With travel fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about what to pack for your trip to Colombia! You’ll certainly want to be prepared for the diversity of Colombian climates.
To help you out, we’ve designed this post as a checklist that you can adapt according to your itinerary and the activities you want to do in Colombia.
It’s these last two aspects in particular that you need to take into account when choosing what to pack for Colombia.
Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
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Bag or suitcase for Colombia?
Colombia Packing list
First things first! Should you take a backpack or a suitcase to Colombia?
There are two schools of thought: the backpackers and the suitcase-on-wheels. Contrary to what you might think, both are possible in Colombia.
Our luggage
Even though we’re lucky enough to have family in Colombia and to be able to leave our belongings behind (we have to bring a huge suitcase for all the gifts we bring with us), we try to leave with a maximum of 10 days’ luggage, which we wash as we go along.
Once we arrive, we travel with two small backpacks, a carry-on suitcase and a 40L backpack.
Our choice:
- Small Lowerpro backpack (for photo equipment)
- Decalthlon 20L small backpack
- Eastpack cabin suitcase
- Decathlon 40L cabin backpack
What’s more, because we can leave some things behind, we use a large hold suitcase. Frankly, we’re in love with Eastpack suitcases, they’re super-strong.
Luggage accessories
Some luggage accessories come in very handy:
- Luggage scales: indispensable for us! To avoid airport charges.
- Backpack racks: Decathlon’s are made for backpacks.
- Suitcase organizer: to compress your belongings
- Rain cover: indispensable from our point of view to keep bags dry (choose the right size for your backpack).
Clothing for Colombia
Packing for Colombia
If you’re planning to visit different regions of Colombia, there’s a good chance you’ll discover theamplitude of the country’sclimatic changes. It’s best to be prepared to avoid surprises! Here’s what we suggest you pack for a trip to Colombia.
By region
Above 2000m
- Sweaters/Fleece
- Pants
- Warm clothing
- Rainwear
Above 2000m, as in Bogotá for example, the climate is capricious: it’s downright cold at night and in the morning, it often rains, but if the sun comes out, it beats down hard!
Between 1000m and 2000m
- Light pants
- Shorts or skirt
- Light sweater
- Rain gear
- Scarf
Between 1,000m and 2,000m is the temperate climate typical of Medellin, where the days are hot but pleasant, and in the evening there can be a slight breeze, but it’s not too cold. We dress between summer and spring. And always plan for rain.
Below 1000m
- Light summer clothing
- Hat / cap
- Beachwear
- Summer shoes
Whatever happens below 1000m, the climate is very hot, so there’s no question about it. And even the rain doesn’t matter, as it’s so hot, just like in Cartagena.
The jungle
If you’re planning a trip to the Amazon, the Pacific coast or a jungle trek, it’s advisable to wear long, loose-fitting, light clothing to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
Bring appropriate footwear for jungle walking (to avoid falls and protect you from animals).
The desert
There are several desert zones in Colombia(Tatacoa Desert, Guajira Desert, Chicamocha Canyon…)
Depending on conditions
The sun is beating down everywhere
- Hat / Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
The sun beats down hard in Colombia, whether you’re on the coast or at altitude, so bring your sunglasses and something to cover your head.
It can get (very) cold on the big buses.
- Pants
- Socks
- Pulle
- Scarf
On buses, with the air-conditioning cranked up to the max, it can get really cold! Even on the Caribbean coast or in the hottest regions. So always pack pants, socks, a sweater and a scarf to keep you comfortable during the journey!
Everyday walking
Comfortable shoes for relaxed city walking
Mountain walking
- fleece
- raincoat
- pants
- mountain bootsa
- hat
- warm socks
- And a change of clothes!
In the mountains, it’s often damp, rainy and cold.
Walking in hot regions
Lightweight clothing and appropriate footwear with non-slip soles for jungle walks
IN SHORT: BRING A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING!
As you can see, in Colombia, you’ll probably have to pack a bit of everything: for hot weather, for cold weather, for rain, for sun, for walking, for the beach – that’s the magic of Colombia!
Our must-have clothes
Colombia Packing list
Aside from your everyday clothes, those you absolutely must bring because you love them, etc., there are a few things you just can’t do without. These are the so-called “technical” garments found at Décathlon, which are perfect for the different conditions found in Colombia.
The number 1 objective: light, compact clothing, the idea being to take up as little space as possible in the suitcase!
Our cold-weather essentials
As you probably know, it’s the layers that protect you from the cold. It’s easy to avoid looking like a bibemdum:
- Merino wool tee-shirt (soft, light, warm and highly breathable)
- Micro-fiber fleece (light, warm and thin)
- Down jacket (ultra-light and compact)
- (Truly) waterproof jacket (lightweight and breathable)
Our must-have rainwear
For rain, we use the lightest, most breathable waterproof jacket possible. You can wear it in cold or hot weather, as needed. Even if it’s hot, rain isn’t necessarily a worry.
