When planning your Costa Rican vacation, choosing what to pack and what to leave at home is essential - especially if you are going to travel by place within Costa Rica. The intra-Costa Rica Airlines only allow you to bring on a minimal amount of baggage. (The baggage allowance for Sansa Airlines is 1 piece with maximum weight of 30 lbs. /14 kgs and up to 45 linear inches / 114 cm. (length + height + width).
Don't despair - we've got your back!
We've put together the ultimate and essential packing list for your Costa Rica vacation at Casa Arenosa.
CASA ARENOSA | PACKING LIST
Here is your guide to packing for your stay at Casa Arenosa. Since it is tropical weather, aka hot and humid, you donโt need much in the way of clothing. You will most likely wear a bathing suit and sarong most of the day.
CLOTHING
๐น 1 pair of lightweight pants โ Avoid jeans.
๐น 1 long-sleeved shirt โ loose and lightweight, in light colors
๐น Tank-tops / T-shirts
๐น Shorts and/or skirts
๐น Simple, light-weight dress
๐น Lightweight raincoat (waterproof/breathable)
๐น 1 warm synthetic top (e.g. โ fleece) - only if you are going to the mountains
๐น Underwear/bras
๐น Yoga wear - optional
๐น Bathing suits
๐น Sun hat / baseball cap
๐น Rash guards
๐น Board shorts
๐น Water shoes / surf booties
๐น Sunglasses
FOOTWEAR
Youโll be walking almost every day on-course, sometimes along muddy trails. Your shoes will likely get sandy, wet, and muddy!
๐น Closed-toed hiking or tennis shoes โ go for comfort with these!
๐น Sport sandals (Teva/Chaco-type with a heel strap or light weight tennis shoes).
๐น Socks
๐น Water shoes! (ie: surf booties)
๐น Flip-flops
DAILY NECESSITIES
๐น 1-qt. water bottle
๐น Headlamp or flashlight
PRO TIP: ALWAYS use a flashlight at night!
๐น Extra sets of flashlight batteries
PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
๐น Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date
๐น Money - Cash is king on the Osa, and you can use US dollars to purchase items.
๐น Watch
๐น Toiletry articles (biodegradable soap and shampoo, toothbrush, paste, etc.)
๐น Small first aid kit
Itโs nice to have your own supply of fresh Bandaids, Neosporin, Tylenol, Benadryl, Ibuprofen, and Swimmerโs Ear Drops, Itching remedy
๐น Personal Medications (over the counter and prescribed) โ leave in original packaging with dosage instructions
๐น 2 inhalers / Epipens (if you have a prescription for an inhaler)
๐น Prescription glasses or contact lenses: Bring a pair of glasses even if you prefer to wear contacts, and a spare set (of contacts or glasses), if you have them
๐น Sunglasses: polarized with 100% UV protection
๐น Sunscreen: 30 SPF minimum, water-resistant, natural water-based; bring enough to cover you for the length of your vacation!
๐น Lip balm with sunscreen
๐น Insect repellent: We recommend a natural or organic repellent
๐น Umbrella (If it is rainy season)
๐น Aloe for sunburns
OPTIONAL SPORTS / ACTIVITY GEAR
We are unable to provide sports gear for guests because of the difficulty of maintaining them in high quality condition. If you know you want to surf or boogie board, we suggest bringing these things with you. They are also available for rent from Encanta la Vida, an eco-lodge across the road from us. Thank you.
OPTIONAL
๐น Surf board
๐น Boogie board
๐น Snorkeling gear
๐น Swim goggles
๐น Yoga mat
๐น Art supplies, for example a watercolor journal and watercolors
๐น Writing journal and pens
๐น A good book!
๐น Movies
*PRO TIP: Download your movies on your devices at home before departure.
๐น A day bag/pack
๐น Spanish dictionary/ phrasebook
๐น Sarongs
๐น Waterproof phone case
๐น Digital Devices - We invite you to unplug and relax! This is your vacation!
๐น Camera
PRO TIP: Pack your camera in a plastic bag for protection against moisture and sand, or bring an underwater camera
๐น Film or memory cards & extra camera batteries
๐น Binoculars
๐น Deck of cards, hacky sack, other small games
NOTE:
Please do not bring a blow dryer. Our solar power system is minimal and can not generate enough power for blow dryers. Thank you for understanding!
PRO TIPS:
๐น Ear plugs - Bring ear plugs for use on the airplane! Especially the small puddle jumper airplanes from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez.
๐น Foldable cooler bag - This will come in handy for grocery shopping.
๐น Fly below the radar! Donโt call extra attention to yourself and your wealth. Leave the diamonds and Rolexes at home and opt for inexpensive jewelry.
๐น Bring cash. Cash is king in Costa Rica. While more and more places are accepting credit cards, you will mostly use cash. Also, Costa Rica vendors accept payment in US Dollars.