Here’s a handy packing checklist of personal items
customized for travel to Costa Rica.

 

Bring what you think you’ll need, but if you forget something important, just know that many things can also be purchased there if need be. 

Essentials: documents and money

  • Airline tickets

  • Passport original (and a photocopy of your passport)

  • Cash: most places will take USD, but you can also easily get money from the ATM using your US bankcard (both Colones and USD)

Clothes and accessories

  • Shorts and a pair of pants or two (for boating/horseback riding)

  • Shirts and T-shirts

  • Skirt, summer dress or slacks for evening events (casual dress is ok for dinner)

  • Swimsuit and towel (many hotels do not allow you to take their towels to the beach)

  • Underwear and socks

  • Comfortable shoes (don’t break in new shoes on this trip)

  • Waterproof sandals / Teva's / Keens / Water shoes

  • Belt, watch, prescription glasses

  • Sunglasses, umbrella

  • Waterproof rain jacket or poncho

  • Cap or sun hat

Medicine and hygiene products

  • Sunscreen

  • Band-Aids or a miniature first aid kit, earplugs (if trouble sleeping)

  • Deodorant, fragrance, moisturizer

  • Wash cloth, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, comb, hairbrush

  • Fingernail clippers, lip balm

  • If you are sensitive to foreign food and water bring Kaopectate or Imodium AD

  • If you use prescription drugs bring a two-week supply

  • Insect repellent such as citronella essence

  • Sanitary napkins or tampons

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, shaver and supplies

  • Vitamins, aspirin or equivalent

Handy travel items

  • Camera, memory chip, batteries, mobile device

  • Electricity is 110 (same as in the US, you won’t need an adapter)

  • Novel, Spanish dictionary, phrase book, notebook, pens, pencils

  • Pocket knife (pack in check-in luggage), cigarette lighter, candle (the lights sometime go out!)

  • Rubber bands, baggies, plastic bags, super glue, safety pins, sewing kit

  • Snacks, dried fruits and nuts

For the kids

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Light rain jacket/poncho, swimsuit and towel plus a small backpack to carry their stuff with them

  • If your child has any special medicine requirements (epi-pen, inhaler, etc) please bring these and discuss with our on-site travel concierge

  • For toddlers - car seats, stroller, and we highly recommend a carrier (like an Ergo) for hiking and moving around