Congratulations! You’ve booked your dream vacation to Costa Rica and are currently counting down the days until you step foot in this beautiful paradise. Next on the list, what to pack? If your trip is limited to visiting us here in Los Suenos Resort & Marina, you will likely have an idea for the weather you can expect during your visit, but if you have additional destinations on your itinerary do your homework. While Costa Rica may be a small country, it has dozens of microclimates. Here is our list of essentials for your upcoming trip to Costa Rica.
Keep it Casual: Clothing and Footwear
There is a generally accepted, casual dress code, across Costa Rica so no need to put on your Sunday best every time to step out of the house. Think shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, bathing suits, and cover ups. If you want to go out to a nice dinner, a simple dress for the ladies and a polo shirt with dressy shorts for the guys are both great options. No need to overthink it.
If you are visiting some of the more mountainous regions, bring some extra layers including pants and long sleeve shirts. Temperatures in these areas can get a bit cooler, especially overnight.
When planning what shoes to bring, we suggest the following motto: less is more! You will see most people in the area wearing flip flops and sandals anywhere they go. Keep in mind, there are also many activities to do around the area. We suggest bringing a pair a hiking shoes or sturdy tennis shoes, as well as an extra pair that I don’t mind getting wet.
Pro Tip: Here at all of our houses in Los Suenos Resort, you have access to a washer and dryer. So, we suggest, pack light! Wash and rewear items as needed.
Rainwear
Wherever you plan to visit in Costa Rica, there is always a chance for a rain storm to pass through. Bring a light rain jacket.
Currency
If you are traveling from the United States, you are in luck! Practically everywhere in Costa Rica accepts the US dollar, so you will never have trouble paying for anything. Credit cards are also widely accepted, with the exception of American Express. Stick to Visa or Mastercard.
Pro Tip: If you want a better price, order and exchange some money at your local bank before arriving in Costa Rica. That way, you won’t have to bother with this task during vacation and you often get a better rate when paying in local currency.
Sun Protection and other odds and ends
Wherever you go in Costa Rica, bring and hat and sunscreen to protect you from the sun. Costa Rica is located roughly 10 degrees above the equator so be diligent. Nothing worse than losing a couple of days of fun in the sun during your vacation because you forgot to use sunscreen.
If you are interested in taking a surf lesson during your vacation, we suggest bringing a rash guard.
Dont forget the bug spray! Eco-friendly insect repellent could be your best friend throughout your travels.
Download Google Maps or Waze. This is a game changer for getting around especially if you are renting your own car.
See you soon in the land of Pura Vida!
Further Questions? Contact us directly!
1 888.490.4581 Toll Free USA
(506) 2637-8484 Phone Costa Rica
Email: vacation@hrgcr.com