What To Bring

On almost any trip to Costa Rica, you will visit mountains, the beach, and the temperate Central Valley. You need to be prepared for temperatures from the low 50s to the low 90s, and everything in between.

Rapid and numerous changes in temperature and the probability of rain mean you should bring prepared with appropriate clothing. Come prepared to dress in layers, and try to bring light weight, fast drying clothing. We hope the following list helps you pack. If you don't have what you need, we recommend ordering travel clothing company Exofficio. Check out their website at www.exofficio.com

If possible try to fit everything into one carry-on and one checked bag.

Remember that domestic flights, charters and water taxis within Costa Rica have luggage weight limits usually 25 pounds per person. You can store extra luggage at Horizontes Nature Tours or usually at your hotel in San José.

That said, here are some of the wildlife visitors to Costa Rica commonly see.

Packing List

• Bathing suit
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Good walking shoes or hiking boots
  
• Dry shoes for evening
  
• Flip flops or river sandals
  
• Underclothes and socks
  
• Sat least two pairs of long pants for field days and one for evening shorts. Some people like to hike in shorts, although long pants are recommended because of
• bugs.
  
• Skirt or dress, Ladies might want a change from pants for the evenings
  
• Short sleeved t-shirts
  
• Light weight rain jacket or poncho
  
• Sun hat
  
• Sweater or sweatshirt
  
• Light jacket or windbreaker

Try to bring enough of each item to last at least half the trip because you can't count on having laundry service everywhere and it is often hard to dry handwashed clothes.

Field gear

Day pack small, soft bag for souvenirs and side trips involving domestic flights, plane charters or boats (remember 25-lb. luggage limit ) Plastic bags to protect your gear on boats and for dirty clothes. binoculars (highly recommended) bird book if you are a serious birder film, camera and extra batteries, flashlight for evenings at remote lodges, travel alarm.

And finally, don't forget personal medications, spare eyeglasses or contact lenses, insect repellent, and earplugs for light sleepers, money belt.