The rainy season is genuinely wonderful for travelers who prepare for it. Crowds are smaller, forests are greener, and waterfalls are at their most dramatic. It rains hard, but usually in defined afternoon windows — mornings are often clear.
Want the full picture? Our guide to Costa Rica’s rainy season covers what to expect region by region.
Do not repeat your master checklist here these are the additions that matter for specific trip types. Grab what applies to your itinerary and leave the rest.
This is the section most travelers wish they had read first. Overpacking is the number one complaint we hear from guests on their first day. Less really is more when you are moving between regions.
Jeans: They never fully dry in the humidity. Swap them for quick-dry pants or shorts and thank yourself on day two.
High heels or dress shoes: You will not need them. Even nice restaurants in Costa Rica are casual. One pair of clean trail sandals does the job.
Too many shoes: Three pairs maximum: waterproof sandals, trail shoes, and flip flops. Shoes are heavy and take space.
Non-reef-safe sunscreen: It is prohibited in several reserves and harmful to marine ecosystems. Bring reef-safe from home. Brands like Raw Elements and Badger are good options.
A hair dryer: Almost every hotel and lodge provides one. Leave yours at home.
Valuables you cannot afford to lose: Leave the expensive jewelry and the laptop you need for work. Use your trip as a proper break.
Cotton everything:Cotton absorbs moisture and stays wet all day. Pack synthetics or merino for everything except maybe one casual outfit.
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your trip.
Customs also requires a tiquete de salida proof of onward travel out of Costa Rica. This can be a return flight or a bus ticket to a neighboring country. Have it printed or easily accessible on your phone. See Costa Rica national park regulations via SINAC for entry requirements at protected areas.
Check the CDC health recommendations for Costa Rica before your trip they cover vaccines, repellent, and food safety guidance. Travel insurance is not required by law, but we strongly recommend it for anyone doing adventure activities.
US, Canadian, and UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your trip. You will need to show a return or onward ticket at customs.
Yes in most areas. Tap water in San José, Guanacaste, La Fortuna, and other major tourist regions is safe to drink and often tastes good. In very remote or rural communities, confirm locally before drinking. Carry a reusable bottle and refill with confidence in most places.
A soft-sided rolling suitcase works well if you are staying in one or two places. If you are moving between regions beach, rainforest, and volcano a mid-size backpack (40–50L) is far more practical. It fits in small boats, shuttles, and keeps your hands free on trails. We see guests arrive with giant hard-shell suitcases and spend the trip wishing they had packed a bag.
Yes. We recommend a picaridin-based repellent like Sawyer 20% over DEET it works just as well in tropical conditions, does not damage gear or plastics, and has no harsh smell. Apply it especially at dawn and dusk during the rainy season.
Here is a packing mistake almost every traveler makes on their first Costa Rica trip: they pack too many shoes. Or they forget reef-safe sunscreen which is not just a recommendation but a requirement in several national parks and marine reserves. Either way, they...
If you’ve ever interacted with a Tico (a native Costa Rican) or researched this tropical paradise, you’ve undoubtedly come across two words: “Pura Vida.” But what is the real Pura Vida meaning? Is it just a slogan, or something deeper? What Does Pura Vida Mean? (The...
Planning your first trip to Costa Rica can feel overwhelming. With rainforests, volcanoes, and two different coasts to explore, the "Pura Vida" dream can quickly turn into a logistical puzzle. Many travelers ask: Do I really need a travel agent? Can I just rent a...