Costa Rica’s mountain and jungle region near La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano is hot and humid, but its stunning jungle landscapes make it a paradise for outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, soaking in hot springs, or spotting wildlife near Arenal Volcano, this comprehensive packing list will ensure you’re prepared for every adventure.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVORITE RESOURCES
- Best accommodation site Booking.com
- Book day tours with Viator.com
- Purchase travel insurance from SafetyWing
Essential Gear & Clothing
1. Insect Repellent
The jungle environment means mosquitoes and other insects are abundant, especially during dawn and dusk. Choose a DEET-based repellent when possible for maximum protection against bites and potential disease transmission.
🦟My Picks
- Ranger Ready Repellent Spray: Buy one TSA-friendly travel-sized bottle for each member of your group
- Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Towelettes: Tuck these in your socks to help deter insects
- Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing and Gear: If you are spending a lot of time outdoors, consider pretreating your clothing for added protection
2. Sun Protection
Even with cloud cover and jungle canopy, UV rays in Costa Rica are intense due to its proximity to the equator. Pack a water-resistant, broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply frequently during outdoor activities to prevent painful burns. A sunhat is also a must if you plan to hike Arenal 1968 lava flow as there is no shade.
🌞My Picks
- Supergoop! Unseen Clear Face Sunscreen: The travel-sized container should be sufficient for most trips lasting 7 days or less. Because of its size, I can easily bring it with me to reapply throughout the day.
- Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen: All water ends up in the ocean. I try to use a reef-safe sunscreen when possible. I recommend buying a bottle for each member of your group for trips lasting 5 days or longer.
- Sunhat: I love my Bora Bora Booney Hat. It keeps the sun off my face, is vented, and includes an adjustable strap to keep the hat on my head. It is perfect for sun protection and comes in a lot of fun colors!
3. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated in the hot, humid climate is crucial for enjoying your adventures safely. Bring a reusable, insulated water bottle (at least 32 oz) to keep water cool throughout the day and reduce plastic waste.
💧My Picks
- Owala FreeSip: This water bottle comes in a range of colors, keeps your water cold, and its design allows you to sip or swig.
- Water Bottle Sling: While the Owala has a carrying handle, it is far easier to use a sling for hikes.
- Electrolytes: Be sure to pack a few electrolyte packs. These help in the hot and humid climate with hydration and are great to have on hand in case of illness.
4. Closed-Toed Shoes
Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners with good traction are essential for navigating muddy jungle paths, volcanic rocks, and uneven terrain. Waterproof options are ideal since trails can be wet year-round, and closed-toe shoes protect against insects, rocks, and roots.
👟My Picks
- Hiking shoes: I like these hiking shoes because they are lightweight for travel and functional for hikes.
- Wool hiking socks: Wool wicks sweat away, making wool socks a must-have for trail hikes in a hot and humid climate.
- Anti-Blister balm: In the event you have not broken in your new shoes, use some anti-blister balm to protect your feet.
5. Rain Gear
La Fortuna experiences frequent afternoon showers, especially during the rainy season (May through November). A lightweight, packable rain jacket with a hood will keep you dry without taking up much space in your daypack.
☔My Picks
- Rain jacket: Bring along a vented rain jacket. Remember, you just need rain protection, not a jacket for warmth!
- Umbrella: I bring this umbrella on every trip. It packs up small and can be used for sun or rain protection.
- Disposable rain ponchos: Do not rely on a rain poncho alone. You will get hot wearing one. However, they take up very little space, so add one to your daypack.
6. Quick-Dry Clothing
Moisture-wicking shirts, pants, and underwear are game-changers in humid jungle conditions. These fabrics dry rapidly after rain or sweat, preventing chafing and keeping you comfortable during long days of hiking and exploring.
👚My picks
- Smartwool t-shirt: Yes, it is expensive, but you can wear it more than once between washings — even in hot and humid Costa Rica.
- Quick-dry pants: If you plan to hike, you will want long pants. Though trails for tourists are typically clear of vegetation, long pants will help protect you from insects.
- Merino wool underwear: Merino wool wicks sweat, dries fast, and doesn’t stink. Trust me.
