Wondering what to pack for Colombia, a country with diverse climates?
Want to know what to wear in Colombia to blend in without looking like a tourist?
After having spent 2 months backpacking around Colombia, I understand the dilemma, so I’ve written this Colombia packing list to help you out.
You are going to want to wear layers in Colombia for the dynamic weather and sun.
My first tip…
Pack clothes with multiple uses (comfortable enough to walk during the day, but also to dance at night).
After traveling for many years, I believe I have perfected the blend of day-meets-streetwear style! (Hint: black clothing, anything with a collar, and a pair of neutral tennis shoes can be worn day and night in casual Colombia).
As far as climate…
The truth is that Colombia really is a country with lots of variety and unpredictable weather, so I’ll discuss the different styles for each region.
While you want to ensure you have everything for Cartagena’s Caribbean, the Coffee Region’s mountains, or busy cities like Medellin, remember you must still carry everything with you.
Read on for what to wear in Colombia for each region, my top 10 essential items, and of course, the full packing list.
Different Climates in Colombia
Rain, rain, rain!
I visited Colombia from February to April in 2022, meaning it was the rainy season. I still had the experience of a lifetime, so don’t let the gloomy forecast deter you from visiting.
Decked out in rain gear for the cool mountains of central Colombia. The horseback riding tour guides lent us the boots.
In fact, you shouldn’t really listen to the weather forecast at all, as it’s often overly pessimistic.
For example, when the forecast called for “thunderstorms every day”, this actually meant that it would only rain for about 30 minutes or an hour sometime after 3 PM. This still allowed plenty of time to do our daily activities, so if you have travel-size rain gear for those sudden storms that come out of nowhere, it won’t affect you much anyway.
If you’re traveling anytime during the rainy season:
A lightweight rain coat and travel-size umbrella took up barely any space or weight in my bag, and I was able to roam with peace of mind. Additionally, this waterproof backpack by Patagonia is one of the best travel investments I've ever made, keeping my camera and electronics safe.
To stay dry even further, you will really want waterproof hiking boots for those muddy trails in Colombia. I learned this the hard way, and ended up having to find better boots when I arrived.
Besides it raining everywhere, here’s a summary of what to wear for the different climates in Colombia:
Medellin, Cali, central Colombia
- Climate: Hot in the day, rainy in the afternoons, and sometimes slightly cool at night.
- Attire: Layers of clothing for constantly changing climate. Rain jacket or umbrella. Good walking shoes.
Caribbean and Amazon
- Climate: Hot and humid.
- Attire: Lightweight, breathable attire. Long pants can protect from the sun and mosquitoes. You could consider sturdy walking sandals like Chacos or Tevas instead of sneakers, which you can strap easily outside your bag with carabiner hooks to save space (carabiners are the traveler's godsend).
What I wore in Cartagena, Colombia… strong walking sandals are an option instead of tennis shoes for the heat of the Caribbean.
Bogota, Colombia coffee region, mountains
Climate: Mild in the day, cold at night.
Attire: Rain gear is definitely needed. You probably won’t need sandals for anything. Smart streetwear for Bogota. Hiking gear for the mountains. Warm clothing.
What do people wear in Colombia?
In terms of clothing attire, the dress code in Colombia is surprisingly casual. Despite what some other blogs might tell you, I didn’t experience a need to be formal on any occasion (and I’m a gal from Los Angeles, where we get dressed up for everything).
Of course, you probably still would like to dress nice on your vacation and for the photos, so we want to pack items that are versatile, lightweight, and comfortable.
But even at top nightclubs, I noticed more of a casual, streetwear meets sexy vibe.
Cities
In the cities of Colombia, you’ll see a lot of vendors selling knock-off brands of top athletic wear, which are very popular.
Additionally, most of the women’s clothes there are designed to show off your figure and run small.
You will definitely only see closed-toed shoes in the cities.
Medellin has a casual street style; don’t be afraid to show some skin.
Mountains / Countryside
In the countryside and smaller villages like Salento, Manizales, Cocora Valley, or Jardin, everything is about comfort and preparation for nature.
