
Packing for an international trip can be overwhelming (especially when you’re a chronic overpacker like me). How many pairs of shoes do you need? Will the hotel A/C be cold enough to want a sweatshirt? Is this the vacation you’ll finally wear that risky romper? But when deciding what to pack for Nicaragua, let’s keep it simple: start with a list.
Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker, one-bag devotee, or never board a plane without checking a bag, take note of this Nicaragua packing list to help narrow down what you ABSOLUTELY do (and don’t) need to bring. We’ve rounded up recommendations based on each of our experiences as a local tour guide and longtime tourist.
Here’s our best advice on what to pack for Nicaragua:
Essential Nicaragua Packing list:

Accessories to Pack for Nicaragua
- Portable phone charger (Keep a power pack on hand to make sure your phone doesn’t run out of juice on the go.)
- Sunglasses or Hat (Whether it’s a sun hat for the beach or a baseball cap, keeping the sun out of your eyes is a must for Nicaragua.)
- Daypack or Belt bag
- Insulated water bottle (Make sure it’s a quality brand to keep your water cold all day)
HN Hint: You can buy plastic water bottles from convenience stores and keep refilling your reusable one all day. Also consider bringing a water bottle with a built-in filter for peace of mind–we use this one from LifeStraw.
- Combination lock (If you plan to stay in hostels, bring a lock to secure your storage.)
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho (If visiting Nicaragua during the rainy season, you’ll want a lightweight rain jacket for protection against the elements.)

Optional accessories:
- Mini hand sanitizer
- Travel size tissues (Pocket tissues are a handy backup for public restrooms in Nicaragua, which don’t always offer toilet paper.)
- Camera & accessories
- Dictionary/helpful phrase book (If you anticipate needing translation help, don’t underestimate the power of a pocket dictionary!)
- Towel (Good to have for drying off from beaches and hikes.)
- Flashlight (Nicaragua tends to be very natural–which also means there’s less industrial lighting. Flashlights are good to have on hand at night.)
- Beach bag
HN Hint: Take a couple trash bags to protect your bags if you plan to take the public bus during rainy season–they’re also good for transporting laundry or separating dirty clothes from the rest of your belongings.
Shoes to Pack for Nicaragua
- Sneakers or closed toed shoes (Casual sneakers like Vans work well.)
- Sturdy sandals (Brands like Birkenstocks or Chacos are good choices.)
Optional shoes:
- Flip flops (Useful for the beach, pool, or communal hostel showers)
- Hiking boots (If you plan to do serious volcano hiking, like on Ometepe Island, you’ll be grateful for quality hiking footwear. Don’t own any? Don’t worry: sneakers are fine for most hikes or nature sightseeing.)
HN Hint: Consider water shoes if you’re going to Apoyo Lagoon, rockier beaches around Leon, or kayaking (but not necessary)
Toiletries to Pack for Nicaragua

- Basic toiletries (Anything you need, like a toothbrush, deodorant, or razor)
- Hair products (Think hairbrush, hair ties, any styling agents you can’t live without)
- Basic OTC medicine (Allergy medications, Tums, Advil, Imodium, and prescriptions are a good place to start.)
- Sunscreen (You can buy it in Nicaragua, but it’s a little expensive; you’ll at least want a travel size on hand when you arrive.)
HN Hint: Ladies, bring your preferred feminine hygiene products. Don’t assume the variety you use is available for purchase in Nicaragua.
Optional toiletries:
- Bug spray (Especially for jungles like Ometepe; insect repellant is most useful in the rainy season.)
- First aid kit
Clothes to Pack for Nicaragua
- Bathing suit (and a beach cover-up, plus a rashguard if surfing)
- Athleisure attire (Sporty tank tops, t-shirts, leggings, or running shorts are all appropriate and comfortable in Nicaragua.)
- Jeans or long pants (You’d be surprised by how commonplace long pants are despite the heat; they’re good to pack for outdoorsy activities like horseback riding, or if you plan to visit Nicaraguan coffee farms.)
- Shorts of any kind
- Cotton t-shirts (Generally breathable, lightweight fabrics are best to wear in Nicaragua.)
- Essential undergarments (Load up on socks and underwear!)
- Sundress or skirt
- Ultra-light jacket (Would only need for chilly evenings, or if visiting the northern regions of Nicaragua, like Matagalpa or Jinotega.)
For more ideas on what clothes to pack for Nicaragua, check out our post on what to wear in Nicaragua.
What NOT to Pack for Nicaragua:

Just as important as what to pack for Nicaragua is knowing what NOT to pack. Leave these items at home:
- Heavy jacket (Even if you’re going up north, you likely won’t need more than a light jacket for Nicaragua.)
- Sweatpants or sweatshirts
- Flashy accessories (Leave the expensive jewelry and fancy watches at home so you don’t draw attention from petty thieves.)
- Impractical shoes like high heels (Only pack them if you can fit them, but don’t try too hard.)
- Adapter (If you’re from the U.S. or Canada, you won’t need an adapter–DO pack one if you’re from other countries!)
There is also a short list of banned items. For more details, see our longer post on items prohibited by Nicaraguan customs. You’ll risk confiscation if you pack any of these things for Nicaragua:
- Drone (But you may want a GoPro or similar videography equipment to capture your adventures.)
- Binoculars (Some types of advanced binoculars will be stopped upon entry.)
- E-cigs or vapes
- Fresh food, seeds, or plants
- Anything dangerous or illegal
Just be smart and steer clear of trouble to start your trip to Nicaragua on the right foot.
General Advice on What to Pack for Nicaragua:

- Pack a travel backpack instead of a suitcase if you can. If you land early, exploring Nicaragua before an afternoon hotel check-in is a lot easier with one of these. They’re also great for public buses or motorcycles (looking at you, Ometepe!). It can be a pain to drag a suitcase around Nicaragua, but definitely doable if that’s all you’ve got.
- Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on. Planes tend to run cold, but you will definitely not want to be in sweats once you touch down in Nicaragua. Pack an outfit suitable for hot weather in an accessible place, and do a quick change in the airport bathroom.
- Pack less clothing than you think you need. Many hotels offer laundry services, or will refer you to nearby homes where local families will wash your clothes for you at a small fee.
- Packing cubes are a lifesaver. If you want to travel light, maximize your luggage space with a compression cube. We use Eagle Creek because it does the best job of squishing down clothing–other bags tend to be good for organization, but not so much for saving room.
- Consider what you can buy in Nicaragua. You won’t be off the grid once you’re in the country. Nicaragua has supermarkets, convenience stores, and street vendors that sell a little bit of everything. Don’t sweat it if you can’t fit extra toiletries; focus on packing what you won’t be able to find in Nicaragua.
- Money matters. Bring an ATM card or debit card to withdraw cash–and store it in a safe place! Keep small bills and extra cash on hand for incidentals and tipping.
HN Hint: Bring a $10 bill for entry. It will cover the tourism visa you need upon arrival. (Don’t assume the agents will have change for you!)
Conclusion
Everyone has a different packing style. Some can get by on a few essentials, while others like to have lots of options. Always do what works for you, but don’t forget the critical items on this list when you pack for Nicaragua.
What did we miss? Tell us what you never forget to pack for Nicaragua in the comments below!
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