Let’s talk packing! Costa Rica is wonderfully casual, so you can leave the formal wear at home. Here’s my tried-and-true packing list for Guanacaste:
Absolute Must-Haves:
- Sunscreen, sunscreen, SUNSCREEN! The sun is no joke here – you’re only 10 degrees from the equator! Bring SPF 50+ and reef-safe if possible (your skin and the ocean will thank you)
- Bug spray with DEET for excursions (the good stuff for when you’re in the jungle)
- Portable charger/power bank (for all-day adventures when outlets are nowhere to be found)
- Water bottle with filter (tap water is generally safe in resorts, but a filter bottle gives peace of mind everywhere)
- Quickdry towel (perfect for excursions or beach-hopping days)
- Light rain jacket (even in dry season, forest excursions can get misty)
- Underwater phone case (for waterfall pics and beach days)
Clothing:
- Swimwear (at least 2-3 sets – you’ll live in these!)
- Cover-ups that can double as casual dresses/outfits
- Lightweight, breathable clothes (think cotton, linen, athletic wear)
- 1-2 “nicer” outfits for resort dinners (sundresses, casual button-ups)
- Hiking shorts/pants (quick-dry, not denim) for adventures
- Hat with good coverage (baseball caps don’t protect your neck/ears!)
- Sunglasses (polarized are worth it for the ocean views)
Footwear:
- Water shoes/sandals that can get wet (for waterfalls, boat trips)
- Comfortable walking sandals (you’ll wear these most days)
- Closed-toe shoes for zip lining, horseback riding, and hiking
- Flip flops for the pool/beach
What NOT to Bring:
- High heels (seriously, even at the nicest restaurants, fancy sandals are as dressy as it gets)
- Expensive jewelry (between beach days and humidity, it’s not worth the worry)
- Hair straighteners (embrace the beachy waves – humidity will win anyway!)
- Too many “just in case” outfits (most resorts have same-day laundry service)
Random Things People Forget:
- Aloe vera gel (for when you inevitably miss a sunscreen spot)
- Ziplock bags (for wet clothes, protecting electronics, organizing small items)
- Stomach remedies (just in case your tummy needs time to adjust to new foods)
- Small backpack for day trips
- Hat clip or strap (the ocean breeze is real!)
Pro tip: Pack your swimsuit and a change of clothes in your carry-on. Sometimes it takes a bit for luggage to catch up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hit the pool right away!
Check out my ultimate packing guide thats helped thousands make it to their destinations with everything they needed. RIGHT HERE.
Let me know if you have any specific questions about what to bring.
I’ve been enough times to learn the hard way what’s essential and what just takes up suitcase space!
Pura Vida, JaQuay