.avif)
Colombia is calling! Colorful, vibrant, and buzzing with energy, this South American country is quickly rising as a favorite destination for travelers to visit.
Once considered unsafe, Colombia has transformed into a vibrant destination with so much to offer. Nightlife, beaches, hiking, and historic cities offer incredible diversity.
A trip to Colombia promises brightly colored murals, nonstop dancing music, and flavorful, hearty meals. The culture is rich, the people are warm, and the energy is contagious.
Visiting Colombia had been on my travel bucket list for ages, and I finally made it happen with Under30Experiences. My week had the perfect mix of history, adventure, and relaxation. This guide covers exactly what to bring so you’re prepared for every part of the adventure and can focus on having the best time.
At a Glance: Colombia Packing Essentials
When packing for Colombia, the key is versatility. You’ll want clothing and accessories that keep up with your adventures. The climate varies drastically between the tropical coast (Cartagena and Santa Marta) and the cooler Andes (Bogotá and the coffee growing regions), so your bag should include breathable layers and colorful styles.
- The "Must-Haves": Comfortable walking shoes, a lightweight rain jacket, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle (ideally with a filter).
- Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics for the coast; pants and a light sweater for the cities; hiking clothes and spf coverage for the national park. Colombia is a vibrant country, so don’t be afraid of bringing bright colors.
- Practical Gear: A universal power adapter (Type A/B), a portable power bank, and a small roll of toilet paper for public restrooms.
- Health & Safety: High-SPF sunscreen (the sun is stronger at high altitudes), insect repellent for the jungle, and a physical copy of your passport.
Best Places in Colombia To Visit
Cartagena
Cartagena is a vibrant port city on the Caribbean Sea, and every street feels like a postcard. Colorful houses, murals, waterfront resorts, boat rides… It brings big party energy. Try a rooftop restaurant or a salsa bar for a fun night out with locals.
Why Cartagena Should Be At The Top Of Your Travel Bucket List
Santa Marta
An interesting balance of Caribbean and Spanish culture, Santa Marta is built for good times. Play on the beach, bar hop, or test your skills in a salsa dance class.
Tayrona National Park
Enter the wild, dense jungle for some adventure. Hike through the national park or tube down a river. This is a great place to spot wildlife. Look out for monkeys, parrots, humming birds, wild horses, blue crabs, and lots of friendly stray dogs and cats. I even had a lizard crawl into my hammock with me.
Medellín
Once considered the most dangerous city in the world, Medellín has gone through an incredible transformation. Through vibrant street murals, improved public transportation, and the creation of safe, welcoming public spaces, the city has redefined itself as one of Colombia’s most exciting places to visit.
Bogotá
The capital of Colombia, Bogotá, is often a stopover before heading to other cities. Explore the historic La Candelaria district, visit museums, and shop for handmade artisan goods.
To hear about my experience and for ideas on building your ultimate Colombia itinerary, check out my other blog on the best of Colombia.
What To Bring To Colombia
- Weather
- Bags & Luggage
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Toiletries
- Travel Documents & Currency
- Complete Colombia Packing Checklist
What Is The Weather Like In Colombia?
Hot and humid – I was sweating! Located near the equator, Colombia has warm weather year-round. Medellín is even nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” thanks to its mild temperatures.
Colombia does see rain, though, particularly in its temperate climate regions. The lush green landscapes and coffee farms rely on heavy rainfall to flourish. There are two main rainy seasons: April to June and September to November.
If you’re heading into the mountains for coffee farms or hiking, you’ll want a lightweight layer. On the packing list below, you’ll see recommendations for warm-weather outfits plus a light jacket for rain or cooler evenings.
Best Time To Visit Colombia
Colombia is a great year-round destination, but peak season is typically December through March. The sunny weather and warm temperatures are ideal for tourists looking to enjoy the mountains, jungles, and beaches.
Another popular time to visit Colombia is in July and August, as it is considered the dry season of the year. It’s a good time for whale watching on the Pacific side and experiencing the world-famous Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores) in Medellín.
Bags & Luggage
Because the weather is mild, you can pack light. Chances are, you’ll fly between cities within the country, so I recommend bringing a carry-on-sized bag for a 7-10 day trip. A travel backpack over a suitcase is totally doable.
You’ll also want:
- Small Daypack: Carry water, bug spray, and sunscreen.
- Purse or Crossbody Bag: Something easier to carry on a night out.
Clothing
So what do you need to bring to Colombia?
If you’ve read any of my other packing guides, you might notice that I often recommend dressing more conservatively when you travel… Colombia is not one of those places! Colombians are fun and celebrate the body. Wear your lightweight clothing like sundresses, mini skirts, shorts, and crop tops. Bring bright colors and accessorize to the max. Colombians love to go all out! It’s impossible to outshine them, but give it your best try!
Here’s everything I packed for 8 days in Colombia:
- T-Shirts & Tank Tops: You’ll be sweating, so bring extras. Natural fibers like cotton or linen work best. Sweat-wicking shirts for hiking are also great.
- Shorts: Bring a mix of athletic styles for hiking and jungle days, plus nicer shorts for city exploring.
- Dresses & Skirts: I lived in my sundresses in Cartagena. Throw them over your swimsuit for the beach, then dress them up with colorful jewelry, courtesy of the street vendors, for a night out.
- Long Pants: Flowy pants, hiking pants, or jeans.
- Bathing Suit: On the Caribbean coast, you can wear your teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini if you want. Just don’t forget your sunscreen.
- Lightweight Button-up: Great for keeping the sun off your shoulders.
- Lightweight Rain Jacket: Some days were so humid, I just embraced the rain and skipped the jacket.
