A packing list to go to Monteverde might not seem hard to put together. You will be staying in the luxurious ambiance at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel. And the mountainous region around us, although rich in pure wilderness, tends to have a gentle climate, mild weather, and very few mosquitos.
But there is more to packing than just covering the temperature and protecting from bugs! So as a local and as an ex-naturalist tour guide, I may have a couple of tips that you will find helpful once here.
A Little Idea of What to Expect
If you're reading this post, you might already be getting ready for a trip to Monteverde! Maybe your suite is already reserved and you already planned the places you would like to see and the experiences you want to have. However, Monteverde has very varied weather and will surprise you almost every day.
You definitely won’t need a parka or emergency rations! But when we are talking about what to bring to fully enjoy Monteverde, we must think about the cool, clear, sometimes misty weather of the mountains, combined with sudden bursts of sunshine filled with a warm breeze. It is unpredictable, mostly all the time, and always wonderful.
You also have to think about your clothes in terms of the activities you will be doing while in Monteverde. Adventurous? Hiker? Looking to lounge and take in the beauty? All of those together?
Don’t let the wrong clothes or shoes get in the way of your enjoyment. Adventure and nature garments should disappear from the mind of the traveler, so you can focus on enjoying your experience. Make them breathable, versatile, quick-dry, lightweight… and that’s a great start! But there is more than that!
In this first part of what to pack for Monteverde, I’ll explain what to look for in your clothing, and what to have on your list.
Then in our second part, we will talk about adventure gear, gadgets, first aid kits, and toiletries.
Some of the items are pretty logical, and I will not get into their explanations. Some of them may need a bit more elaboration. So, please read on, and I hope you find this helpful!
Clothing and Accessories
T-Shirts - One per Traveling Day
Breathable, quick-dry, and lightweight are the way to go here!
Button-Down Shirts
These are a great option for hikes in the cloud forest. It's a good idea to choose the ones with a flippable collar to protect your neck in case of need (horseback riding, for instance).
The Columbia style shirts are ideal with their mesh-lined vented back, sun protection, roll-up sleeves, and multiple pockets.
Long Pants
These are helpful during cooler weather, of course, and to be more protected when setting out into the forest. Long pants are an excellent idea for the cloud forest hiking you plan to enjoy, along with ziplining or horseback riding.
The best, though, are the convertible pants that allow you to turn them to your best convenience. When you think about wearing long pants to experience the cloud forests, you want to look for comfort, freedom of movement, breathability, versatility, and durability. Lightweight and quick-dry are essential features. You’ll hear that a lot!
Leggings are also a good option, although I don't feel as protected as a good old pair of adventure trousers.
Also, forget about jeans! They tend to keep moisture in and aren’t the most comfortable pants you can find if you want to enjoy the tropics, be it up in the mountains or down by the beach.
2 or 3 pairs of socks per day
When talking about socks for the rainforest, you may want to go for specialized socks.
Socks get pretty dirty when you are outdoors in Monteverde. If it's sunny, it'll be dusty. If it's cloudy, it'll be cloudy. In the rainy season, it's muddy.
It is good to look for a combination of comfortable, breathable materials such as wool or cotton, polyester, and spandex. And of course, try to find quick-dry, lightweight, responsive for moisture-wicking, seamless technology, midweight cushion, and suitable quality materials.
If you go out of the Ocotea Boutique Hotel to see some of our natural settings, it’s nice to have a change of socks. Then, later on, when you walk to the nearby frog pond or go to Santa Elena town, you might come back to the hotel and feel like changing socks again before going to dinner. And you can see why more socks are helpful!
Remember, it is humid here! So bring plenty of socks for all of your natural and adventurous experiences.
Pajamas 1 & 2
Sometimes Monteverde gets chilly at night. Having a nice variety definitely helps.
Swimsuit
It is always good to have a swimsuit with you when you travel. if you go rafting, kayaking, waterfall rappelling, or find a hidden pond in a river to soak in, it is a good idea to carry one.
This is one of those "you never know " items. Unless you’re heading to the beach after your trip to Monteverde, in which case it’s a definite item!
For Women
Swimsuit
I would highly suggest going for the sports type of swimsuit when using it for adventure or nature-immersed activities.
If, after leaving Monteverde, you go to the beach and would like to go for a tanning session, enjoy!
