Costa Rica | Gardens, Forests, Wildlife and the Sea with San Diego Botanic Garden

Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Costa Rica. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Costa Rica’s rainy season is May through November, but it can rain at any time. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

If your program includes visits to higher elevations (e.g. Savegre, Monteverde, or Cordillera de Talamanca), warm clothing is strongly recommended. Temperatures can get quite chilly, especially at night and early in the morning, and hotel rooms don’t always have heat. It can also be windy at times. Consider packing a warm underlayer, as well as a warm, protective outer layer.

For birding programs, pack muted colors such as khaki, olive, and forest green. If participating in turtle patrols, bring dark-colored pants and shirts.

• A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
• Shorts
• Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection; jeans tend to be uncomfortable in hot and humid conditions, but are fine in the cooler highlands.
• Undergarments
• Sleepwear
• Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt (or heavier weight if visiting high-elevation areas)
• 1-2 bathing suit(s) for the beach, if applicable, plus many hotels have pools
• Socks – Bring extra pairs. If your itinerary indicates muddy hikes with rubber boots provided on-site, pack a few pairs of knee socks to prevent blisters.
• Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. If you’re whitewater rafting or visiting the beach, you may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
• Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
• Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
• Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

• Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites (and to be considerate of you fellow travelers).
• Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
• Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Razor
• Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
• Personal hygiene products
• Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we recommend reef-safe sunscreen.
• Aloe vera gel
• A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

• Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
• Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
• Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
• Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
• Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
• Sunglasses with strap
• Small day pack for hikes and excursions
• Flashlight and/or head lamp
• Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
• A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
• Binoculars with lens cleaner
• Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
• Reusable water bottle – especially important in national parks, which do not permit single-use plastic bottles or containers
• Non-perishable snacks
• Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
• Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
• Notepad or travel journal and pen
• Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
• Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
• A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
• Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
• Money belt
• Chargers for electronics