The Perfect Packing List for San Juan del Sur, Granada, and Matagalpa in Nicaragua

This post is made possible by Azura Bay, a longtime friend of EcoCult that carries ethical and sustainable swimwear, lingerie, PJs and loungewear, and jewelry. Support EcoCult by supporting them! 

Nicaragua has become the hottest new (and cheap!) vacation spot for young and old alike. Whether you enjoy sipping cocktails on the beach, hiking, tasting some of the best coffee in the world, coworking, surfing, having a romantic getaway at an eco resort, seeing wildlife, or all of the above (yep, we did all of these), you’re going to never want to leave this little tropical country that could!

I’ve come up with a comprehensive packing list to make sure you’re completely prepared for any contingency, so you look fashionable or competent. Or both! Here’s what to wear in San Juan del Sur, Granada, and Matagalpa, Nicaragua.

For the Plane

• Ably white t-shirt – Has stain-resistant technology, which is crucial if you’re traveling.
• Soft cotton yoga leggings – Great for the plane, and also if you want to do some yoga near the beach. I recommend these. They’re so versatile and comfy!
• Sports bra
• Comfortable undies in natural fabric
• Ankle socks – I love merino wool because it wicks away moisture and odor, is warm when you need it and not when you don’t.
• Sweatshirt – Something fairly fashionable but in cotton.
• Sneakers – by Veja or Allbirds
• Mini crossbody purse – I’ve started carrying a mini crossbody purse when I travel, because it gives me quick and secure access to my passport, wallet, and tickets, without me having to take off my backpack or exposing them to pickpocketers. For a fun, tropical one that you can also wear to dinner or out, try Kayu, Chila Bags, or check Accompany
• Passport and Passport case
• Phone
• Charging cord
• Mini wallet – There’s lots to choose from at O My Bag.
• Sunglasses – here’s my shopping guide to the best eco sunglasses.
• Casual watch – You’ll be happier checking your wrist rather than pulling out your phone constantly. Here’s a list of sustainable watch brands.
• Backpack – This backpack is almost 100% waterproof, has side pockets for a water bottle, and a zipper pocket that is hidden from pickpockets by the fold-down flap.
• Eyemask
• Earbuds
• Portable phone charging battery – These by Nimble are ethical and eco-friendly.
• Camera and lenses, extra battery, battery charger, extra memory cards – I love my compact but powerful Fuji x-t10, with a wide angle lens for landscape, architecture, and room shots; and a 50 mm lens for portraits and food.
• Lens bag and camera bag
• Moleskine and pen
• Chico reusable bag with stuff sack
• Purifying water bottle – Whether you can drink the water depends on where you are in the country. This one we used in India and we never got sick.
• SPF chapstick
• Hand sanitizer – You might find yourself in a public bathroom wherever doesn’t have any soap available. Or, if you’re like me, you’ll want to pet a friendly stray cat or dog!
• Portable spork – so you don’t have to use a disposable one. Make sure it’s plastic or wood (not metal) so it doesn’t get confiscated by airport security. Or get a bamboo travel set from Life Without Plastic.
• Reusable straw – Most drinks don’t need straws, but mojitos do!
• Pack of tissues – this isn’t for your nose, so don’t think I’m advocating this over a reusable handkerchief. It’s for bathroom emergencies.
• Mini wet bag – Whether it’s rainy season, or you’re on a small boat on your way to an island, this will be handy.

In Your Suitcase

• 2 bathing suits – 1 one-piece and one bikini. Here’s a list of sustainable swimwear brands.
• Black-and-white striped long-sleeved tee – Perfect for a sunny sailboat day, to protect you from sunburn. Try Saint James for a quality one that will last for years.
• Reversible tie top –  Tie it in the back and it’s a lovely top that goes with any bottom, from jeans to a skirt. Tie it in the front and it’s super sexy.
• Linen long-sleeved button-down –  Tradland has some great versions.
• 2 cotton tanks – find plenty to choose from at Amour Vert and MATE.
• Wrap dress that doubles as a beach coverup – Wear it as a beach cover-up, a dress, a kimono, or a robe. Try Par en Par, Pondicherie, Symbology, or Mirth.
• Caftan – So great for the beach when you don’t feel like sucking in, but want to look easy and breezy. Or at night against mosquitos. I love this one at Accompany, or MIRTH does them really well.
• Denim shorts – Urban outfitters has a ton of vintage reworked denim shorts
• Linen, cotton, or washable silk trousers – modest, fashionable, and comfortable, they’re super versatile, from the beach to a restaurant. Try Par en Par, Oh Seven Days, Whimsy & Row, MATTER, or Elizabeth Suzann.
• Cotton or linen shorts – MIRTH, Oh Seven Days, Whimsy & Row, or Elizabeth Suzann all have some.
• 3 bras and 8 pairs of underwear. – Here’s my 5 tips for packing undies for travel.
• Fun yoga outfit – You’ll definitely want to do some yoga.
• Quick-drying shorts
• Sarong – Great as a cover up, towel, or beach blanket. I got mine in India from Anokhi, but of course you can get these anywhere!
• Lightweight pajamas – I chose this set because I could wear the t-shirt separately out in public (and did!), and the shorts to the beach.
• Beach-y  jewelry – You want to wear something cute, but not too pricey or bling-y! Find that at Made Trade, Able, and Accompany.
• Colorful silk scarf – For wrapping your hair. Try MadeTrade, Miss Pompom, or Sevda.
• Pons Avarcas walking sandals in camel brown – These last forever and are super comfortable and versatile.
• Fancier sandals – I always bring my cork and gold Jack Rogers on beach trips. They aren’t sustainable or ethical, but I’ve had for at least nine years now and they are still going strong. #30wears is a sustainable way to go.
• Net bag or woven bucket bag – A tropical flat-pack bag that holds a lot and looks so chic.
• Brimmed hat –  This one actually folds up, so I can slip it in my suitcase’s front pocket.
• Visor or baseball hat – something that will stay on your head and protect your face from sunburn when you’re in a boat and the wind is trying to take it off.
• Teva’s or other water shoes that strap on – Not just for hiking or waterfalls, also helpful if it’s raining buckets!
• Travel yoga mat – So you can get a good long stretch in every morning, regardless of where you are. I fold mine up and pack it inside the suitcase
• Extra sunglasses – Beyond the city-style ones, you’ll want beach-y, festival style ones, too. I love my Topheads.
• PurSteam traveling iron/steamer – this thing is tiny, but crucial if you have cotton or linen things!
• Solar lamp by Luci – Perfect for taking a night walk along the beach. It’s more of a lamp than a flashlight, so you can eat by it or read by it without getting light into your companion’s eyes. The new one has a USB charger so you can charge it up or charge your phone.
• Universal sink plug – So you can wash your clothing in the sink. You will appreciate having this!
• Travel dry line – Drying something on a line as opposed to over the railing or on the floor makes a huge difference in time spent. (I lost my bikini top in Hawaii drying it on the railing!) I like this one because it comes with a stuff sack.
• Waterproof reusable laundry bag
• Travel first aid kit – Get a basic one, then add in medications you’ll need, like malaria pills, ibuprofen, Imodium, etc.

