Packing List for Costa Rica

Documents

  • plane ticket
  • passport (+ 1 copy, which is valid to travel INSIDE Costa Rica)
  • Dollars, Traveller’s Cheques
  • Credit Card (mandatory for car rental!)
  • driver’s license (for car rental)
  • emergency telephone list

Basics

  • shorts
  • long pants
  • t-shirts
  • long-sleeved shirts
  • light sweater
  • underwear
  • socks
  • rain jacket
  • fancy dress or shirt for romantic dinners
  • swimming trunks/bikini
  • beach towel
  • flip flops
  • sun hat
  • sunglasses
  • sunscreen
  • insect repellent
  • plastic bags (to keep various items – books, camera – dry)
  • or dry bag
  • toothbrush and paste
  • dental floss
  • deodorant
  • tampons
  • razor
  • shower gel
  • bath towel
  • toilet paper (you never know when it’ll hit you…)
  • condoms

First-Aid Kit

  • adhesive strips
  • diarrheal medication (charcoal)
  • disinfectant/iodine
  • Aspirin / Ponstan

Accessories

  • camera, charger, films, memory card
  • plug adaptor (110 V, American standard)
  • binoculars
  • flashlight
  • books
  • travel guide
  • musica!
  • alarm clock
  • addresses to send a postcard with palms
  • Spanish dictionary
  • games (cards, chess, etc.)

Highlands

  • good sweater
  • long underwear
  • warm hat
  • hiking shoes
  • windbreaker
  • sleeping bag

Optional Outdoor Equipment

  • hiking boots
  • a good old Swiss Army Knife
  • first-aid kit
  • flashlight or headlamp
  • binoculars
  • snorkelling gear
  • maps, compass
  • matches
  • sleeping bag (a warm one for high altitudes!)
  • tent
  • water purification (tablets or filter)
  • cookware

packinglist.pdf
Printable Version

Remember that Costa Rica’s climate is very varied! Bring raingear for the rainforest and pack warm clothes if you spend time in the Central Valley.

Buen Viaje!