A lot of trips to Costa Rica end up covering more than one coast, whether that’s a few days in Guanacaste followed by a detour to Manuel Antonio, or a beach stretch bookended by a night or two in San José. Packing for that kind of trip is different from packing for a single beach week, but it doesn’t have to mean a second suitcase.
Think in Layers, Not Outfits
The Pacific coast is hot and humid nearly year-round, but San José and any mountain stops sit at a much higher elevation and run noticeably cooler, especially in the evening. Rather than packing separate “beach clothes” and “city clothes,” bring a base layer of lightweight, breathable pieces you can wear anywhere, plus one warmer layer, like a light sweater or jacket, that only comes out for the cooler stretches.
One Bag, Both Oceans
- 2-3 swimsuits (they take longer to dry than you’d expect in humid weather)
- A quick-dry towel that packs smaller than a hotel towel
- One warm layer for cooler evenings or mountain stops
- A light rain jacket, useful on both coasts regardless of season
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for hikes, plus sandals for everything else
- Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent, since both coasts have plenty of sun and bugs
- A dry bag or ziplock for your phone during river crossings, waterfalls, or unexpected rain
Pack Light for the Transfers
If your itinerary includes shuttle transfers between coasts, a single soft-sided suitcase or duffel is easier to load and unload than a hard-shell case, and it takes up less space alongside other passengers’ luggage. One carry-on-sized bag per person is usually enough for a week-long trip covering both coasts, especially if you’re doing laundry partway through.
Let Your Driver Know What You’re Carrying
If you’re bringing anything bulky, like a cooler, surfboard, or extra gear bag, mention it when you book your transfer rather than at pickup. It helps your driver plan for the right vehicle and makes loading up a lot faster on travel day.
