Packing for Costa Rica: 8 essentials

• A light rain jacket — even in the dry season, the cloud forest gets wet.
• Reef-safe sunscreen — the sun is strong near the equator.
• Insect repellent — especially for the Caribbean coast and the jungle.
• Quick-dry clothes — humidity means cotton stays damp.
• Sturdy sandals and trail shoes — for rivers, beaches and muddy trails.
• A warm layer — volcano summits and Monteverde can be chilly.
• A reusable water bottle — tap water is safe to drink in most areas.
• Binoculars — they turn a walk into a wildlife show.

Pack light: you’ll probably be hopping between places, and laundry services are easy to find.