7. Swim Gear
With natural hot springs, stunning waterfalls, and river swimming opportunities around every corner, you’ll want a swimsuit readily accessible. Consider packing two so you always have a dry option ready for spontaneous dips. However, there are several other swim gear items you also need: microfiber towel, waterproof phone pouch, and possibly prescription goggles.
👙My Picks
- Microfiber towels: You can rent a towel at the hot springs, but you will need to bring your own to the waterfall. These towels take up no space and dry fast.
- Waterproof phone pouch: There are a lot of waterproof phone pouches available, but I like this one because it keeps your phone dry, floats, and easily detaches.
- Prescription goggles: Bring a pair of prescription goggles for anyone in your group who needs glasses and does not use contacts. Get your prescription from your eye doctor so you know what strength is needed.
Navigation & Safety
8. SIM Card
Purchasing a local SIM card gives you reliable data for navigation, translation apps, and staying connected with tour operators. Most carriers offer affordable tourist packages with plenty of data for a week-long visit.
📱Click here for a Costa Rica SIM card!
9. Waterproof Map
While digital maps are convenient, a waterproof physical map of the La Fortuna area is invaluable when exploring remote trails or if your phone dies. Look for one that includes hiking trails, hot springs, and key landmarks around Arenal Volcano.
📍Click here for a waterproof map of Costa Rica!
10. Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector
The requirements for carbon monoxide detectors are not the same around the world and have led to tourist deaths. I travel with a portable carbon monoxide detector.
⏰Click here for a portable carbon monoxide detector!
11. Headlamp Flashlight
Essential for early morning tours, night hikes to spot nocturnal wildlife, and navigating poorly lit areas after dark. Choose one with both white and red light settings—red light preserves your night vision and is less disturbing to wildlife.
🔦Click here for a headlamp flashlight!
Bags & Organization
12. Day Bag
A 20-30 liter waterproof or water-resistant daypack is perfect for carrying essentials during hikes, tours, and day trips. Look for one with comfortable straps, multiple compartments, and external attachment points for wet items.
🎒Click here to get a packable day bag!
13. Dry Bag
Protect your electronics, documents, and other valuables from the inevitable moisture of jungle adventures. A small roll-top dry bag (10-20 liters) fits easily inside your daypack and provides peace of mind during water activities and rainstorms.
🌊Click here to get your dry bags!
Health & Personal Care
14. First Aid Kit
Pack a basic kit with bandages, blister treatment, pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescription medications. Include anti-diarrheal medication and electrolyte packets for quick recovery if traveler’s stomach strikes.
🩺Click here to buy a travel first aid kit!
15. Reusable Toiletries
Bring biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste in refillable travel containers to minimize environmental impact.
🫧Click here to get refillable travel containers!
Electronics & Extras
16. Portable Power Bank
Long days of hiking, photography, and using GPS will drain your phone battery quickly. A high-capacity power bank (at least 10,000 mAh) ensures you can capture every moment and stay connected throughout your adventures.
📱Click here to get your portable power bank!
17. Binoculars
Compact binoculars dramatically enhance wildlife viewing in the jungle canopy and around Arenal Volcano. You’ll appreciate being able to observe distant sloths, monkeys, and birds without disturbing them.
🦜Click here to get your binoculars!
18. Costa Rica Wildlife Guide
A pocket-sized field guide helps you identify the incredible biodiversity you’ll encounter, from sloths and toucans to poison dart frogs. Understanding what you’re seeing enriches your experience and creates lasting memories of your jungle encounters.
🦥Click here to get your Costa Rica Wildlife Guide!
Pro Tip: Pack light-colored, neutral clothing to stay cooler and blend in better for wildlife watching. Leave jewelry and valuables at home, and bring copies of important documents stored separately from the originals.
Travel Resources
🏨Accommodation: Booking, Hostelworld, Vrbo
🚗Car Rentals: Rentalcars.com
✈Flights: Expedia
🎫Tours and Activities: Viator, Get Your Guide, Go City, Big Bus Tours
🚅Trains: Rail Europe, Omio, Trainline
🏥Travel Medical Insurance: SafetyWing
