It’s no surprise that Colombia is one of the most popular destinations in South America. With its stunning Caribbean beaches, lush coffee fields, exotic Amazon Rainforest, and colorful cities, Colombia has it all.
Considering all that there is to see, you’ll want to be prepared for the trip of a lifetime. That’s why we put together this comprehensive packing list full of our must-have items as well as guides for what to wear in Colombia, what NOT to bring, and answers to FAQs.
No packing list is complete without a quick-dry travel towel. They are extremely small and portable but super absorbent and fast drying. They are perfect for the beach as sand doesn’t cling to them. The microfiber material keeps it odor-free, so you can use it again and again. You’ll want to keep one in your day bag no matter the adventure because it will surely come in handy!
Tap water is not drinkable across Colombia. It’s best to play it safe and filter all tap water before drinking. Invest in a filtered water bottle that will transform any tap water into safe drinking water. It’s not the cheapest item, but not worth it to gamble with your health over saving a few bucks. This one by Grayl is our favorite since it removes harmful bacteria like e. Coli, viruses, microplastics, chlorine, sediment, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals.
Hackers can be watching you in plain sight, at public places we frequent like coffee shops, airports, hotels, Airbnbs, and more. Anytime you join a public Wi-Fi network without a VPN, you are risking your cybersecurity. Do not leave your passwords and credit card details up to chance, especially since Colombia is known for ransomware attacks and it is not worth it.
We use NordVPN because they are affordable and reliable. There is the added bonus of being able to change your computer’s location to anywhere in the world and see what’s available on streaming platforms like Netflix in different locations! It will also mitigate any censorship that can happen online when you travel to a new place.
Parts of Colombia can get HOT! Stay cool and comfortable with one of these instant cooling towels. All you have to do is get it wet, and like magic, it becomes instantly icy cold. Place it on your head, neck, shoulders, or wherever you want cool relief. Having a cooling towel can save you from the brutal midday sun while you’re lounging on the beach or out exploring.
Make sure you have everything you need like sunscreen, water, snacks, wallet, and phone on your day trips and excursions by bringing along a spacious, comfortable daypack. You’ll be less likely to have something lost or stolen by keeping everything organized and secure in a daypack versus scattered about in pockets or purses.
Insurance is not to be overlooked. The last thing you want is to pay out-of-pocket for six-figure bills that easily could’ve been covered by travel insurance. Note that domestic providers do not cover a customer once they are out of the country, so you will want to protect yourself and your family during international getaways.
We use Faye since they cover common travel issues like lost bags, flight delays, trip cancelation, extreme sports, rental cars, and more. Accidents happen and that’s part of venturing into the unknown! But make sure you have support in doing so to enable instant funds at the time you need them most – especially since Faye wires you the reimbursement through their super convenient mobile app!
Having a neck wallet is a discreet way to carry your valuables like cash, credit cards, and passports. You’ll know they are always close at hand but out of reach from potential pickpockets. It slides right under your shirt so no one will know it’s there but you. It even has RFID-blocking material so stealthy thieves won’t be able to scan your financial data. I never do international travel without it!
Keep your delicate smartphone protected from the elements, especially water, with a waterproof phone case. Whether you’re visiting waterfalls, rainforests, or the beach, the last thing you want is for your phone to get water damage and lose all of your trip photos. This waterproof case is great because not only does it protect your phone but you can also use it underwater to take photos and videos (with sound!)
If you’re coming from the U.S., you won’t need an adapter or voltage converter, but if you’re coming from almost anywhere else, you will require a universal power adapter. This one is our favorite since it works in 100+ popular countries and can support you in global travel. It’s high-quality so you can trust it won’t blow a fuse or damage your precious devices. It’s even backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee so you can trust the craftsmanship.
If you suffer from any motion, car, or seasickness – bring these along as a precaution. Motion sickness patches will provide immense relief from Colombia’s winding mountainous roads and bus travel that can get really bumpy! These are homeopathic, and you can use more than one patch if your symptoms are more severe.
