WHAT TO BRING (PACKING LIST)
Dear Villa Guest,
Here's a list of what to bring for an average stay of ten days. This list came from many years working in the Costa
Rica tourism industry.
All items listed below can be easily purchased in Costa Rica and Manuel Antonio. That said, most items are cheaper
outside of Costa Rica.
SHOES
1 amphibian hikers
1 hiking or walking shoes
1 beach sandals or flip-flops
1 Dressy sandals or light-weight dress shoes {optional}
CLOTHES
10 T-shirts.
2 long sleeved T-shirts (for sunburn protection, hiking, and fishing). Active wear shirts or shirts that wisk away sweat
are ideal for rainforest hikes and activities.
2 dress shirts or blouses.
5 pairs of shorts or skorts, preferably cotton or tropical weight
2 swimsuits and a sarong or other casual beach cover-up
2 pairs of long pants. Something dressy and something for the bush. If it's your style, zip-off legs pants can serve as
shorts and long pants.
10 pairs of underwear
10 pairs of socks
1 light weight jacket or raincoat (poncho style is fine); something warmer for higher elevations or on the open ocean.
A raincoat is usually too hot for rainforest sites. Most guides use a small folding umbrella.
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1 bandana
1 baseball cap
1 mesh bag for wet clothes
Cover your clothing in big plastic bags when packing, if the plan lands at the airport and it rains your cloths in the
suitcase will not get wet. They don't use covers for the luggage carriers and leave out the luggage in the rain.
TOILETRIES
razor
toothbrush with cover, and toothpaste.
shampoo and conditioner.
brush or comb.
deodorant and antiperspirant
1 or 2 beach towels
personal toiletries, feminine products, cosmetics
BOOKS & MAPS
A good map and guidebook
Spanish/English dictionary and/or phrase book
Bird guide book
other reading materials, as desired
DOCUMENTS
Money belt and passport pendant for important documents
Passport (also phototocopies)
Drivers license (also photocopies)
Money, credit/debit card
Insurance card and contact information.
HEALTH
Personal prescriptions should be filled before you leave home.
Sunglasses
Contact lenses and cleaning solutions
If you wear prescription glasses, pack a spare pair
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FIRST AID KIT (BASIC)
Band aids®, and butterfly closures to close deep cuts.
Eye drops - artificial tears.
Dramamine® or other motion sickness prevention.
Neosporin® (over the counter) to prevent infection of small cuts, scrapes, and insect bites
Insect repellent for mosquitoes
Pain relievers/fever reducers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and/or just simple aspirin)
Sunscreen, waterproof,at least SPF 20
Micro LED flashlight
$20 bill for emergency cash
Vitamins, whatever you normally take
Whistle
MISCELLANEOUS
Plastic, ziplock style bags to keep stuff dry.
A photo of your home and family
Internet logon information
Address book
Flashlight
Binoculars
Croakies® or other glasses retainer system for your prescription or sunglasses.
Pocket knife.
Mobile device with helpful apps (bird identification app, maps, etc.)
GPS or a GPS app on mobile device
MP3 player
Laptop or tablet
Eyeglass repair kit (small screwdriver)
100 lb. test braided nylon line
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Spare contacts
Gum, for the flight
Emergency contact information (names, addresses and phone numbers - in case of unconsciousness – of your
parents, and physicians in your country of origin)
WHAT NOT TO BRING
There is no point in carrying all of your keys.
Wallet contents: If you're going to carry your wallet, you can probably remove ½ or more of its contents.
Leave photocopies of your passport, drivers license, credit cards, airline tickets, and any reservations that you've
prepaid with your home emergency contact person.
If you're visiting from the U.S. or Canada there is no need to bring electric converters and plug adapters as they are
the same in Costa Rica.
WANT A SECOND OPINION?
Here’s Trip Advisor’s What to Pack for a trip to Costa Rica
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