CLOTHING
Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying.
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Undergarments & socks
- Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
- Rain jacket w/ hood and pants or rain poncho
- Sun hat with brim and chin strap
- Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
- Swimsuit
FOOTWEAR
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferably waterproof
- Hiking shoes OR sneakers
- Sandals, and/or flip flops
- Comfortable, breathable socks
BAGGAGE
- Suitcase or duffel (20kg/44lb max for internal flights-if applicable)
- Day pack for daily activities and easy access (rain cover is nice)
- Waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and camera gear (Ziplocs)
- Packing cube, compression bag, clear toiletry bag for airplane
- Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
ELECTRONICS/CAMERA GEAR
Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible).
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera, lenses, filters, memory cards
- 18-200 MM Lens OR 18-100 MM Lens (recommended)
- Telephoto Lens, 300 MM or more (recommended)
- Tripod
- Cell phone
- Extra camera batteries, chargers
- PLUG adapter: NOT NEEDED-SAME AS US/CANADA
TOILETRIES
- Soap
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Shaving supplies
- Nail clippers, file, brush
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror
- Small towel
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Insect repellent
FIRST AID
- Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen
- Band-Aids/plasters
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Throat lozenges
- Vitamins
- Diarrhea medicine (Cyproflaxin works great)
- Antihistamines
- Ace bandage
- Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid
- Prescription drugs
DOCUMENTS
- Passport
- Document organizer
- Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
- Medical insurance card & travel insurance card
- Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit
cards (front and back), travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a travel companion’s luggage and email them to yourself.
OTHER
- Sunglasses with straps
- Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
- Binoculars
- Pencil and pen
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks
- Duct tape
- Matches or lighter
- Clothes line, sink stopper, detergent
- Cash, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2002)
- Guide books, maps, language books
- Reusable Water bottle and/or Camelback
* April Weather in Costa Rica: https://jameskaiser.com/costa-rica-guide/weather/april/
