Vacation to Quepos/Manuel Antonio: What to bring
What to Bring on Your Vacation to Quepos/Manuel Antonio: The Ultimate Packing List
Preparing for a trip to somewhere we have never been and trying to answer the elusive question of what to pack is something every traveler faces. Traveling to Costa Rica can seem especially confusing; what you might bring will vary widely depending on time of year, location, and the types of activities you are planning for your trip.
Manuel Antonio is
very laid back. Unless you are a self-proclaimed fashionista, you need not be too concerned with what you wear. You will find most people sporting their athletic clothing, beach cover ups, or
very casual town-wear. However, you do want to be prepared for all types of outings; you will likely find yourself changing outfits a couple of times on most days depending on your agenda.
That being said, what might a typical day in Manuel Antonio look like? You might start off the day with a hike through the Reto Mae trail, followed by a cool-down swim in the ocean and happy hour. While I usually tend to wear the same outfit from the start of the day to the end (I travel very lightly) I do try to make sure the clothing I pack is as versatile as possible. Ideally, my athletic wear can fit comfortable over my bathing suit, and can also be suitable worn to happy hour afterwards. However, if you have the luxury of popping home to change outfits - do it. A fresh pair of shorts or a light skirt can make you feel like a new person after an active day.
The thing about Manuel Antonio having such unbelievable sunny weather in the dry season is that it gets
hot. And by hot I mean you will begin to think you forgot to apply deodorant immediately after doing so, even if you did in fact apply it. You will
sweat ferociously. Because of this glorious tropical heat, you will definitely want to pack things that are quick drying and breathable whenever possible.
When packing for your trip, try to keep in mind what kind of activities you will realistically be doing. While you may assume you need a pair of heavy duty hiking boots for example, the reality is that you will likely be spending way more time on the beach than you think when in Manuel Antonio. If you plan to visit the national park, or even if you plan to do a more intense hike, a pair of running shoes or light trail runners should suffice. Here is a list of packing essentials, along with a few tips and tricks.
Ultimate Packing List (essentials)
- Light, breathable clothing (shorts, tank tops, and at least 1-2 tops that cover the shoulders - you might want to give your shoulders some relief from the sun once in a while)
- 1 pair of long pants, just in case (preferably light and breathable)
- Bathing suits (at least 2 you will likely spend a lot of time in the water, whether it be at the beach or your hotel pool)
- Bathing suit cover-up (this can serve as your clothing for beach days, and is perfectly acceptable for happy hour on most bar patios)
- Microfiber towel - this works great for the beach and can double as a yoga mat if you are into that.
- Trail runners or running shoes
- Sunscreen (it happens to be very expensive here - around 20 USD for a bottle - so if you can pack some with you, all the better)
- Hair products (also more expensive than the norm here in Costa Rica)
- Flip flops (Birkenstock style sandals are my recommendation, as they are great for the rocky, cobbly roads, and double as decent looking restaurant/happy hour footwear. I brought a nicer pair of flat sandals that I have not used once and don't plan to while in Manuel Antonio).
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Camera
- Day pack (a small, packable daypack works great - you probably do not need anything more heavy duty for the hikes in this area, as you will just bring a couple of snacks, water bottles, and a microfiber towel)
If you are traveling during the rainy season, your packing list likely won’t change too dramatically. Although it does rain more frequently, it really won't be that bad. However, I would add the following items to your list if you are going to be in Manuel Antonio from around May through November:
- Rain jacket or poncho (make it as lightweight as possible - you definitely won't be needing it to keep you warm)
- Waterproof shoes
- Insect repellent (while you may not need any during a trip in dry season, the insects do come out much more with the rain)
A final word of advice for your packing: leave the jeans at home. While they may seem like a versatile pair of bottoms that you can wear if it gets cooler or if you are going out, you probably won’t wear them. It’s just too damn hot.
When deciding how much clothing to bring overall, this will obviously depend on whether or not you are checking a bag on your flight. As a backpacker, versatility in clothing pieces will be key. However, if you do have the option to check a bag, and plan to travel the country by car rather than by bus - bring all the clothing you need. Some might suggest packing as light as possible given the casual vibe of the area and the “anything goes” wardrobe. Because I can guarantee you: it will get wet, sweaty, and sandy. Honestly though, is there anything better!?
Writers tips
- Bring a cooler bag that can carry your stuff and keep a lunch or drinks cold.
- If you have a small portable hammock, bring it along as you will likely find many trees on the beach that work well for hanging a hammock.
- A small speaker is always a great item to bring. Best if it's also waterproof.
