Cartagena Packing List for City and Island Days

Passport

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.

You can check out this travel wallet to help hold your passport.

Travel insurance

For most trips, I try and get at least some travel insurance coverage. Your credit card can cover basic things like theft or loss. You can get supplemental insurance for flight cancellations, illness, theft of valuables and accidents.

ATMs are easy to come by, in Cartagena’s old town. You’ll want a mix of cash for street vendors and your travel credit cards for restaurants. Most places accept cards, but smaller shops prefer cash. Remember to make sure you have a credit card with NO foreign transaction fees!

You can read our guide on international travel and money to learn more about the money situation.

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

Any universal travel adapter should be fine if you’re unsure what to do.

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

Travel-sized toiletries

Hotels will provide basics if you’re traveling minimally. If you have preferences, bring your own things like a travel-sized face wash, your body lotions or special conditioners.

You can bring your own toiletries if you get something like this! You can refill them and they’re perfect size for travel.

Wash pouch

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

We also have additional dopp kits that we’ve reviewed if you want to check those out as well.

Luggage

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

Luggage

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, and can be packed away when you’re not using it.

Fanny pack

Keep essentials close and hands-free. A fanny pack is perfect for walking around Cartagena’s Old Town and keeping valuables secure, especially in places where petty theft is possible with tourists.

You can continue your search for finding the best fanny pack by using our interactive tool!

Tote

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.

Crossbody bag or small purse

Keeps your essentials close and your hands free. Crossbody style is more trustworthy than shoulder bags, which can get snatched. Make sure it zips closed to secure what’s inside.

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.

You can also look into a specialized water bottle cross bag. We have one from Topologie that we like.

It’s always a good idea to travel with a power bank. They have come in handy more times than I can count, especially if I’ve been out all day and my phone is about to die!

Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

The sun is intense in Colombia, 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 what I’m used to. If you’re out walking around and you’re not used to that much sun (and most people aren’t!), you will burn.

Hat

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!

Hat

I like having a hat with me in Cartagena because even with just walking around, the sun is beating down so much stronger than at home.

Sunglasses

The sun is bright, and the walls of the old town reflect the harsh light. Polarized lenses cut glare, especially useful near water (and make you look cool in travel photos).

Women's lightweight, breathable shirts

Breathable shirts are key for the humidity and heat in this region. You won’t want any fabrics that get soaked by sweat.

Men's lightweight, breathable shirts

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.

Men's lightweight long-sleeve shirt

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.

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

Women's underwear

Bring enough for daily changes (and you may need quite a few if you don’t like feeling damp). The humidity makes quick-dry options worth considering.

Men's underwear

Take my advice here: you may sweat through your underwear on this trip. Bring enough to have a few changes available, and a few to cycle through while you hand wash others.

Your feet will sweat, no doubt about it. Moisture-wicking socks prevent blisters and keep your shoes from getting funky. Bring enough socks to change daily.

You can read our guide to the best moisture wicking socks to get more inspiration.

Choose breathable shoes or secure walking sandals you can wear on uneven old-town streets. Heavy waterproof boots are unnecessary for ordinary city sightseeing.

Women's shorts

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.

Men's shorts

Having a great pair of moisture-wicking shorts with performance fabric is the best thing we’ve taken on our Cartagena trips. Plus, having a pair that doubles as looking nice for bars and restaurants will work great.

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

Mosquitoes are active in Colombia, especially at dawn and dusk. But don’t worry, as mosquito repellent with DEET can really work well. If you have a specific brand that you like, now is your chance to bring it (packed into a checked bag). You can also pick this up locally if you want to save space in your bag. We have gotten insect spray at pharmacies in Cartagena.

Men's swimsuit

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.

Women's swimsuit

Always have a few swimsuits for rotating, in case one is wet and you plan to swim or be out on a boat two days in a row.

Men's sandals or flip-flops

Essential for beach time and quick trips. Easy to slip on and off, which is useful near water, or for showers in accommodations with shared bathrooms.

Women's sandals or flip-flops

I find it always good to have a pair of flip flops with me on hot trips. Sometimes you just want your feet to air out, and of course, they’re crucial at the beach or on boat trips.

Useful for beach trips and if the towels at your hotel or Airbnb aren’t great. Quick-dry means it won’t stay damp in the humidity, which is key in Cartagena. You can also wrap any damp clothing in a quick-dry towel to help everything dry faster.

Laundry bag

Separate dirty clothes from clean ones so that you don’t go crazy. A laundry bag keeps your bag organized and prevents odors from spreading.

Packing cubes

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

Make sure to check out even more ideas for packing cubes in our round-up list!

Men's lightweight blazer or nice cardigan

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

Men's nice shirt

A collared shirt works for most restaurants and bars. Button-downs are versatile, like wearing as a layer on a rooftop. You can dress them up or down depending on the place.

Baby wipes

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

Baby/toddler sunscreen (SPF 50+)

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

Rash guard for kids

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

Kids' swimsuits

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

Kids' water shoes

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

Portable high chair or booster seat

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

Kids' snacks and reusable containers

Familiar snacks prevent meltdowns in toddlers. Reusable containers keep things fresh and reduce waste. Pack foods and snacks that travel well in heat (avoid melting!).

Kids' headphones

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

First aid supplies for children

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

Child-safe insect repellent

Kids need gentler formulas. Look for DEET-free options or lower DEET concentrations. Be careful around your child’s eyes.

Portable changing mat

Note: in Colombia, far from all bathrooms have changing tables. A portable mat means you can change diapers anywhere (where it’s socially okay). Look for one that’s easy to clean.

Kids' reusable water bottles

Kids need constant hydration in the heat. Reusable bottles mean you’re not buying single-use plastic constantly. Your hotel will probably have a water cooler for drinking water. Insulated bottles keep water cool longer (add some ice).

Stroller (lightweight, compact)

The Old Town cobblestones are tough on strollers. A lightweight, compact model handles the terrain better. Make sure it folds small for taxis and boats, as well as storing in the corner of a restaurant so you can keep an eye on it.

Baby carrier or sling

More flexible than a stroller for narrow streets and beach areas. Keeps your hands free and your baby close. Look for breathable fabrics, and styles that offer “backpack-style carrying”.

Familiar bedding (with the smell from home) helps kids sleep in new places. If your accommodation provides cribs, your own sheets ensure comfort and cleanliness.