What to pack for Costa Rica? The complete list

Humid rainforest, cool highland volcanoes, scorching beaches: Costa Rica packs several climates into a single trip. Packing therefore means preparing for muggy heat, a tropical downpour, and a chilly mountain morning — without weighing yourself down. Here's the complete list, field-tested.

The golden rule: light and versatile

No need for an outfit per day. Bet on clothes that are light and quick-drying, easy to wash and layer. Compact luggage makes life easier on an itinerary that often changes base — all the more true if you follow our exampleone-week itinerary or longer.

The clothes to pack

• T-shirts and breathable tops (light cotton or technical fabric)
• 1 to 2 pairs of light pants + shorts
• 1 sweater or thin fleece (Monteverde, San Gerardo, and the volcanoes are cool in the evening)
• Swimsuits, cap or hat, sunglasses
• 1 rain outfit: a rain jacket or compact poncho (essential in the forest, even in the dry season)

Shoes

Three pairs are enough: walking shoes or sneakers for the trails, sturdy sandals (walking-flip-flop style) for the beach and town, and a pair that doesn't mind water for waterfalls and river outings.

Health and toiletry kit

• Mosquito repellent an effective one (DEET or icaridin): useful against dengue, present in tropical areas
• High-protection sunscreen, preferably reef-friendly (some sites restrict plastics and polluting products)
• A basic kit: bandages, anti-diarrheal, paracetamol, your personal medications
• Hand sanitizer and a reusable bottle (tap water is drinkable in most regions)

Electronics and accessories

• Plug adapter (type A/B, 120 V) and a power bank
• Regular binoculars : essential to enjoy the wildlife — see our guide Costa Rica animals
• A waterproof bag or protective cover for electronics (boat outings, rain)
• A headlamp, handy for guided night outings

Adapting your suitcase to the season

In dry season (December-April), the list above is enough. In the green season (May-November), strengthen the rain protection: poncho, waterproof bag, and a spare pair of shoes. To choose your dates, read our guide When to go to Costa Rica. Traveling as a family? Our article Costa Rica with children completes this list.

What you don't need to pack

Avoid overloading: toiletries, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen are easy to buy locally. Also leave behind clothes that are too warm or too dressy — the vibe stays casual everywhere.

Prepare your trip with peace of mind

Once the suitcase is ready, the best part remains: the itinerary. Build yours in real time on Toucan Dynamics, or entrust the organization to our French-speaking team based in Costa Rica via Toucan Dynamics — charming hotels, activities, and field advice included.