How to Pack for Everywhere in Costa Rica

Packing tips from the mountains to the jungles of Costa Rica, and everything in between. Be prepared for the heat and the cold travel! This will prep you for most Central American travel - questions encouraged!
Have you ever wanted to live in another country for a while, but didn't have the resources or know where to start? I cover what resources to use, and how I used them to live at a luxury eco-resort on the beach in the jungles of Costa Rica, free.
www.azaharaguilar.com
Many of these volunteer abroad options cover room and board accommodations, but each one is unique. Questions? Reach out to me on social media! I've traveled to 30 countries and lived in 6 - I love helping people take leaps of faith!
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[@cahilart8966]

thanks to put my country Costa Rica out there, we are very pleased to have travelers here, in general, we don't have good english but i guess we can defend ourself. Please, if you goind to travel to Costa Rica, try to get information of safes areas to camping or stay because our country is mostly safe but there are some thieves out there, so be carefull and nothing would happen to you. welcome to Costa Rica, for anyone thinking on travel here. ;)

[@Leapofaithlife]

I would agree, any country has thieves, always smart to travel safely and do plenty of research. I love Costa Rica, it's one of my favorite countries in the whole world. Pura vida, mae :)

[@cahilart8966]

Pura Vida! Tuanis! LOL xD

[@tinahindi]

thank for the video, our family is going on a tour at the beginning of Oct but we will be flying in from Liberia and doing that tour. I bought some lose dri mesh shirt, just trying to figure out the pants/capri situtaiton

[@chellyyunuen2560]

Loved this video ! Very informative

[@Leapofaithlife]

Thanks araceli! Let me know if you have other questions and have fun!

[@missbelle_elle]

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS =) I'LL BE MOVING TO RICA IN 2018!

[@Leapofaithlife]

Awesome, Maja! You will love it :) Let me know if you have specific packing questions when you begin moving!

[@Nuddyah]

Maja Janjic Awesome, where are you going? I'll be going to San Isidro for 3 months in Dec ☺

[@Lisa-me9iz]

Maja Janjic me too!

[@Travelbug513]

I know pura vida place and the pura vida manager is my friend and yes Costa Rica is beautiful country

[@johnwalkerbolding9776]

So helpful thanks!!

[@Leapofaithlife]

I'm so glad! Let me know if you have random questions, and enjoy!

[@johnwalkerbolding9776]

Leap of Faith Life I am going to Costa Rica and this videos was a trip saver, are there hot springs in Costa Rica?

[@Leapofaithlife]

Hey John - I missed this! I didn't get to see any hot springs while there, but this guide seems to be great! Have fun! costaricaexperts.com/things-to-do/hot-springs/

[@tere5879]

hi!, im going to san jose costa rica this week and i don't know which outfits should i wear, i really just want to enjoy the trip so i don't want to be like, worring about if i look good or not, so any recommendations on comfy clothes?

[@Leapofaithlife]

OMG - I totally missed this. I apologize! I hope you had an amazing time! What did you wear? Luckily anything goes in San Jose, it's an easy town to look good in since there's so many different types of people. I'm sure you looked fab! :)

[@brandonlfob]

Cool video... very helpful! “Freezing to death”? Next video ‘surviving Hypothermia on a bus’

[@Leapofaithlife]

Haha, just seeing this! That should be the next how-to ;) Glad the rest was helpful!

[@faithbailey9047]

I’m going to Costa Rica 🇨🇷 in 6 days

[@Leapofaithlife]

Nice! Have fun and let us know what you think! Enjoy y pura vida!

[@faithbailey9047]

I’m sure I will have a lot of fun in Costa Rica cause I’m going tomorrow morning at 7:00 thank you for replying to my comment and your video was extremely helpful so thank you for your help in this video

[@Travelbug513]

Hey I stay in Costa Rica San Jose if you want any information contact with me if you want so we can meet

[@abbynormal34]

Is early December a busy time for tourists? When is the least busy season for tourists during the dry season?

[@Leapofaithlife]

November - April (or so) is the dry season, and the busiest season is when it's deep winter in the northern hemisphere. It also totally depends on the area you're going to - north west area of Tamarindo, or Puerto Viejo in the south east are very popular for college/university age folks and might be busier during their time school vacation (holidays or spring break). Based off that, my best guess at overall best times during dry season and off-peak tourism are early November, January, early February, and early April. If you do go in December, the earlier the better. Either way you'll still have a great time, and rainy season is actually my favorite time there!

[@cuzzinjimbo9902]

Going for New years eve. Any good NYE parties or should I just stay on the resort?

[@Leapofaithlife]

Have fun James! It depends on what kind of party you like and what kind of resort you're staying at. If you want a big/loud/tons of people type of experience a place like San Jose is best - but some party-type beach towns are a good bet as well. Examples: Puerto Viejo (a lot of people at a laid-back beach bar vibe) or Tamarindo (foam parties and the like). Other resorts can be super low key. It might sound lame, but google is your best bet for the exact location you're staying at. You'll have fun either way. Order an Imperial for me!

