Costa Rica
Packing List
Coffee & Birds in Paradise

Here is our recommended list of gear for your trip. Please note, this is just a guideline, feel free to bring anything else you want. If you have any questions please email us!

We want to prioritize packing light. We’ll be moving a lot of times so set yourself up for success by creating a packing system that is minimal and easy to pack and unpack.

CLOTHING

  • Comfortable hiking shoes/boots

  • Activewear sandals or water shoes

  • 2 long-sleeve shirts (light and breathable, SPF style)

  • 2 pair of long pants (fast-drying, lightweight, and breathable)

  • 1-2 pairs of shorts (fast-drying and breathable best)

  • T-shirts

  • Baseball cap or sun hat for sun and eye protection

  • Swimwear

  • 1 warmer layer- fleece or sweater (for cooler nights and high elevations)

  • Light raincoat or poncho for rain and/or cooler weather

  • Bandana (very handy for a sweat rag, sun protection on your neck, etc.)

GEAR

  • Mesh bag or plastic bag for wet clothes

  • Small pack towel (other towels will be provided at hotels)

  • Day pack for hikes and items to store while traveling in van

  • Headlamp or flashlight with working batteries/spares

  • Water bottle

  • Sunglasses and other glasses

  • Sunblock (SPF 50 or higher recommended)

  • Insect protection (DEET-free if possible)

  • Camera w/ memory cards/batteries, chargers, etc.

  • Cell phone and travel plan: contact your provider about an international plan or roaming while out of the country. Wifi will be available at all our overnight stays.

  • Good binoculars (ask Phil if you need a recommendation)

  • Spotting scope not recommended (Phil and local guides will carry one)

  • Field notebook

BIRD FIELD GUIDES

Bird field guides: (guide will have both, but one of the following is recommended…both are excellent)

-Birds of Costa Rica: A Field Guide by Garrigues and Dean:

-Birds of Costa Rica by Dyer and Howell:

-Merlin Bird ID Smartphone App - Costa Rica Bird Pack:

-Spanish-English dictionary or phrase book

PERSONAL ITEMS

  • Personal first aid medicines: recommended items include Neosporin, Advil, immodium, Dramamine, Benadryl, anti-fungal cream, any prescription meds, etc. (Note: guides will have a first aid kit for emergency situations) Pharmacies in Costa Rica are abundant and well-stocked so don’t worry if you forget anything.

  • Personal toiletries (including dental, earplugs, etc.)

  • Travel wallet.

  • Insurance card, contact info, credit card, passport, and important documents. Recommended to keep a photocopy of your passport in your wallet or other safe location.

  • Passport (make sure it is valid for 6 or more months after you return):

MONEY AND TIPS

  • Money for incidentals, solo meals, alcoholic beverages, items of a personal nature, and tipping. Banks and ATMs are numerous. US dollars are accepted everywhere as long as they are in bills of $20 or less.

  • Tips: Tipping is an incredible way of showing your appreciation for exceptional service. We will be tipping local guides, restaurants, and experiences that provide a high level of service to your experience on your trip on your behalf. While not expected, tips to your main guides and driver are welcome and appreciated if our work on this journey deserves it.