just like the Hoka One One Speedgoat.
Nonetheless, we advise ankle-high boots for those who plan mountain climbing in Costa Rica. We’ve got seen quite a few venomous snakes on mountain climbing trails within the Osa Peninsula, so ankle safety is significant. To not point out, there is no such thing as a scarcity of bugs and bugs that chunk within the rainforest. Plus, with the plentiful rain in Costa Rica, trails typically have mud and standing water. We advocate the Merrel Moab 3 mountain climbing boot because it affords a ton of worth and usually matches each foot.
Water Footwear
For those who plan on many visits to waterfalls, it’s price it to choose up a pair. They may assist you to grip the slippery rocks and defend your toes from cuts. Take a look at Tropicfeel for journey sneakers that double as water sneakers. Water sneakers are nice for strolling round Costa Rica’s rocks, cliffs, or waterfalls. I’ve been caught a couple of occasions with out them, and my toes have paid dearly for my mistake. The opposite possibility can be to deliver a pair of mountain climbing sandals that maintain higher than conventional sandals.
Costa Rica Packing Listing
Sun shades
A classy pair of sun shades is a wonderful addition o any of those Costa Rica outfits. Everybody owns at the very least one pair of sun shades. It’s finest to make sure they’ve UV safety for the well being of your eyes. We journey with two pairs of sun shades as we’re fairly lively.
A pair of Smith Optics for outside adventures and a few trendy sun shades to put on on the seaside or round city for the day. Our two favourite trendy manufacturers are Persol and Raybans, which have a timeless look. Smith is a model identify you’ll see loads in Costa Rica, particularly in surf cities, because it’s in style with surfers — and ski bums like us.
Grayl GeoPress Water Filter & Air purifier
Costa Rica has glorious water high quality with an abundance of rainfall. Nonetheless, we nonetheless wish to journey with a water bottle that purifies water in Central and South America. Our favourite is the Grayl GeoPress air purifier bottle. A air purifier helps lower your expenses, reduces plastic waste, and ensures that our water is secure and freed from viruses and different waterborne diseases.
The air purifier is tremendous straightforward to make use of as you fill it with water and press the filter system by the bottle. It takes all of thirty seconds to filter a complete bottle of water. Better of all, its genius design matches comfortably on the aspect of any bag or backpack.
Fast Dry Journey Towel
We at all times advocate you pack a journey towel for nearly each vacation spot. Fast-dry towels are nice whenever you’re out exploring Costa Rica. You may take an impromptu dip within the ocean, dry off, and head for fish tacos and an Imperial (native beer).
A towel can also be large whenever you hike to one in all Costa Rica’s quite a few waterfalls, because the towels are sufficiently small to throw in your daypack and go away room for added objects. Most lodges don’t admire you taking their towels alongside for day journeys.
The most important criticism about journey towels is that they typically really feel nothing just like the plush cotton towels we’re accustomed to at house and in lodges. With PackTowl, you may neglect that as a result of they got down to create a towel that mimics its cotton counterparts with the technical options of a journey towel.
Rashguard
When you’ve got any plans to log on, it’s an awesome concept to pack a rashguard. It affords safety from a rash as a result of wax and solar. Solar safety is an enormous one because it’s straightforward to get burnt out on the water whenever you’re close to the equator. I discover additionally they present heat when the water is a bit of chilly.
Insect Repellant
Costa Rica has year-round heat climate and plenty of rain, a breeding floor for mosquitos. They love handy round forests, ponds, lagoons, or wherever with nonetheless water. We advocate packing a bottle of insect repellant with DEET so that you’ll scare away these annoying biting demons. And in a worst-case state of affairs, it reduces the probabilities of Dengue Fever — though it’s uncommon in Costa Rica.
Sunscreen
Pores and skin most cancers is for actual! Don’t neglect your SPF when touring round Costa Rica, as you’re near the Equator. We advocate ordering some on-line earlier than leaving the home, as you will see a lot larger costs in Costa Rica.
We extremely advocate getting an eco-friendly solar cream that doesn’t include dangerous chemical compounds. They’re mineral-based and normally solely value a couple of {dollars} extra to assist defend our oceans. For those who’re not going to swim within the ocean, go together with a dependable identify model — granted, runoff typically nonetheless ends in our oceans.
Hand Sanitizer
Strolling round and collaborating in on a regular basis actions in Costa Rica can get fairly soiled. Whereas Costa Rica is without doubt one of the cleanest and greenest nations we’ve ever seen, many native soda outlets nonetheless lack hand cleaning soap within the restroom. It grew to become a reoccurring theme to seek out hand cleaning soap nowhere. You may’t go flawed bringing some hand sanitizer and child wipes in your bag — think about it a journey important wherever.
