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Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List: Must-Have Gear for the Mountains & Beach

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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission for purchases made via these links at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site up and running. Thank you for your support!   When I started traveling to Costa Rica as a solo backpacker in 1997, I had done a ton of homework, and thought I was prepared for 6 months of travel through Costa Rica’s extraordinarily varied microclimates. During my adventures I struggled with being perpetually damp and often cold in the cloud forest of Monteverde and San Gerardo de Rivas. Unfortunately my tent had been devoured by a type of nylon chewing ant that turned waterproof fabric into confetti! It’s hard to be prepared for everything… Now I am part of a family of 5, so planning a yearly 6 month trip has taken on new challenges. Fortunately we have years of experience now. So here is what I have to share. Whether you’re exploring the lush mountains of Monteverde or soakin...
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A Hiker’s Guide to Costa Rica: Trails, Tips & Toucans

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Welcome to Costa Rica, where hiking means sweating buckets, imitating howler monkeys, and witnessing landscapes so stunning you’ll wonder if you’ve stepped into a National Geographic documentary. This guide covers the best hikes in the country, complete with logistics, costs, and must-know tips—so you don’t end up lost in the jungle with only a soggy granola bar for company. If you’re looking for the ultimate coast-to-coast thru-hike, and have ~16 days, check out  El Camino de Costa Rica ! 1. Cerro Chirripó – The Roof of Costa Rica Location: Chirripó National Park, San Gerardo de Rivas Distance: ~22 km (13.5 miles) one way Elevation Gain: 2,500m (8,200 ft) Time: 2 days (unless you’re superhuman) Difficulty: Brutal but rewarding Cost: • $18 per day for the national park entrance fee • $44 per night for a bed at Base Crestones Lodge • $25–$30 per meal at the lodge (or pack your own food) • Optional guide: $150–$300 (recommended but not required) Why You Should Do I...
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