People wear hiking boots due to muddy rains, as well as long sleeves and pants for the cooler weather. A good sun hat for the outdoors.
Beaches and Amazon Rainforest
In the Caribbean and Amazon, as you can guess, it’s all about beachy vacation vibes, with airy clothing for the humidity.
I found this breezy green sundress to use as a beach coverup in the Rosario Islands near Cartagena, Colombia
10 Essential Items to Pack for Colombia
Before we get to the complete list, here is a quick list of the most essential items to pack for Colombia. I’ve listed all the details in the next section on why they are important.
1. Lightweight Rain coat
2. Hiking boots (waterproof + ankle support)
5. Waterproof day pack (with back support)
6. Portable charger (power bank)
Colombia is full of color, like these houses in Jardin.
Colombia Packing List
When choosing what to pack for Colombia and traveling in general, it’s worth it to invest in compact, lightweight, travel-size items.
For example, choose clothes that roll up or fold small, not bulky. Bring toiletries that are smaller; you don’t need to lug around heavy shampoo since you can always buy more there.
As far as what to wear in Colombia, of course, I come from a woman’s perspective, but the rest of the list has useful gear for every backpacker, especially on long trips.
Clothing
Click the links for an example of each item.
Lightweight rain coat - The rain is unpredictable in Colombia year-round. You will want a light, foldable raincoat that will keep you dry on hikes without having to carry an umbrella.
Versatile Jacket / Sweatshirt - A comfortable jacket or sweatshirt you can wear lounging as well as out on the town is ideal. And even if you aren’t going to the mountains, those airplanes and bus rides can get chilly.
6 Shirts / Tank tops - You want to pick versatile tops that are comfortable and casual for your core daytime wardrobe, but that you can also wear at night. You won’t have to dress very formally for clubs, so just pick neutral colors that you can mix and match and look your best.
Long sleeve button down shirt - A collared blouse is great for dressing up an outfit or serving as an extra layer. They are breezy in humid climates and keep you warm in colder ones.
1-2 Dresses - They pack small and are easy to throw on and dress up. They also feel way better than shorts when it’s hot!
1-2 Linen pants - My linen pants are my go-to staple when traveling for many reasons! They are so breathable for warm climates, and I can roll them to my knees anytime when it’s hot. They are loose enough to hang out or do yoga in, like harem pants, but you can also wear them on the daily and at night. They fold up small unlike other pants, and allow you to cover up from sun, mosquitoes, and the inevitable wandering eyes, while still being comfortable.
1-2 Leggings - these have pockets; always a plus. Avoid jeans or bulky pants. You will be hiking, walking, and dancing!
Athletic Shorts - for all the active days
Casual shorts - bring your favorite shorts for everyday wear.
Athletic socks and boot socks - Besides the Caribbean, you will probably wear closed-toed shoes everywhere else in Colombia, from the city to the jungle, so pack quality, moisture-absorbent pairs for each day. You don't want blisters, and surprisingly I wasn't able to find many thick socks in Colombia.
Underwear / Bras / Sports bra -(even though I am anti-bra…)
Sleepwear
1-2 Swimsuits
Make sure you have some good sunglasses for that relentless equator sun.
Accessories
Sunglasses (UV polarized) with hard case - That equator sun is no joke, so bring a good polarized pair of sunglasses to wear daily.
Sarong - It’s a beach coverup! It’s a towel! It’s a scarf! I love the versatility of a sarong because they pack tiny but add way more comfort to my life.
Scarf - A warmer scarf is good not only for cold regions, but for those cold buses and planes.
Hat - I personally prefer a newsboy cap that can easily strap to my bag because sometimes sun hat are bulky, but whatever floats your boat.
Jewelry - not necessary, but a couple of inexpensive earrings, bracelets, or necklaces can jazz up a night outfit and make you feel good, and don’t take up much space in your backpack.
Reading glasses or contacts - if needed
Shoes
Hiking boots - Waterproof shoes are best and worth the investment, and I recommend high tops with ankle support.
