Cartagena Packing List: 59 Must-Have Items

Don’t leave home without it. Make sure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your return date. If you’re planning your trip, check the expiration date right now! Colombia requires this for entry.

For most trips, I try and get at least some coverage. Your credit card can cover basic things like theft. You can get supplemental insurance for cancellations, illness, theft and more.

ATMs are plentiful in Cartagena’s old town. You’ll want a mix of cash for street vendors and cards for restaurants. Most places accept cards, but smaller shops prefer cash.

Your phone becomes your map, translator and camera. If you’re traveling from the US, you can bring your regular plugs. If not, you’ll need Type A and Type B converters (it might say US or South America).

It’s always a good idea to travel with a power bank, though. They have come in handy more times than I can count.

Stay hydrated in the heat. You may want to buy a lot of bottled water. Most places, and especially hotels, will have those 5 gallon jugs that you can use to refill a bottle. A reusable bottle cuts down on plastic waste.

The sun is intense here, even when it’s cloudy. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re near water. The UV index stays high year-round. And I’m not kidding, when I first landed, the sun feels 2x stronger than I’m used to. If you’re out walking around and you’re not used to that much sun (like if you go during the winter) you will burn.

Mosquitoes are active, especially at dawn and dusk. If you have a specific brand that you like, now is your chance to bring it. You can also pick this up locally if you want to save space in your bag.

Basic supplies like bandages and pain relievers are a good idea to bring. I actually handed in Medellin and had the absolute worst headache. I think I was dehydrated. Luckily, Becca is always prepared and had something that I could take before we could even find a pharmacy. Pharmacies are easy to find, though, so you can always restock or get something throughout the day.

Hotels will provide basics if you’re traveling minimally. If you have preferences, bring your own. Cartagena is very hot and very humid. Keep that in mind with what you plan to bring.

Keeps your toiletries organized and contained. A good toiletry bag prevents leaks and makes it easy to find what you need.

Useful for beach trips and if your accommodation’s towels aren’t great. Quick-dry means it won’t stay damp in the humidity. You can also wrap any damp clothing in a quick-dry towel to help everything dry faster.

Essential for long flights. A good travel pillow can make the difference between arriving rested or exhausted.

Block out noise on flights and in hotels. Essential if you’re a light sleeper or staying in noisy areas.

Cartagena can have sudden tropical downpours. A compact umbrella keeps you dry and doesn’t take up much space.

Separate dirty clothes from clean ones. A laundry bag keeps your bag organized and prevents odors from spreading.

Keep essentials close and hands-free. A fanny pack is perfect for walking around the old town and keeping valuables secure.

It’s so sunny in Cartagena. When you’re out walking around, spending time on the beach, or outside cafes, a hat is going to save you!

It’s so sunny in Cartagena. When you’re out walking around, spending time on the beach, or relaxing at outdoor cafes, a hat is going to save you!

Keep your bag organized and make packing and unpacking easier. Packing cubes help compress clothes and keep everything in its place.

We were ride or die carry-on people (and still kind of are) until we started traveling with kids. Life gets to you and sometimes you need to check luggage.

Avoid overweight baggage fees. A luggage scale lets you check your bag weight before heading to the airport.

Useful for day trips, beach outings, or as an extra bag for souvenirs. A duffel is more flexible than a rigid suitcase for some activities.

Moisture-wicking fabrics will really work the best. Anything lightweight is good, as well. However, the humidity might limit the ability for certain things to dry if you get sweaty or wet from the beach.

You’ll live in these. The heat and humidity make pants uncomfortable for most of the day. Bring a few pairs so you can rotate. You can bring a few different styles for different occasions as well.

Moisture-wicking fabrics will really work the best. Anything lightweight is good, as well. However, the humidity might limit the ability for certain things to dry if you get sweaty or wet from the beach.

You’ll live in these. The heat and humidity make pants uncomfortable for most of the day. Bring a few pairs so you can rotate. You can bring a few different styles for different occasions as well.

