What To Bring To Costa Rica

If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, keep in mind you'll need a long list of what to bring to Costa Rica. Whether you will be spending a couple of weeks along the beach or traveling inland to do some sightseeing and hiking, you'll need to be well-prepared. The weather is usually hot and humid, as Costa Rica lies just above the world's equator. However, for a country so small, it actually has a vast number of different weather patterns. One day you could experience hot, dry weather along with the normal humidity and another day it could rain substantially as Costa Rica does have a number of rain forests.

1. Necessary documents. Since you're traveling to a foreign country, you will, of course, be required to bring a passport. Other contact information you should carry would include your driver’s license, medical emergency card or tags, traveler’s checks and debit or credit cards.
2. Insect repellent and sunscreen. Always bring sunscreen when traveling somewhere warm and where you'll be in the outdoors for much of your vacation. The UV rays from the sun this close to the equator will be especially damaging to your skin. Bug repellent here is a necessity as well since there are many types of bugs both near the beach and inland where it's even more humid. Your sunscreen protection should not be below an SPF 30 and insect repellent with DEET of 95 percent or more is recommended.
3. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing. You will perspire easily being in a tropical environment. Therefore, all clothing you bring either should be strictly cotton or made of a light, synthetic material. Bring at least two sets of clothes that will dry quickly including shirts, shorts and pants. If you're traveling to Costa Rica during the rainy season, be sure to bring along extra pairs of socks and underwear, as well as a raincoat or waterproof poncho. Down by the beaches, simple attire will do like bathing suits, shorts, bathing cover-ups and lightweight summer clothes.
4. Shoes. The best types of shoes to bring to any Costa Rican inland destination would be either waterproof hiking books that are lightweight, Teva brand hiking sandals or shoes, or tennis shoes that will not absorb a lot of water and will dry quickly. Back at the beach, you'll be able to go barefoot, wear flip-flops or some sort of sandals.
5. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration and heat stroke can set in quickly in a hot, humid environment like Costa Rica, so be sure to bring bottled water with you wherever you go and drink more than you normally would to keep your body well hydrated.
6. Miscellaneous items. Most people traveling to Costa Rica will want to document what they see and do, so remember to bring along a camera, plenty of film, extra batteries and a sturdy camera case. Binoculars are another good thing to have along in case you can't get a good shot of something far away, so you can at least get a close look at it with a pair of binoculars instead. An area guidebook would be beneficial, as would an English to Spanish dictionary if you're not fluent in Spanish. Some will want to bring along a flashlight with extra batteries, too, if you're going on any type of hike that lasts more than a day.
7. Toiletries. Of course, deodorant is necessary on any trip and you may want to bring two when traveling into Costa Rica's humid temperatures. Other necessities would include a covered toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, towel and washcloth, shampoo and conditioner and a razor if you cannot go without shaving.
8. First-Aid Kit. What did your mom always teach you? Never leave home without a first-aid kit and a clean pair of underwear. The same applies to any trip to Costa Rica. You'll want to have a fully stocked first-aid kit handy for bug bites, cuts or scratches you may get from tropical plants, band-aids, Neosporin, tweezers, waterproof tape, Tylenol or Ibuprofen, Imodium AD and Dramamine.