What to bring

** INTERNS, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN SHEETS (top, bottom and pillow case) AND TOWEL if you are staying for one month or more, you are welcome to donate them at the end of your stay if you do not wish to continue to travel with them.  Guests and short term visitors are provided with sheets and towels.

We have mosquito nets which are first dedicated to our student visitors and guests, it is best if interns bring their own for a twin size mattress.

Please DO NOT bring any soap, shampoo, or conditioner that is not biodegradable!!!

Please, if you smoke tobacco, bring only rolling tobacco (such as Organic American Spirit)- no cigarettes with filters!!

Please be warned that the tropical jungle is not the kindest environment for material possessions. We recommend not bringing anything you are really attached to (clothes, jewelry, books, etc.) as things might get wet / moldy / stained / really smelly (even things such as books).

If you plan to stay in Punta Mona, here is a list of things you really should bring:

Groups:

• Tall socks
• Sandals
• Bathing suit
• Towels
• Top and bottom sheets and pillow case
• Biodegradable shampoo, soap, etc.
• Band-aids
• Medical supplies
• All-natural bug repellent ( All Terrain, Herbal Armor and Burts Bees are great!)
• Long-sleeved shirts and pants
  
• T-shirts and shorts
• Rain coats with hoods
• Headlamps and flashlights

Interns:

• Tall socks (a few pairs, for use in boots and to keep sand fleas and mosquitoes from biting at night!!)
• Sheets – twin sized, including pillow case
• Sandals
• Bathing suit
• Towel
• Headlamps and flashlights with rechargeable batteries
• Biodegradable shampoo, soap, and laundry detergent (if you bring non-biodegradable, you will not be allowed to use it)
• A good stock of band-aides (just in case)
• All-natural bug repellent (All Terrain, Herbal Armor and Burts Bees are great)
• Notebooks and pens
• Long-sleeved cotton pants and shirts (again very important for keeping away mosquitoes)
• T-shirts and shorts
• Rain coat with hood
• Dietary items and/or supplements that you will want to have during your time at Punta Mona
• Ziploc bags or Tupperware if you bring in food - to prevent ants and other insects from being attracted to your goodies
• We highly recommend bringing tea tree oil- it solves a variety of jungle issues

Useful things, but not absolutely necessary:

• Tea tree and/or lavender oil
• All-natural sunscreen
• First aid supplies
• All-natural candles and incense
• Lighters
• Plastic bags to keep clothes and electronics dry
• Rechargeable batteries and charger
• Snorkle mask and fins
• Ipod speakers
• Beach towel
• Books (donations always welcome)
• Mp3 players / ipods
• Musical instruments!
• Cameras / camera chargers
• Hammock
• Travel Mug and Water Bottle
• Favorite gardening tools
• Sketch book & art supplies

And last, but not least: bring a good attitude, enthusiasm, and an open heart!

Many people ask us if we would like them to bring us anything...

Here is an ongoing WISH LIST, if you feel inclined and oh so generous:

• HAMMOCKS!!!!! (There are great, cheap hammocks in Cahuita & Puerto Viejo so pick one up on your way down)
• A copy of Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison
• Seeds (plants that will grow in the tropics)
• Dr. Bronner's and other green cleaning products (Simple Green cleaner)
  
• Coffee mugs
• Organic nuts (almonds, pecans, pistachios, etc) and nut butters
• Tupperware with lids
• Lighters
• Natural candles
• Headlamps and flashlights
• Medical supplies
• Tea tree oil
• Lavender oil
• Natural medicines (Chinese medicines, ayurvedic medicines, etc.)
• Natural bug repellent
• Mosquito coils
• Mosquito nets for beds
• Books - about permaculture/sustainable agriculture, solar power systems, learning Spanish, a good fiction, alternative medicine, plant identification, etc.
• Art supplies
  • contact paper!!
  • scissors
  • sharpies
  • paint brushes!
  • paint
  • hemp string
  • beads for jewelry
    
• Tall socks
• Scrap material for sewing
• Ziploc bags
• Your favorite aged cheese (seriously people will love you)
• Musical instruments – anything from guitars to drums! We are sadly lacking in musical insturments, especially drums, 'round here.
• Guitar strings and picks
• Drum heads
• SPEAKERS FOR AN IPOD
• Good vibrations

We are always open to donations of larger items as well, such as:

• Stereos and speakers, especially for ipods
• Tools
• Cutlery, cookware
• Computers, printers, fax, scanners, software, etc.
• Musical instruments
• Tarps
• Extension cords
• Water pumps
• Solar panels + batteries
  
• Rain water catchers
• Building materials
• Tree climbing equipment
• Storage containers
• Clothes
• Batiks and tapestries
• Art
• Headlamps and flashlights
• Hammocks, mattresses, chairs, stools
• A massage table
• Screened tents
• Screens

We hope that helps!

Please contact us if you have any questions about what to bring, as our needs change frequently.