Dry Quick Tops
It's easier and more comfortable for nature and adventure activities.
Two Pairs of Underwear Per Day
You may want to wear adventure or sports underwear when you are active outdoors. As you want to be comfortable and concentrate on your stamina and the pleasure of your experiences, it's best to get something form-fitting (not tight), and moisture-wicking.
Lightweight and quick-drying garments.
The Sarong
It is a convenient, multifunctional thing that doesn't take much space. When relaxing after a shower in the room or if you are going to the beach after Monteverde, It is always a good thing to have on hand.
Dryer and Warmer
A Windbreaker or a Light Jacket
Monteverde is located on the Intercontinental Divide, separating the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. The winds from both oceans meet above our heads almost every day of the year, creating different conditions in separate periods. Still, one thing is clear about Monteverde: it can be breezy.
And even on warmer days or places, the wind may be chilly at times, depending on the season. So, having a good windbreak with an adjustable hood is a great idea. Make it, of course, quick-dry, lightweight and waterproof.
Snug Cardigan, or a Comfortable Hoodie
I recommend these for chillier days and evenings in Monteverde, better if water-resistant and quick dry.
Rain Gear
Umbrella
It helps walk around town but is not as useful for outdoor or adventure activities.
A Raincoat
Rain jackets are helpful if it's drizzling. They can be more comfortable and even more protective than rain ponchos if the rain doesn't turn into a downpour (which can happen throughout the year).
It is good to have seams that are fully sealed, although breathable, hand pockets with zippers or velcro seals, and an adjustable hem with a cord.
Rain Poncho
Although you may believe that a rain jacket will suffice, if you don’t have a waterproof backpack, you will want to cover your backpack and even the dry bag containing your electronics when it rains.
Umbrellas are useless in the forest as they get entangled in the lower branches, and depending on how durable your rain jacket is, you may need something more significant and sturdy.
For me, rain ponchos are almost indispensable for forest hikes in Monteverde.
Some of the features you will want to find in the perfect rain poncho are body-length protection, lightweight, easy dry, loose fit, and zippered vents. Big enough to cover your hiking backpack.
Hats
Ball Caps or Hiking Hats
For everyday wear, sunny days, and boat trips (outside of Monteverde)
Rain Hat
Waterproof, they are an excellent complement to the rain jacket. Find a large brim hat with a chin strap and a breathable membrane. Some can be folded to fit in your hand pockets.
Sun Hat
The best are made of cotton or nylon with mesh for ventilation. It's best if they have a chin strap (remember, it's windy here) and a cape for your ears and neck.
Bandanas
Multipurpose! They can be used for anything, from wiping sweat off your face to shielding your phone from the sun.
Footwear
Dress Shoes
Though not 100% necessary, these are great if you want to be prepared for a nice night out at a classy restaurant.
Casual Shoes
It is always nice to have those favorite shoes to go shopping, go to town, or enjoy the hotel grounds.
Water Shoes
Water shoes are very comfortable and quite multifunctional, as they can be worn in the room to relax as well as to rappel down a waterfall. Other than a good, thick gripping sole, essential features are the straps over the toes and around the heels.
Crocs
Just like water shoes. They are cozy and can work for several activities as long as they keep their gripping sole and your toes and ankle are protected.
Flip Flops
Snugg to wear in the room and if you are going to the beach or warmer areas.
Sneakers
If sturdy, it can be used for hikes. Also for town walking, casual dining, or shopping.
Hiking shoes
If you are a nature lover or an adventure fan, you know how the experience improves when wearing the right shoes. It makes a difference.
Some of the features you may want to have in your hiking boots are full ankle support, bouncy midsole, comfy heel cup, roomy toe area, good stability, and durability. Make them waterproof and lightweight (2 lbs. 2 oz. +/1.5 Kg).
And if you’ve got a set of hiking boots, make sure to use them for a couple of weeks before your trip. You don't want to find out they are uncomfortable when hiking.
Water Socks
Another optional piece of footwear. If you go to the beach or go rafting they may prove useful (I wouldn’t recommend them around waterfalls and slippery rocks though). Try to find some that are breathable and soft.
And Now On to the Gadgets!
There are some very easy features that can summarize the packing list to Monteverde: Lightweight, easy dry, and flexible. For clothing, it is certainly like that. How about other things like gadgets, first aid kits, or toiletries?
Well, stay tuned for the next post!
