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

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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 soaking up the sun on the Pacific or Caribbean coasts, packing smart is key. Costa Rica’s climate varies dramatically—humid and hot on the beaches, cool and misty in the mountains—so you’ll need a well-rounded packing list.

We’re in and out of the water a lot!

Below, we’ve curated the ultimate Costa Rica family packing list with comfort, safety, and adventure in mind. 

Clothing & Footwear for Costa Rica’s Mountains and Beaches

For the Beach

• Quick-Dry Swimsuits – Costa Rica’s beaches are stunning, and you’ll be in the water a lot. The key is to reduce chafe. Mesh inserts and scrunched waistbands can create issues. Be prepared if you decide to have that surf lesson, followed by a hike through the national park. The boys and I wear boardshorts for nearly everything. Recommended: *Hurley Men's One and Only 22-Inch Boardshort / CUPSHE Women's 2 Piece Bikini / Hurley Boys’ Board Shorts / Hurley Girls' Swim Shorts to pair with rash guard.

• Rash Guard – Protects from sunburn, chafe while surfing, and jellyfish stings. We prefer short sleeves for easy on off, and so it can double as a shirt without being too hot. Recommended: *Kanu Surf Men's Short Sleeve UPF 50 Rash Guard / Kanu Surf Women's Breeze UPF 50 Short Sleeved Rashguard / Kanu Surf Boys' UPF 50+ Sun Protective Rashguard / Kanu Surf Jade Rash Guard for Girls' UPF 50+

• Water Shoes – Great for rocky beaches and waterfalls. This is a difficult area. We have seen many people with badly chafed feet — many after using high end adventure type sandals. We usually opt for flip flops or go barefoot, but we are also very used to being barefoot… These are a nice compromise: *Merrell Men's Hydro Moc / Merrell Women's Hydro Moc Water Shoe / Crocs Kids' Classic Clog Flip flops should also be in your arsenal, and they are infinitely packable. Don’t go for the super cheap ones that blow out the first time someone steps on your heel — been there done that… We prefer not to have fabric straps because they stay wet and chafe. Remember to remove sand chafe from between strap and foot. Recommended: *Flip Flops – Australian

• Lightweight Fast Drying Towels. We have taken these Turkish towels on so many adventures at this point —  from sailing to climbing, Maine to Costa Rica, we recommend: *Turkish Beach Towel

For the Mountains

• Moisture-Wicking Base Layers – It gets chilly in the mountains, especially at night. A sun hoodie can serve double duty here. The hood is great paired with a ball cap at all elevations. Recommended: *HUK Icon X Hoodie / Columbia Women's Tidal Tee Hoodie / Columbia Kids' PFG Solar Stream Hoodie

• Packable Rain Jacket – Costa Rica’s cloud forests and rainforests live up to their name. I often use mine to drape over my backpack, leaving the front open for ventilation when at low elevation. Recommended: *Columbia Men's Glennaker Lake Jacket / Columbia Women's First Generation Arcadia Ii Jacket / 

• Hiking Pants — Protection from bugs and nice for cooler temperatures. Recommended: *Men's Outdoor Cargo Hiking Pants / MIER Women's Quick Dry Cargo Pants Lightweight Tactical Hiking Pants

• Hiking Shoes with Grip – Essential for muddy trails. ALTRAS are GREAT, and if you decide to hike the Appalachian Trail when you get home, you already have the footwear of a thru-hiker! Recommended: *ALTRA Men's Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoe / ALTRA Women's Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoe or, if you’re not fashion shy, we now wear what the Ticos (Costa Ricans) wear to work, and hike — a pair of wellies. They give some protection from snakes and biting insects, but they are hard to pack and take some getting used to. I dare you to wear them on the plane. *DUNLOP Protective Footwear

Essential Gear for Costa Rica Adventures

For Both Mountains & Beach

• Daypack – Perfect for jungle hikes and beach days. Small and lightweight can qualify as your “personal item” on the flight. Recommended: *Osprey Daylite Cinch Backpack

• Backpacking Backpack— You need to be able to carry your gear! If you are going straight to a resort, and won’t be handling your own luggage, then standard wheeled travel suitcases can work. If you’re like us, then you’ll need something that fits comfortably on your back… Under 45 liters will usually qualify as carry-on, but you will be stuffing it, so probably stay under that maximum size to be safe. Recommended: *Osprey Exos 38 Men's Ultralight Backpacking Backpack / Osprey Tempest 33L Women's Lightweight Hiking Backpack

