Costa Rica What to pack?
 

Hooray!! we are going to Costa Rica!!
Can you give me your packing list for a one week stay?
Volcan Arenal (2nights) and Jaco Beach (5nights) last night in San Jose.
THANK YOU!
Sunny

Shorts, t-shirts, a jacket, a pair of long pants and a long-sleeved shirt for evenings, bathing suit, shoes you can hike in, a pair of Keen's or something similar, camera, bug spray, sunscreen, sunglasses. Plastic bags are good for when things don't dry or get muddy.

Okay, this may sound weird, but when we were planning our trip to CR last April, I stumbled upon the website of a couple who were getting married in CR. They had compiled a large amount of information in one spot for the wedding guests.

I found it super useful in planning OUR trip: what clothing and first aid items to pack and for other tips (I've actually since become facebook "friends" with the groom).

Anyway, their site is still up and since it's accessible to anyone, here is the link: http://ruiz.cabeen.net/packbag.html

Here's a link to the FAQ thread of the Thorntree Forum; my CA packing list if #14. I usually travel for at least 3 or 4 weeks at a time but my list would be the same for a 1 week trip. Happy trails!

Also extra socks and undies; you'll get hot and sticky, socks may get wet - it's nice to have extras when you feel kind of grungy.

Oops - here's the link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...2&tstart=0

Gracias!,

These are great ideas.
I also remember a tropical trip that ruined my camera, I bought a small plastic moisture proof container to keep it in. we'll see if it works.

Thanks bunches
Sunny

I always tuck dessicant packs in my camera case to absorb the moisture; they seem to do the trick.

I buy good quality desiccant packs from an online camera supplier and "recharge" them by drying them in a war oven. I keep them in a good quality ziplock bag and store my camera (sans case) in it at night. I've heard that humid climates are tough on cameras but mine has done well through 4 rainy season trips to CA, about 15 weeks total. Not sure how much of that is how I store the camera and how much is the grace of the camera.

Also, I bought an EWA waterproof case 5 years ago that I use for taking snorkeling photos but also use when it's especially humid or rainy and I'm hiking around with my camera. They've really gone up in price but it's something to consider if you want an added guarantee and especially if you have a nice camera. Happy trails!
http://www.keepitdrycase.com/

Part of the list depends on when you're going. I agree with above suggestions, but if you're going in the wet season, add parkas, slickers, or any water-proof covering. Even a small umbrella.

Oh, yes, good point! We always bring those cheap disposable ponchos that fold up into a little pouch. We always end up using them. Lots of hotels provide umbrellas, but I find the ponchos easier to keep my hands free.

Thanks

I forgot about those little drying packs. I should have saved more. I will stop at our local camera store and see what they have. I need an extra memory card anyways.
I have the sony H2 , Light weight with great tele lens.

We leave for CR Dec 3...2 weeks!

We're exactly 3 weeks behind you! Getting antsy here. . .

Go ahead...get antsy...leafcutters...army....

go ahead and rub it in ;)

You forgot the bullets LOL!

ibuprofen.

You will be very active and possibly using some muscles more than they are used to being used.

Keith

Good point. I take it before the more strenuous stuff--or right after. Works great

I wish I had brought my own itch stop cream or spray. I got eaten alive on the Caribeean side and the bites were oh so itchy!

We always take After Bite; it works great!

I have all the suitcases out of the attic , packing light this time! Carryone size should work... I hope. But I keep spending all my time reading these posts and only a few days to pack.....

Thanks for all the input! I would have forgotten the itchy bug cream.

Sunny