If You’re a Hiker

Nicaragua is great for hiking, especially on the volcanoes! But also in Matagalpa. If you can do even an hour’s hike, I highly recommend it.

• Rain jacket with hood by Marmot – Is light and folds up tiny. I was so glad we had one when it was unseasonably rainy.
• Patagonia athletic shorts – It’s good to have two pairs so you can wash and dry one while you wear the other, if you go hiking two days in a row on Ometepe.
• Trail running shoes – A friend packed her heavy hiking boots and never used them. But these pack up really small and served me well on volcanoes and on a muddy trail in a cloud forest. In black, these aren’t super dork-y looking. Just add wool socks to make them warm in cold weather and dry quickly if you have to tramp through a stream, like we did in Matagalpa.
• Wool socks – Merino wool keeps your feet cool or warm, and wicks away odor and sweat.
• Silk long-sleeved tee – Technically this is a base layer for hiking, but it’s cute enough to wear in the city or at night against mosquitos.
• Baseball cap – For hiking up the sunny volcanoes. I got my simple American Apparel one secondhand.

If you’re going to Matagalpa

Matagalpa is in north of Nicaragua, a mountainous and jungly area where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. We absolutely recommend it if you have time! But it’s cooler than the rest of Nicaragua. You already have some warm things packed, but bring these things along too:

• Uniqlo ultra light down jacket –  This comes with a stuff sack, so you can easily pack it in your suitcase or backpack when you’re not using it. When it’s on, however, it’s pretty warm. If you don’t want to buy Uniqlo, Ecoalf makes an alternative, but I can’t vouch for how small it gets for packing purposes.
• Warmer PJs – A young female farmer told us we would want long underwear in Matagalpa. She was right! I love this long-sleeved romper, which you can wear under your sweatpants.
• Slippers – for walking around your chilly cabin at night
• A yummy sweater 

Toiletries

• Argan oil – I can’t live without argan oil for making my hair shiny and smooth, plus sealing in moisture on my face after a shower.
• Coola Tinted SPF BB cream – This is my absolute favorite tinted SPF moisturizer. It’s not too thick and makes your face glow!
• 1 lip tint – Something subtle and beach-appropriate
• Mascara
• Biodegradable glitter – this is the simplest way to decorate yourself for a festival or beach party, without packing a lot of crazy stuff.
• Micellar water – I love traveling with Micellar water because you don’t need to use water for it. I like Yes to Cucumbers, which you can find in the travel size in your local CVS or Walgreens.
• Reusable cotton rounds
• Travel toothbrush and toothpaste – I have to admit, mine is plastic because I wanted a compact toothbrush with a protective cap.
• Deodorant – here’s my roundup of my favorites.
• Mesh shower bag – Having all my shower stuff in a separate bag is crucial to ensure I don’t leave things behind in the shower, because I see the empty shower bag when I’m packing and remember I need to fill it up.
• Shampoo and conditioner in travel size – I use conditioner for shaving, too. I refilled the mini bottles whenever I was in a hotel or place that keeps large bottles in the shower.
• Preserve razor made from recycled plastic
• Shower cap – I got one from Shhhowercap that wouldn’t be thrown away by the cleaning people the way small plastic ones are, but it came in over-the-top, wasteful packaging, so I don’t recommend it. But once I had it, I stuffed it in a little cotton bag.
• Sunscreen – Here’s my guide to non-toxic sunscreen.
• Dr. Bronner travel sized soap – Great for if the place you are staying doesn’t provide hand soap, or if you need to wash your clothes in the sink.
• Bugspray – My absolute favorite
• A Sea-band anti-nausea relief bracelet if you get seasick
• Menstrual cup – reusable, therefore you won’t have to go on a pilgrimage for tampons. Once you use it, you’ll never go back.
• Nail file – great for both filing and digging crud out from under your nails.
• Mini hairbrush
• Tweezers
• Hair elastics
• Mini nail scissors
• Ear plugs – Get them on a string so you don’t lose them when they fall out