• Water Bottle — You have many options here, and really it depends on where you are going. If you’re at a resort, with city/town water, the tap water should be safe. If you are somewhere with a well, like we are, it gets more complicated… We have access to bottled water, but it’s expensive, so we filter our tap water. You want something squeezable, so the veins in your neck don’t bulge out like Schwarzenegger…😆Recommended: *Katadyn BeFree Water Bottle

• Polarized Sunglasses – Reduces glare for both ocean and mountain views. Recommended: *HUK, Polarized Lens Eyewear

• Wide-Brim Hat – Offers better sun protection than a baseball cap, but baseball caps pair nicely with sun hoodies and rain jackets, so we carry both. Think breathable and fast drying. Recommended: *Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora / Outdoor Research Swift Cap

For Beach Days

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Many beaches require eco-friendly sunscreen to protect marine life. It is difficult and expensive to find good sunscreen here in Costa Rica, so bring it in your checked bag. Recommended: *Sun Bum Original Scent SPF 30 Reef Act Compliant

• Waterproof Phone Pouch – Keep your phone safe from water and sand. Recommended: *JOTO 2 Pack Waterproof Phone Pouch Case

• Snorkel Set – Great for spotting tropical fish. Recommended: *Cressi Adult Snorkel Set

No Surf Today…

For Mountain Adventures

• Binoculars for Wildlife Spotting – Costa Rica is full of exotic animals! Recommended: *Nikon Trailblazer 8x25 ATB Black Binoculars

• Bug Spray with Picaridin – Mosquitoes can be relentless, especially near waterfalls. Recommended: *Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent

• Headlamp or Flashlight – Essential for night hikes and power outages. Recommended: *BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 LED Headlamp

Toiletries & Health Essentials

• First Aid Kit – Compact but includes essentials for minor cuts and insect bites. Recommended: *Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight & Watertight Medical Kit

• Electrolyte Packets – Helps prevent dehydration in hot, humid weather. Recommended: *Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier

• Anti-Chafing Balm – A lifesaver for long hikes. Recommended: *Body Glide Original Anti Chafe Balm

• Toothbrush & toothpaste 

• Shampoo & conditioner (travel-size for short trips)

• Body wash or soap

• Deodorant

• Razor & shaving cream

• Hairbrush or comb

• Feminine hygiene products (selection may be limited)

• Chapstick with SPF (the sun is strong!

• Moisturizer & aloe vera gel (helps with sunburn relief)

• Prescription medications (in original bottles)

• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)

• Allergy medication & antihistamines (for bites or pollen)

• Motion sickness pills (especially for boat tours)

• Anti-diarrheal & digestive aids (food and water changes can affect digestion)

• Bandaids & blister pads

• Antiseptic wipes & antibiotic ointment

• Tweezers & small scissors (for splinters or first aid)

• Bug spray with DEET or natural repellent (mosquitoes are common)

• Hand sanitizer & disinfecting wipes (great for travel days)

• Tissues & travel toilet paper (some restrooms don’t provide it)

• Face masks (helpful for crowded areas)

Baby & Kid-Specific Essentials

If traveling with little ones, pack:

• Diapers & wipes (brands may differ, so bring enough for at least a few days)

• Baby formula & snacks (variety may be limited)

• Pacifiers & comfort items (for easy soothing)

• Lightweight baby carrier or stroller

• Child-safe insect repellent 

• Snacks & protein bars (good for long travel days)

Tech & Travel Accessories

• Universal Travel Adapter – Costa Rica uses US-style outlets, but a surge protector is helpful for protecting electronics. Recommended: *TESSAN Surge Protector Power Strip

• Portable Power Bank – Essential for long travel days and off-grid adventures. Recommended: *Anker 325 Power Bank

Kid-Friendly Travel Essentials

• Kid-Sized Rash Guards & Hats – Sun protection is a must! Recommended: *i play Flap Sun Protection Hat

• Child Carrier for Hiking – Great for little ones on long jungle walks. Choose one with a sun roof. Recommended: *Deuter Kid Comfort

Final Packing Tips for Costa Rica

• Copies of important documents (passports, insurance, medical info)

• Check baggage restrictions: Some items (like aerosol bug spray) may not be allowed in carry-ons.

• Leave space for souvenirs! Handmade crafts and coffee make great gifts.

• Leave Heavy Clothes at Home – The climate is warm, so pack light.

• Bring Ziplock Bags – Keeps electronics safe from sand and rain.

Ready for Your Costa Rica Family Adventure?

With this Costa Rica family packing list, you’ll be prepared for both the beach and the mountains—from snorkeling to hiking through cloud forests.

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