[@cuzzinjimbo9902]

Thanks

[@ethancropp600]

Driving through domincal to pavones in november, how wet is it gonna be and can we pitch a tent and camp safely along the way?? Thanks!

[@Leapofaithlife]

I hope you're having a great trip! You're right at the end of rainy season, so that's huge. Safety is a multi-faceted answer between nature and people. For nature, be aware of what is around you in the vegetation as giant fer-de-lances, Banana (Brazilian) Wandering Spiders, and army ants are there. As for people, petty theft happens like with anywhere in the world. Remember to practice normal safety tips and read forums about each place you plan on staying. ALWAYS get permission/pay to camp through the national parks, on private land, or through hostels as you may not be aware you're on someone's private property - and they can be pretty hostile if they find you. Keep your passport and phone on you, as car theft can happen. Remember bug spray! Dengue outbreaks in lowlands and beach areas fluctuates. The normal safety tips of lots of sunscreen and watching the ocean currents/tides will be important too. Good luck and enjoy CR!

[@ethancropp600]

@@Leapofaithlife thank you I had a great trip.

[@bnacarter90]

Im going next week for my first solo adventure!! If I wanted to volunteer at your resort how could I?!

[@Leapofaithlife]

I'm sorry for the late reply! Fortunately/unfortunately the resort I volunteered at is hyper-competitive now, but might be listed on any of the volunteer websites like WorkAway or HelpX for the Osa Peninsula region. I'd just start going through FB and Instagram for the area that you're located in Costa Rica and reach out the resorts offering work exchange, too. If you want more info feel free to email me!

[@Aj23427]

Any tips for volunteering while on vacation?

[@Leapofaithlife]

Hey Aj23427, it depends on how much time you have, where you're going, and your intention. If you have a week or more, a lot of volunteer programs want your help, but some offer day options too. If you're in Costa Rica, the first thing that comes to mind is Sea Turtle rescue or beach clean up. If you want to stay for a while and have room and board exchange workingabroad.com is great, but there are many other sites out there. From my experience in Costa Rica, osaconservation.org/visit-the-osa/volunteer/ is the local space I heard so many good things about. Good luck and have fun!

[@dorarodarte1952]

Is it still hot during the wet season? Like around late June-early July??

[@Leapofaithlife]

Yes! It still can be hot. Usually, it's anywhere from low 70's to mid 80's F (21 - 27 C). Clear and warm in the mornings and rainy and a little cooler in the afternoons, but it depends on the part of the country you're in. This site gives a good general idea: www.govisitcostarica.com/travelInfo/climate.asp. James even breaks down June in his blog post here: jameskaiser.com/costa-rica-guide/weather/june/ Have fun!

[@dorarodarte1952]

Leap of Faith Life thank you! I’ll take a look at it because I’m going around that time this summer. I’m really excited.

[@morrisyarnell6083]

the music drowns out your voice, rather hear you than the music. Other than that the video is loaded with excellent advice. Thanks.

[@user-vd7vw5xo1s]

I am travelling to Costa Rica in a couple of months! I have read that people in the larger cities like San Jose prefer women to cover up a bit more. Like wearing maxi skirts or pants and covering shoulders. Is this true? I just don't have a lot of baggage room so I am not sure how much longer clothing i might need

[@TITAZO1987]

hahah, is not true !

[@Leapofaithlife]

I hope you had a great time! For those still wondering, women love to wear jeans but rarely cover the shoulders. Spaghetti straps are what I've most commonly seen for women's shirts in larger cities - that and high heels! It can be a bit cooler in San Jose at times, so maxi skirts/leggings/jeans are fine for the weather. Know you can wear any type of shirt, though, as I've not seen covering the shoulders (unless it's cold). Thanks!

[@dbutler4]

I'm going to Costa Rica in August. How is the weather in the latter part of August?

[@Leapofaithlife]

That's the middle of the rainy season in Costa Rica (their winter), as the dry season (summer) starts November-ish. I love the rainy season - the vegetation is so green and beautiful at this time. It's most Costa Rican's (tico's) favorite time of the year since the dry season can be quite intense. Weather specifics will vary depending on if you'll be in the mountains or near the beaches though!

[@dbutler4]

Leap of Faith Life Thanks a bunch. I'm staying in Jaco Beach but plan on going into the city too for site seeing.

[@hotmessteaching]

What's the rainy season like? I'm going in October

[@Leapofaithlife]

I hope you're having an amazing time!! The rainy season is my favorite time - everything is so lush and green. Depending on what part of the country you'll be in (high altitude/coast/inland), it's in general mostly sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoons. You'll usually get some sun during your trip, despite it being called the "rainy season". Rivers and tides may be a lot higher, as well as the flow from certain waterfalls. Great for seeing full flows, but also heads up if you're driving - sometimes certain roads can be impassable if it's near a river that floods during the season. Have so much fun - the pura vida is magical any time of year ;)

[@marytica123]

RAINY SEASON = MAY THRU SEPTEMBER, DRY SEASON = NOVEMBER THRU APRIL (OCTOBER IS VARIABLE). Rain occurs mainly during the afternoons, but can last ALL DAY off & on. Mountainous areas often have "wet fog". TRAVEL TIP: bring 3 pairs of shoes - 2 tennis/walking/jogging shoes, and 1 leather dress shoes (and a pair of sandals for beach). Use casual shoes almost everywhere, but be prepared to get them wet ! Especially when hiking thru tourist areas !

