Here are some essentials to pack, based on my own experiences in more than 30 trips to Costa Rica.
Rain jacket: This is the first thing you should pack on any trip to Costa Rica. No matter what the weather forecast says, it can be sunny one minute, and a full-on downpour the next. Choose a waterproof jacket; one that is only water-resistant will not keep you dry. You can find the same one I have here. (I prefer longer-length, boxier rain jackets for more coverage during heavy rain. But if you’re looking for a more fitted rain jacket at a lower price point, you can find one here. <= I tried that one on in the store and recommend sizing up if you want to fit layers underneath.)
Bug spray: This is my favorite mosquito and bug repellent. It’s a long-lasting, non-greasy lotion that works well and smells good. I find it much easier to apply than bug sprays, and I have used it in many places, including hiking in Costa Rica, Spain, and Hawaii. You can find it here.
Sunscreen: This one is water-resistant (for up to 80 minutes) and made without oxybenzone and octinoxate. Costa Rica’s proximity to the equator means the sun is strong, even on cloudy days. I use sunscreen every day in Costa Rica, whether I am hiking, heading to the beach, or wandering around town. You can find it here (note: It used to be called Solimo. Same formula, different label).
Quick-dry tops: It’s often hot and humid in Costa Rica, so clothing that’s comfortable and quick-drying is key. This one has built-in support and comes in dozens of colors. I have this exact top in a couple of colors and wear it regularly. You can find it in many colors here.
Wide-brim hat: Add another layer of sun protection with a wide-brimmed hat. (The exact hat I have is not currently available, but this one is very similar.)
Quick-dry pants: If you’re planning on hiking, these pants with pockets are great for keeping some essentials handy. I stuck my phone, snacks, and sunscreen in my pockets when wearing these on my recent trip to Costa Rica. They are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant and dry quickly. You can find them here.
Water-resistant bag: This tote converts to a backpack, so I used it as my beach bag, laptop bag, grocery bag, and hiking bag on my recent Costa Rica and Spain trips. I love the front zip pocket for my phone and medicine, and love the side pockets for my water and sunscreen. Two things to note: While this bag worked really well for me and my recent adventures, if you have broad shoulders, it may not fit well as a backpack. And the straps are not padded, so I wouldn’t use it for longer hikes. You can find it here in a variety of colors.
Fleece jacket: It gets cooler at higher elevations, so if you’re planning to visit cloud forests (such as those in Monteverde and Poás Volcano National Park), bring a wool sweater or fleece jacket. This one I used on my recent Costa Rica trip is water-resistant and so cozy. (I’m wearing a men’s XS, but they make them in a range of colors and sizes for all genders).
Hydration packs: You are probably going to sweat a lot in Costa Rica! And while you’re on the go, you may not remember to drink enough water. These are a quick way to replenish your electrolytes. I always have these in my bag and especially love them for staying hydrated on flights and hikes (if you drink alcohol, these are also handy for rehydrating before bed or in the morning). I recommend the powders over the tablets because, in my experience, the tablets take longer to dissolve and don’t always dissolve fully. You can find the strawberry kiwi powder packs here and the pink lemonade powder packs here.
Tripod: Ok, this one isn’t essential for everyone. But if you are a solo traveler like me, it’s helpful for capturing photos and videos when you’re out adventuring on your own. This is the one I got for my most recent trip, and I love that it’s affordable, lightweight, and it opens and folds up so easily. Unlike other tripods I considered, I also love that you can tuck away the phone clamp so it doesn’t snag on anything when it’s in your bag. And this tripod is adjustable up to 62 inches. But a little insider tip: If you use it fully extended, be sure to prop a bag or something on the sides of it. Since it is lightweight, the more you extend it, the more it might sway if there’s wind.