Unfortunately, there have been Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya outbreaks in Columbia. Part of being outside is sharing the natural beauty with insects, but don’t risk your safety while enjoying all the natural wonders that Colombia has to offer. We love these wristbands because they’re deet-free, non-toxic, and actually work! It’s nice to have a wearable option that doesn’t require constant respraying all day.
Bogota, Colombia’s capital, can get pretty rainy. It’s always a smart idea to pack an umbrella because as we all know, weather is very unpredictable. I love this one because it’s super portable but extremely sturdy. It’s also made for travel and only weighs one-pound. The windproof element means it will hold up and keep you dry no matter how hard it rains or how strong the wind is.
With instant activation, you can have high-speed data from the moment you land in Columbia (without standing in long lines at the airport to buy a janky plastic SIM card or dealing with sketchy vendors!)
eSIM stands for an ‘embedded’ SIM card, which is standard with most new smartphones today. You can hop between the best networks in the 200+ destinations covered by Saily, and each eSIM can store multiple profiles, so you can have multiple plans on a single device.
It’s safer from hackers than gambling with public Wi-Fi networks, and certainly smarter than forking out tons of cash to your domestic provider in roaming fees or international charges.
Simplify your travels with our 5% discount (code: ASHER5).
You’ll want a shoe that can move from land to sea or keep up with the different terrains you’ll be encountering. These walking sandals by Sketchers are designed for peak comfort and lots of movement. My wife wears these on anything from a hiking trip to a waterfall to snorkeling to city sightseeing. They don’t leave her with blisters and can air-dry very quickly.
Pickpocketing is not uncommon in Colombia. Keep your bags and items secured with luggage locks that can be used on anything from your checked bags and backpacks in crowded areas, to lockers in your hotel or in the city. They are extremely durable and will offer you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are safe, regardless of whether you have eyes on them or not.
When exploring a new foreign land – this is not the time you want to be caught with a dead phone. It’s where we keep the address and phone number of hotels, how we call taxis, take photos of our trip, and navigate. Luckily, you never have to risk it! Portable chargers make it so that you can conveniently charge your phone anywhere. They are small, compact, and have multiple charging ports for various devices when you’re on-the-go.
Since discovering packing cubes, I don’t pack a suitcase without them. They are so helpful for keeping everything in your luggage organized and easy to find. I love these packing cubes by a family-owned business in Hawaii because they are well-made and in a variety of sizes with bonus laundry bags to keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean ones.
Breaking news – in case you didn’t know – you cannot flush toilet paper in Colombia. Yes, that is correct. Toilet paper must be biodegradable or thrown in a trash bin beside the trash (never in the toilets because the plumbing is not strong enough). It’s wise to bring your own toilet paper and this brand is environmentally-safe. Not to mention, some bathrooms might not even be stocked, so you will be grateful for the provisions.
An underwater camera is a must-have when visiting the turquoise-blue waters of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. This rugged, waterproof camera is perfect for taking with you in the water to get epic underwater shots. We are really impressed at the quality of the camera at such a reasonable price-point, way cheaper than a GoPro.
Don’t bring any valuables over the water without attaching a flotation strap. I learned this the hard way when I dropped my phone into a murky lake, not able to find it or retrieve it (even though I had the waterproof case on!) Now, I always use these buoyant straps on anything I wouldn’t want to lose to the ocean floor, like my phone, camera, and keys.
A dry bag is smart to have anytime you’ll be exploring around or on the water. It creates a 100% waterproof enclosed seal around your items that are delicate when it comes to moisture (like phones, cash, books, medication, etc.) This will keep everything dry and you can even trap air inside to make it float.
Long days under the sun on Colombia’s Caribbean coast can be a nightmare for skin. Avoid uncomfortable sunburns from afternoons on the beach, boating, or snorkeling by using sunscreen that is good for your skin and safe for the reefs. This one is ethically made to protect marine wildlife and not harm at-risk ecosystems. Frankly, it’s the only type of sunscreen people should be using.
