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Home > EcoClassroom > Info for Travelers > Packing List   Passport valid for at least 30 days after your day of departure. If you are not a US or Canadian citizen, please be sure to check for visa and other entry requirements before travel. Clothing: Based on a typical 8 day trip. Please adjust accordingly. Shorts: 1 pair per 2 - 3 days T-Shirts: 1 per 1 - 2 days 2 Bathing Suits Long pants (light and breathable for hikes and cool nights) 2 long-sleeved shirts 1 sweater, sweatshirt, or lightweight fleece Light, breathable poncho or raincoat Hat(s), to shield face from the sun Shoes Comfortable hiking boots or tennis shoes (these may get wet or muddy) Chaco, Keen, or Teva-type sandals or water shoes(that won't slip off during river rafting) Extra shoes or sandals to keep clean and dry (these can be flip-flops) Other Important Items 1-2 Beach towels (hotels provide small bath towels) Sunglasses, with strap Camera and Film (a water-proof camera is a treat for the rafting trip) or digital camera with waterproof bag Sun block (we suggest SPF 30 or higher) *Insect repellent* essential! At least one 1.5 liter water bottle (marked with your name) or CamelBak hydration pack or similar Small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries Plastic bags for storing damp clothes (reuse grocery bags, shopping bags, etc.) Sheet sack or light sleeping bag for the nights at Punta Mona (you can easily sew a sheet into a sleeping bag shape) Biodegradable soap and other toiletries (check labels for biodegradable items) Small backpack for day trips (water proof or resistant is best) A small duffel/overnight bag that can be packed inside your suitcase to be used for Punta Mona or other overnight trips Notebook/Journal and pens Personal first aid kit with bandaids, antibiotic and cortisone creams, pain relief tablets, decongestants, and prescription medications Music for the car ride - most vans and busses have MP3 adapters and cassette decks A great attitude and an open mind! Optional Items Pillow Swiss army knife or multi-tool (be sure to pack in your checked bag! Binoculars Alarm clock Rain pants Water bottle holder, such as caribiner or strap Synthetic shirt for river rafting (surfing rash guards work very well for this!) Mask, snorkel and fins (if you prefer your own; otherwise, equipment will be provided) Back to Top How To Dress The climate will be warm and we recommend shorts and t-shirts for each day. However, you may consider wearing lightweight pants for hikes in the forest in order to protect against insects and scratches. Many participants have recommended bringing the pants that zip off into shorts. Bring a pair of pants and a long-sleeved shirt or sweater for the nights spent in San Jose, Turrialba, and Monteverde, as it tends to be cool. No dressy clothes are required, however some people like to bring casual "normal" clothes for evenings and non-activity times. Socks made of wool or other moisture absorbant materials are recommended for hiking because of their ability to keep your feet dry. You can never have enough pairs of socks! Extra tip: Remember to wear socks between dusk and dawn to prevent mosquito bites on your ankles!) Because of the humidity and the potential for mud, clothes tend to get a little on the messy side! Please do not bring any clothes that you would mind getting dirty. How To Pack Please do not bring any more than you can easily carry. Some smaller hotels do not provide porter services. And don't forget to leave room for souvenirs! You can pack an empty bag inside your suitcase for any overnights at Punta Mona, Diamante Verde, Bocas del Toro Islands, or the rafting overnight. Your large luggage will be safely stored during those days. You may want to pack your clothes in plastic bags within your suitcase if you do not have waterproof luggage. Because of the high levels of humidity and rain, it is inevitable that things become damp (or Costa Rican dry, as we affectionately refer to it!). You can reuse these bags throughout the trip in order to pack your wet clothes and bathing suits. Please pack any medications in waterproof, airtight containers which are marked with the name and dosage of the drug. You may want to store your documents (passport, airline tickets, etc.) in water-resistant envelopes or ziplock bags. For more advice on your trip, please see our Frequently Asked Questions. Back to Top