What to Pack: The Essential Osa Peninsula Clothing Guide. Packing for the Osa Peninsula is a bit different than your average beach vacation. Because we are in a tropical rainforest, the humidity is high, and you need clothes that can handle getting wet and drying quickly.
Enough clothes for a week
Have enough clothes for a week. Bring lightweight clothes that can dry quickly. Tip: shorts and lightweight shirts can dry in an hr. Bring your shorts and shirts into the shower to wash them, then hang them outside to dry. Using a little Fabolous will make them smell fresh. There is a laundry mart in Puerto Jimenez. Directory where you can drop off your clothes to get cleaned. They do a great job. The laundry mart is by the airport,
Think practical
You will be going on tours, exploring the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado Park; practical clothing is all you need. You do not have to impress the wildlife.
One set of good clothes
Going out to eat, if you have one set of good clothing, you should be fine. It is customary to wear slacks when you are in town; you will see all the older men wearing slacks in town. Yes, you can wear shorts, but swimming shorts are frowned upon.
1. Think Quick-Dry
Avoid heavy cotton shirts and jeans. They soak up moisture and take forever to dry. Instead, bring lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics (like athletic wear) that breathe well in the heat.
2. Footwear is Key
If you are heading to Corcovado National Park, you need sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip. For walking around Puerto Jimenez or taking the ferry, flip-flops or water shoes are perfect.
Make sure your shoes are broken in. You will be crossing a lot of rivers and creeks. Take off your shoes and socks, cross the river, then dry off your feet and put your socks and shoes back on.
I learned the hard way. I was doing the hike to Corcovado, and we came across a small Creek. My guide told me to take off my shoes and socks. I said I was good and walked into the creek. Later that day, I got 2 blisters on my feet from the wet shoes.
3. Protection from Sun and Bugs
A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses are essential for boat tours. In the evenings, lightweight long sleeves and pants can help protect you from mosquitoes without making you too hot.
4. Don’t Forget the Rain
Even in the dry season, a sudden tropical shower can happen. A lightweight, packable poncho is a lifesaver, especially if you are out on a boat or hiking deep in the jungle. There are a couple of stores that sell cheap rain gear, Colono is one store. It is Kitty Conner from BM. They cost around $20.00
What to Pack: The Essential Osa Peninsula Clothing Guide. Some things you might not find on the Osa Peninsula: you should pack your prescription medicine Make up if you choose to use it. Bug spray is a must, and it is expensive to buy in Costa Rica.
Pro Tip: Bring a dry bag for your camera and phone to keep them safe during boat trips or rain!
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