Binoculars
A pair of binoculars is great for those who’re occurring a jungle trek in Manuel Antonio or Corcovado Nationwide Park. Binoculars give you the possibility to view wildlife significantly better than your naked eye – and also you’ll doubtless see numerous wildlife in Costa Rica, so we extremely advocate including some to your Costa Rica packing record. We’ve spent lots of time on safari and may’t advocate a pair of binoculars sufficient for those who’re a birder or hope to see wildlife. Our advice for a pair of binoculars is the Nikon Monarch 5 8×42.
Yoga Mat
In Costa Rica, you’ll hear the phrases “Pura Vida” many occasions. Pura Vida means Pure Life, which isn’t only a saying however a method of being within the nation. You’ll discover many yoga studios round Costa Rica, and we extremely advocate going to some. We frequently journey with a yoga mat, so it’s on our Costa Rica packing record so we will follow wherever.
Manduka has a light-weight journey yoga that we now use for journey. It’s not as strong as a daily yoga mat and may be painful on arduous surfaces. Nonetheless, we prefer it on a gentle carpet, on the seaside, on a towel, or over a yoga studio’s public mats for a extra hygienic expertise.
Hammock
Costa Rica is undoubtedly a simple place to lounge round and do nothing. A journey hammock which you can string up between bushes or railings is great whenever you need to calm down. It’s excellent for these occasions whenever you need to calm down in nature. The ENO Hammock was the unique producer. Now, yow will discover many low-cost ones on-line as they’re straightforward to fabricate in China, and other people love to purchase and promote them on Amazon. I’d persist with the unique.
Headlamp
After driving throughout Africa, we realized {that a} headlamp is rarely flawed to pack in your luggage. Our BioLite headlamp got here in helpful after we did evening walks within the jungle, looking for frogs and staying at a treehouse neighborhood off the grid and with out energy. We nearly at all times pack a headlamp in our luggage because it’s at all times useful to have a light-weight. An awesome possibility is a chargeable headlamp just like the BioLite 330 or 150.
Dry bag
With the entire water round Costa Rica, it’s an awesome concept to deliver a dry bag. They’re nice for journey actions on the water or within the rainforest. It’s additionally a beautiful merchandise for the seaside if you wish to defend your electronics. We love this one from Sea Line, however they’re a bunch of low-cost choices on Amazon.
Daypack
We chased a brand new waterfall every day, hiked by the rainforest, or loved the seaside. I like a flexible dimension across the 30L mark for those who solely have one pack. The dimensions provides sufficient room for gear-heavy days when mountain climbing within the mountains, nevertheless it’s mild sufficient for mild, quick treks in locations like Costa Rica. In fact, any good backpack will do the job for those who don’t have plans for in depth hikes. You can even get an inexpensive foldable bag that can do a superb job securing your issues.
Costa Rica Packing Listing Electronics
Smartwatch
A smartwatch is commonly an missed journey staple, however having a watch on the street has turn out to be a should. It helps maintain me on time after I’m out within the water, on a hike, or catching the subsequent aircraft on a layover. Costa Rica is a vibrant vacation spot, as two of the preferred actions are browsing and mountain climbing. A smartwatch can monitor your health and assist monitor your well being vitals. We received our watches earlier than a visit, which have turn out to be part of on a regular basis life. I exploit and love the Garmin Intuition.
GoPro
A GoPro is an ideal digital camera to deliver to Costa Rica; you’ll see them in every single place. Costa Rica has loads of adventures, from browsing to mountain climbing or ATV Excursions to Snorkeling. Don’t threat bringing a elaborate digital camera to the seaside. We love the GoPro Hero. The Hypersmooth movement seize is a complete game-changer.
Energy Financial institution
I like touring with an influence financial institution to make sure my electronics by no means die. I normally don’t have to apply it to lengthy flights as some new worldwide flights present leisure methods with USB ports! (At all times be sure your charging cable is helpful when boarding the aircraft.)
We additionally discover a charging level throughout layovers, however attending to a brand new metropolis with out your resort reservations and map is usually a vital ache. I like to recommend buying this energy financial institution as a result of it’s an awesome worth with strong opinions.
Kindle Paperwhite
A Kindle is a necessary journey accent for vacationers who like to learn. As a lot as we love an precise e-book, they’re too heavy and take up an excessive amount of room in my suitcase. We just lately upgraded to the Kindle Paperwhite and find it irresistible. It’s small, has touchscreen capabilities, and has a backlight to learn at evening with no harsh glare. We are able to’t consider a greater strategy to disconnect in nature than a superb e-book.
You Want This to Journey to Costa Rica
Journey Insurance coverage
We by no means journey with out journey insurance coverage with Heymondo. With all of the dangers of journey out of the country and insurance coverage protection, we by no means have to fret a couple of good well being plan. Heymondo affords unimaginable flexibility and nice plans!
You by no means know if the worst may occur whilst you’re overseas, and your insurance coverage plan at house typically is not going to cowl medical emergencies overseas. Having the peace of thoughts that we have now a superb backup plan helps us sleep at evening.