(Originally I didn’t want to pack heavy hiking boots - but then I ended up buying them on my trip, because I was slipping in my tennis shoes on the muddy or rocky hikes. You don’t want to limit yourself from activities, or worse, twist your ankle. Once I put on the boots, I felt so free to do anything! When traveling city to city, I simply wore the boots on my feet and then clipped the tennis shoes hanging off my carry-on bag.)
Flip flops - A pair of flip flops is great for lounging, the beach, and in the shower at your hostel.
Tennis shoes / sneakers - The best pair is a plain color with arch support that works for lots of street walking as well as dancing at night time.
3 comfy backpackers! This was the day I realized I needed to buy real hiking shoes after slipping down a muddy hike (but it was one of the best days ever).
Bags
Luggage (3 options):
- 65L Backpack - I use a 65L backpack for many reasons. Yes, I have to check the bag on flights, but the extra space makes my life infinitely easier. I can take everything I need, while still having space in the bag so I don’t struggle to pack everything in when I move hostels every three days. It also allows me room if I decide to purchase something extra I might need, like a warmer jacket. Yes, I always come back with more than I left with, even when I try to donate clothes along the way.
- Carry-on sized 40L Backpack - If you’re a light packer and don’t have all this extra equipment like me (camera, laptop, etc), or if you’re just sticking to one climate, you can just use a 40L bag that you won’t have to check on planes.
- Suitcase - If you prefer not to carry a backpack as your luggage, my favorite option for a sturdy suitcase is anything from Samsonite.
Day pack (water resistant) - This Patagonia 23L Black Hole backpack is the best daypack I have ever purchased. Just like shoes, a good day backpack is absolutely worth the extra investment. You will get so much use out of it, so you want something comfortable with spine support, water resistant, with lots of pockets and a space for your water bottle. It has plenty of small pockets and loops to hang my hats and flip flops with carabiners, an internal pouch for a laptop or water bladder, and the material is extremely sturdy so I don’t have to worry about weight.
My Patagonia daypack is so sturdy; I will likely be carrying it around for years.
Crossbody purse (Anti-theft) - The crossbody purse saves my life for both day and night. Not only does the hidden zipper design make it perfect for avoiding pickpockets, but a purse that crosses your body is almost impossible to grab off you. I also like to clip a small water bottle onto the purse as well so I don’t have to take my daypack everywhere.
Fanny Pack - I choose either a purse or a fanny pack on my trips as I don’t think you need both. I like a black or brown small pack that attaches to my waist because they are incognito, just enough for my phone and wallet to be handsfree. If you are worried about looking like a tourist, you probably will stand out either way, but at least you won’t have to worry about theft when it is strapped to your body.
Coin purse - In many South American countries like Colombia, the currency is smaller and you will use coins a lot. If your purse has a small zipped pocket, you can also use this for coins.
Hanging toiletry bag - Oftentimes you won’t have any sink space in hostels, so a clear toiletry bag that can hang off the shower rack or towel hook is a backpacker’s staple.
Packing Cubes - Packing cubes changed my life, no exaggeration. If you don’t have them when you travel, I don’t know how you are living! They separate and organize everything so neatly that it’s super easy to pack and unpack, or grab something out of your bag without digging through a black hole. I usually use one larger cube for my tops / dresses, one medium cube for my shorts / pants, and one small cube for underwear / swimsuit / socks.
Tote / canvas bag - A canvas bag that folds up takes practically zero space, and I use it every day for laundry, the beach, and / or groceries.
Travel Gear
Reusable water bottle - Much of the water in Colombia, depending on the city, is not safe to drink for foreigners. In the cities where it is not clean, many backpackers recommend filtered water bottles, but I found a reusable aluminum water bottle to be just fine for my trip. This is because clean drinking water was provided in many accommodations. If not, I would purchase large gallons of water and then just fill up my bottle for the day, staying cold. An 18 oz bottle was perfect, even though I drink a lot of water. It was a good carrying size, not too heavy, fit in my backpack side pocket, and had a hook to clip on my purse if needed.
Quick dry Travel Towel - You will need a towel as many hostels do not provide one, or charge you extra for one. Plus, use it after swimming in rivers or hot springs.