Activated charcoal is great to have in case you find yourself with an upset stomach. It works to absorb toxins that make you sick. When you’re traveling to a new country that has food or bacteria that your body isn’t used to, you’re more likely to run into some stomach problems. Be prepared to nip anything in the bud with these handy tablets that will get you back on your feet faster!
Since bathrooms in Central and South America can be a bit small, we would recommend bringing a hanging toiletry bag. We use them for all international travel and camping, since it creates a built-in shelving system – even if you have no countertops or bathroom storage. It’s way more organized than throwing shampoos and moisturizers around anyway! We’ll never go back to our pre-hanging toiletry bag ways.
Hand sanitizer is a staple for any traveler. You’ll want to stay healthy and germ-free on your trip, and one of the best ways to prevent getting sick is to have clean hands. Hand sanitizer is useful after flights, taxi rides, before eating, and so much more, including bathrooms that may not have toilet paper, soap, or a sink! These hand-sanitizing sprays smell great, are easy to pack, and will be absolutely necessary in Colombia.
Bring home the best souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones with this “just in case” bag. Sometimes we shop more than we initially intended, and our small luggage won’t cut it! This bag is perfect for those situations since it counts as your personal item on the flight home (helping you to escape the dreaded carry-on fees!) It’s made of a lightweight duffle material and is ideal for your Colombian coffee, chocolate, aguardiente liquor, jewelry, spices, and more.
When you’re traveling, you’re often hopping from one fun activity to the next. It can make it hard to stay hydrated in the humidity and heat, so electrolytes are your best friend! Electrolytes will supercharge your water to make it more hydrating and supplement your lost minerals and electrolytes from exploring. You might find some brands there, but the flavors can be bad and it’s usually more expensive at Las Farmacias.
We love bringing this compact clothesline when we know there will be wet bathing suits and swimsuits from the whole family. It’s typically hard to find a washing machine in a new place, so this allows your clothing to air-dry and it really handy when you have a bunch of wet items. It weighs virtually nothing but has the resilience and clips to hold a lot of stuff!
Colombia is full of such diverse landscapes. From the Amazon rainforest to the Caribbean coast, Colombia has it all. To take advantage of all the unique sights you’re going to want to dress accordingly. Luckily the temperature doesn’t vary that drastically across the country so dressing in layers is key.
You’ll likely need long pants and a coat for drizzly Bogata, activewear for exploring nature, and beach attire for when it’s time to relax on the Caribbean coast. Like many countries in Latin America, Colombia is predominantly catholic and people dress conservatively. It’s worth dressing more modestly especially when you are away from the beach.
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience)
When packing for Colombia you will want to keep in mind the different places you’ll be visiting like the cities, nature, and beach. For Bogota and surrounding towns, jeans, nice tops, maybe even a sweater or two and a jacket will help you dress for the city’s slightly cooler weather. You’ll also want to bring an umbrella or raincoat as rain is common here.
For nature excursions, activewear would be best along with a comfortable pair of hiking/walking shoes. For hot coastal cities like Cartagena, shorts, tank tops, and sandals are totally acceptable. Don’t forget a swimsuit and cover-up for those beach days!
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience)
Men will be most comfortable in long pants, a t-shirt, and a jacket for layering when visiting higher elevation cities like Bogota. A raincoat or umbrella will definitely be needed to stay dry from the frequent rain showers. Similar attire will be ideal when venturing into the mountains or other nature excursions. Long pants will protect you from any insects and a raincoat will come in handy.
You can get rid of the layers for the beach and change into shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses and maybe even a lightweight fishing shirt to protect yourself from the sun.
