What to Pack for a Trip to Costa Rica – Packing Guide

There are so many things I love about visiting Costa Rica, one of which is that you can have SO many different experiences all in one trip! With the Caribbean on the east, the Pacific on the West, and the lush mountainous terrain in between – you can expect chill days on the beach (or in volcanic thermal mineral baths) and luxury jungle hideaways, but also exhilarating moments on adventure, like zip-lining through the rainforest, hiking volcanoes, taking a surf lesson and ATV-ing to all the best waterfalls! Although the vast range of activities Costa Rica has to offer is definitely a selling point, it does make packing a bit more complicated. That’s where I come in!

You’re mainly going to be packing light airy fabrics that won’t suffocate you during days of high humidity, but you’ll also want a couple warm layers for hiking in the mountains and the rainforest. 

What not to forget for Costa Rica

Bug spray – I used this one – it’s botanical so doesn’t use deet and it worked REALLY well!!! It was a lifesaver. I’ve heard of many people coming home with so many bug bites in Costa Rica – but we successfully have none! 

A rain jacket – there are so many different microclimates in Costa Rica, I highly recommend packing a rain jacket and being prepared for anything!

What to wear in Costa Rica for travel days

Keep if comfy, and keep in mind that when you land its going to be warm and HUMID.

Spiritual Gangster Serene Twist Back Top in Stone 

AGOLDE Charli Jacket in Debate 

APL: Athletic Propulsion Labs Techloom Breeze Sneaker in White

What to wear in Costa Rica on jungle adventures

It rains a lot in Costa Rica. If I’m being honest, you’re going to want a pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting ruined… Think sturdy sandals or a pair of hiking boots!

On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof Sneaker in Black & Eclipse these waterproof sneakers are my go-to for hiking – they’re great for waterfall chasing and have great traction for any hiking you do in Costa Rica!

and these chic hiking boots are only $39 on Amazon!

Arizona Love Trekky Raffia Sandal in Raffia Black

Loeffler Randall Maisie Sporty Sandal in Leopard

TWENTY Montreal Swirl 3D Sportsbra in Mocha

Spiritual Gangster Athena Crop Tank in Burnt Olive

AGOLDE Parker Vintage Cut Off Short in Swapmeet

 

The best gear for hiking in Costa Rica:

BEIS Waterbottle Sling in Black

This water bottle sling is so clutch.

BEIS Packable Backpack in Black

BILLABONG Tomorrow Canvas Bucket Hat, Main, color, NAT-NATURAL

You can’t go wrong with a good biker short or denim short!

YEAR OF OURS V Waist Biker Short in BlackBEACH RIOT Bike Short in Taupe Spot LEVI'S 501 Original Short in Keep It Clean

 

Lack of Color The Inca Bucket Hat in Brown

 

 

It's Now Cool Contour Crop Bikini Top in Olive

Monica Hansen Beachwear That 90's Vibe Bikini Top in Safari Green

Wearing the Mykonos one piece, these white denim shorts, and these trusty sneakers.

What to wear in Costa Rica around the resort 

Whether it’s the Four Seasons Costa Rica or Casa Chameleon, you’ll want to enjoy a few days lounging by the pool after all those jungle adventures.

House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE Sandra Skirt in Dusty Blue

FAITHFULL THE BRAND La Fleur Top in Brick

 

FAITHFULL THE BRAND Cyprus Top in Chocolate

PQ Billie Button Down Dress in Water Lily

BEACH RIOT Adele Coverup in Marble

My favorite one piece I wore on our trip to Costa Rica!

HAIGHT. Panneaux in Sage GreenHAIGHT. Panneaux in Lichen Green

Tularosa Mila Cargo Skirt in Coffee Brown love this skort for a Costa Rica outfit (but skip the boots!)

BEACH RIOT Salty Wrap in Palm

L*SPACE Ioana Short in CreamTularosa Ryse Short in White

BEACH RIOT x REVOLVE Amber One Piece in Black Palm

lovewave The Driza One Piece in Gold

Indah Current Long Sleeve Tunic in White

Love this as an easy cover up to head to the pool!

Lovers and Friends Amity Mini Dress in Pink Palm StripeBEACH RIOT Rachel Skirt in Palm 

florabella Nicolette Hat in Natural, Gold, & Parfait

florabella Gia Hat in NaturalCastaner Palmera Espadrille Sandal in Metalizado Oro Claro

What to wear in Costa Rica: Surf Vibes

If you’ve never surfed before and are thinking this might be the trip to try (which I would 100% recommend), make sure to pack a suit that covers your stomach. You don’t want board burn to ruin your experience!!

Maaji Tiky Reversible One Piece in Indigo BlueLoveShackFancy Olessia One Piece in Coral Reef Pink

BILLABONG x Sincerely Jules Well Spotted Long Sleeve One-Piece Swimsuit, Main, color, GOLD DUST

What to wear in Costa Rica in trendy Santa Teresa

Beach Days

Make SURE you wear sunscreen even if it’s cloudy, the sun here is extra strong!

Show Me Your Mumu Johns Button Down Shirt in White Linen

AGOLDE Parker Long Short in SwapmeetLovers and Friends Rosabelle Shorts in White

Bond Eye Twist Strap Oscar One Piece in CedarCamila Coelho Offshore Midi Skirt in White & Gold

Jen's Pirate Booty Moana Midi Dress in PineappleSavannah Morrow Neoma Wrap Skirt in Agave

vitamin A Playa Shirt Dress in SunkissedSavannah Morrow Jamaica Mini Dress in Cream

L*SPACE Isadora Hat in Natural Stripe

RAYE Couer Sandal in Natural

Schutz Byana Flatform Sandal in Wood

What to wear in Costa Rica out to dinner 

Santa Teresa is like the Tulum of Costa Rica, with a young trendy crowd. Here’s what to wear if you’re heading out to grab sushi at Koji, or maybe a sunset drink at Banana Beach!

Camila Coelho Kimber Maxi Dress in Hazel Brown BEC&BRIDGE Zahara Knit Midi Dress in Twig

 

Cult Gaia Serita Dress in AmberL*SPACE Melody Dress in Melody Stripe

Line & Dot Megan Wrap Dress in Chartreuse L*SPACE Naomi Dress in Cream

L*SPACE Sandpiper Dress in BlackIndah Innocence Solid Smocked Maxi Dress in Opal

LPA Caprice Dress in Black

Wedged heels are your best friend for walking on sandy roads, skip the stilettos. 

ALOHAS Mirage Sandal in CamelHouse of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE Birdie Heel in Natural

RAYE Arden Heel in MultiRAYE Julie Heel in Nude

Check out these other blog posts

The ultimate Costa Rica travel guide

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica travel guide

Where to eat in Santa Teresa Costa Rica

 

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Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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