Dress in light colors to
attract less heat while
in Costa Rica







Thick polos are good for
the nights when it can
be quite chilly


To pack or not to pack...


CLOTHES: Dress in Costa Rica is informal. The only exception is in San Jose, where locals may dress up a bit for dinners. It is a good idea to wear lightweight sport clothing and lots of t-shirts, beach towel and swim wear. A jacket or sweater is needed in cooler climates, such as in the Monteverde Cloud Forest in the morning hours. A lightweight raincoat or poncho may also come in handy. Comfortable walking shoes, tennis shoes and hiking boots are suggested. Please bring sun block and use it. Wide brim hats, and sunglasses are highly recommended. Convertible slacks (with a zipper to turn slacks into shorts) are popular. Comfortable travel clothes can be worn once you return home, and are widely available via mail order catalogues such as L.L. Bean or Travel Smith. Laundry service is available at most lodges and hotels, but be very clear about when you need your clothes returned. Dry cleaners are rarer than spotting tapirs or jaguars. Some hotels have hairdryers in each room. The best advice is to travel light. If viewing the turtles, you need to wear black or dark clothes.

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:

  • A small flashlight with extra batteries
  • Packaged wet tissues ("Wash & Dry" "Wet Ones")
  • Plenty of film or tape for your camera + extra batteries or rechargers
  • Long-sleeved shirts, slacks and socks to protect you from insect bites and sunburn
  • Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light · Sun hat with a brim
  • Shorts/skirts
  • Long trousers/slacks
  • Underwear and socks
  • Good walking shoes
  • Sandals or rubber flip/flops for poolside
  • Swimsuit with light cover-up garment
  • Warm winter jersey for cooler mornings in higher elevations
  • Light rain gear (ponchos work better than trying to carry an umbrella along with your camera etc!)
  • If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
  • BINOCULARS (ESSENTIAL)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion
  • Insect repellent e.g. Jungle Juice, OFF! Etc.
  • Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc)
  • Tickets, passports, money etc
  • Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: The allowance on your international flights is two pieces of luggage, each weighing 50 pounds. However, if your itinerary includes domestic flights, there is a weight limit of 25 lbs. per person. Equally important is the size and structure of the bags. Soft luggage (canvas, fabric or duffel bags) about 24" X 17" X 7" are ideal. Large suitcases are virtually impossible to stow in light aircraft and difficult to pack in motor coaches and should not be used. You can leave your excess luggage at your hotel in San Jose.