Central Valley, Costa Rica: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]
Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.
Ready to pack for Central Valley, Costa Rica? If you're planning to go to Central Valley, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Central Valley
- Important essentials for Central Valley
- Activities for Central Valley
- Central Valley in January: weather and what to pack
- Central Valley in February: weather and what to pack
- Central Valley in March: weather and what to pack
- Central Valley in April: weather and what to pack
- Central Valley in May: weather and what to pack
- Central Valley in June: weather and what to pack
- Central Valley in July: weather and what to pack
- Central Valley in August: weather and what to pack
- Central Valley in September: weather and what to pack
- Central Valley in October: weather and what to pack
- Central Valley in November: weather and what to pack
- Central Valley in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Central Valley, Costa Rica
Based on the climate and weather in Central Valley, Costa Rica, the best time to go is March. See below for details.
What to wear/what to pack for Central Valley, Costa Rica
Already know when you're traveling?
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Central Valley, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
What to wear/what to pack for Central Valley, Costa Rica by month
January
If you are traveling to Central Valley in January, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Breathable footwear or sandals
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Extra socks
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent option.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Valley. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Travel pillow
What we like is this one
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
February
February here is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Bug repellent
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Light skirts
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Valley. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct type. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.
Travel pillow
An excellent option is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
March
March for Central Valley is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
Bug repellent
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent value.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Valley. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel neck support pillow
A versatile choice is this one
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
April
In April, Central Valley is warm. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Central Valley, with a few of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good option.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Valley. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel pillow
Our favorite is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
May
If you visit Central Valley during May, you will probably notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sunscreen lotion
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Bug repellent
Sandals
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Valley. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel pillow
Our favorite is this one
June
June in Central Valley is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light skirts
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Valley. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck pillow
Our fave is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary type. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
July
July in Central Valley is warm and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Bug repellent
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good kit.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Valley. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck pillow
An excellent option is this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
August
August in Central Valley is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Valley. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel neck pillow
An excellent option is this one
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.
September
Traveling to Central Valley in September, you will notice that it is warm and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Extra socks
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Bug repellent
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Valley. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Travel pillow
What we like is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
October
October in Central Valley is a perfect temperature and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Short pants or heavy shorts
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good kit.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Valley. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.
Travel neck support pillow
A good option is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
November
Traveling to Central Valley in November, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sunscreen lotion
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Light skirts
Extra socks
Bug repellent
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Valley. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel pillow
A versatile choice is this one
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
December
If you are traveling to Central Valley in December, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Light skirts
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Valley. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel pillow
Our fave is this one
What to do in Central Valley, Costa Rica
Central Valley in Costa Rica is a captivating destination that boasts several attractions that attract tourists from all over the world. From national parks and volcanoes to coffee plantations and historic sites, there is something for everyone in this picturesque region. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Central Valley, Costa Rica that you won't want to miss.
1. Poás Volcano National Park
Poás Volcano National Park is one of the most popular attractions in Central Valley, Costa Rica. This park boasts one of the largest active craters in the world, as well as stunning hiking trails and views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can embark on a guided tour of the park, which includes a visit to the crater, a hike to the Botos Lagoon, and a chance to explore the surrounding forest.
2. Café Britt Coffee Tour
Central Valley is home to some of the best coffee plantations in the world, and the Café Britt Coffee Tour is one of the most popular attractions in the region for coffee lovers. The tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the entire coffee-making process, from growing and harvesting the beans to roasting and packaging them. The tour also includes coffee tastings, a visit to the coffee bar, and a chance to shop for souvenirs.
3. Irazú Volcano National Park
Irazú Volcano National Park is another must-see attraction in Central Valley, Costa Rica. This park is home to the highest volcano in Costa Rica, with an elevation of over 11,000 feet. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, including a hike to the crater, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
4. La Paz Waterfall Gardens
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a stunning natural attraction that features several waterfalls, butterfly gardens, and wildlife exhibits. Visitors can hike through the gardens to see the waterfalls, visit the butterfly farm to see hundreds of species of butterflies, and explore the wildlife exhibits to see monkeys, toucans, and more.
5. San José Central Market
San José Central Market is a bustling indoor market that offers visitors a taste of traditional Costa Rican culture. The market features vendors selling local foods, handicrafts, and souvenirs, as well as fresh produce and meats. This is a great place to sample some of the local cuisine, like chorreadas (corn pancakes) and gallo pinto (rice and beans).
In conclusion, Central Valley in Costa Rica is a destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list. With its breathtaking natural attractions, rich coffee culture, and traditional markets, there is something for everyone in this charming region. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Central Valley has it all.
About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Ooty, India, Seki, Japan, Unst, Scotland, United Kingdom, Vinegar Hill, New Zealand, Guymon, Oklahoma, United States of America, Skippack Village, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Newport, England, United Kingdom, Taftan, Pakistan, Morristown, New Jersey, United States of America, Hastings, Nebraska, United States of America, and Caherciveen, Ireland.