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

  • We recommend reading our tipping guide policy.

  • Bring 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. If you want local currency we recommend taking it out of an ATM as it offers the best exchange rate. We will make an ATM stop early in the trip.