Travel size umbrella - I carried a small umbrella, completely worth it when it would rain every single day, and often shared with other grateful backpackers =)
Mini combination lock - Hostels usually provide lockers, but never locks. This is essential for storing your valuables.
Earplugs - I can’t sleep in a hostel without earplugs. Bring a bunch because you will lose them.
Eye mask - If you need darkness when you sleep, this will be another necessity for you in a hostel, or on planes.
Carabiner (hooks) - Tiny game-changers. S-shape is best. You can clip your shoes, hat, umbrella, hand fan, bottle, or pretty much whatever to your bags with carabiners. I even clip a hula hoop on, but that’s just me.
You can see my pink water bottle has a convenient hook that I can clip on my purse or fanny pack and not have to take a backpack everywhere.
Toiletries
Deodorant (travel size)
Comb / Hair brush
Toothbrush, toothpaste, toothbrush holder
Soap, Shampoo / conditioner (travel size) - Hostels often don’t provide soap or shampoo / conditioner.
Hand sanitizer - Yet another item I always have clipped on my bag.
Makeup - If it makes you feel good, pack the essentials for those special occasions. Most makeup is tiny anyway, so why not? I use a good powder to get rid of shine on those humid nights.
Tissues / toilet paper - In South America, toilet paper is not always guaranteed… I grab a bunch from my accommodation everytime I leave the house.
Feminine products
Dry shampoo - Always a life-saver when traveling in humid environments.
Hair ties / Bobby pins
Wellness
Sunscreen (body) - As a solo traveler, I prefer the spray bottle so I can reach my back.
Sunscreen (face) - That Equator sun is no joke.
Mosquito Repellant - I actually didn’t need bug spray everywhere like I imagined, but you will definitely need it for the Amazon, Caribbean, or forest areas.
Immodium - These pills saved my life on long bus rides with no bathroom, in a country with different water and food my system wasn’t used to. Thank me later.
Motion sickness pills - Colombia is full of curvy mountain roads. Definitely pack some motion sickness or ginger pills for those bus rides.
Witch hazel or anti itch cream - Mosquitoes like me, so witch hazel relieves me of that dreaded itch from bites. You can also use it as a skin toner. Otherwise, anti-itch cream from the drugstore obviously works too. If you forget this, maybe you’ll have to find an aloe vera plant…
Daily vitamins - When you’re not buying groceries, it can be hard to find nutrient-rich food sometimes. A lot of the street food is fried or full of carbs, so taking a daily vitamin is best in order to stay healthy so you can have energy to do all the things you love on your trip. If you get sick, then you will definitely need these vitamins to keep your immune system well.
Other medications / prescriptions - If you are headed to remote places, it’s worth it to bring your emergency medications for peace of mind.
Stay protected in Colombia with reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm.
Technology
Phone & chargers
Portable Charging Power Bank - Portable power banks keep you charged on the go. You will be draining your battery during long travel days, and when you use your maps. You don’t want to be lost without a charged cell phone, and sometimes there are even power outages.
Headphones - My favorite headphones of all time are these wireless bluetooth pair from Treblab. They are attached by a wire so you won't lose them like pods.
Travel adaptor - If you are coming from a country outside of the Americas, you will need a universal travel adaptor, otherwise you are good in Colombia.
Kindle or e-reader - One of my favorite things I own, my Kindle e-reader allows me to carry as many books as I want without weighing me down. You won’t need a reading light at night, and it provides entertainment when you don’t have wifi. I love to read books that take place in the country I am visiting.
If you aren’t much of a novel reader, you can still use it to read your travel books or learn Spanish (just click the word you don’t know and Kindle defines it for you, even without internet).
Mini tripod for phone - Folds up small and great for solo-travelers, a mini-tripod will allow you to take photos or videos of yourself in any location. (Just be mindful of your belongings, as always).
Travel Laptop - Only necessary if you need to work, but I just wanted to note for my digital nomads that a fantastic laptop for travel is my Asus Zenbook computer. It is light as a feather and thin with a 13 inch screen but still reliable and powerful. I also travel with a bluetooth mouse, which makes all the difference.
