As a platinum member of the no-checked luggage membership, I’m all about packing versatile gadgets that may get squished with out a drawback. When it got here to packing for our 10 days in Colombia, I needed to do some further planning to make all of it work as a result of, effectively, Colombia’s geographical variety additionally means a complete lot of climate variety.
To save lots of you the difficulty of attempting to determine what to pack for Colombia, right here’s a carry-on solely Colombia packing checklist.
Don’t fear, this isn’t a minimalist packing checklist, I promise. You’ll have recent outfits, but you’ll nonetheless have the ability to match all of it in a carry-on.
What to put on in Colombia
Regardless of its comparatively small dimension, Colombia hosts a wide variety of climates. This checklist displays our time in Bogota, Medellin, Guatape, and Cartagena on a visit that blended lively excursions with museum visits and days lounging round doing not a lot in any respect.
Your wants might differ relying on the time of yr you go to Colombia and the locations you go, however right here’s a common garments packing checklist for Colombia that can take you from the excessive 40s to the low 100s (Fahrenheit), from the sudden downpours to the sunniest and most humid of days, and from climbing mountains to perusing museums.
Outerwear to pack for Colombia
- One versatile jacket – With solely a carry-on, you’re going to want to restrict your self to at least one piece of outerwear. Given the vary of temperatures, your finest guess is one thing midweight that may be zipped up for the colder nights and draped for the temperate days. My go-to is mostly one in all my leather-based jackets, however this Patagonia Nanopuff can be fairly superb. (It’s bought some water resistance as effectively, simply not for the downpours!)
- Rain jacket – As a result of these downpours undoubtedly occur in Bogota, you’ll need to carry some rain gear as effectively. I’ve all the time beloved the Marmot PreCip as a result of it’s light-weight, versatile, and packs simply.
Garments to pack for Colombia
I ought to begin by noting that normally I’m very a lot a put on & re-wear type of particular person. However I knew the warmth and humidity in elements of Colombia would make that fairly tough with out a journey to the laundromat. So as an alternative, I made a decision to embrace having a brand new outfit every single day.
Right here’s my packing checklist for 10 days in Colombia + two flying days.
- One set of garments for the chillier days in Bogota – I packed a long-sleeve shirt and a pair of denims for this.
- One set of exercise garments – You’ll need a barely hotter set of exercise garments to your hike up Monserrate in Bogota. It will probably get chilly and wet, particularly on the summit.
- 6 short-sleeve shirts or tank tops – Versatility is essential right here. Search for the solid-colored items that can permit you to simply combine and match with bottoms in all types of climates. Longline sports activities bras that double as tops and bras are additionally incredible choices.
- 5 pairs of shorts, skirts, or light-weight pants – Once more, suppose versatility. I packed two pairs of shorts, a pair of light-weight pants, and a jumpsuit, plus a maxi skirt that was breezy and regarded good for a photoshoot stroll in Cartagena.
- 1 indulgent outfit – That is so not how I normally pack (see this 5-month packing checklist for Asia for proof), however when you’re searching for a day of glamour, be happy to throw in one thing light-weight and immune to wrinkling.
- Underwear – Pack greater than you normally would as a result of the recent and humid days of Colombia’s Caribbean coast can have you showering a number of instances a day. If you wish to be extra minimalist, carry these quick-drying ExOfficio underwear that you would be able to simply wash within the sink or bathe.
- 1-2 swimsuits – You must have the ability to get away with having only one swimsuit, particularly you probably have a quick-drying one!
- 1-2 cover-ups – I bought a bit of further indulgent on this journey and determined to pack a second cover-up that doubled as a light-weight wrap.
- PJs – Outdated shirts, tank tops, fitness center shorts, no matter. It will probably get a bit of chilly at night time in Bogota, and when you’re in a hostel, your roommates might not need to see your birthday go well with.
- 2-3 pairs of socks – For the flying and climbing days.
Sneakers to pack for Colombia
- Sneakers or light-weight climbing sneakers – There are mountains to climb in Colombia! Having closed-toed choices may even assist maintain your ft heat on the colder days in Bogota. I opted for a light-weight pair of dance/strolling sneakers that have been extra amenable to being squished in my bag each time I didn’t want them.
- Snug strolling sandals – For all the opposite instances when it is advisable to do lots of strolling however need it to be cooler and airier. These Eurosoft sandals are so ridiculously comfy and versatile, and it’s straightforward to pair them with lots of completely different outfits.
- Flip flops – For the seaside days and the bathe instances, particularly when you’re staying in hostels!
Different issues to pack for Colombia
- Digicam/smartphone and related chargers – Who doesn’t need pictures of this attractive nation?
- Ebook or iPad – You’re going to need some studying materials for the flights and bus rides.
- Exterior battery packs – I really feel incomplete if I don’t have at the very least one backup supply of energy for my electronics. Anybody else?
- Toiletries – Per your private wants.
- Sunscreen and sunscreen chapstick – I sat outdoors for 2 beers and bought burned. The solar close to the equator is powerful!
- Bug repellent lotion – You’re going to need it within the hotter, extra insect-prone Caribbean areas. If you happen to’re DEET-sensitive, this Picaridin lotion works nice.
- Imodium – Certainly one of my journey must-haves since you by no means know when issues might not sit so effectively.
- Any medicines or different private requirements
- 1 pair of sun shades – You’re undoubtedly going to want to guard your eyes from the high-altitude rays in Bogota and the countless solar in all places else. Plus, who likes squinting in all places?
- Fast-dry towel – Helpful for hostels and seaside days.
- Journey pillow, earplugs, and eye masks – I’m all about getting that sleep on planes today. I’ve had this machine-washable silk eye masks for 3+ years and I’m all the time the saddest after I neglect it on a visit.
- Passport, credit score and debit playing cards, different essential paperwork, and a few money available.