- Sweatshirt or Lightweight Jacket: Higher-altitude spots like Bogotá or coffee farms can be cooler in the mornings and evenings.
- Underwear, Socks, Sports Bras & Bras: Always overpack these.
- Pajamas: Lightweight and comfy.
Shoes
You need footwear that can handle muddy mountain paths, sandy beaches, and dusty city streets.
- Sneakers: A comfortable and versatile pair of walking shoes.
- Sandals: Shoes to wear out to dinner or to the bars.
- Flip Flops: Beaches, pools, and walking around your hotel.
- Hiking Boots or Trail Runners: A supportive shoe is necessary for hiking in Tayrona National Park or if you plan to venture into the Amazon.
Accessories
A few small items that can make a big impact on your trip.
- Refillable Water Bottle: You can’t drink the tap water in Colombia, but most places offer filtered water. It’s hot, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Additionally, bringing a small reusable shopping bag can be useful for carrying any snacks or souvenirs you pick up during your travels.
- Hat & Sunglasses
- Bag Trackers: I put AirTags in all of my bags.
- Optional Technology: Camera, Kindle, iPad, Headphones
- Optional Portable Door Lock: I felt safe in all my hotels. Under30Experiences does a great job choosing clean, safe accommodations. Still, if you’re a solo female traveler planning to venture off the beaten path, a door lock may give you peace of mind.
- Optional Book or Notebook: You’ll have time to relax on the beach, so consider bringing a journal to reflect on your adventures or a book to read.
- Optional Ear Plugs: As I’ve said, Colombians are a lot of fun and know how to party. Some accommodations may be noisy late at night.
- Optional Electrolytes & Snacks
Toiletries
Bring these toiletries to be prepared for the climate, elements, and activities you may encounter in Colombia.
- Sunscreen: Don’t forget to reapply. The sun is much stronger in South America.
- Bug Spray
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet Wipes
- Tissues: Not all public bathrooms have toilet paper. Remember, in some places in Colombia, you cannot flush toilet paper.
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste & Toothbrush
- Shampoo, Conditioner & Face Wash
- First Aid Kit: Band Aids, Neosporin, Advil/Tylenol, Allergy Medications
- Prescription Medications: Must be in the original packaging with the label
- Glasses or Contacts
- Optional Cosmetics: Color is everywhere in Colombia, so have some fun with your makeup.
Travel Documents & Currency
Don’t leave home without these! The good news is that US citizens typically don’t need a visa to enter Colombia for vacation.
- Passport & Secondary Form of Identification: Driver’s License or State ID
- Travel Insurance & Health Insurance Card
- Credit & Debit Cards
- USD & Colombian Pesos: You can exchange USD at the airport or in major cities. Street vendors, local markets, and more remote towns are cash only.
- List of Your Accommodations: Customs may ask for this information.
- Copy of Passport, Driver’s License, and Credit Card
Complete Colombia Packing Checklist
Whether it’s your first Colombia trip or you find yourself coming back for the culture and nightlife, use this packing checklist to make sure you have everything you need. Save it and share it with your travel buddy!
Frequently Asked Questions: Colombia Packing
Can I wear shorts in Colombia?
You should definitely pack shorts for Colombia, but be considerate of where you wear them. In coastal cities like Cartagena or Santa Marta, shorts, skirts, and dresses are commonly worn. You may also want shorts for the humid jungle. However, in Bogotá and Medellín, locals tend to dress more “urban chic.” You could still wear shorts, but you’ll blend in better with a nice pair of jeans, flowy trousers, or a long skirt.
Do I need heavy-duty hiking boots?
It depends on what’s included in your Colombia itinerary. For most Under30Experiences’ Colombia trips, sturdy sneakers with good grip are sufficient. Be aware that they might get muddy or dusty. If you are planning to do a specific trek, like the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), you’ll want a proper pair of hiking shoes or boots. You’ll also want to do more research on the gear you’ll need for the trek. Otherwise, a versatile pair of trail runners or "lifestyle" sneakers (like Allbirds or Vejas) works perfectly for city walking and light nature paths.
What is the power outlet situation?
Colombia uses Type A and Type B plugs (the same two-prong and three-prong outlets used in the US and Canada). If you’re coming from North America, you won’t need an adapter! If you’re coming from Europe or the UK, you will need a universal travel adapter.
Should I bring a raincoat or an umbrella?
A lightweight, packable rain jacket is better than an umbrella. In the Andes (Bogotá/Medellín), rain can come and go quickly, and a jacket keeps your hands free for taking photos or navigating cobblestone streets. Plus, it doubles as an extra layer for chilly evenings.
Is it safe to bring my camera and jewelry?
Colombia is generally safe for tourists, but you may want to leave your expensive jewelry or fancy designer items at home. The local rule is “no dar papaya”, meaning don’t give anyone an easy opportunity. If you’re exploring more of South America after Colombia, the same idea applies. It’s better not to bring anything that draws unwanted attention. I brought my camera, but always had it attached to my wrist or safely in my daypack. While I never felt unsafe, I also wouldn’t leave my belongings unattended.
Bring Color And Energy
You’re guaranteed to have a good time in Colombia! The country is bold, lively, and unforgettable. This packing list matches that energy. Pack light, embrace bright color, and, most importantly, bring your energy with you.
Whether you’re dancing on a rooftop in Cartagena, hiking through Tayrona National Park, or sipping coffee in the mountains, this packing guide has you covered.
Ready to Stamp Your Passport?
While Under30Experiences is taking a break from our Colombia expeditions, the spirit of South American adventure is alive and well!
If you're a solo traveler looking for an epic group to explore with, we have world-class trips waiting for you across the continent, from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the glaciers of Patagonia. Join a community of like-minded adventurers and let us handle the logistics while you focus on the experience.