Bluetooth speaker- I don’t know about you, but I need music in my life! Enjoy music with friends or when getting ready just like you would at home… This one clips on your bag easily and is water resistant.
Watch / Fitbit - In Colombia you really don’t want to be pulling your phone out all the time just to check the time. You don’t want to be looking at your phone on the street, because you become a target. I love my FitBit because it’s waterproof for swimming (I originally got it for surfing), and it makes my life way easier to check the time, like when I’m rushing to catch a bus and carrying a bunch of items. I also love to track my steps and mileage. I purchased the Inspire 2, which only cost me about $70 at the time.
GoPro & GoPro Kit - A GoPro is great for underwater shots and is tiny to carry. It gives you that great wide-angle perfect for traveling, and you can upload straight to your phone through bluetooth. You can purchase this kit with all the accessories, or just opt for a selfie-stick.
Camera, lens, batteries, memory card - I use a mirrorless camera due to its light weight when traveling. I use a 35mm all around lens because it works for both landscape and portrait, without changing the lens. But of course, a zoom lens is great for different focal lengths when exploring.
I love my Sony A7Rii mirrorless camera because it’s light enough to carry everywhere, even the humid forest of San Rafael, Colombia.
Documents
Passport - Make sure you have at least 6 months before expiration.
Visas - I didn’t need one coming from the U.S., but you might need one depending on your home country.
Cash - Cash is used everywhere in Colombia, credit cards not so much.
Debit / credit cards with no foreign transaction fees - I linked to the Chase card I use. I never pay fees, and I earn rewards for free flights.
Vaccine certificates (COVID, Yellow Fever if heading to Amazon)
Colombia is not a country to skip out on buying Travel Insurance. There are a lot of high-risk (but fun!) activities, and travel insurance is necessary even for budget backpackers. I use SafetyWing Travel Insurance because it is easy to sign up, affordable, and widely used by travelers. Have peace of mind and get a quote in minutes.
You will have wild adventures in Colombia, so travel insurance should be at the top of your list.
Extra comforts to pack for colombia
Waterproof phone case - These plastic pouches are perfect for taking photos while swimming, and you can use the touch screen through the plastic.
Passport case - Keeps your passport in good shape, and you can also put your vaccine certifications or any other cards inside when traveling - baggage tags, receipts, tickets, etc.
Neck pillow - I actually use a neck pillow for my back on buses, and more importantly for my knees at night, since hostels only give you one pillow. It clips on my bag and weighs nothing, so why not.
Mini Hair Straightener / Flat Iron - I didn’t believe it was possible to find a tiny straightener this powerful! I have frizzy hair, so I love this little tool to feel glam and polished on nights out. Again, it’s the little things that allow me to travel comfortable for long periods of time.
Portable Light - On my trip, a friend gifted me a foldable neck light to use in the mountains. Besides walking around at night, I found it to be so much better when you want to chill without the harsh ceiling lights in hostels. It folds up and recharges with a USB, and has different dimming setting.
Travel yoga mat - For yogis who want to practice daily, this folding mat is a necessity for me. I need to stretch it out everywhere I go, especially after all the hiking and travel days. (Otherwise, the towel or sarong will work!)
Wired headphones for airplanes - I keep an old pair of headphones at the bottom of my bag that have wires and a headphone jack, since wireless bluetooth pairs won’t work on planes for in-flight entertainment.
Journal & pen - Remember your memories with a journal… Besides, having paper on hand is also great for leaving notes, and a pen for those customs forms.
Tips on Packing for Colombia
Pack lightweight clothing / materials. They dry faster, fold up smaller, and weigh less.
Use packing cubes. I discussed more above, but these are life changers for organization and ease of access, especially with a backpack.
Roll clothing - I roll almost all my clothes instead of folding. It takes up way less space.
Don’t pack too much. You will have to carry everything, and remember you can easily do laundry for cheap almost everywhere.
