I've lived in Costa Rica for 3-4 months at a time, during both the rainy season and dry season. I've explored the beach town of Santa Teresa, adventured in La Fortuna, and even worked from the city of San Jose. Here's what you'll need to pack whether...
Sections
3
Beach Towns
City, Mountain or Other
Essentials to Pack
Beach Towns
If you're staying on the beach, dress is pretty casual. I've spent a total of 5ish months living in Santa Teresa and here's a sense of what I basically lived in
You will need these especially if you're driving or riding in cars/buses in this area and have a larger chest, because the roads are bumpy and sometimes it hurts! But they're also more comfortable in the heat in general
Sports Bras to Wear Under Tanks & Tees
Lightweight, flowy tank tops are comfortable, casual yet cute and easy to throw on for everyday wear
Womens Loose Fit Flowy Tank Top Square Neck
Easy breezy for everyday wear. Cute enough to dress up and wear to more casual restaurants
Casual Shorts Drawstring Waist with Pockets
Planning to surf? Protect yourself from the sun
Women's Rash Guard Shirts
Self explanatory!
Women's Bikinis & Swimwear
You're definitely going to want to go for long walks on the beach. You don't need a coverup for that, but it's a nice touch!
Swimsuit Cover-ups for Women
For going out, whether to a nicer restaurant or experiencing the nightlife, dressy rompers are both practical and cute while still looking more elevated than daywear
Party Rompers | Going Out Rompers | PrettyLittleThing USA
I ended up buying a black pair of flip flops there that I wore nonstop. It wasn't easy to find where to buy them near the beach, so I strongly recommend buying before you go
Women's Havaianas
If you like to get all dolled up for evenings out then pack 1-2 more formal dresses. Or, you could buy a couple there!
Beachy Formal Dresses
Versatile, can double as a beach towel
Beach Sarongs For Women
City, Mountain or Other
Whether you're exploring Monteverde's cloud forest, the thermal hot springs and volcano in La Fortuna or the fine dining scene in San Jose outfits will look a bit different than on the beach.
These are the sandals I bought for Costa Rica and they're perfect. Comfortable, supportive and waterproof (minus the cloth straps but they dry quickly). Perfect for hiking waterfalls!
Hiking Sandals
Longer, lightweight pants for exploring any nature trails or for chillier weather
Lightweight Hiking Cargo Pants Outdoor Quick Dry
In case of rain or a light chill, you'll want a rain jacket
Women's Ultra-Lite Hooded Jacket
Depending on the length of your trip, you're unlikely to need more than 1 pair, unless you're staying in San Jose the entire time (which, why?)
Women's Jeans
Have at least one pair of close-toed shoes. Certain activities require it. Plus, you won't want open toed sandals or flip flops in San Jose / big city areas
Women's Sneakers
Jeans and a dressier top work well in the city. Causal yet slightly dressed up
Women's Sleeveless Blouses
Easy, comfortable and chic close-toed option for evenings
Women's Flats & Ballet Flats
For layering on chillier evenings
Lightweight Cardigans
Essentials to Pack
Beyond clothes and shoes, here are additional items to pack
Not a nice-to-have. A must.
Best Insect & Pest Repellent Body Sprays
It's more expensive to buy there, so buy your favorite and take it with you.
Sunscreen
If you want to swim or get out on the water while keeping your things safe and dry, grab some dry bags
Waterproof Bags For Swimming
Quickdrying and nifty to have on hand
Microfiber Towels
Perfect for day trips
Drawstring Bags
If you get any mosquito bites you'll be grateful to have this on hand
Hydrocortisone Cream
Whether you take a ferry or a private driver between different parts of the country, it can be helpful to take a dramamine first (at least, it was for me!)
Dramamine for nausea prevention
In case of any stomach discomfort along the way
Pepto-Bismol chewables
My forever travel essential
Portable Phone Chargers
A roundup of my travel planning top picks
Best Travel Resources - Globe Gazers
I love the plum color
Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20
My go-to. Too hot for makeup there, so the tinted sunscreen was perfect
