The question keeps popping up in travel groups: “What do I need to pack for Costa Rica?” At first glance, it seems simple. You’re going to a tropical paradise, so you throw in some shorts, a bathing suit, and maybe a pair of flip flops. Done, right? Wrong. If you pack like that, you’ll be about as prepared as a snowman at a bonfire.
Let’s go through the list, with a little reality check along the way.
Rain gear Yes, it’s the tropics. Yes, it rains. Not the cute drizzle you dodge in Vancouver. More like the sky pulling a prank and dumping a bucket over your head while laughing. A light rain jacket or poncho is your friend. An umbrella is just a kite with bad intentions.
Proper footwear Flip flops are fine for the beach. But you’ll want real shoes for the rainforest, or you’ll be slipping around like Bambi on ice. Hiking sandals or sturdy runners are the sweet spot. Just don’t try climbing a volcano in Crocs.
Mosquito repellent You know how your aunt insists you eat more because you’re “looking thin”? Mosquitoes have that same vibe. Except they don’t stop at one serving. Bring repellent with DEET. Organic oils are about as effective as polite suggestions.
Sunscreen Costa Rica’s sun is not the same as your backyard in Calgary. It’s like comparing a kitten to a jaguar. If you don’t pack sunscreen, you’ll glow like a lobster that lost a bar fight. If you try buying some in Costa Rica, be prepared to re-mortgage your home.
Light clothing Quick-dry is the way to go. Cotton soaks up water like a sponge and stays wet longer than a teenage romance. Think breathable, comfortable, and ready to wash and wear. A sundress is most comfortable… but gents, let’s keep this for the ladies, please.
Power adapter Costa Rica uses the same plugs as North America, but here’s the kicker: the power flickers sometimes… or often. Pack a small surge protector if your phone or laptop is precious. That way you don’t return home with a fried device and a story that starts with “You’ll never believe this.”
A copy of your passport Lose your original, and you’re suddenly starring in your own survival series called “Stranded in San José.” A paper copy can save you hours of stress and a new appreciation for embassy staff.
Colones Yes, U.S. dollars are accepted in many places, but not everywhere. Canadian dollar? They’ve never heard of it, although it looks almost identical. Pulling out a $20 bill to buy a mango is like showing up to a dart game with a javelin. Colones make life simpler, and you won’t end up overpaying because the cashier’s “conversion rate” is just whatever number popped into their head that morning.
A sense of humour Because things won’t always go as planned. Buses run on “maybe” time, monkeys might steal your snacks, and GPS thinks every cow path is a shortcut. If you can laugh at yourself, you’ll get along just fine.
Patience Costa Rica runs on “pura vida” time, which is basically island time with extra chill. Service is slower, traffic has its own rules, and schedules bend like palm trees in the wind. Fight it, and you’ll be miserable. Flow with it, and you’ll discover something priceless.
And here’s the unsuspected punch. The most important thing you can pack for Costa Rica is not in your suitcase. It’s in your head. Pack the ability to let go of control. Pack the courage to step outside your comfort zone. Pack the willingness to learn from people who don’t rush, who laugh easily, and who find joy in simple moments. Pack respect for a culture that lives by “pura vida” not as a slogan, but as a way of life. Pack a smile and carry it at all times. Ticos don’t like confrontation, or loud and obnoxious. And that, my friends, is a good thing.
Because when your vacation ends, you may unpack your clothes, your souvenirs, and your mosquito-bitten ankles. But if you packed the right mindset, what you bring back with you will be far more valuable than anything you stuffed in your carry-on.