Costa Rica Packing List

Packing Advice

• This packing list is just a recommended guideline for your reference. Everything is optional for you to choose from.
• It is best to leave all unnecessary valuables and jewelry at home.
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Clothing

Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferably moisture-wicking and non-cotton. Layers work best! You will want active wear for daily activities and casual dressy clothes for evening.

• Long pants
• Shorts
• Short-sleeved shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Undergarments, sports bra
• Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
• Rain jacket and/or rain poncho
• Pajamas
• Swimsuit and cover
• Belt
• Sun hat with brim and chin strap
• Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)

Footwear

Your daily activities may get your shoes dirty or muddy. Streets can be uneven. Light sandals are not good for daily tours and hikes, but they are nice for relaxing at your hotel.

• Hiking shoes/boots — for day hikes
• Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferably waterproof
• Tennis shoes, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
• Comfortable, breathable socks

Baggage

• Suitcase or duffel (check weight restrictions for internal flights)
• Day pack for daily activities and easy access + rain cover
• Waterproof/plastic bags for organizing gear and dirty clothing (ziplocs and garbage bags work)
• Packing cube, compression bag, stuff sacks, toiletry bag, foldable shopping bag
• Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
• NOTE: A carry-on bag on most flights is limited to 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

Electronics

Store electronics in sealed waterproof bags. Remember to set the date and time on your cameras.

• Cell phone, cord, plug, headphones (check on international charges)
• Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries
• GoPro, camera, video camera, SD cards, batteries, charger/power cord
• Tripod (travel size), selfie-stick
• Air Tags
• Lens cleaning cloth
• Electrical adapter

Toiletries

• Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
• Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
• Shaving supplies
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
• Facial tissue, Toilet paper
• Moist towelettes
• Hand sanitizer
• Q-tips
• Sewing kit
• Insect repellent
• Small travel towel
• Cosmetics, feminine products, travel jewelry

First Aid

You only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.

• Prescription drugs
• Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
• Band-aids/blister tape
• Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
• Throat lozenges
• Vitamins
• Antihistamines
• Melatonin or other sleep aid
• Gauze bandages and tape
• Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD or similar), Ginger and Ginkgo can be helpful for stomach problems
• Antibiotics (talk to doctor)

Documents

• Passport (make sure it is valid > 6 months after the end of your trip)
• Visas for all countries as necessary
• Airline e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
• Copy of AWR travel itinerary
• Travel insurance information + Medical insurance card
• Document organizer
• Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and email them to yourself (or store in Cloud). Put copies of your travel itinerary in each checked bag.

Other

• Cash (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be new with no tears)
• Credit cards (check for international fees)
• Water bottle and Camelbak
• Sunglasses, strap
• Eyeglasses, contacts/case/solution
• Binoculars
• Pocket knife (put in checked luggage)
• Notebook, lots of pens
• Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, football, kite
• Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
• Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
• Guide books, maps, language books
• Small umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season or even for sun shade
• Gifts for guides
• Steripen, water filter, or purification tablets

Packing for the flight

• Passport, flight e-tickets, AWR travel itinerary
• Books, magazines, e-reader, cards, games
• Cell phone, headphones
• Toiletries
• Snacks
• Water bottle (empty through security)
• U-shaped neck pillow
• Eye shades, ear plugs
• Kleenex, wet wipes
• Melatonin or other sleep aid
• Compression socks