What to Pack for your Costa Rica vacation

Coming to Costa Rica soon on vacation?

Here are some quick and easy trip tips on what to pack for your Costa Rica vacation.

CLOTHING

• Quick-dry or similar non-wrinkle outdoor clothing is the best for Costa Rica’s variable climates.
• Comfortable beach-wear and light tropical clothing for the coasts and lower elevations.
• At least one long-sleeved shirt, light sweater or fleece for chilly evenings or visits to high elevation places, such as Monteverde, San Gerardo de Dota, the Irazú and Poás Volcanoes, etc.; these areas are much cooler in temperature, especially at night.
• Water-resistant rain jacket or poncho with a hood: it rains in the rainforest!
• A sun hat or ball cap – a must for protection against the hot tropical sun.
• Comfortable footwear, including good all-purpose walking shoes, light beach sandals, and at least one pair of closed-toe all-terrain sandals or running shoes for adventurous activities.

ACCESSORIES

• Small backpack / daypack for day trips.
• Small travel flashlight or head lamp.
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing and bird-watching.
• Alarm clock or watch with an alarm.
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen – a sports waterproof type with at least 30 SPF is best.
• Insect repellent – go for something strong.
• Daily hygiene products and personal medication.
• Small travel first-aid kit.

IDENTIFICATION & MONEY

• Passport – must be valid for at least six months after your trip finishes. When out on tours, leave your original passport in your hotel safe and carry a copy.
• Valid driver’s license for vehicle rentals.
• Credit cards – Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted; be sure to alert your bank of your travel plans. (Traveler’s checks are hardly ever accepted; don’t bring them.)
• Cash in U.S. dollars (note that $100 bills are hard to cash except in a bank). Nearly all banks have ATMs where you can use your ATM or debit card. Change money in a bank rather than at the airport for a better exchange rate.
• Costa Rican Colones: it is a good idea to carry at least $100 in Costa Rican Colones for buying items in small stores or rural places where dollars won’t be accepted.
• Emergency contact information; put this information in your luggage and wallet.

ELECTRONCS

• Cell phone or tablet with internet access (Wi-Fi internet is relatively common in Costa Rica now). Don’t forget the chargers and necessary cables.
• Camera with extra memory card and batteries.

Get the best travel information on where to go, hotels in Costa Rica, tours and transportation in Costa Rica from 2Costa Rica Travel. They offer customized Costa Rica vacation packages, and can help with all of your travel plans.

Article by Shannon Farley