Packing Your Essentials: Quepos

Season-Specific Attire

Your packing list adapts based on whether you visit during the dry or wet season. Layering works well for rainforest hikes or early mornings.

Clothing Features

Lightweight fabrics like cotton blends, linen, or synthetics that breathe and dry quickly.
Quick-drying materials are useful for humidity, swims, or unexpected rain.
Moisture-wicking materials enhance comfort for active pursuits.

Cultural Dress Code

Costa Rica maintains a generally casual dress code, specifically in beach towns like Quepos. Modest casual wear is appropriate when moving through town or dining.

Dress Considerations

Swimwear and cover-ups are fine for beach and pool areas.
Avoid overly revealing clothing in more conservative local settings.
Respectful attire (shoulders, knees covered) is a simple gesture for church visits.

Footwear Guidelines

Everyday Comfort

Comfortable Walking shoes or Sandals with good support for town and dining.

Supportive steps

Water Adventures

Water shoes or sport sandals for rocky beaches, river crossings, or wet activities. They protect feet and dry quickly, like Keen Newport H2.

Quick dry, grip

Hiking Trails

Hiking shoes or Lightweight hiking boots with good grip for rainforest trails, especially wet ones. Merrell Moab 3 is an example.

Mud protection

Useful Documents

Document Safeguarding

Keeping your documents organized and accessible prevents stress during your trip.

Passport: Original valid for 6+ months beyond departure. Travel insurance policy details, including emergency contacts.
Visa documentation (if applicable). Store photocopies/digital copies separately.
International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to rent a car.
Vaccination records (Yellow Fever certificate if needed) and relevant health notes.

Printed and digital copies of flight, hotel, and tour reservations.
Emergency contact information: family, embassy/consulate, bank hotline for lost cards.
Student/Senior/Press IDs for potential discounts.
Consider an RFID-blocking wallet for credit card security.

Tech & Connectivity

Power & Plugs

Costa Rica uses 120V, 60Hz with Plug Types A and B. North American travelers do not need converters or adapters. Others should bring a Universal travel adapter.

Power Pointers

Check device chargers; most modern electronics are dual-voltage.
A Portable charger like an Anker Power Bank keeps devices powered on tours.
Extra batteries and memory cards for cameras are invaluable.

Mobile & SIM Cards

Costa Rica uses GSM networks. Most unlocked smartphones are compatible. Local SIM cards offer affordable calls and data.

Staying Connected

Purchase a Prepaid SIM card (Kolbi, Claro, Movistar) at SJO or in Quepos. Passport for registration.
Download offline maps for Google Maps or Waze before your trip.
Google Translate (with offline Spanish pack) is useful for communication.

Data & Security

Camera Gear

A water-resistant camera or a Waterproof camera bag protects equipment from humidity and rain. A good Zoom lens for wildlife.

Action Cameras

A GoPro or similar Action camera is ideal for adventure activities like zip-lining and rafting.

Backup Solutions

Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos, videos, and digital document copies. Share ride details with someone back home.

Health & Wellness Kit

Personal First Aid

A well-stocked kit addresses minor ailments and prevents common issues in a tropical environment.

Kit Contents

Basic first aid kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen).
Anti-diarrhea medication (e.g., Imodium), antacids, antihistamines, Hydrocortisone cream.
Moleskin, tweezers, Hand sanitizer. Consider a Compact first aid kit.

Medication Management

Carry all prescription medications in original, clearly labeled containers, with enough for your entire trip plus extra.

Medication Protocols

A doctor's note or prescription copy for controlled substances or injectables.
Small supply of common over-the-counter remedies like cold/flu, throat lozenges, and Motion sickness medication (e.g., Dramamine).
Quepos is at sea level; altitude sickness is not an issue here.

Insect & Sun Protection

Insect Protection

Mosquitoes are present, especially evenings and in rainforests.
Pack DEET or Picaridin-based insect repellent (20-30% DEET offers good coverage).
Consider long sleeves and pants for added defense.

Sun Protection

The tropical sun is powerful.
Bring Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 30+ to protect marine ecosystems.
A wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses are recommended.

Activity-Specific Gear

Hiking Essentials

A small Daypack carries water, snacks, and a rain jacket. Binoculars are highly beneficial for wildlife spotting (Nikon Prostaff 3S).

Quick-dry hiking shorts or lightweight, convertible Hiking pants.
Moisture-wicking t-shirts or Long-sleeved shirts (for sun and insect protection).
Moisture-wicking Hiking socks help prevent blisters.
A Dry bag protects electronics during boat trips.

Water Activities

Swimsuits and board shorts are standard. A Rash guard provides sun protection for extended water time.

Consider your own Snorkel mask for better fit and hygiene.
Surfboards, paddleboards, and full snorkel/scuba gear are widely available for rent.
A Quick-dry towel is invaluable for beach trips. (Microfiber towel)
Don't forget adequate Sun protection.

Specialty Items

These items enhance your specific Quepos adventures.

A Portable water filter for your reusable bottle for extra safety.
A small, collapsible Umbrella during the wet season.
Specific brands of toiletries or medications you rely on, as local availability varies.
Specialized outdoor gear like Hiking poles if needed for specific trails.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Items to Bring

Personal snorkel mask for fit and hygiene.
Water shoes, compact and useful in wet settings.
Quick-dry microfiber towel.
High-quality insect repellent (e.g., DEET/Picaridin).

Items to Rent

Surfboards and Stand-Up Paddleboards (readily available locally).
Full snorkeling or scuba diving sets (if not a frequent diver).
Heavy or bulky camping equipment if not part of your regular travel gear.
Large camera lenses if not a professional photographer.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items improve comfort, security, and general convenience during your journey.

Smart Travel Additions

Comfort items for transportation: Neck pillow, Eye mask, Earplugs.
TSA-approved luggage locks for checked bags.
A Money belt or hidden pouch for passport and extra cash.
An RFID-blocking wallet for credit card safety.

Reusable & Local

Embrace sustainable travel and prepare for local market visits.

Eco-Friendly Habits

A reusable Water bottle (insulated Like Hydro Flask) to stay hydrated and lessen plastic use.
A reusable cloth shopping bag for markets or groceries.
A travel set of Reusable utensils for street food or snacks.
A lightweight, Quick-drying towel (microfiber) for beach visits.

Sustainable Travel Choices

Reusable Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Eco-Friendly Products

Minimize environmental impact.

Support Locals

Boost community economy.

Respect Wildlife

Observe from distance.

Destination-Specific Additions

Wildlife Viewing

Binoculars for spotting camouflaged animals in Manuel Antonio.
A small Daypack for park visits.
Camera with a good zoom lens for wildlife photography.

Travel Convenience

A Dry bag for electronics during water activities.
A Compact umbrella, especially in the wet season.
Any specific toiletries or medications you cannot readily find elsewhere.

Packing Pro Tips

Consider rolling your clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles in your luggage. Packing cubes are another excellent method for organization.

Always leave a little extra room for souvenirs!

Packing Your Essentials