Our must-have items for trekking in hot regions
When trekking in hot regions (jungle), it is sometimes necessary to wear pants and a long-sleeved top to protect yourself from mosquitoes and insects. The idea is to take lightweight, quick-drying clothing. Here again, a woollen T-shirt is, against all odds, your best friend! It breathes, dries very quickly and is no warmer than a cotton T-shirt. 2-in-1 pants/shorts are also super practical for adapting to any situation.
Our walking essentials
Of course, we bring the classic city shoes we wear every day, but between hiking in the mountains where it’s cold and wet, and in the jungle where it’s hot, we always bring two pairs of hiking boots: a sturdy, waterproof pair for the mountains, and a light, ultra-breathable pair for regions where it’s hot. For us, they’re a must-have in your suitcase for Colombia.
Health and hygiene products
Luggage list colombia
First-aid kit
If you are undergoing special treatment, bring your medication with you. Don’t forget to bring the corresponding prescription in case of a check-up.
For our part, apart from our special treatments, we always bring :
- Smecta: for minor digestive upsets
- Serum Physiologique: to clean wounds, eyes, nose, etc.
- Paracetamol: for aches and fevers
- Antiseptic solution: single-dose for disinfecting wounds
- Mercalm: for seasickness
- Arnica: for blows
- Osmosoft or Biafine: for sunburn
Insect repellent
Very important! Mosquitoes are present everywhere in Colombia below 1500m altitude. We recommend using Icaridine-based mosquito repellents (20%), which are much less harmful than DEET and almost as effective.
Here’s the 3 best mosquito repellents (2019):
- Autan Multi-Insectes: based on Icaridine, this is our favorite mosquito repellent and number 1 in tests! We’ve tested lots of them, and this one works for us. What’s more, it smells pretty good and not too strong.
- Phytosun arôms Spray Répulsif: based on Eucalyptus essential oils, this is number 2 in the test.
- Mosi Guard Natural : citriodiol-based, number 3
Warning: mosquito repellents contain ingredients that may cause allergic reactions. We cannot be held responsible for any side-effects following application of one of these mosquito repellents.
WHAT TO CHOOSE
To achieve the promised protection times, don’t hesitate to apply the product generously (up to 8 sprays per forearm) and reapply if necessary.
Sun cream
Samuel is particularly sensitive to the sun, so a good sun cream is vital for him! Not all sun creams are created equal: they’re not all effective, they’re not all pleasant, and they’re sometimes toxic for you and for the marine ecosystem.
After many tests, Samuel has found his favorite sun creams that combine tested and approved effectiveness, respect for the environment and absence of toxicity
- Anthelios 50 spray invisible (for the body) and Anthelios 50 fluide Iinvisible (for the face) by La Roche-Posay: They are effective, pleasant and allergen-free, without endocrine disruptors, without disrupting the marine environment. Rated “A – No identified risk” by “Que choisir” magazine.
- Avene Intense Protect (Face and body): A super-cream that ticks all the boxes, too: efficacy, respect for the marine environment and absence of toxicity.
Toiletries
For your toiletries, we don’t have any advice to give you, but you should know that you can also find soaps, shower gels and shampoos in the local supermarkets if you need them.
On the other hand, we always take biodegradable soap with us if we need to wash in a river or in the wilderness. We advise you to use Savon Camp soap , a biodegradable soap that can be used for everything (skin, hair, dishes, etc.) and has been tested and approved.
Vaccines
Since the pandemic, Covid vaccinations are required to enter Colombia: remember to bring your certificate.
Vaccination against fever is recommended: remember to bring your international vaccination booklet (little yellow booklet)
Important documents
What to pack for Colombia
Now we come to the important documents you shouldn’t forget to pack for your trip to Colombia! Identity papers, insurance certificates, vaccination certificates
Identity papers
Passport valid for more than 6 months for the whole family
remember to check a few months before you leave that your passport is valid for 6 months after the date of your trip. Don’t laugh, we know plenty of people who panicked and had to get their passport done at the last minute… save yourself the stress!
Passport scan (or photocopy)
very important! If your passport is lost or stolen, this is what will enable you to get it done again quickly. We tell you all about it in our post on Safety in Colombia.
National driving license (international optional)
if you plan to rent a car in Colombia
Health
Insurance certificate
if you have taken out travel insurance, which we recommend.
Vaccination certificates
don’t forget your Covid vaccination certificate
proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are traveling to certain high-risk areas of the country.
Prescriptions
if you have specific treatments that do not cross borders easily.
Optional
Print your plane tickets
it may be silly, but you feel better with your plane tickets in your pocket… even if today’s tickets are electronic and your passport is all you need to check in at the counter.
Address and telephone number of your arrival hotel
you’ll be asked for this on the entry form you’ll be asked to fill in on the plane a few hours before landing. That’s why it’s a good idea to have it handy.
