Planning
What to pack for El Camino de Costa Rica
You'll cross rainforest, cloud forest and the Talamanca highlands in the same trip — pack for warm, humid lowlands and cooler, wetter mountain stages.
Footwear
- Broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip for mud and river crossings
- Camp shoes or sandals for evenings
- Moisture-wicking hiking socks (bring extras)
Clothing
- Quick-dry hiking shirts and pants — cotton stays wet and is best avoided
- A lightweight fleece or insulating layer for cooler highland evenings
- A proper rain jacket (not just a poncho) for the Talamanca sections
- A hat for sun protection in the lowlands
On the trail
- A daypack (30–40L) — your main luggage is transported for you between stages
- A reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Trekking poles, especially for the mountain stages and river crossings
- A basic first-aid kit for personal use (blister care, any personal medication)
Other essentials
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- A dry bag or liner to keep spare clothing dry inside your pack
- A headlamp or small flashlight
- Your passport or ID
Luggage transport between stages is included in every program, so pack a separate daypack for what you need during the day — water, rain layer, snacks — and let your main bag travel ahead of you.
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