Nicaragua beckons travelers to explore natural and cultural attractions including volcanoes, sandy beaches, quaint villages, coffee plantations, and Spanish colonial sites. Before you start off on your Nicaraguan adventure, however, there are a few essential preparations that must be made, including packing your bag thoroughly. In order to experience and participate in everything this country has to offer to its travelers, make sure you pack these five essential items for an overall peace of mind during your trip.
1. Sunscreen and sunglasses
Nicaragua is near the equator, so you can count on some pretty intense sun. With all the various outdoor activities the country offers, you will be exposed to lots of time in the sun. As a result, make sure to pack a high SPF sunscreen as well as sunglasses to protect your eyes from the Nicaraguan sun.
2. Small backpack
Chances are you will be taking many day explorations during your stay in Nicaragua. You will not want to carry all your possessions with you, so bringing a small backpack will allow you to pack the items you need for that specific day of sightseeing and adventure. Make sure your bag is comfortable to carry for long distances and is secure with zippers or a small padlock.
3. Prescription medications
As with any travel, make sure you don’t leave home without prescription medications. You will want to pack an adequate supply in case your travels are longer than you expect and since medical care in some parts of Nicaragua is limited. Because of airline and customs restrictions, you’ll want to make sure you have your medications in their original containers and that the name on the bottle matches the name on your passport.
4. Insect repellent
As with travel to many Central American countries, the risk for contracting mosquito-borne illnesses in Nicaragua is high. To avoid coming down with Yellow Fever, be sure to pack DEET-containing mosquito repellents and mosquito nets, as recommended by your travel health specialist. Long layers and long socks and also help protect your skin during daily activities, but should not be solely relied upon for prevention against these mosquito-borne illnesses.
5. Hiking boots
Considering that Nicaragua is the land of volcanoes and lakes, bringing a pair of hiking boots along with you is essential. Many visitors come to hike and summit these volcanoes and explore the San Ramon waterfall with beautiful trails through dense jungle vegetation. You don’t want to forget these boots, as these will be key to exploring many of Nicaragua’s attractions.