Money
Cash
remember to have some cash on hand as soon as you arrive in Colombia, so you can take a cab and make your first purchases. Ideally, you should have the N26 card, which allows you to withdraw cash from an ATM at low cost – it’s much cheaper than changing money at a bureau de change!
Bank cards
as you know, our banks charge fees on payments abroad, so the best advice we can give you is to create an N26 account and use this card when traveling. It’s free and allows you to pay abroad without any charges.
We recommend that you read our comparison of the best banks for travelers, which will give you an idea.
Travel accessories
Packing for Colombia
Preamble: can I bring expensive equipment to Colombia?
Let’s be clear: anything can happen when traveling, and every traveler will have his or her own experience, good or bad.
Here’s our experience : we’re going to Colombia with a lot of equipment (smartphones, laptop, cameras, lenses, drone, etc.). We’re careful, we take the necessary precautions and we’ve never had any problems. That’s all there is to it!
Phone and computer
Phone
Bring your cell phone with you, and make sure it’s unlocked for all operators. This will enable you to buy a handy local SIM on the spot, as we recommend in our post Phone and Internet in Colombia.
It’s a good idea to have a smartphone to find your way around town with Google maps, etc. We both have theiPhone SE 2020, which we find perfect.
Laptop / iPad / Tablets
this is an option if you really can’t live without them. You might want it for watching movies or perhaps, like us, simply for work.
Best laptops 2021 :
Essentials
Travel adapter: electrical outlets in Colombia (type A) are not the same as in France (type C), so you’ll need to bring a travel adapter to recharge or plug in your electrical appliances. We talk more about this in our post Colombia: the practical guide.
Here are your options:
- Skross universal: Universal adapter EU plug (type C,E,F) to US (type B), G (UK), I (AUS, CHI) earthed plugs
- Kwmobile (this is what we use): EU (type C) ungrounded plug to US (type A) ungrounded plug adapter
- Skross: EU plug adapter (type C,E,F) ungrounded to US plug (type A) grounded
Headphones
Indispensable for music lovers or watching movies on the computer, they’re also much nicer on the plane than the earphones we’re given or have to pay for. Samuel loves Sennheiser headphones and he’s really into them. But we’ve recently switched to wireless headphones.
Our choice:
Books
a trip to Colombia can be the perfect opportunity to read a book by a Colombian author, to immerse yourself even more deeply in the country! You can choose one from our list of 10 must-read Colombian books . Just be careful not to pack too many books, as they’ll quickly weigh down your suitcase.
For book devourers, the solution is the e-reader: you can fit lots of books in it, it’s super-light and super-practical when traveling.
Our choice :
- Kobo Aura h2o , which lets you load books in ePub format.
- Kindle Paper White, also highly ranked, only accepts the Amazon format.
Small backpack
Useful and practical for carrying your day’s belongings.
Our choice:
- Lowerpro Flipside BP 450 AW (for photo equipment)
- Decalthlon 20L backpack
Headlamp
Very useful in Colombia in regions where electricity is not always 100% reliable.
- Our choice: Decathlon 200 lumen lamp
Dirty laundry bag
Important for separating the dirty laundry you’ll accumulate during your trip.
Photo equipment
Photography is our passion, so we’re well equipped, but we’ve chosen cameras that are best suited to the trip. We wanted compact, lightweight, high-performance equipment.
Fuji X100V
Fixed-focal-lens camera (you can’t change the lens, and there’s no zoom). A superb camera of impeccable quality, it is tropicalized (splash- and dust-resistant). Its fixed focal length (35mm) is perfect for all conditions, so you can put it in your pocket and forget about the equipment, just think about photographing.
Olympus OMD EM1 and Olympus OMD EM5
Two interchangeable-lens cameras. These two cameras are in micro 4/3 format, tropicalized (splash- and dust-resistant) and with interchangeable lenses. They have the advantage of combining quality and compactness.
These two cameras use the following fully tropicalized lenses: Olympus’s fabulous PRO range, with the Zuiko 12-40mm 2. 8, the all-purpose lens we use the most, and the Zuiko 7-14mm 2. 8, the ultra-wide-angle lens that lets you dare to take unexpected shots. Then there’s the more affordable Panasonic 100-300 mega zoom for wildlife.
Photo accessories
Don’t forget all the essential accessories such as extra batteries, battery chargers, memory cards, a small travel stand, etc.
Photo bag
After (many) trials and tribulations, we finally found the almost perfect bag for us: Lowerpro Flipside BP 450 AW. It’s top-notch, durable and compact, but you can fit a lot of personal and photo gear in it for the day. It has proved its worth all over Colombia.
Binoculars
If you’re a nature lover or birdwatcher, Colombia is a birdwatching paradise! (Some hotels and guides make them available, so be sure not to overload yourself)
