Costa Rica Packing List

Heading to Costa Rica and wondering what to pack? Check out my Costa Rica packing list below focusing on visiting La Fortuna and Tamarindo!

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my husband and I showing off our nice dinner outfits in tamarindo
Out to dinner in Tamarindo at Pangas Beach Club wearing the fanciest outfit I brought for my husband’s birthday dinner. This is as fancy as you ever need to get!

Year-Round Packing Essentials

  • Passport/Visa – check the expiration date and make sure it’s valid for your full trip, many airlines also require 6 months validity so double check all the rules
  • Current Drivers License if renting a car
  • Credit Card that is accepted in Costa Rica – Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted
  • Cash (US Dollars are widely accepted, but it can be good to pick up some local currency as well)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Make sure to book your hotel and return flight in advance, as immigration officials may ask to see proof of both upon arrival.

Packing List for La Fortuna

La Fortuna is in the heart of the jungle near the Arenal Volcano. It’s known as the adventure capitol of Costa Rica. Here you wanted to be fully equipped for lots of different activities! If you are visiting in the wet season you want to be very equipped with rain gear, but even in the dry season there can still be light showers. The style here is very casual so you can leave any heels or super dressy outfits at home, although I did like to have some cute casual dresses for dinners and such!

  • Waterproof Hiking Shoes – I loved these from Amazon, they doubled as watershoes and still very comfortable for light hiking!
  • Flip Flops
  • Bug Repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Hiking Shorts – Quick Dry – I loved these shorts from Amazon, comfy and cute with a zipper pocket!
  • Hiking Pants – Quick Dry
  • Underwear
  • Tank tops/Quick-Dry tops – Vuori had some great cute quick dry tops
  • Rainjacket
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Umbrella
  • Hiking backpack
  • Pool Bag
  • Swimsuits – if going to hot springs bring inexpensive dark colored swimsuits because the water can stain your suit
  • Swimsuit cover ups
  • Chargers ( If coming from U.S. or Canada you don’t need a converter they use the same type of plugs, but if you are coming from Europe or other regions you likely need a converter)
  • Portable Charger
  • Waterproof Phone case
  • Re-usable water bottle – The water is clean and safe to drink in the tourist areas of Costa Rica
  • Binoculars – We really wish we brought our own because so many animals are high up in the trees and it would’ve really helped us have a closer look
standing in my hiking outfit under the la fortuna waterfall
Hiking to the La Fortuna Waterfall I have on my waterproof hiking shoes, sweat-wicking shorts, quick dry trop and sunglasses. I’m wearing my swimsuit underneath to take a dip in the water!

Packing List for Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a beach town in the Guanacaste region. I would assume this packing list could probably apply to any beach town you are visiting in Costa Rica! The style here is also very casual, but there are some nicer restaurants if you want to bring some cute outfits for dinner.

  • Swimsuits
  • Swimsuit cover ups
  • Sundresses
  • Flip Flops
  • Sandals
  • Sunhat
  • Pool/Beach bag
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Repellent
  • Sunglasses
  • Casual shirts/shorts
  • Anti-Theft Bag/Purse
  • Umbrella
  • Aloe Vera
  • Beach Reading Books
my husband and I standing on the beach in Tamarindo in dinner outfits
Heading to dinner in Tamarindo, we’ve got on our cute casual dinner outfits!

Packing list For the Plane

Hope this Costa Rica Packing List helps as you prepare for your travels!! If you need help with your itinerary, check out my 10 Day Costa Rica Itinerary Below!

10 Day Costa Rica Itinerary

Until next time, Happy Travels!

 

 

 

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