What to Pack for Your Pavones Adventure 🌴🌊

Wondering what to pack for your trip to Pavones? We’ve got you covered! Pavones is casual, tropical and wonderfully off the beaten path — so you really don’t need to bring your whole house. 😉

One important tip before you start packing: Check with your regional and international airlines for their current baggage, surfboard fees and restrictions. Airline rules can vary quite a bit, especially when it comes to boards. 🏄‍♀️✈️

💵 1. Cash — USD or Colones

Bring cash! There are NO ATMs in Pavones. Many local businesses do accept visa and master cards, but some purchases, services and usually tips/ gratuities are cash only.

Running out of cash here can mean a very long drive to find an ATM… or simply doing without. 😬 So, stock up before you arrive!

🛂 2. Valid Passport

Make sure your passport is valid for your trip. We recommend having at least 6 months remaining before expiration.

👟 3. Shoes — Keep It Simple

You’ll want:

• 🩴 Sandals with good traction for beaches, rivers and tide pools — preferably something that dries quickly.
• 👟 Closed-toe shoes + socks for walking the gravel roads.

Fancy shoes? Leave them at home. Pavones is definitely not the place for them. 😎

👕 4. Super-Lightweight Clothes

Think comfortable, casual and cool. Lightweight clothing is your friend in the tropical heat... swimsuit cover-ups, shorts, tank tops, lightweight shirts and easy breezy dresses.

🔦 5. Flashlight or Headlamp

Bring a small flashlight or headlamp with batteries. There are only a few streetlights around Pavones and it gets DARK after sunset. 🌙

A headlamp or flashlight comes in handy when walking back from dinner, exploring after dark or if there is a power outage.

🌧️ 6. Light Rain Jacket or Umbrella

Welcome to the rainforest! 🌴🌧️

A lightweight rain jacket or small umbrella can be very handy.

🏖️ 7. Beach Towel or Sarong

Perfect for the beach, river, boat trips and just lounging around - doubles as sun protection.

📚 8. Something Fun for Downtime

Bring your favorite book, cards or games for those slower moments.

We also have a small selection of books and games on-site that guests are welcome to borrow and enjoy during their stay. 📖♠️

🧘‍♀️ 9. Yoga Clothes

If you’d like to join a yoga class, bring something lightweight and comfortable for warm-weather yoga.

🩱 10. Bathing Suits & Board Shorts

Bring 3 or more if you can. 👙

Why? Because having a dry swimsuit waiting for you is one of those little luxuries you’ll appreciate!

💡 Pavones Tip: Salty clothes will never dry! 🌊 Always rinse your swimsuit and other salty clothes with fresh water after swimming or surfing.

If you can, hang them in the sun to dry. ☀️ If it’s raining, your air-conditioned room can actually be a better drying spot than outside under a covered roof. The cool, dry air from the AC helps pull the moisture out much faster than humid outdoor air. 🌧️➡️❄️

Fresh water + sun = your best friend when it comes to keeping your swimwear dry! 😎

🏄 11. Rash Guard / UV Shirt

The tropical sun is strong, so a rash guard or UV shirt and pants too is great for surfing, swimming, kayaking, boating or simply spending the day outside.

☀️ 12. Sunscreen

Bring a high-SPF, waterproof, sport-type sunscreen and some after-sun or sunburn treatment.

And remember: you’re much closer to the equator here! 🌞

🦟 13. Bug Repellent

You may want bug repellent occasionally, especially around dusk or when exploring.

We personally find that a natural insect repellent such as Repel Lemon Eucalyptus or All Terrain Herbal Armor works well.

🧢 14. Sun Protection

Pack:

• 🧢 Sun hat
• 🕶️ Sunglasses
• 👕 At least one lightweight long-sleeve shirt

Your future self will thank you!

👖 15. One Pair of Pants or Jeans

If you’re planning to go horseback riding, bring one pair of long pants or jeans. You might wear this in San Jose or on your travel day too. 🐎

Otherwise, you’ll probably be living in shorts!

💊 16. Your Medications

Bring any medications you need for known medical conditions — and it’s always smart to bring enough for your entire trip + a few extra in case you are delayed and pack them in your carry on bag..

🩹 17. Small First-Aid Kit

A few basics can come in handy:

• Band-aids
• Itch cream
• Antiseptic for scrapes
• Headache/pain medication
• Allergy medication

You may never need them… but when you do, you’ll be glad you packed them!

🤢 18. Motion-Sickness Medication

If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring some tablets for those bumpy, curvy roads, small-plane flights or boat rides.

Pavones is worth the journey — but the journey can definitely be an adventure! 😜

🏄‍♂️ 19. Surfers — Bring Your Essentials

If you’re bringing your own boards, consider packing:

• 🔧 Travel ding-repair kit
• 🏄 Extra fins
• 🔩 Fin screws
• 🪢 Extra leash
• 🔧 Fin tools
• 🕯️ Warm-water wax
• 🧦 Booties if you have sensitive feet

You’ll be happy to have those little extras when you need them.

🐦 20. Birdwatchers & Wildlife Lovers

Bring your binoculars and a pocket guide to Costa Rica wildlife (amazon has these).

Pavones is a pretty amazing place to keep your eyes open. 🦜🐒🦥

You never know what might make an appearance!

💧 21. Water Bottle or Thermos

Bring your reusable water bottle or thermos, and if you drink tea then your favorite tea.

At La Ponderosa, you’ll find a hot and cold purified, filtered water dispenser in the dining room, so you can refill throughout your stay.

🎒 22. Beach Bag or Small Backpack

A small backpack or beach bag is perfect for excursions, beach days or a quick trip into town.

Bonus tip: Bring a few Ziploc bags for protecting phones, cameras and other electronics from water, rain and sand. 📱🌧️

🍹 23. BYOB — Bring Your Own Beverage!

La Ponderosa is a BYOB destination. 🍻🍷

We don’t have a bar on-site, but every room has its own mini-fridge for your convenience.

We recommend picking up your favorite drinks at one of the local supermarkets — or at the airport duty-free shop when you arrive in Costa Rica.

Then kick back, relax and enjoy your own little happy hour in paradise. 🌴🍹🌅

🌴 And One Last Thing…

Don’t overpack!

Pavones is casual, tropical and all about enjoying the outdoors. You’ll spend most of your time in a swimsuit, shorts, sandals and maybe a little sand. 🩴🩳👙😉

Pack light, bring the essentials, leave room for adventure — and get ready to slow down Pavones style. 🌊🏄‍♂️🌴