Once you’ve booked your trip with Edventure Travel, the inevitable question arises: what should I pack?

In this blog, we aim to answer that question as thoroughly as possible with a handy packing list for Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua.

• Documents and Payment Methods: Bring a valid passport, driver’s license, credit card with PIN (in the name of the driver), bank card, vaccination booklet, and possibly a medical passport. Also, make copies of important documents such as health and travel insurance, emergency numbers, and contact details of people back home.
• Global Coverage: Ensure your bank card has global coverage and notify your credit card company about your travel plans so your card isn’t blocked when you make payments abroad.
• Cash: It’s convenient to have some US Dollars on hand before arriving in Central America for initial expenses. You can use USD almost everywhere in Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua. If you prefer to have local currency, you can order it online from your bank before you go. It’s not recommended to bring Euros, as you’ll need to exchange them at a bank, which is both inconvenient and costly.
• Withdrawing Money: In Costa Rica, the best places to withdraw money are Banco Nacional or BAC San Jose. In Panama, various banks are suitable, and in Nicaragua, use BAC Credomatic. Important to note: usually, you’ll get your cash first and then your card back, which is the reverse of what you might be used to in Europe.
• e-Sim: If you want to stay well-connected and have unlimited internet access during your trip, consider installing an e-Sim on your phone before you travel. Alternatively, you can buy a regular sim card upon arrival. Choose Kolbi for the best coverage.

• Suitcase or Backpack? Choosing between a suitcase and a backpack depends on several factors: your travel route, mode of transportation, activities, and most importantly, personal preference. If you’re traveling with more than three people in a rental car, we recommend using backpacks or soft duffel bags. These are easier to stack in the trunk compared to hard-shell suitcases.
• Daypack: Bring a comfortable daypack with enough space for your wallet, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, poncho, small umbrella, hat, and personal items.
• Waterproof Bag / Dry Bag: If you plan to go rafting, take a boat tour, or engage in any water activities, a waterproof bag is essential. It’s also handy for keeping valuables safe if you take a swim in the sea.
• Universal Adapter: A universal adapter is a must-have for your packing list for Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua, as the electrical outlets differ from those in Europe. Consider bringing multiple adapters to charge several devices simultaneously, such as phones, cameras, laptops, tablets, or e-readers.
• USB Car Charger: If you’re traveling by rental car, a USB charger for the car is useful for charging your phone on the go.
• Reusable Water Bottle: In Costa Rica, tap water is drinkable almost everywhere (except the Caribbean coast). You don’t need to buy bottled water. Most national parks no longer accept single-use plastic bottles, so you’ll need a reusable bottle.
• Wildlife or Bird Guide for Costa Rica: Online and in local souvenir shops, you can find great field guides and laminated cards to help you identify birds and wildlife.
• Binoculars and Camera: If you’re a wildlife and bird enthusiast, don’t forget binoculars and a camera. Make sure to bring a dust- and moisture-resistant case for them.

• Personal Toiletries: If you forget anything, you can easily buy it in San José or other destinations. Soap and shampoo are usually provided in most hotels.
• Note on Electrical Appliances: Electrical devices from Europe, such as electric toothbrushes, shavers, and hair dryers, may not work well in Central America due to the voltage. Everything here operates on 110 volts.
• Sunscreen: Choose a high SPF of at least 30+. In Costa Rica, you can also find SPF 50+ and even 80+. Sunscreen is more expensive in Central America than at home.
• After-Sun Lotion: For those times you might get sunburned.
• Insect Repellent with DEET and After-Bite Treatment: Locally, you can also buy insect spray from the brand OFF. It is very effective, affordable, and widely available.

It’s best to be well-prepared for your trip. While a first aid kit with travel medications should be part of your packing list for Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama, you can also find almost everything at local ‘farmacias’.

• Personal Medication: If needed, bring a medical passport.
• First Aid Kit: Handy to have painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and wound disinfectants.
• Antihistamines: For allergic reactions to mosquitoes or other insects.
• Medication for Traveler’s Diarrhea
• Tablets for Motion Sickness (car and sea)