What to Pack — Costa Rica Explorer (12 Days)

Bags and capacity

• One soft main bag (backpack or duffel) that you can lift yourself. Aim for carry-on size or light checked weight; there are a few multi-stop travel days and you will be happier if it is manageable.
• One daypack (20–30 L) for water, rain shell, camera, snacks and a spare layer.

Clothing (quick-dry rules everything)

• Tops: 3–4 quick-dry shirts plus one long-sleeve sun shirt.
• Bottoms: Lightweight long pants for jungle trails, one pair of shorts for beach days.
• Layers for altitude: Light fleece or sweater for Poás and Monteverde nights and early mornings.
• Rain protection: Waterproof jacket with a hood; a compact travel umbrella is great for warm downpours.
• Swimwear: Bathers plus a rash guard for sun and surf.
• Sleepwear and underwear: Breathable fabrics; humidity is real.
• Respectful wear: Something modest for community visits or small towns.

Footwear

• Trail shoes or light hikers with grip for cloud-forest paths and waterfall approaches.
• Water shoes or sturdy sandals with a heel strap for rocky river entries and bioluminescent kayaking.
• Flip-flops for the beach and hostel showers.

Sun, heat and insects

• Wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses and reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen (the sun is intense even on cloudy days).
• Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin, plus anti-itch cream.
• Electrolytes (tabs or powder) for hot, active days.

Swim and wet-weather extras

• Quick-dry towel (some hostels do not provide towels).
• Dry bag (5–10 L) or waterproof phone pouch for the kayak clean-up, waterfalls and rainy bursts.
• Zip bags for separating damp items from clean clothes.

Toiletries and health

• Your usual kit plus hand sanitiser, tissues and basic first aid (plasters, blister care, pain relief).
• Personal medications for the full trip and a copy of prescriptions.
• Motion sickness remedy if you are sensitive (ferry crossings and winding mountain roads).
• Reusable water bottle (at least 1–2 litres capacity); refill whenever you can.

Tech and power

• Phone and camera, charging cables and a power bank (bus days and nature lodges can mean patchy access to outlets).
• Plug type and voltage: Costa Rica uses Type A/B (US-style) plugs at 120V/60Hz. Travellers from Australia and many other regions will need a US plug adapter; check that any non-electronics (like hair tools) are dual-voltage.

Documents and money

• Passport (check validity and any visa needs for your nationality).
• Travel insurance details and emergency numbers.
• Payment cards plus some Costa Rican colón and small USD for tips, snacks and markets.
• Copies of key documents (digital and paper) stored separately.

Nice-to-have extras

• Headlamp for the Monteverde night walk and early starts.
• Lightweight binoculars for sloths, toucans and monkeys.
• Reusable tote for markets and beach runs.
• Compact laundry soap; quick-wash in a sink, dry overnight.

Leave behind (or think twice)

• Heavy hard-shell suitcases (awkward on boats, cobbles and hostel stairs).
• Single-use plastic bottles (tap water is widely available in towns; refill instead).
• Drones, unless you already understand and can comply with local and park-specific rules.

Mini route-specific tips

• Poás and Monteverde: cooler, windier and often misty—have your warm layer and rain shell handy in your daypack.
• La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio: hot and humid—plan to reapply sunscreen and repellent, and drink steadily.
• Santa Teresa: beach town rhythm—sun protective clothing pays off as much as sunscreen, especially if you plan to surf.

Pack light, think quick-dry, and give every item a job. If it cannot handle rain, heat, or sand, it is probably just along for the ride.