The Packing List

Multiply by six. Laundry mid-trip at the Sámara villa means a week's worth is plenty.

• 6–7 quick-dry t-shirts / tops
• 2 swimsuits eachOne is always wet — pools, hot springs, the Pacific
• Rash guard eachSurf lessons + the best sunscreen there is
• 3–4 pairs of shorts
• 1 pair lightweight long pantsVolcano hikes + buggy jungle evenings
• Light rain jacket or packable ponchoAfternoon rain is a when, not an if
• One warm layerArenal evenings and air-conditioned restaurants cool off
• Sun hat or cap each
• Underwear & socks for ~7 days
• Pajamas
• Trail runners or hiking shoesWill get muddy at Rincón — that's the point
• Strapped water sandals (Teva/Chaco style)Waterfall swims, river days, boat decks
• Flip-flopsBeach + pool, lives by the villa door

Good news: Costa Rica uses US plugs at 110V — no adapters needed.

• BinocularsThe single best wildlife upgrade — sloths are high in the canopy
• Headlamp or small flashlightDark walks back from dinner, the odd power blip
• Phone chargers + multi-port USB brickSix devices, one outlet by the bed — the brick keeps the peace
• Power bankFor the 3.5–4.5 hour drive days
• Camera / GoPro + spare cardsZipline + waterfall footage; a head or chest mount if you have one
• Offline Google Maps downloadedGuanacaste, La Fortuna & the Nicoya coast — before wheels-up, not at LIR
• DaypackOne light backpack for hikes: water, snacks, rain layers, first-aid