Protects from sun and mosquitoes without trapping heat. UPF-rated fabrics are good if you’re spending lots of time outside. You might be doing this if you’re spending any time near the water.

Your feet will sweat. Moisture-wicking socks prevent blisters and keep your shoes from getting funky. Bring enough to change daily.

You’ll do a lot of walking on cobblestone streets. Supportive shoes matter. Waterproof shoes are especially useful for sudden tropical downpours. Break them in before you go.

You’ll do a lot of walking on cobblestone streets. Supportive shoes matter. Waterproof shoes are especially useful for sudden tropical downpours. Break them in before you go.

Essential for beach time and quick trips. Easy to slip on and off, which is useful when you’re going in and out of places.

Essential for beach time and quick trips. Easy to slip on and off, which is useful when you’re going in and out of places.

The sun is bright, and the white walls of the old town reflect light. Polarized lenses cut glare, especially useful near water.

Perfect for the heat and the going-out culture. Dresses are cooler than separates and work for both day and evening.

Same principle as men’s. Bring enough for daily changes. The humidity makes quick-dry options worth considering.

Pack enough to change daily. The humidity means you’ll want fresh pairs. Quick-dry options work well if you’re doing laundry.

You’ll want at least one. The beaches are a short boat ride away, and many hotels have pools. Quick-dry fabric means you can wear it under clothes if needed.

You’ll want at least one. The beaches are a short boat ride away, and many hotels have pools. Quick-dry fabric means you can wear it under clothes if needed.

Carries your sunscreen, towel, water and snacks. A tote bag is nice to have, especially this one because it is packable. It’s good to haev with you during a beach day. But honestly, it’s good have an extra bag on travel days to tote snacks and other random things.

Adds polish to your outfit and handles the AC-to-outside temperature swings. Lightweight means you won’t overheat walking between places.

A collared shirt works for most restaurants and bars. Button-downs are versatile. You can dress them up or down depending on the place.

Keeps your essentials close and your hands free. Crossbody style is more secure than shoulder bags. Make sure it zips closed.

Useful for everything: cleaning hands, faces, surfaces. You’ll go through these fast in the heat and humidity.

Kids need higher protection. Reapply frequently, especially after water play. Mineral-based sunscreens are gentler on sensitive skin.

Better than sunscreen for extended water time. Kids move around more, so coverage matters. UPF-rated rash guards provide consistent protection.

Pack extras. Wet swimsuits don’t dry fast in the humidity, so having backups means less waiting around.

Protect little feet from hot sand and rocky areas. They also provide grip on wet surfaces, which prevents slips.

Restaurants don’t always have high chairs. A portable option means you can eat anywhere without worrying about seating.

The old town’s cobblestones are tough on strollers. A lightweight, compact model handles the terrain better. Make sure it folds small for taxis and boats.

More flexible than a stroller for narrow streets and beach areas. Keeps your hands free and your baby close. Look for breathable fabrics.

Familiar snacks prevent meltdowns. Reusable containers keep things fresh and reduce waste. Pack things that travel well in heat.

For screen time on flights and in restaurants. Volume-limited headphones protect little ears. Over-ear styles stay on better than earbuds.

Child-specific bandages, pain relievers and any medications. Pharmacies have basics, but having your preferred brands on hand saves time.

Kids need gentler formulas. Look for DEET-free options or lower DEET concentrations. Apply carefully, avoiding hands and faces.

Protection from the intense sun. Wide-brimmed hats work best. Sunglasses with straps stay on during active play.

Not all bathrooms have changing tables. A portable mat means you can change diapers anywhere. Look for one that’s easy to clean.

Kids need constant hydration in the heat. Reusable bottles mean you’re not buying single-use plastic constantly. Insulated bottles keep water cool longer.

Familiar bedding helps kids sleep in new places. If your accommodation provides cribs, your own sheets ensure comfort and cleanliness.