Cartagena Packing List: 59 Must-Have Items

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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. Becca swears by these for a good night’s rest while away from home.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Avoid overweight baggage fees, especially if you plan to take domestic flights within Colombia on more local airlines. 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, and can be packed away when you’re not using it.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Cartagena is a historic place, so sidewalks may be bumpy, or uneven, and sometimes have cracks. Bring shoes that not only support your feet and let you be agile, but bring ones that are waterproof, to deal with the frequent tropical rains!

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 if you plan to bar hop.

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.

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.

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

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

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 near the hotel pool, which prevents slips.

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

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.

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

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. Be careful around your child’s eyes.

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 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).

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.