Packing Details

Two separate bags.
1 – Regular suitcase or duffle bag
2 – Full-size backpack

You can pack in either your duffle/suitcase or backpack for the flight, once in Costa Rica you’ll divide your belongings in the following way:

In the regular suitcase, pack all of the belongings you won’t need in the mountains.
This bag will be with you the first day of the trip, and then again at the beach. Don’t leave valuables in this bag (passport, money, camera, etc).  Items to be included in this bag are: beach clothing, clothing for evenings out, travel clothes, etc.

In the full-size backpack, pack everything you will need in the rainforest (the majority of the gear listed below), and all of your valuables.  Items to be included in this bag are: Your quick-dry shirt and shorts, 2 pair of socks, hiking boots/shoes, chacos, headlamp, shammy, hat, insect repellant, trekking pole, camera, day-pack or camelback (if no camelback, bring a water bottle), swimsuit, fleece, long-sleeve shirt, pajama bottoms, camp/travel pillow, book, toiletries, camera, passport and valuables, storage size zip lock bags, energy bars and snacks, rain gear.

List of Items to Bring – Gear List

  1. Sunscreen
  2. Insect Repellant
  3. Storage size Ziploc Bags and Plastic bags (to separate dry and wet clothing)
  4. Camera
  5. Passport
  6. Full-size Backpack (2500 cubic inches is usually the minimum)
  7. A small day pack that fits in or can attach to your full-size backpack
  8. Water proof covering for your full-size backpack (Often called a Duck Back)
  9. A good sized water bottle (at least one liter) or Camelback
  10. Towel or Shammy
  11. “Quick-dry” Shorts
  12. Swimsuits
  13. Tevas or Chacos (must strap on)
  14. Light-weight fleece jacket or pullover
  15. Light “quick dry” shirt (for hiking)
  16. Tank tops
  17. Rain gear (Jacket with hood, no pants needed)
  18. Hat/visor
  19. Long-sleeve t-shirt (for evenings – can be cotton or quick-dry)
  20. Pajama bottoms
  21. Hiking boots - mud…mud….mud
  22. Good socks (a couple of pairs)
  23. Clothes for a few nights on the town
    1. Comfortable and casual city wear
    2. Examples: cotton skirts, shorts, sandals, etc.
  24. Headlamp or flashlight
  25. Energy Bars, Trail Mix, Beef Jerky, and Candy
    1. (Energy bars and snacks for 2 hiking lunches, and small snacking should be sufficient.  If you would rather not eat rice and beans, you might want to bring some extra snacks. Our meals for the 3 days in the rainforest will consist of Rice, beans, fresh vegetables and meat.)
  26. Trekking poles
    1. (one pole per person - instead of a pair -  is generally most comfortable)
  27. Camp/Travel pillow
  28. Toiletries (biodegradable soap/shampoo, etc.)
  29. Book (optional)

Miscellaneous Info

Money to bring

You will want to bring as little money as possible.  The only money you will need is to pay for souvenirs, emergencies, drinks, activities, guide/trip leader tips, and exit tax (approx. $26). 

  1. It is generally expected to tip local guides along the way.
  2. You may also want to tip your trip leader at the conclusion of your expedition.
  3. Credit cards are generally accepted in Costa Rica 

Health Issues

This trip may push your physical limits.  Be sure to let us know of any health concerns at the time of your reservation. Pace will be altered to accommodate various fitness levels. Try to come on your trip healthy and rested. 

Traveler's Insurance

We strongly recommend obtaining travelers insurance for your expedition. Click the link below to learn more from our suggested provider.

 
Expeditions Book your trip Itineraries userlogin
2008datesNEW
Image Gallery

© 2006 Pure Life Expeditions. All rights reserved.