[@addagirl3487]

when is rainy season and when in dry?

[@Leapofaithlife]

Rainy season is usually April - November and dry is November - April. There are always variations every year though, so it just depends! You will still get sun during the rainy season at some point during the day, though!

[@erikasexton657]

Going there in 6 days!!Also they recently pasted a law or something along those lines to help keep the environment clean, so please don’t bring harmful bug spray or sunscreen and be respectful while visiting!!

[@Leapofaithlife]

How did you enjoy your time??? So glad you went!

[@erikasexton657]

Sooo, it didn’t go as planned: The trip planned is through school (we still have to pay for it of course) however the day that I was about to leave I got the flu 🤧. Because of school rules I wasn’t able to go which was really disappointing considering it had been planned for over a year now. Luckily, my family was going on a trip to Turks and Caicos (because I wouldn’t let me mom chaperone me to CR and she’s petty like that ) and I was able to get on the flight there. I had a wonderful time and still was able to put to some use of the eco friendly sunscreen/bugspray😂 definitely recommend getting your flu shot (and wow I’m surprised you asked, very nice/polite❤️)

[@Leapofaithlife]

@@erikasexton657 Glad you still got a vacation in and to use that bug spray, lol Turks and Caicos sounds amazing! That's a great call to get your flu shot the season before you travel abroad. It's such a bummer when you miss a big trip like that. Keep CR on your list for the future!

[@lovisa.carlsen]

Where is the packing list for Costa Rica? :)

[@Leapofaithlife]

At the very end before the end cards :) I try to call out the items people normally don't think about, but I know it's so different for everyone. Have fun!

[@AshleenKaur]

Please tell us about how to pay on yogatrade.com or any other websites?? What's the process??

[@happyhippieellie]

@Ashleen Kaur Hey :) I'm obviously not Leap of Faith Life, but I have taught yoga through yogatrade before. On yogatrade you pay one free per year called a "passport" fee. I believe it's around $12. That allows you to see all of the job/volunteer/opportunity listings and apply for them. There are paying jobs, work exchange, volunteer etc. It's definitely worth it! If you want to watch my New Zealand Solo Travel video on my channel that trip was the one I did through yogatrade. Let me know if you have any questions :)

[@Leapofaithlife]

Hey @Ashleen Kaur! @Ellie Cormier is correct - you pay the yearly fee and can see all of the amazing opportunities on there. They won't give you very many details until you pay the fee, but you can see enough information to know if you want to pay or not. It's the same with workaway.info - the fee is a bit more, but there are extended opportunities on there for cooking, cleaning, computer work, and even yoga. Most sites are the same way - they show you just enough info to know if you'll be interested or not before you pay. I've found opportunities on both websites that I've enjoyed. Let me know if you have more specific questions! Cheers!

[@Leapofaithlife]

Thanks for posting @elliecomier! I totally missed this! And I agree - totally worth it to pay! Your trips have looked amazing, I'd love to visit Ireland - it's one of the top countries on my list!

[@happyhippieellie]

no problem! I'm going to Costa Rica in a week and your video was super helpful! You should totally visit Ireland! Its beautiful.

[@notinuse2036]

is the sun intense in the rain season?

[@Leapofaithlife]

It usually rains in the morning and is sunny in the afternoon. The temps are a bit more bearable during the rainy season due to that morning shower. The sun is always intense though, since it's so close to the equator. Wear that sunscreen and bring a hat for your face. It's no joke! Let me know if you have more questions around this! xo

[@syverarnesen117]

What was the warmest there

[@Leapofaithlife]

It depends on if you're at the beach or in the mountains :) From my knowledge, hottest temp recorded was 109 degrees F (43 C) at the beach and in San Jose 95 F (34.7 C). Dry season is from about November-ish to about April-ish. Normal temps usually stay between 80 - 90 degrees F. Cooler at night or in the mountains.

[@katrinarosee7]

are workout/active leggings okay to wear?

[@katrinarosee7]

i'm coming during spring break in the sarapiquí and arenal region

[@Leapofaithlife]

The Arenal region can be cooler at times, so workout/active leggings are fine. I've worn quarter length workout leggings on the jungle/beach in the south, and that worked well for me (although I change halfway through the day if it get's too hot). Sometimes they're nice to have at night, or when mosquitos come out. Definitely bring a mix, but include long and quarter length active leggings.

[@katrinarosee7]

Leap of Faith Life thank you so much!

[@saritasophia]

How to pack for a month

[@Leapofaithlife]

Great question! I hope you had a great time if you went already. If not, bring dark clothes since they wash easier, and items you can mix and match. It depends on if you're at the beach, or in the city of San Jose, or in the mountains for specifics items but usually, I'd say pack light. Layers are amazing - especially if you'll be traveling around!

[@69adrummer]

I know it's cliche but you are so pretty!