For all the nature lovers, Costa Rica can be like a small piece of heaven on Earth. With its wide variety of wildlife, whether it’s animals, plants, or fungi, it is said Costa Rica holds 5% of the world’s total biodiversity--a huge percentage considering the county’s small size. From active volcanoes and waterfalls to dreamy beaches and rainforests, Costa Rica has it all. No matter where you are in theral American country, most of the time there is going to be at least a piece of nature close by. It can be either the sight of green mountains lining up with the horizon, or the ocean disappearing in the line where the sky meets the Earth.
Even if nature is at an arm’s reach in this green Central American country, the best way to experience what it has to offer is by visiting one of the 25 Costa Rica’s national parks. Below is a list of things you should definitely pack when visiting a national park in Costa Rica.
1. Debit or credit card
All national parks in Costa Rica require an entrance fee to be paid by those who visit them. Since the start of COVID-19 pandemic, the fee can only be paid with either credit or debit card, no cash is allowed. Most international cards can be used, and this fee is usually paid in a booth, office, or at the ranger station at the entrance of the park. Or they can be reserved in the SINAC website. Prices vary depending on the park you are visiting, the age, and whether you are a Costa Rica national or a foreigner. In all parks, however, children of ages 0-1 get in for free.
2. Comfortable clothes and shoes
Many Costa Rican national parks are in lush rainforest. Inside the parks there are usually hiking trails that visitors can take to explore the area. Since national parks are protected, there are not a lot of hikers and the possibility of running into somebody else on the same trail is slim. The trails are usually natural and unpaved, and flow with the park’s existing terrain. So it is best to dress comfortably in clothes that won’t restrict movement and shoes that are apt for long walks, preferably sneakers.
It is also recommended that you choose clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and that the shoes you wear are good for slippery surfaces. As the name indicates, it is normal for rain to fall in the rainforest, so even if it is not raining during your hike, some paths may be slippery or muddy because of the previous rainfall.
3. Sunblock, bug and mosquito repellent, and water
Costa Rica’s national parks can be located in or around rainforests, volcanoe areas, or beaches. Because Costa Rica is is a tropical country and has such abundant wildlife, no matter which type of park you choose to visit, there will likely be insects around. To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes or attracting unwanted bugs, it is recommended to put on repellent, even more so when going to an area with a lot of nature around.
In addition, it is also advisable to wear sunblock to avoid sunburns. You should wear sunblock and reapply it constantly, especially between midday and 4 p.m., when the sun rays are the strongest, especially if you’re visiting the beach. You might want to consider to wear a hat to keep the sun at bay.
And while you’re visiting a national park it is recommended to bring a bottle of water with you to keep yourself hydrated during the walk and in case there is no water fountain nearby.
4. Camera
Be it the one in your phone, a DSLR one, or a disposable one, it is highly recommended to bring a camera with you when visiting a national park in Costa Rica. The country is full of unique an exotic wildlife as well as beautiful rainforests and landscapes of which you will definitely want to keep a visual reminder. Whether it is to show family and friends, post on social media, or just take a walk down the memory lane, once you are immersed in what the national parks have to offer you will wish to have something to take a picture with.
Make sure you have batteries charged because wildlife is so abundant in Costa Rica, you never know when you’ll get a surprise visit from an iguana, a monkey, or even a sloth.
5. Umbrella or a raincoat
While visiting Costa Rica’s rainforest, you never know when rain will shower you by surprise, especially during the country’s rainy season that goes from May to November. It is best to keep a small umbrella or even a raincoat in your bag if you plan on visiting the national park in the rainforests so that you are prepared for any unexpected drizzle that may surprise you along the way.
With just these basic tips you’re all set to visit one of the many national parks Costa Rica has to offer, see the beautiful plants and animals typical of rainforests and beaches, and enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean, volcanoes and waterfalls.
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