Don’t skip your favorite items - Of course you don’t want to lose anything valuable, but if you have something small that reminds you of home, consider bringing it for long trips abroad. For me, it’s a comfy T shirt, some incense, and other things I listed in “extra comforts”.
You can buy toiletries there - Just bring a small amount of what you need, because liquids add to your weight quickly. Some specialty items won’t be available (I didn’t see dry shampoo anywhere), but the basics will.
Leave space in case you need / want to buy items - In Colombia I ended up spending a lot of time in the mountains, so I bought a warmer jacket, hiking shoes, sweatpants, and was given some items by other backpackers - so it was convenient to have extra space in my bag.
My Kindle e-reader is one of my favorite things… both in travel and in life. It’s small enough to fit in my purse, so I always have something to read whenever I’m waiting anywhere.
Condensed Packing List
Clothing
Raincoat (lightweight)
Jacket or sweatshirt
6 versatile Shirts/tank tops
1 Button down long sleeve
1 Athletic outfit
1-2 Dresses
1-2 Linen (lightweight) pants
1-2 Leggings
Athletic Shorts
Casual Shorts
Athletic Socks and boot socks
Underwear / Bras / Sports bra
Sleepwear
1-2 Swimsuits
Accessories
Sunglasses (UV polarized) with hard case
Sarong
Scarf
Hat
Jewelry - casual
Reading glasses / contacts if needed
Shoes
Hiking shoes / boots (water resistant or proof)
Flip flops
Tennis shoes / sneakers
Bags
Backpack / Suitcase
Water resistant day pack
Crossbody purse (anti-theft)
Fanny pack
Coin purse
Hanging toiletry bag
Packing cubes
Small tote / canvas bag
Gear
Reusable Water bottle
Quick dry travel towel
Travel size umbrella
Mini combo lock
Earplugs
Eyemask
Carabiner
Toiletries
Deodorant
Makeup
Makeup Eraser
Comb / Hair brush
Toothbrush, toothpaste, toothbrush holder
Soap, shampoo conditioner
Hand sanitizer
Tissues / toilet paper
Feminine products
Dry shampoo
Hair ties & bobby pins
Wellness / medicine
Sunscreen - body & face
Chapstick
Mosquito spray
Imodium
Motion sickness pills
Witch hazel or anti-itch cream
Daily vitamin
Other medications / prescriptions
Technology
Phone & chargers
Portable charger / power bank
Travel adaptor (depending on your country)
Headphones
Kindle or e-reader
Camera, lens, batteries, memory card
GoPro & Kit
Mini tripod for phone
Laptop
Bluetooth speaker
Watch
Documents / important items
Passport
Visa
Cash
Debit / credit cards
Vaccine certificates (COVID, Yellow Fever)
Travel insurance papers
Extra comforts
Waterproof phone case
Mini hair straightener
Portable light
Travel yoga mat
Neck pillow
Passport case
Wire headphones for plane
Journal & pen
Conclusion: What to Wear and Pack in Colombia
Colombia is a country rich in a variety of landscapes - which makes for an absolutely beautiful trip, but can also make it difficult to pack for every type of climate and situation.
If you are having trouble deciding what to pack for Colombia, just remember you can purchase most items there, especially clothes.
I’ve been living out of a suitcase for the last 4 years at time of writing, and have found one thing to be true: if you have at least one type of each item, you will be fine for every climate that comes your way (at least one pair of pants, shorts, jacket, etc.). That way, you can buy more of the items you need, and not be stuck with too much of one thing.
Additionally, when you purchase clothing at your destination, it will be more attuned to the fashion style of the country.
Comfort is king queen, so just pack what makes you feel good, and what allows you to walk all day and dance salsa all night!
HI WOLFETTE, I’M MOLLY
Travel is a spiritual experience for me, especially when adventuring solo.
After visiting 6 continents on my own, I’ve dedicated this project to assisting other Lone Wolfettes on their journeys.
I hope my travel guides help you find the same joy, connection, and empowerment that exploring our planet has given me.
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How many days do you really need in Colombia’s sunny hub? Check out my ideal itinerary, the best things to do, and day trips from Medellin!