Your Costa Rica Packing List »

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  • Plenty of Waterproof sun block and sunscreen lip balm (a must)
  • Insect repellant
  • Storage size Ziploc Bags and Plastic bags (to separate dry and wet clothing)
  • Camera and carrying case or accessory bag
  • Passport
  • Full-Size Backpack (2500 cubic inches is usually the minimum)
  • A small day pack that fits in or can attach to your full-size backpack
  • Water proof covering for your full-size backpack (Often called a Duck Back)
  • 2 Sport water bottles (at least one liter each) or a hydration system
  • Towel or Shammy
  • 2 pair quick-drying shorts
    See all women’s shorts. See all men’s shorts.
  • Swimsuits
  • Tevas or Chacos (must strap on)
  • Lightweight fleece jacket or pullover. See women’s fleece jackets. See men’s fleece jackets.
  • Light/short-sleeved quick-drying shirt (for hiking)
    See all women’s shirts, tops and tankinis. See all men’s shirts.
  • Tank tops
  • Rain Gear (Jacket with hood, no pants needed)
  • Hat/Visor See men’s and women's hats
  • Long-sleeve t-shirt (for evenings - can be cotton or quick-dry)
  • Pajama bottoms
  • Hiking boots/shoes
    • mud ... mud ... mud
  • 2 pair good hiking socks
  • Clothes for a few nights on the town Comfortable and casual city wear. Examples: cotton skirts, shorts, sandals, etc.
  • Headlamp or flashlight & extra batteries (headlamp recommended)
  • Energy Bars, Trail Mix, Beef Jerky and Candy (Energy bars and snacks for 2 hiking lunches, and small snacking should be sufficient. If you would rather not eat rice and beans, you might want to bring some extra snacks. Our meals for the 3 days in the rainforest will consist of rice, beans, fresh vegetables and meat.)
  • Trekking poles (one pole per person - instead of a pair - is generally most comfortable)
  • Camp/Travel pillow
  • Toiletries (Biodegradable soap/shampoo, toothbrush & toothpaste, moist towelettes, hygiene products, personal medication, etc.)
  • Book (optional)

    Packing Details


    Two separate bags
    1 - Regular suitcase or duffle bag
    2 - Full-size backpack

    You can pack in either your duffle/suitcase or backpack for the flight, once in Costa Rica you'll divide your belongings in the following way:

    In the regular suitcase, pack all of the belongings you won't need in the mountains. This bag will be with you the first day of the trip, and then again at the beach. Don't leave valuables in this bag (passport, money, camera, etc). Items to be included in this bag are: beach clothing, clothing for evenings out, travel clothes, etc.

    In the full-size backpack, pack everything you will need in the rainforest (the majority of the gear listed above), and all of your valuables. Items to be included in this bag are: Your quick-dry shirt and shorts, 2 pair of socks, hiking boots/shoes, chacos/tevas, headlamp, shammy, hat, insect repellant, trekking pole, camera, day-pack or camelback (if no camelback, bring 2 water bottles), swimsuit, fleece, long-sleeve shirt, pajama bottoms, camp/travel pillow, book, toiletries, camera, passport and valuables, storage size zip lock bags, energy bars and snacks, rain gear.