Costa Rica is becoming an ever popular vacation destination in Central America and with the country offering so much, it's not hard to see why. Lush rain forests, world class surfing, yoga retreats, and zip lining are just some of the activities you'll find in this exciting country. So, let your biggest worry of planning your trip to Costa Rica be deciding how to spend your time and we will tell you the essentials to pack for Costa Rica.

Backpack Rain Cover

A day backpack is a good idea for any trip, especially while visiting a country that offers a plethora of adventurous activities. Regardless of whether you are visiting Costa Rica in the rainy or dry season, pop up rain storms are common (especially in the rain forest!). Pack a rain cover for your back pack to protect your belongings in case you do get caught in a rain storm.

Rain coat

The backpack rain cover protects your bag, but you can't forget to protect yourself from the rain either. A light rain coat is perfect for getting stuck in the rain and to have an extra layer for the chilly early mornings in the rain forest.

Waterproof Bag

Having a small waterproof bag will come in handy for many reasons. It will completely protect any electronics or other items of importance. Whether you get caught in a rain storm, are out on a boat snorkeling all day, or are relaxing in one of the natural hot springs—you can have peace of mind knowing everything is nice and dry.

Bug Spray

Zika and Dengue Fever are both present in Costa Rica, so protect yourself and pack bug spray. While they do sell bug spray in Costa Rica, it's wise to pack your own and bring a brand that you know and trust. We personally love bug spray wipes for travel as they are easy to pack and don't bite into your liquids limit for the flight.

GoPro

Costa Rica is home to a variety of adventure activities and you'll want to capture your exciting adventures. A GoPro camera, or similar sports camera, is the perfect camera to keep up with the excitement.

Sport Sandals

Sandals such as Chacos or Tevas are great for light hikes, walking along the beach, and visiting waterfalls. Look for sandals that have support, can be worn in the water, and have sturdy straps.

Portable Charger

Portable chargers are a must-have for most travel destinations, but travel from one town to another in Costa Rica can be a long and bumpy road (literally!) The most popular ways to get from town to town are by van transfer or buses—don't count on these having a reliable outlet to charge your devices. Bring a portable charger so you're always ready to snap a picture!

Sunscreen

You probably already knew this one, but it never hurts to have a reminder! Costa Rica is just North of the equator and the sun is very strong. If you plan on visiting the coast, be sure to pack sun screen as it can be pricy to purchase once you are there.Is there anything you think we forgot? What are your essentials for Costa Rica?

8 Essentials to Pack for Costa Rica