Intro
Our favorite adventurer, Tom O’Brien, is preparing for his annual family vacation. This year’s destination is Costa Rica.
Who visits Costa Rica during the rainy season? A school teacher with summer off, that’s who. So let’s take a peek at his itinerary and his packing tips.
Costa Rica Itinerary
For his two week stay, Tom plans to visit multiple ecosystems. From rainforests, beaches, volcanic sites, to jungle rivers, much can be found in this beautiful country.
Roughly 2-3 Days in each town: San Jose, Liberia, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Sarapiqui, Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, and back to San Jose. Primarily public bus transport will be used between towns.
Activities include: day trips to volcanoes, beaches, natural reserves, ziplining, kayaking, biking, canyon hikes and horseback riding.
Packing for Costa Rica in the Rainy Season
We need to pack rain ponchos, plastic bags for electronics, extra-large plastic bags for luggage in a downpour, umbrellas, cloths that are light and dry quickly. Note: there are not many clothes dryers in Costa Rica.
We will be taking local buses to get around so we can be closer to the people but we’ll be out in the rain while getting around.
Food & Water
Staying hydrated is very important, so I bring 2 metal water bottles with insulators and insulated carrying sacks. Eating on buses, beaches, hiking stops or in the hotel, we often need utensils.
I can never get enough vegetables in restaurants so I always bring a potato peeler and a good knife. This way I can have a regular portion of carrots and fruits each day. When washing fruits and vegetables I will use iodine tablets to soak them first.
Costa Rica is pretty clean and tap water is generally drinkable but drinking bottled water and following good standard travel rules for eating and drinking is advisable. I use the following product. Check out the link below. Note: as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Miscellaneous Items
Miscellaneous packing items: cream for foot fungus, emergency blanket, superglue, tape, rubber bands and paperclips. Toiletries go in clear plastic bags so it is quick to recognize what’s what.
We’ll be spending time swimming, on beaches and in strange showers so flip flops, swim cap and goggles come in handy. Bring a lock, in the event there are lockers for use.
My supplies to make balloon animals come in handy when returning hospitality or making a fun time of a bus or plane delay. They go in my backpack for traveling.
Organizing your stuff
Six zippers in my waist pack keep me organized. The waist pack hangs over my front pocket, keeping items in there safe. Some handy travel-sized items in my waist pack are: sunscreen, pens, nail clipper, combination tool (Leatherman), headphones, change, USB memory stick, gum, comb, band-aids, toothbrush, wrench, charge cord, wipes, magnifying glass, and insect repellant.
Health Advice
Zika virus has been well publisized. To prevent this I recommend sleeping under a mosquito net. Stringing it up in each room is a bit of work but worth it for a good night’s sleep, and no malaria. I used one extensively throughout my India travels.
Theft Prevention
A money belt under your shirt is important especially when on public transportation. Prevent your money, credit cards or electronics from being easily lifted. Small bills are handy for tips and small purchases. Vendors often don’t have change for large bills.