Costa Rica is considered a dream spot for birding, and rightfully so: with over 900 different species of birds, you will be delighted checking birds off of your life list. Along with that, the large variety of habitats allows you to see different birds in different landscapes, from hot, tropical rainforests, to cool misty cloud forests, dry plains, and swampy coastal regions. The variety of habitats means you will need to plan well your Costa Rica packing list well to make sure your birdwatching trip is enjoyable and successful. In this guide, we will help share some tips of a few things to make sure you don’t over pack, but rather have just what you need to enjoy your birding trip to Costa Rica.
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1. Pack Lightweight, Breathable Clothing For Hot Costa Rica Weather
This is an important item for your Costa Rica packing list. Many regions of Costa Rica have a warm, humid climate. We recommend packing natural fiber, cotton clothing, with long sleeves and long pants to help keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. It would also be advisable to pack a hat for the sun, and a thin rain jacket in case of a shower.
We recommend:
Women’s Cotton Long-Sleeve Shirt
Women’s Columbia Rain Jacket
Men’s Safari Long-Sleeve Shirt
Men’s Columbia Rain Jacket
2. Protection from the Sun in Costa Rica
Speaking of the sun, make sure to back some reef-safe sun block, sun glasses, a hat, and long sleeved clothing. A breathable scarf of gaiter can also be useful to protect against sunburn on the face, neck, and insects around your face.
We recommend:
Columbia Unisex Safari Hat
3. All-Terrain Footwear for the Rugged Costa Rica Trails
Our number one recommendation in this regard would be to pack waterproof hiking boots with sturdy soles and good support, to hike the rugged trails in the Costa Rica forests. Make sure they are comfortable, and purchase them well ahead of the trip, wearing them plenty before you travel so you can break them in and avoid blisters.
We recommend:
Mens Hiking Boots
Womens Waterproof Boots
4. Costa Rica Field Guide and Birdwatching Apps – Essential Items on your Packing List
With so many bird species to spot, a good field guide is a must. Ours is always in our birdwatching backpack and we refer to it often: Birds of Costa Rica Field Guide. It is available for purchase on Amazon and contains detailed descriptions and illustrations that will help you ID all the birds on the go. Also, we recommend downloading the following apps: Merlin Bird ID and eBird. We love using the Sound ID feature on Merlin, and also the photo ID function. On eBird, you can keep track of the birds you spot throughout the day and add them to your life list.
We recommend:
Field Guide: The Birds of Costa Rica
5. Binoculars – Don’t forget these on your Costa Rica Packing List!
Your Costa Rica packing list wouldn’t be complete without these! Good binoculars will be essential in helping you spot the birds that are way up in the trees, soaring in the sky, or far off in the distance.
We recommend: Vortex Optics Crossfire Binoculars
6. Camera with Telephoto Lens & Accessories to Photograph Costa Rica Wildlife
You will treasure the memories and captures you get from your camera. If you add a telephoto lens, you will be able to get clearer close-ups and really see all the details of each bird. Also, a tripod with a gimbal head can help you quickly focus on the bird and keep the image stable and crisp. Make sure to pack plenty of extra batteries, SD cards, and chargers.
We recommend:
Canon Camera: https://amzn.to/3HvmSCJ
Lens (55-250mm): https://amzn.to/492N2Zl
Lens (150-600mm): https://amzn.to/48QpI1m
Tripod: https://amzn.to/3HvE2jB
Gimbal Head: https://amzn.to/47LQMgL
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7. Personal Items – Make sure these are on your packing list
Don’t forget to pack any medications you may need, as well as a first-aid kit and insect repellent. Also useful will be a waterproof bag to protect your valuables and electronics from the humidity and rain you may encounter while you’re out birding.
8. Don’t Forget to Pack Plenty of Water and Snacks
When you head out birding each day, make sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, and healthy snacks to munch on while you may be in remote areas and far from the nearest supermarket.
9. Respect For Costa Rica’s Incredible Nature
Come and enjoy the beautiful nature and birding here in Costa Rica, while respecting certain boundaries, avoiding forbidden areas, and caring for the ecosystem. Stay on the marked trails, and keep a good distance from all birds and wildlife so as not to impact their natural behavior.
10. Pura Vida – Bring a Sense of Costa Rica Adventure and Fun!
There may be hiccups along the way, but overall a positive mindset will help you approach any difficulties you find as another story to tell. Take on the “pura vida” attitude and way of life, enjoy the moment, and connect with the locals.
We hope you have an amazing time here, and that this Costa Rica packing list will be a good start to help you get ready for your trip. If you need any help at all, feel free to contact us and we will be glad to offer you more tips or even to give suggestions on your itinerary or plans. Pura vida and welcome to CR!
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