When packing for a trip, you probably fall victim to one of two states: overpacking or underpacking. You want to avoid both, as the first can result in expensive baggage fees, while the second can have you running out of clean clothing before it’s time to go home. In this Costa Rica packing guide, learn how to travel in luxury while being discerning about what to bring and what to leave at home.
Keep reading to learn about factors you should consider when planning your strategy for packing in style, plus dos and don’ts when packing for a luxurious vacation in Santa Teresa.
What to Consider When Packing for Your Costa Rica Vacation
Knowledge is the key to packing the right things in the right amounts. You should always do your research about your destination and think about who you’re traveling with. Here are some considerations for your Costa Rica packing guide or checklist.
Seasons and Weather During Your Visit
The weather has the biggest influence on the clothes you’ll need to pack. And there are a few things you should know about Costa Rica’s weather:
- There are two main Costa Rica seasons: wet and dry.
- It’s moderately warm all year round, with temperatures ranging from 69°F (21°C) to 95°F (35°C).
- Humidity stays high throughout the year but spikes in the rainy season.
The wet season runs between May and October, so if you’re traveling during these months, beware of mercurial weather patterns and rain showers that can last minutes or hours. The dry season between November and April features beautiful sunny days with moderate temperatures, perfect for adventures, frolicking, or just lazing around.
Depending on when you plan to visit Santa Teresa, you may want to pack lighter (for the dry months) or bring more water-resistant layers (for the wet months). Even if it doesn’t get cold per se, it’s still generally cooler in the wet season than the dry.
Planned Activities
Even if you’ve planned a trip of a week or longer, you’ll find no shortage of things to do when visiting Costa Rica. And part of learning how to travel in luxury is allowing yourself to indulge in all the experiences you’ve wanted to try.
Apart from packing the usual swimwear and leisurewear, match your outfits to your plans.
Many activities may call for specific outfits. Going to explore the nightlife and hit the seaside bars and clubs? Bring some party-ready clothes. Exploring Costa Rica’s food culture? Stretchy clothes might be a good idea.
Booked a romantic dinner for two, perhaps prepared for you exclusively by Casa Teresa’s private chef? Pack something dressier than the usual beach casual attire so you can wow your date, or a versatile set of clothing you can dress up or down with the right accessories.
Travel Companions
Are you traveling with your partner for a romantic getaway? Vacationing with a group of friends? Or planning the ultimate adventure for the whole family—including little kids? Tailor your Costa Rica packing guide to who you’re with. Your group will determine your itinerary ideas.
For example, if you’re traveling with kids, pack toys, books, and activities to keep them occupied, especially on boring plane, car, and boat rides.
When you’re celebrating an anniversary or honeymooning in Santa Teresa, packing an outfit that screams beach glam to wow your significant other and wine and dine the nights away can enhance your special moments together.
5 Dos and Don’ts for How to Travel in Luxury
To get down to the nitty-gritty of any Costa Rica packing guide, here are five “rules” to follow when planning your packing list.
Do pack lightweight, weather-ready wear.
Given Costa Rica’s climate, avoid clothes that use thick fabrics. Go for lightweight linen and cotton. Or, given the perennial humidity and high chances of rain half the year, pack clothes that dry quickly. Your feet will thank you for packing boat shoes and flip-flops too.
Don’t forget to bring protection from the sun, insects, and more.
Stay safe while you’re on vacation! Sunburn and heatstroke are no joke, so pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—preferably the reef-safe variety. Warding off mosquitoes and other insects with repellents and long-sleeved tops or lightweight pants helps improve your comfort if the bugs have come out to play, too. Also pack anti-allergy and anti-diarrheal medications just in case you need them.
Do ready outfits for your planned activities.
You can enjoy a wide range of experiences when staying in Santa Teresa, but you’ll have more fun and be more comfortable if you pack the right outfits for them. Here are some that come to mind for an adventurous Costa Rica packing guide:
- ATVing and hiking—for adventures off the beaten path, sturdy boots and comfortable, breathable, and quick-drying clothes to trek in are a good bet; you’ll especially want hiking boots you’ve already broken in for these types of activities.
- Beach bumming, sunbathing, or pool lounging—apart from your sun-ready outfits like swimsuits and hats, pack a book or load up your phone on audiobooks or podcasts to listen to while relaxing and embracing the pura vida lifestyle.
- Horseback riding—you’ll want to pack closed-toe, heelless shoes and comfortable pants (or breeches or jodhpurs, if you have them) for this.
- Massage therapy—loose, easily removable clothing will keep you relaxed for before and after your session.
- Snorkeling and other sea activities—swimsuits, water shoes, and rashguards will keep you comfortable and safe during your adventures.
- Sportfishing and other boat tours—boat shoes and windbreakers will keep you in comfort even if the seas get choppy.
- Surfing—if you’re a serious surfer, you might well bring your own wetsuit and gear, though this is also readily available to buy or rent on any of the beaches in or near Santa Teresa.
- Yoga and meditation—you might not need to bring your yoga mat, but packing active wear or yoga outfits would be a good idea.
- Zip line, gyrocopter tours, and other high-adrenaline sports—the last thing you want is for something to rip or snag when you’re coasting over the canopy or the ocean, so pack sturdy, comfortable clothes for this.
If you book any tours or day trips in advance, you can ask our team for suggestions on what to pack for each activity.
Don’t pack one-purpose wonders.
If you’re planning on packing light for your Santa Teresa vacation, versatility is the name of the game. Consider packing outfits that can be easily converted for other purposes with the help of some styling and accessories.
For example, cinch a maxi dress at the waist with a belt, toss on a light coverup, and add some handmade jewelry by Costa Rican artisans for a local touch, and you’ll go from beach-ready to date-ready.
Also, a crisp long-sleeved button-down can serve as a semiformal top when buttoned up and finished with a tie and sport jacket. Left unbuttoned and paired with shorts or rolled up pants, it can do double duty as daytime beach wear.
Even the higher-end restaurants in Costa Rica rarely call for more than beach casual attire, but you might still want to pack at least one formal or dressy outfit (or more, if you’re planning an extended stay). You never know when you’ll want to dress to impress.
Do leave space in your suitcase for your shopping.
Here’s a Costa Rica packing guide secret: plan what you don’t pack as much as what you do. Leave space in your suitcase for clothes, keepsakes, and souvenirs you’ll buy for friends and family back home.
Go shopping for beachy clothes while in Costa Rica—after all, what better way to experience Costa Rica than by doing and dressing as the locals do? Bonus points if you do a good deed and support homegrown businesses and artisans.
Here’s the number one Costa Rica packing guide tip and secret for how to travel in luxury: you can pack as little or as much as you’d like to bring when you come and stay with us at Casa Teresa. Our topnotch concierge service will be more than happy to help you shop for or order anything you might want or need.