Coming to Costa Rica, but not sure what to pack? This packing list should help! Costa Rica is a gorgeous country with several tropical microclimates, diverse environments, and lots of indoor and outdoor activities. Whether your program includes adventure activities in the rainforest, relaxation on the beaches of the Pacific, or an elevated celebration, you’ll want to make sure you pack the essentials. 

Here’s the ultimate Costa Rica packing list for incentive programs, meetings, and events.

Note: This list consists of recommendations alone. Your final packing list will need to be adjusted slightly according to time of year, destinations, and activities. Your program itinerary will usually include a dress code for specific events, experiences, and CSR and team bonding activities to help you customize this list. 

1. Clothing & Accessories Packing List

Costa Rica has two seasons: dry season (roughly December-April) and green season (roughly May-November). Depending on when your program occurs, your packing list may vary. 

In the dry season, you’ll want to pack lightweight, breathable clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. However, keep in mind that even during the dry season, it can still rain in some parts of the country, so it’s always a good idea to pack a rain jacket just in case.

During the green season, in addition to your warm weather clothing, you’ll want to bring a rain jacket or poncho, waterproof shoes or sandals, and quick-drying clothes—especially when exploring the countryside outside of Guanacaste, or at higher elevations. It’s also a good idea to bring a waterproof bag or cover for your electronics and other valuables. 

Learn more: Here are 6 common myths about the weather in Costa Rica. 

Essential Clothing & Accessories

• Swimsuit(s) 
• Shirts, Tank Tops, and Crop Tops (Wear what you're comfortable in, but don't hesitate to show some skin if you like. Bring a few options, as you'll likely sweat, and remember lighter colors stay cooler in the heat.)
• Shorts (Bring a couple, as they might get wet if worn over a bathing suit or while walking through water. Swimming trunks can also double as shorts.)
• Hat (Be sure to bring a hat for sun protection. Baseball caps work well for both the beach and adventure tours, while a floppy sun hat is perfect for beach days.)
• Sunglasses (These are notorious for getting lost in the ocean, so keep a firm grip on yours—and bring a spare, just in case.)

Clothing & Accessories You Might Need

• Lightweight Jacket (Something light that you’ll feel comfortable throwing on top of any of your outfits in case of a cool night or rain.)
• Semi-formal and Formal Outfits (Choose something loose and cool, but polished enough for upscale hotels and restaurants. Even at the nicer restaurants, you’ll fit in fine with a cocktail dress or a nice shirt and pair of shorts or pants. If it’s on the beach, nice shorts are accepted as well.) 
• Exercise Clothes (These are great for hot climates and physical tours like hiking, rafting, or ziplining.)
• Jeans or Khakis (1 pair for night activities or a trip to one of our rare cooler areas, like the Central Valley.) 
• Umbrella (Costa Rica sees frequent rain, though rarely all day. An umbrella won't make you hot like a rain jacket and is easy to find locally if you don’t want to pack one.) 
• Small Backpack (A small backpack is essential for hikes and longer tours.) 

2. Shoes Packing List

Shoes notoriously take up a lot of space, so try to wear your biggest and heaviest shoes on the plane instead of packing them in your limited-space suitcase. 

• Sandals or Flip-flops (If your program includes an event or fine dining, a nicer sandal is usually sufficient.) 
• Walking Shoes (Unless your program itinerary includes a longer hike, walking shoes are usually sufficient.)
• Comfortable Flats (This option works well for dinners and events for both men and women.) 
• Strap-on water shoes with thick soles (If your program itinerary calls for water sports.)

3. Toiletries Packing List

Keep in mind that most of the hotels you could be staying at provide some toiletries—and you can buy just about any others you’d need here. What you might not find are specific brands you prefer to use, which is why we recommend packing the necessities. 

Essential Toiletries

• Face and Body Sunscreen (Bring high-quality sunscreen, as Costa Rica’s sun is stronger than you’re used to. Pack enough to reapply every two hours, and opt for eco-friendly options, especially for ocean use.)
• Bug Repellant (Our tropical paradise can have mosquitos, so we recommend bringing eco-friendly repellents.) 
• Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash (Most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash of excellent quality, but bring your own if you use special products like color-care or natural hair treatments.) 
• Hair Ties and Clips (A ponytail or braid is often the easiest way to manage humidity frizz.) 
• Medications (We always advise travelers to bring enough of their own medications, though Costa Rican pharmacies are widely available if anything slips through the cracks.)

