Pack for the experience.

Activity-by-activity daypack checklist for Costa Rica

Because a single day in Costa Rica often moves from cool, misty highland trails at 1,500 meters to humid lowland rivers or sunny Pacific boat decks, packing the right daybag prevents common trip hiccups—like being turned away from a suspension-bridge park for wearing flip-flops or having a sudden tropical downpour soak your camera.

• Rainforest, volcano & hanging-bridge walks: Closed-toe trail runners or light hiking shoes with lugged grip (required on suspension bridges and lava trails), a packable waterproof shell or poncho, a 15–20L daypack with rain cover, 8x42 binoculars, and a reusable metal or hard-plastic water bottle (mandatory inside Manuel Antonio and several SINAC national parks that ban single-use plastic bottles).
• Catamaran sails, snorkeling & river rafting: A 10L roll-top dry bag for phones, passports, and keys during wet-beach dinghy boardings, strapped water shoes (Chacos/Tevas or neoprene reef shoes), a UPF 50+ long-sleeve rashguard, and mineral reef-safe sunscreen.
• Monteverde cloud forest & night walks: Breathable long pants, a light fleece mid-layer for windy 16 °C (60 °F) evenings, and dark non-reflective clothing (mandatory for Tortuguero night sea-turtle walks).