What to Pack

Packing Light, on Purpose

Packing for Costa Rica often raises more questions than guests expect — not because the destination is complicated, but because it’s unfamiliar. After hosting guests here for many years, one pattern is very clear: most people arrive with more than they need and leave realizing that much less would have been just fine.

This part of Costa Rica is relaxed, informal, and deeply connected to nature. Days are shaped more by weather, light, and mood than by schedules or dress codes. Preparation matters, but simplicity matters more — the goal is comfort, flexibility, and ease, not packing for every possible scenario.

Clothing: Comfort Over Variety

Light, comfortable clothing forms the foundation of almost every stay. Breathable fabrics, loose-fitting items, and clothes that dry quickly are far more useful than packing for variety or formality — guests often rotate through a few favorites rather than wearing everything they brought.

Casual clothing works everywhere in daytime: shorts, t-shirts, light dresses, and simple layers fit naturally in towns, restaurants, and at the beach. Evenings can feel slightly cooler, particularly in hillside homes or after rain, so a light long-sleeve layer or thin sweater is usually enough. Formal clothing is almost never required — even higher-end restaurants are relaxed, and arriving in sandals after the beach is completely normal.

Footwear: Practical and Simple

Footwear is another area where guests often overpack. Simple sandals or flip-flops are enough for the beach; comfortable walking shoes or sneakers cover towns and casual outings; and closed-toe shoes are useful for light hikes, waterfalls, or jungle settings.

Heavy hiking boots are rarely necessary unless you’re planning longer or more technical treks. Most days involve short drives and relaxed walking rather than long continuous hikes, and many guests later mention that bringing fewer pairs made packing much easier.

Swimwear, Sun, and Time Outdoors

Swimwear gets more use than expected — pools and beaches are a central part of daily life, and many guests spend more time in and around water than they planned. Bringing more than one swimsuit allows for easy rotation.

Sun protection matters more than almost anything else on this list. The sun is strong year-round, even on cloudy days. A hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen go a long way, and light cover-ups or rash guards help for extended time outdoors, especially for children or sun-sensitive guests.

Bags, Water, and Day-to-Day Items

A small backpack or day bag is one of the most useful items guests bring — practical for beach trips, carrying water and sunscreen, and short excursions. Many guests use it daily.

A reusable water bottle is also helpful. All homes provide safe drinking water, and staying hydrated becomes more important than people expect, especially during the first few days.

Electronics, Power, and Connectivity

Costa Rica uses the same electrical outlets as the United States, so most travelers need no power adapters. Phones, laptops, cameras, and other electronics work as expected, Wi-Fi is provided at all homes, and many guests work remotely without issue.

Power outages can happen occasionally, usually weather-related; they’re typically brief and homes are equipped to handle short interruptions. Guests with sensitive electronics sometimes bring a surge protector for peace of mind, though it’s optional. Cell service is generally reliable in towns and along main roads, and weaker in remote or hillside areas, which is normal for the region.

Health, Bugs, and Everyday Realities

This is where guests tend to worry most in advance and think about least once they arrive. Sun protection is the single most important health consideration, even on overcast days.

Insects are part of a tropical environment, especially after rain or near vegetation. Homes are well maintained, and simple habits — keeping doors closed, using screens — make a noticeable difference. Many guests use citronella-based or natural repellents; some swear by locally available coconut oil; from personal experience, picaridin-based repellents (such as Sawyer) are especially effective and less harsh than traditional alternatives.

Basic first-aid items are useful, but there’s no need to overpack: pharmacies are easy to find in nearby towns and are well stocked with over-the-counter and many prescription medications.

→ More on geckos, ants, and the soundscape: Living in Nature

Cash, Cards, and a Note on Tipping

Both U.S. dollars (USD) and Costa Rican colones (CRC) are widely accepted; USD is taken almost everywhere, particularly in restaurants, shops, and tourist-facing businesses, with small bills the most useful. Credit cards are commonly accepted — Visa and Mastercard most widely; American Express less so at smaller businesses; Canadian dollars generally not for everyday purchases. Some cash is helpful for small purchases, local vendors, tipping, or rural stops, and ATMs are readily available in nearby towns.

On tipping: by Costa Rican law, restaurants include a 10% service charge on the bill (servicio), so additional tipping is appreciated but not expected. For private chefs, drivers, and concierge support, tipping is at your discretion and always welcome.

What Not to Worry About

Guests often arrive carrying small, quiet worries — weather changes, bugs, power, timing, what if something goes wrong. What most discover is that once they arrive, those worries fade quickly. The homes are prepared, the area is welcoming, and solutions are usually simple.

If something is forgotten, it can almost always be found locally. If plans shift, that’s part of the rhythm here. This is a place that rewards presence more than preparation.

Quick FAQ. What to Pack, and What Not to Worry About