Packing List

Costa Rica’s climates vary from over 100 degrees and dry in the middle of the Guanacaste summer, to hot and humid in the southern rain forest regions to 0 degrees Farenheit, wet and windy at the summit of Mount Chirripó. You should have a good idea of your itinerary before packing your winter jacket to go to the beach, and remember that these are just general suggestions:

General Items:

• Debit Cards (Cheapest way to exchange money: take it out of an ATM)
• Small backpack for day trips
• Money belt for use on public transportation and in the city
• A small pillow if planning on long bus rides
• Reading material unless you speak Spanish
• Tissues if you are heading way off the beaten trail (for bathroom purposes)
• A small digital camera & attachable lense if necessary, best to keep hidden in public transportation or in busy areas, if you are here for a while, make copies of your pictures when possible
• Jeans if you intend to go horseback riding
• Copies of your passport (Picture page and entry stamp to Costa Rica: this are as good as the original once you are in the country)

For the Beaches:

• Bug spray (for ALL regions outside the Central Valley)
• Sun Glasses
• Suntan Lotion
• Bathing Suit (unless you like bearing your buns ladies, bathing suit shopping may not be what you expected here)
• Shorts, capris, skirts (light materials)
• Beach Coverup
• Flip flops or casual sandals
• A dry container to have belongings on you at all times (not left on the beach)
• Tank tops or light, airy shirts (it's HOT)

For Rainforests and Cloud Forests:

• Binoculars for bird watching or nature hikes
• Hiking boots (for rainforest and cloud forest areas)
• Long pants (preferably zip offs for a quick cool-down after a rainforest hike)

For San Jose:

• Nice shoes (sandals or heels for ladies, closed toe shoes for men)
• Jeans or slacks (it gets cold at night)
• A dress-up outfit for a nice dinner out
• T-shirt during the day, long sleeves at night
• Umbrella and closed toe shoes during rainy season
• A discreet non-flashy way to hold money and belongings (casual purse or money belt)

For High Altitudes:

• Warm clothes in layers
• Rain Jacket
• Bathing Suit for Hot Springs

Products that CAN be found here cheap and easily:

• Shampoos and conditioners ($4 each)
• Towels ($8)
• Tooth brush and paste ($1 each)
• Umbrella ($5)
• Sun Glasses ($5 from street vendors)