ashta

I am visiting Costa Rica from December 26 - Jan 5. I will spend 3 days in Osa, 2 days in Monteverde, 4 days in Arenal, 1 day in San Jose.

I am trying to finalize my packing list. I have a couple of convertible nylon pants (fast dry, with a zipper to go from shorts to long pants); a couple of fast-drying short-sleeve shirts, and one fast-drying long-sleeve shirt. Is that sufficient ? Or do I need an additional jacket for Monteverde evenings ?

Also, I have a pair of versatile hikers-cum-sandals-cum-beach-shoes (from lands-end). Is that sufficient? Or do I need something else (like either sneakers or flip-flops) in addition to these ?


Sunil

hipvirgochick

A rain poncho just in case, tank tops and flip flops would be nice and don't take up much space. Don't forget bug spray. A light sweatshirt or light jacket might be needed too.

hopefulist

Here's my packing list from another forum; there might be some more ideas for you (not specific to weather or CR):

I can pack everything I need for an extended trip into a carry-on sized bag by choosing clothes that layer. I have a carry-on sized conversion pack (straps tuck away as needed) that has an attached day pack. I pack valuables and some personal items in the day pack and most of the clothes (that I'm not wearing) in the main compartment. Here's what I took to Honduras to accommodate 2-3 weeks inland with high altitude mountain hikes included and 2-3 weeks of beach time:

3-4 wicking-type t-shirts
1 light weight long sleeved shirt
2 pairs of light weight convertible (zip off to become shorts) long pants
1 sarong (skirt, swim wrap, doubles as towel or sleeping sheet)
1 bandana
1 sunhat with strap
1 light weight sleeveless nightgown
2 swimsuits
1 light weight fleece jacket (liner type that can be worn alone)
1 light weight goretex rain coat
uns and socks (incl. 1 neoprene pair I wear under Keens for hiking and under fins for diving/snorkel’g)
flip flops for beach and showers
Keen water shoes for everything else (they have great support and a rubber toe protector)

Cash, ATM and VISA cards, passport, etc.
Flight and lodging reservations, emails, receipts, etc.
Small medical kit and sewing kit
Cheap watch with alarm
Toiletries and prescription meds
Sunglasses, spare glasses, disposable contacts for diving/rainforests
Sunblock and bug stuff (Cactus Juice and Sawyer's Time Release Deet Formula, baby oil for sand flies)
Lip stuff
Water purification pump or uv purifier (I'm a budget traveller)
Collapsible drinking cup
LCD headlamp
Compass
Earplugs
Camera, etc. (and underwater bag or 1-2 underwater disposables)
Card reader for blogging
Smallish waterproof binoculars
Guidebook and copied map pages
Laminated plant and animal i.d. cards
Journal/writing materials
Reading material
Small gifts for kids and hosts
Small dice and yahtzee papers
A small, flexible disc (like a frisbee)
Various ziplocks, cable ties, small bungie cords
3-4’ of duct tape wrapped around a waterproof marker
String and a few clothespins
Half a roll of t.p. removed from core and flattened

I buy water and reuse the bottle and usually pick up an inexpensive pocket knife when I get there.

tully

and a couple of clothespins always come in handy!

CarolM

Hi Sunil,

I think you will need a light jacket for Monteverde nights (like a light fleece, maybe). I always choose to wear/carry my jacket on the plane to save suitcase space.

Shoes depend on the activities you plan. I can't picture exactly what shoes you have, but if it's not "closed toe," you might want to consider a pair of sneakers (for a night hike, cooler evenings). Also, if you're active, it's good to have more than one pair of shoes in case one gets wet (waterfall rappelling, a muddy hike, etc). I also always pack a couple plastic bags for wet clothes or shoes (especially when traveling from place to place and things might not have time to dry).

Your itinerary sounds great... you'll have a blast!

ashta

Thanks for all the tips - and teh detailed packing list, it will come in handy ! Just 4 more weeks to go...


Sunil