UNIVERSAL KIT LIST SUGGESTIONS

 

CAPSULE WARDROBE:

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For light packing, coordinate your clothing so everything mix-matches.  We always recommend having at least one pair of pants and a light, long sleeved sweater.  Please scroll down for more info at the bottom of the page.  

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LEAVE IN CONDITIONER:

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Buy a high-quality leave-in conditioner for your hair to save water in the shower, especially since hot-water tanks across Mexico are tiny and don’t allow for long hot showers.

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TEA LOVERS BEWARE:

  

Mexico is not reputed for high quality or flavourful tea, nor are familiar brands available in many places.  Please pack your own tea bags!

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BEVERAGE THERMOS:

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As the travel vans do not always have an available cup-holder, we recommend bringing a thermos-style coffee holder that doesn’t leak when tipped over.  Pack a miniature bottle with some dish soap and a soft sponge or j-cloth for washing.  We really appreciate guests who bring these along, so we don’t create more garbage for the landfill.  Even paper cups require plastic lids…

WATER BOTTLE:

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Please bring a refillable water bottle so we can purchase the larger reusable water garrafons.  This also means we are reducing our contribution to microplastics in our environment, by avoiding the use of small water bottles.  (Even though the small plastic bottles are recycled, they still create microplastics that end up in our water).

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WALKING STICKS:

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We don’t often do a lot of ambitious hikes, but if you have weak knees or worry about your balance, a collapsible walking stick is a great option.

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SUNSCREEN:

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Especially important in high-altitude regions and tropical locations, sunscreen is an important skin routine.  Dermatologists recommend applying it 30 mins before your skin is exposed to the sun.  A higher SPF means better coverage, and  many dermatologists believe few of us use enough sunscreen.  

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CHAPSTICK:

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If you have a preference, please pack it.  Chapstick can be hard to find sometimes, as they are not sold in many convenience stores in Mexico.  Chapsticks are usually found in pharmacies, and even then, finding your favourite brand is unlikely.

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MEDICATIONS:

Outside of your normal medications or vitamins, we recommend considering a few others for your trip.  If you suffer on car rides, please pack Gravol.  If your digestive system goes haywire when you travel, you might be happy for the comforts of Gas-X.  A decent antacid can come in handy and can also be difficult to find in Mexico.

Our First Aid Kit is equipped with Pepto Bismol, Gravol, Gas-X and Tums, but is communal and may run-out if everyone needs remedies.

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BUG REPELLANT:

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As we aren’t often travelling during the rainy season, bugs are not usually a huge issue.  Bug repellant is still useful to have, especially at the beach or in the jungle, even if you only spray your feet and lower legs. 

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CLOTHING:

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For jungle trips, we highly recommend closed-shoes, socks and long pants with long sleeves.  This is for tours when we are birding or hiking in the jungle.  Even when it is scorching hot, you may be proud of yourself for covering over getting gorged on by mosquitoes or worse, chiggers.

 

For mountainous areas, please bring some warm clothes.  The climate can get quite cold at night, even if it is warm during the day.

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ACCESSORIES:

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A compact poncho, umbrella, hat and sunglasses should all make your list.  If you are coming to see the butterflies, please pack a toque and pair of warm mittens, or bring extra pesos to purchase them from the artisans who sell in the reserves.  There are plenty of them available (all knit by hand), but if you have some high-end accessories that are made for the cold, they will keep you warmer.