What to Pack for Your Vacation
Since Costa Rica has such varied types of weather, landscapes, and activities depending on where you visit, it is important to be prepared for all possible situations, without weighing yourself down. With that in mind, these are some suggestions on what to pack for your vacation to Costa Rica.
The first rule to guarantee you have a relaxing time without worrying is to bring comfortable clothes, light colors to avoid excessive absorption of heat and the less heavy the better. The majority of the country is quite hot with coastal temperatures averaging around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, key locations like San Jose and the Central Valley (including Poas, Cartago, Irazu) and Monteverde can get quite cold in the evenings. If traveling to any of these locations or a mountainous area in general, you will want to additional bring warmer layers. As for the rest of the country, the following items should be included in your packing:
- A pair of jeans
- Comfortable shoes for hiking or walking long distances
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Sandals and/or Water shoes
- Sunscreen (always!)
- Sunglasses (or pick some up for $5 at the beach)
- Bathing suit
- Hat (especially for any fishermen out there)
- Backpack for day trips
- Nice comfortable clothes to go out at night
- Passport plus copies of the photo page
- Credit Cards and/or Cash! (easy to exchange for Costa Rican currency at any bank with your passport)
- Camera
- Light Sweater or Jacket
- Bug repellent
- Costa Rica Guide Book
- And of course a good attitude!
It also may depend on the area but these are basic things you are going to be needing for almost anywhere you go. Adventure is unpredictable so it’s best if you are as prepared as possible! Make sure to ask the agency you are booking with or the reservations staff of the hotel you plan to go to for more specific details regarding what type of clothing, and other items you need to bring.
