12 Things to bring to Sensoria

For those that may have read the previous post regarding my absolute enhancement of Sensoria, In light of this, I created a small equipment list that may come in helpful while enjoying this relatively easy hike. We made arrangements for this tour through an operator. The person seemed very friendly and knowledgeable. He indicated that all we would need would be a closed pair of shoes and a bathing suit. Everything else would be provided. He was right to a certain degree. Being one that had hiked before I brought a few creature comforts that I thought may come in helpful and has luck would have it they did. So here are my recommendations on the 12 things to bring to Sensoria. https://sensoria.cr/

Do not forget your Water Bottle

As silly as it may sound, and you may think this ludicrous, but bringing a water bottle so that you have fresh potable water all through your excursion. It will probably be hot, and nothing makes a long walk in the jungle less enjoyable than water. Please use a Water bottle, not a disposable container that can hold water as these are easily lost and discarded. “Give a Hoot, don’t pollute.”

Bring a Small Snack

You may remember that our tour started very early, and it was hours before we made our first nutrition stop. If you happened to miss breakfast or you are not a breakfast person I would suggest bringing a couple of protein or “power bars” with you. On the trails, you may consider this too. As you have taken the opportunity to go on an eco-tour, I know that you will keep all your debris with you and dispose of it when you get to the “main house.”

Extra or Dry Clothes

Of course, you will have your bathing suit. I would suggest dry undergarments and socks, to change into after you have returned from your adventure. Wet socks and soggy underwear are never pleasant. You may even consider bringing dry outerwear. In my case, I wore my bathing suit as outerwear and stored my dry clothes. However, others were changing back into there once dry clothes after going for a dip. There are no changing rooms on the trail. You will inevitably have wet clothes for the bus ride later in the day. Not pleasant.

Sturdy / Extra Shoes or Boots

The tour guide indicated that any type of shoe would be suitable. However, you are hiking on wet sometimes very slippery surfaces. A good pair of hiking shoes or boots would be advisable. Minimally, bring solid footwear. We also brought “water socks” this made traversing the rocks to get into the pools much more comfortable and enjoyable.

An Additional Towel

Although a towel was provided, by the end of your excursion, it will be wet and not too inviting as you wipe off the sweat from your day. They also have showers that you can use but is the point if all you have is a soggy, dirty towel to dry yourself off afterwards. My cloth was soaked, I wrang it out with my hands to see the excess water drip from it.

Sunscreen

I have mentioned it in the past, you should always practice safe sun, and here there is no difference. You are outside in a tropical climate where the sun can be intense. In our case, the sun was not visible, but a tube of sunscreen is very portable.

Insect Repellent

I think this is very logical. I will mention it. Bug repellent to help guard against the insects. Depending on the season, the number of insects can be intolerable for most people. I would suggest something that has a DEET (diethyltoluamide- the most common ingredient in most insect repellent) rating of about 30 percent.

A Hat

Bring a hat. First I like wearing to wear one, although I don’t think I have the right shaped face, either way, they are very practical. They keep the sun off of your head, and the brim can keep the sun out of your eyes. It will also keep the perspiration from dripping into your eyes. If you are a fan of the “Indiana Jones” franchise, it will give that explorer look and if you are brave enough, you can use it as a drinking vessel. I would not advise this.

A Dry-Sack

You probably think that is a great deal of kit and it may seem to be. I also brought a camera. To contain all of this, I brought a “dry sack,” they are exceptional on boats and the beach. Especially useful if you want to keep your items dry. My camera would have been rubbish if I did not have it with me. When you consider that most of your items are at the “main house,”  you are only taking the essentials with you on the trails, it is not daunting.

A little Hiking Experience (Just a little)

While in  Belize, we trekked to Lamanai. Here the trails were well-groomed- like a walk in your local park. In Sensoria, the trails were not. Not to be concerned, you are not climbing Kilimanjaro. However, a little hiking experience will aid in your enjoyment of the environment. There is nothing worse than continually focusing on your foot placement and not being able to look around and experience why you are here.

This is hiking not the Olympics

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Although this may not apply to most of the readers, and our tour operator did not mention this, but being reasonably fit will aid in fulfilling your rain forest exploration. Don’t get me wrong, and this is not difficult for most people. But if you are sedentary, you may find yourself breathing more substantial than usual. I consider myself to be very active with a reasonable health level, and there were moments when my heart rate rose. Do not let this dissuade you; take it easy and move at your own pace. 

Just add Enjoyment

During our time there, which I immensely enjoyed, we had many of the items mentioned. I am glad we did. We were in an hour thunderstorm and soaked from head to toe and all places in between. The dry sack was a lifesaver.  I will never forget and will and do look back at it fondly. The thunderstorm was an added bonus.

This list compiled is just a few items you may consider taking with you. For all I know, you may be of heartier stock than I, and a bathing suit and a bandanna is all you will need. For those of us that we not from the cast of “Survivor,” I think this list will help you with your planning. However you do it, enjoy it! And remember that these 12 things to Bring in Sensoria can make your stay more memorable

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read this. Are you thinking of going to Costa Rica? Drop us a line in the comments area, and perhaps we can help with your planning.

If you have recently been to Sensoria and would like to add a thought you are always welcome to do so.

Until next time.

Your Vacation, Your Escape

VTE