Not Essential, But Very Handy Toiletries

• Aloe Vera Gel (Helps soothe any sunburns you might get.) 
• Facial Cleanser and Spot Treatment (Clean your face after hiking or ocean activities—plus, you never know when someone will grab their phone for a trip photo!) 
• Makeup and Makeup Remover (SPF foundations and creams give you a little extra sun barrier.)
• Band-Aids, Antibacterial cream, and Anti-inflammatories (our tours usually provide first aid kits, but it’s wise to carry your own essentials in case you're not with a guide.)

4. Documents Packing List

• Passport and Copy (Keep copies of your passport in separate bags. If something happens to your passport, the copy will help you at the embassy.) 
• Proof of your Return Ticket (You may need proof of your departure date for Immigration. Ensure your return ticket shows you're leaving Costa Rica within 90 days.) 
• Hotel Information (You may be asked for your destination address when going through Immigration.) 
• Program Contact (In case you need any help while traveling or not with your group.)  
• Travel Itinerary (Keep it handy in both digital and print formats.) 
• Medical and Travel Insurance Information 
• Cash, Credit Card, and Debit Card (Most stores and restaurants accept credit/debit cards, though some don’t take American Express. Bring cash for places that don’t accept cards; U.S. dollars are widely accepted.) 

5. Electronics & Entertainment Packing List

You likely won’t need as much entertainment as you think on your Costa Rican trip. Downtime will mostly be during flights or road trips between regions, but the scenery might be so captivating that you won’t want any distractions.

Between tours and at night, you’ll likely feel tired. Even without a packed itinerary, being in a new country can be exhausting. Many of our travelers find themselves ready to rest and turn in early to stay refreshed for the adventures to come. 

• 1 or 2 Entertainment Items (Such as a book, Kindle, iPad, or hand-held gaming console)
• Cellphone and Charger
• Electrical Socket Adapter (If your plugs are not North American grounded or ungrounded, which is what you’ll find in Costa Rica.)
• Step-up or Step-down Voltage Transformer (If your electronics need voltage other than 110-120 volts. US electronics do just fine when plugged into Costa Rican outlets. For travelers from other countries, check Costa Rica’s plug and voltage guidelines.) 
• Headphones
• Laptop and Charger (If you need to get some work done—otherwise, we’d suggest leaving it at home!)
• GoPro, Charger, and Extra Batteries (The great thing about a GoPro is that you can attach it and forget about it, allowing you to enjoy your activities without distraction.) 
• Waterproof Phone Case (Water activities can easily get your phone wet, but the best waterproof cases still allow you to use your phone while it's protected.)

6. Donations for Pack for a Purpose 

Premio DMC is proud to be a member of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers to make a lasting impact in the communities they visit on their journeys. The principle behind Pack for a Purpose is simple: If participants save just a little space in their suitcase in order to bring some supplies on their program, they can make a substantial impact in the lives of local children. If you or your program is participating in this initiative, remember to save a corner of your suitcase for your donation! 

Things You Might Not Need to Pack

With limited suitcase space, it’s important to know what to pack and what you can skip.

• Safari Clothes (Bring comfortable clothing for a warm, tropical environment, but remember you won’t be in the jungle the whole time.) 
• Portable USB Charger (You can bring it if you want, but it’s likely unnecessary as hotels, tours, and transportation usually offer outlets to charge electronics.) 
• Guidebook (Feel free to bring a guidebook if you like, but online information is typically more up-to-date as countries and cultures change.) 
• Water Purifier (Costa Rican water is potable in almost every region, especially in restaurants and hotels.) 
• Hair Dryer (Most hotels provide hair dryers, so check with your program contact, but it's likely one less thing to pack.)
• Beach Towel (Most hotels provide beach towels.)

Costa Rica Packing List Conclusion

Pack light, leave some space for souvenirs and gifts, and be sure to bring along your sense of adventure and curiosity. With these tips in hand, you'll be all set to fully enjoy your visit to Costa Rica!