pura vida baby!! costa rica is pure adventure from start to finish. hiking around arenal volcano, soaking in hot springs, spotting sloths on a night safari, ziplining through the monteverde cloud forest and ending with sunset yoga and surf in santa teresa. it's a real one, gals!!
the ultimate costa rica packing list for solo gals <3
pura vida baby!! costa rica is pure adventure from start to finish. hiking around arenal volcano, soaking in hot springs, spotting sloths on a night safari, ziplining through the monteverde cloud forest and ending with sunset yoga and surf in santa teresa. it's a real one, gals!!
the thing that surprises everyone? costa rica isn't just hot beaches. it's rainforest, mountains AND coast, so you'll go from sticky humidity in la fortuna to misty, chilly evenings in monteverde and back to beach life in santa teresa.
whether you're joining our costa rica trip or heading out solo, here's our honet guide on what to bring!!
3 things you MUST know before packing for costa rica
- it can rain...a lot (and that's why it's so green!!): pack a proper rain jacket and quick-dry clothes, especially if you're travelling between may and november.
- monteverde gets chilly: the cloud forest is up in the mountains, so a warm layer for evenings and the night safari is essential!
- closed-toe shoes are a must for ziplining: most zipline tours won't let you on in sandals, so make sure you've got trainers!
clothing: jungles, adventures, beaches!!
- 1 - 2x activewear sets (leggings + quick-dry tops): for the arenal volcano hike, ziplining and waterfall walks.
- 3 - 4x bikinis / swimsuits: for the hot springs, el salto swimming hole, montezuma waterfalls and santa teresa beach days!
- 1x rash vest or long-sleeve swim top: perfect if you fancy a surf lesson in santa teresa!
- 3x lightweight shorts: comfy and quick-drying for humid days.
- 4x vest tops & tees: breathable basics to mix and match.
- 1x lightweight long trousers: for the night safari (hello, mosquitoes!) and cooler evenings.
- 2x summer dresses: for the welcome dinner and our farewell night in santa teresa!!
- 1x warm hoodie or fleece: for monteverde nights and bonfires at the homestay.
- 1x waterproof rain jacket: your best friend in the rainforest!
- 1x comfy outfit for the homestay: casual, modest and comfy for life in the countryside with our local family.
footwear: what do you ACTUALLY wear?
- 1x sturdy trainers or walking shoes with grip: for the volcano hike, ziplining and muddy trails.
- 1x sandals or water shoes: for el salto swimming hole, waterfalls and rocky river spots.
- 1x flip-flops: for the beach and hotel showers.
- DO NOT BRING: brand-new white trainers... costa rica is muddy and they will NOT come home white!!
toiletries & health essentials
- strong mosquito repellent: a total must for the rainforest, the homestay and the night safari.
- reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen: for beach days and surfing in santa teresa.
- motion sickness tablets: the drive to coope san juan is around three and a half hours of winding roads, travel sick gals, bring your tablets!!
- after-sun & aloe vera: for those long days on the beach.
- quick-dry towel: handy for swimming holes and waterfalls.
- any vaccinations you need: costa rica may require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from certain countries, so check your government's travel advice before you go.
electronics & travel essentials
- type A/B travel adapter: costa rica uses the same plugs as the US (two flat pins), so UK plugs won't fit.
- power bank: for long travel days between la fortuna, monteverde and santa teresa.
- waterproof phone pouch: for waterfalls, swimming holes and rainy hikes.
- 10β20L dry bag: keeps your phone and cash dry in the rainforest and on beach days.
- small torch or head torch: handy for the night safari and the homestay!
- some cash: costa rican colΓ³n and US dollars are both used, and you'll want cash for small shops and tips.
costa rica packing FAQs
do i need a rain jacket for costa rica?
yes!! even in the drier months you can get rain in the rainforest and cloud forest. a lightweight, packable rain jacket is one of the most useful things you'll bring.
is it cold in monteverde?
it's much cooler than the coast, especially in the evenings and at night. a hoodie or fleece and long trousers are perfect for the night safari!
what shoes do i need for ziplining?
closed-toe shoes like trainers are usually required for ziplining, so leave the sandals at the hotel that day!
what bag should i bring to costa rica?
a soft-shell suitcase or 40β60L backpack works best. we travel by private van between stops, so keep it easy to carry and leave space for souvenirs!!
ready for pura vida?! check out our upcoming costa rica group trips or read our solo female travel safety hub <3