Seasons are almost nonexistent in Colombia due to its close proximity to the equator. Many of us are used to four very different seasons whereas Colombia just has two: dry and cloudy. The climate is practically the same the whole year so you won’t need to dress for extreme temperature changes. Temperature change depends on the elevation of where you visit in Colombia. If you plan to be in the mountains or in cities at higher elevations like Bogota, bring warm clothes and dress in layers. Temperatures are consistent and comfortable year-round no matter the season and tend to be in the mid to low 80’s. A perk of traveling in the dry season is you won’t have to fight with the rain and the days tend to be a lot sunnier.
The cloudy season typically has more rainy/cloudy afternoons than other months in the year, otherwise, temperatures are just about the same. You’ll still want to bring plenty of layers from a raincoat, a warm jacket, sweaters, t-shirts, and beach attire if you plan on traveling to destinations at a high elevation like Bogota to the beach at sea level. Again, it all depends on where in Colombia you go, but on average the temperature sits comfortably around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s better to take out small amounts of cash at a time so that you’re not walking around with a lot of money that could potentially get lost or stolen. Just bring enough cash for your outing and keep the rest in the safe in your hotel room. It’s easiest to pay with cash but a lot of places do accept credit cards too.
If you can’t imagine living without it, don’t bring it. Jewelry can easily be misplaced or stolen and if it’s something that means a lot to you, better not take the risk. Having flashy jewelry also makes you stand out more as a target for petty crime. Play it safe and keep your valuables at home!
Even if you plan to visit Colombia in December when it may be very cold where you’re from, Colombia doesn’t have four seasons like many of us are used to and it never gets very cold. You’ll need a light jacket or sweater at the most.
Nowadays there is no need to lug around heavy books when traveling. Between phones, tablets, laptops, and e-readers, you can bring along more books than you’ll ever need including entertaining fiction books and travel guidebooks.
Beach and bath towels are bulky and will take up way too much space in your luggage. A microfiber travel towel is the way to go. They are compact, odor-resistant, and great for the beach as they repel sand. They will easily fit in your suitcase or day bag without taking up much space at all.
When visiting Colombia from the US or Canada, there is no need to bring an outlet adapter as Colombia uses the same outlets as North America.
Flashy, expensive jewelry, watches, and purses are best kept safe at home. You also won’t be needing any winter gear and can leave behind thick coats, hats, and scarves. You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking so don’t bring along any shoes that are uncomfortable to walk in for long periods of time.
If coming from the US or Canada you will receive a 90-day tourist visa upon arriving in Colombia.
It’s recommended that visitors get the yellow fever vaccines when traveling to Colombia. It is even required when visiting certain national parks and sanctuaries.
Tap water in some cities such as Bogota is supposedly safe to drink. However, it’s better not to take chances and bring along a water filter such as the Grayl or buy bottled water to decrease your chances of getting sick.
Colombia has similar weather year-round. Visiting during the dry season might provide nicer, sunnier weather, but potentially more crowds during the December holidays. The summer months of July and August are usually dry and not too crowded.
If you want to visit several of Colombia’s highlights then two weeks would be a great amount of time to start with. This will give you plenty of time to explore the beaches, large cities, the coffee region, and stunning nature.
Colombia received a lot of bad press in the past due to Pablo Escobar and the drug cartels. Today, Colombia is a much safer and more stable country that is great for tourists. Take caution in the bigger cities just like you would anywhere else in the world. Don’t walk alone at night and keep your valuables safe and out of sight. Overall, Colombia is very safe and welcoming to visitors.
With so much to see across Colombia, you don’t want to visit just one place. The best way to travel large distances is by plane. Once you arrive at a destination you can explore the surroundings by local bus or go on a tour.
Asher has been traveling the world since he left Australia to study in the USA in 2004. He received a Master’s in Business Administration degree in 2013. He has lived all over the globe including India, Europe, Hawaii, and mainland US. He enjoys researching the travel industry, loves being a dad, cooking & eating delicious food, photography (took many of our photos), surfing big waves on Maui, camping trips and walking barefoot on the earth.
