What to Bring to Punta Mona

There’s no roads to get here and we’re off-the-grid, so make sure you pack what you need for your stay.

Below you’ll find our recommended packing lists, whether you’re coming as guest, for a retreat or as a volunteer.


 

Essentials

  • Tall socks

  • Sandals

  • Bathing suit, towel and sarong.

  • Biodegradable shampoo, soap, and toothpaste.

  • Band-aids

  • Medical supplies

  • All-natural bug repellent (All Terrain, Herbal Armor and Burts Bees are great!)

  • Light weight, long-sleeved shirts and pants (great for bugs at night)

    (see below for proper jungle and lounge wear)

  • T-shirts and shorts

  • Rain coats with hoods

  • Headlamps and flashlights

  • Gloves and rubber boots if you want to get involved in the farm.

USEFUL THINGS, BUT NOT NECESSARY:

  • Yoga Mat

  • 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

  • Music speaker

  • Beach towel

  • Books (donations are always welcome)

  • Sketch book & art supplies

  • Musical instruments

  • Camera

  • Hammock

  • Travel Mug and Water Bottle

  • Favorite gardening tools

 

Important information

Only bring biodegradable products

Soap and toiletries

Do not bring any soap, shampoo, or conditioner that is not biodegradable! All the grey water from the sinks and showers goes directly back to the soil. If you use non-biodegradable that has a negative impact on our soil, plants and home.

Feminine hygiene products

Cotton tampons and paper wrappers can be put into the composting toilet system. All plastic must go out into landfill. Please be conscious of waste, but conscious of your personal comfort. Those of us who live here use menstrual cups like Diva Cup or Saalt.

Tobacco

If you smoke tobacco, bring loose tobacco and roll your own. Don’t bring cigarettes with filters, as the filter has to go to the landfill.

Make sure you bring enough money

You must pay for your stay before you arrive at Punta Mona. We don’t accept PayPal or Credit Card on site.

We accept payment in the form of a check, PayPal transfer to puntamona@hotmail.com before you arrive, or cash in US Dollars or Costa Rican Colones. If you want to pay with PayPal, you’ll need to add 5% to cover the service fee for each transfer.

We don’t accept traveler’s checks.

Please be aware that there is NO ATM in Manzanillo. If you need cash, stop in Puerto Viejo and visit one of the 4 ATMs, or one the two banks or currency exchange office.

For current exchange rates please check out: http://www.xe.com/ucc/ 

Personal belongings

The tropical jungle is not the kindest environment for material possessions. We recommend that you don’t bring anything you are really attached to. Both clothes, jewelry or books can get wet, moldy, stained or smelly. Leather will especially be damaged.

You can store small personal belongings, like your passport and wallet in our safe. Be especially careful not to leave valuables on the beach.

Contact us if you have any questions about what to bring.

Community Wish List

Sometimes people ask us if there’s anything they can bring that might benefit our community.

What to Wear in the Jungle

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LOUNGE-WEAR

When you’re in class or just hanging out, dress for comfort and to stay cool. We recommend loose, breathable clothing, breezy pants or shorts, tanks or loose t-shirts, and flip-flops (most of us go barefoot).

JUNGLE-READY

Be prepared for hiking through the primary rainforest, walking through tall grass, mud and rocks, and working in the garden. We recommend you wear boots or hiking shoes, tall socks or long pants, a hat, sunscreen, natural bug spray, and clothes that can get dirty!