This really belongs in the "rest of the world" forum, but since this board doesn’t seem to be very well moderated, I’ll try to field this one here.

I just got back from a 2-week trip to Costa Rica. A lot of the packing list will depend on what activities you’ll be doing and what places you’ll be visiting, but some of the things I found particularly useful included:

• Rain poncho
– it’s heading into the rainy season and you’re sure to encounter at least some rain; take one that packs up really small but that has a hood and room to cover a small bag and a camera

• Binoculars
- great for wildlife and nature hikes, especially little ones with a neck strap

• A flashlight
- mini maglite is great. Good for night hikes.

• Tall socks
– they’re good under rubber boots to prevent chafing, if you’re planning on heading into the deep jungle or anywhere else where rubber boots are required

• Lightweight long pants
– you’ll often be places where longs are recommended over shorts or skirts, i.e. for hiking, and lightweight cotton or nylon pants or zip-offs are so much more comfortable and handier than jeans

• Photocopy of your passport
– I don’t know about Panama and Nicaragua, but in Costa Rica you’re required to have a copy of your passport on you at all times, and a photocopy will allow you to leave the original locked in your hotel safe, for safety

• Bugspray
– the bugs aren’t as bad as some people would make them out to be, but they’re still everywhere and if you want to avoid getting bitten, get something with at least 30% DEET so it will last at night

• Sunscreen
– it was very expensive there so bring from home. The sun is hot and intense and you’ll burn even if it’s cloudy.

• Water bottle carrier
– something with a strap, or perhaps a camel pack, so you can stay hydrated on long hikes but still have your hands free.

Those are a few things I can think of offhand. Enjoy your trip!

I would also take a good water filter too,especialy if going to smaller towns villages,hiking etc.mine screws onto the top of a water bottle and you just pump it to filter and fill it.

If you have anything you need to plug in, like a hair dryer or a battery charger for your camera, bring all the adaptors with you. I was in South America rather than Central America, but I found that outlet design varied between European style and American style, even within individual countries. I searched Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador high and low for an adaptor but I never found one.

Thank you all for your help!!

All the plugs in Costa Rica were the same as US/Canada, and I didn’t need any adaptors or converters… dunno about Nicaragua or Panamam but you can probably find out.

This might help:

http://www.kahunna.n…

Happy Travels,
~Kolby