In part 1 of this series we covered the boring paperwork - passports, visas, and travel insurance. Once you've got that sorted, the task is to figure out what to pack? Our answer is always the same: less than you think. If you bring a full suitcase of options, chances are half of it will go home unused. The weather here is a spectrum of hot (we cover the seasons in detail in a separate blog), and casual is the norm everywhere even at nicer restaurants.
What to pack: Adults
- Swimsuits: bring more than one, since pool days, beach days, and laundry lag add up.
- Shorts, sundresses, and thin, breathable fabrics. Leave the jeans at home.
- A couple of casual outfits for dinner but still casual, no need to dress up
- Comfortable sandals, plus one pair of closed-toe shoes for ATVs, horseback riding, or hiking
- A light rain jacket, even in dry season because showers can move in fast
- A sweatshirt or light layer if you're heading up into the mountains; it's genuinely cooler at elevation
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat the sun here means business
- A reusable water bottle (metal stays cooler the longest), the tap water is safe to drink in Potrero
- Insect repellent (more on this in part 3 of our series)
What to pack: Kids
- Everything above, sized down, plus:
- A few favorite snacks you'll find plenty locally, but familiar snacks smooth out long travel days
- Water shoes or sandals with a back strap for rocky tide pools and boat landings
- Closed-toe shoes for ATV tours, horseback riding, or ziplining. Most excursions require them for kids too
- Rash guards for extra sun protection during long beach days
- A couple of books, cards, or a travel game beach days here are long and lazy, in the best way. Both Casa Roberta and Casa Daniel have a variety of board games but bring your favorite toys.
- A basic first-aid kit with kids' pain/fever medication, since finding a specific brand or dosage locally can eat into vacation time
If you need a crib, pack n' play, or high chair, just let us know ahead of your stay and we provide these at no extra charge, we just need advance notice to have it set up before you arrive. We've got a full guide dedicated to traveling with kids in Costa Rica, covering car seats, safety, and our best tips from raising our own kids here part-time.
What our houses already have
Casa Roberta and Casa Daniel are both stocked with towels, beach towels, linens, and basic soap (dish, hand, and laundry). If you're particular about brands, bring your own, otherwise, everything else you'd need is easy to find in the tiendas around Potrero, and there are great night markets in Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo if you want to shop for beachwear or jewelry once you land.
Airline baggage limits - check before you pack
Baggage allowances vary by airline and fare class, so always check your specific carrier but here is a general guide for flights into and out of Liberia (Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport):
- Checked bags: most major US and Canadian carriers cap economy checked bags around 50 lbs / 23 kg per bag, with fees for anything heavier. Weigh your bags at home - airport scales don't negotiate.
- Carry-on: typical limits run around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (45 linear inches), plus one personal item that fits under the seat.
- Liquids: standard rules apply for carry-ons - containers of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, all fitting in a single quart-size bag. Pack sunscreen and repellent over that size in your checked bag.
- Low-cost carriers: checked and even carry-on bags are often not included in the base fare; check this closely, since the fees add up fast.
What customs will (and won't) let through
Costa Rica isn't especially strict for the average tourist, but a few things are worth knowing:
- Fresh produce, meat, dairy, and plants are subject to agricultural inspection and may be confiscated regardless of packaging. When in doubt, buy it locally instead.
- Duty-free allowances run up to about 5 liters of alcohol and 500g of tobacco per adult, plus general merchandise up to roughly $500 in value.
- Cash or monetary instruments of $10,000 USD or more must be declared.
- Personal drones are generally fine for recreational use, but don't fly over crowds, airports, or protected/national park land without permission.
- Firearms and ammunition require authorization in advance - don't bring them as regular baggage.
- Prescription medications see part 3 of this series for what's fine and what needs documentation.
Electronics & chargers
Good news here: Costa Rica uses the same plug type and voltage as the US and Canada (120V, Type A/B), so no adapter needed if you're coming from North America. Travelers from elsewhere should bring a standard US-style adapter.
- All charging cables for phones, laptops, tablets, and headphones — don't assume you'll find the right one locally
- A portable battery pack, handy for excursion days and the occasional power blip
- A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch if you'll be near water or on a boat
- Download offline maps and entertainment before you land — wifi at the house is generally good, but outages happen occasionally and usually resolve quickly
What NOT to bring
- Jeans or any heavy clothing - you won't wear them, and you'll be uncomfortable if you try
- A full suitcase of "just in case" outfits - you will not need this many clothes, promise
- Large amounts of cash beyond your daily needs, or valuables you don't need. More on money in part 3
- A rigid itinerary - Costa Rica rewards flexibility far more than a tight schedule
A few practical tips
- Weigh your bags at home before you leave, not at the check-in counter.
- Pack a change of clothes and any daily medications in your carry-on in case checked bags are delayed.
- Bring a spare tote or duffel - useful for beach days, and for the souvenirs you'll inevitably bring home.
Our best advice
Pack about half of what you think you need, and use the extra space for sunscreen and insect repellent instead. It's the trade almost every returning guest tells us they wish they'd made the first time.
Up next: bags packed? Part 3 covers money, medications, and a few things worth knowing once you actually land in Playa Potrero.
Ready to book your Costa Rica trip?
Casa Roberta and Casa Daniel come stocked with the basics, so you really can pack light. Book direct with us and save on platform fees.
Questions about what to pack for your trip? Reach out - you'll get us, not a call center.
Missed part 1? Start with passports, visas & travel insurance.