Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List

But before you dive into that adventurous state of mind, we’ve got everything you need to know with our Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List!

From chic swimwear to practical footwear, to essential gadgets, cosmetics and healthcare, this guide is your trusty companion in curating the perfect suitcase (for her or for him!)

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But you’re wondering what the weather will be like? In Costa Rica, the climate is warm year-round, but it’s divided into two main seasons: the dry and the rainy. 

The dry season, from December to April, promises mostly clear skies and radiant days, with temperatures typically averaging around 30°C (86°F).

Conversely, the rainy season, spanning May to November, brings life-giving showers that maintains the landscape as a vivid green sanctuary.

During this period, expect humid conditions. The rain nourishes the rich biodiversity that makes Costa Rica a stunning ecological haven. However, it can bring travel challenges.

The Caribbean Coast which gets rain year round and even the dry season can see some rain showers throughout the country!

Heeled shoes – High heels and formal shoes are unnecessary so leave these off your Costa Rica packing list. The country’s relaxed vibe and uneven terrain make this kind of footwear impractical.

Gadgets – While your camera, e-reader, smartphone (or even your drone) might be essential items on your Costa Rica packing list, avoid overloading your luggage with too many electronic devices. Embrace the chance to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Costa Rica.

Too many makeup products – The humid climate of Costa Rica can make heavy makeup not only uncomfortable, but not very long lasting. Pack your most paired back products.

Snorkelling or scuba diving gear –  Unless you’re particularly attached to your own water gear, scuba diving and snorkelling excursion operators will provide all the necessary equipment. However for hygiene reasons you may want to bring your own.

Expensive jewellery  – Although you want to wear your engagement and wedding rings – make sure they’re not loose! Leave other expensive jewellery at home to avoid any mishaps.

Single-use plastics – In an effort to reduce your footprint, make your honeymoon sustainable – consider reducing the use of single-use plastics in your packing. Opt for reusable items where possible.

Now it’s time to get packed with the Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List!

Most documents are electronic now, so make sure you have your boarding pass or e-ticket on your phone along with your transport, hotel and tour confirmations.

Travel vaccinations are recommended for Costa Rica. There may be a risk of malaria (in some areas), dengue fever and Zika virus in Costa Rica. We encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control website for up-to-date travel vaccination recommendations or speak to a Tropical Medicine Specialist.

The currency of Costa Rica is the Colon and it is the preferred form of currency. However, US dollars are widely accepted.  Cash is still king in Costa Rica and although you can pay by card in tourist areas, it’s best to have cash on hand.

You can take out cash at ATMs at Costa Rica airport and around the major tourist centres. If you bring cash to exchange locally, they must be fresh / undamaged notes.

Let your bank know you’re travelling and check if there is anything you need to do to avoid issues using your card abroad.

If you’re staying in a luxury beach resort, add some light summer dresses to your Costa Rica packing list for evenings but generally practicality and comfort should be front and centre!

Costa Rica is extremely humid and full of adventures so you can go through a lot of clothes. Opt for fast drying clothes.

In the main tourist areas you can do laundry locally. Unlike hotels which will charge by the item, local services in places like La Fortuna measure your laundry by weight and have it back in 24-48 hours.

Sunhat and sunglasses are an essential addition to your Costa Rica packing list. Although leave expensive pairs you’d hate to lose at home.

We mentioned that you should leave the heels at home, but cute flip flops/thongs for the beach. Cover up with a rashguard during the day and pick up some water shoes / aqua shoes for snorkelling adventures. 

You’ll most likely be doing more than lounging on the beach so think practicality and comfort. For adventures such as hiking and zip lining , more practical footwear like decent waterproof hiking boots / closed-toe hiking sandals like these ones from Keen are an essential addition to your Costa Rica packing list.

A decent rain jacket is another must – even during the dry season.

If you’re travelling to higher altitude areas like Monteverde then add some warmer layers to your Costa Rica packing list like leggings/pants and a fleece or jumper.

There are a lot of mosquitos in Costa Rica so you may want to add clothes with protection to your Costa Rica packing list.

Pack some comfy clothes for the plane — athleisure wear, sneakers, scarves, socks. 

Gym lovers may want to bring their gear if staying in a resort. Although, we’d recommend a barefoot jog along the beach and rainforest yoga instead of hitting the gym!

A practical day backpack is essential to fit in all your essentials when you’re on excursions.

For example, you may love your own hair dryer, but if you’re staying in a half decent hotel they will have one, so there may not be a need to bring your own. (Plus, it’s very humid so a blow-out may not last too long so consider leaving hair tools behind!)

One of the most important things to add to your Costa Rica packing list is reef friendly sunscreen. Sun Bum is our top pick.

If you haven’t got a hanging toiletries travel bag, then now is the time. These handy bags just hang on the back of a door.

It’s essential to have travel insurance in place when you’re travelling. We don’t want to sound gloomy, but you need cover in case you fall seriously ill. 

If you don’t have travel insurance, check out World Nomads to learn more.

World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance from World Nomads.

There is a prevalence of mosquito borne diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever and potentially Zika virus in Costa Rica.

Anti mosquito protection such as DEET, Avon Skin So Soft Dry Oil, a Bite Pen, and insect repellent bracelets should be at the top of your Costa Rica packing list.

It isn’t usually necessary to add a mosquito net to your Costa Rica packing list unless you want to be extra cautious or are staying in budget accommodation.

Travelling can sometimes mean an upset stomach. Make sure you’ve packed your favourite brand of antidiarrheal medication, like Imodium and a domperidone like Motilium although you can purchase medications from a local pharmacy, too.

Costa Rica roads can be rough so Dramamine or your favourite travel sickness medication are an essential addition to your packing list for Costa Rica!

Many couples just use their smartphone for photography but Costa Rica is one of the most bio diverse and instagram-worthy honeymoon destinations in the world so if you have a camera, bring it. We have the Sony ZV1. 

A waterproof phone cover will be one of the best things to add to your Costa Rica packing list, too.

Selfie sticks may feel a little silly but we still think it’s the best way to get that perfect insta image without getting other people involved. If you want to feel less conspicuous opt for a Gorilla Pod instead.

Thinking about bringing a drone and living your best influencer life? For beginners, consider investing in a DJI Mini or a GoPro although beware that in some national parks drones are prohibited.

Add your Apple AirPods or your favourite headphones to your Costa Rica packing list (and make your own honeymoon songs playlist before you leave).

Physical books are our favourite so bring at least one must-read for days around your private pool suite or on the beach.

If you’re voracious readers like us, then load up your Kindle with all the books you’ve been meaning to read. We’ve got a curated list of the best honeymoon books!

Although with all the adventures to have, Costa Rica is the kind of destination you might not read a lot!

If you’re planning a more backpacking style trip using local transport then a backpack might be better.

We love classic luggage from Samsonite. Don’t forget an Apple AirTag, the best luggage tracker to add to your Costa Rica packing list (in case the worst happens!).

We’re total overpackers but a Costa Rica honeymoon often means moving around. Plus, if you’re going on a multi-destination honeymoon, you need to stay organised.

Enter packing cubes. They’re great if you want to compartmentalise and save you from having to unpack everything. Don’t forget TSA approved locks for your luggage.

Plastic bottles and other single use plastics are banned in national parks.

Tap water is usually safe to drink in Costa Rica however the different mineral content may not agree with you. If you opt for bottled water it means a lot of waste. Instead, consider a water filtration and purification travel bottle like Grayl to be extra cautious.