Only 9 days until our Colombia trip! Here’s a suggested packing list to get you started —

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Medellín: is known as the “city of eternal spring.” Mild to hot temps during the day, but always a chance of rain. Keep a light rain jacket or small umbrella with you for occasional downpours. The city is located in the Andes Mountains so be prepared for inclined sidewalks and walking up and down hills.

Cartagena: hot and humid! You will want the lightest, most breathable clothes possible. Beach day: we’ll be on a boat to reach the islands outside the city; bring a swimsuit/towel and items that can get wet, or consider a dry bag for your things. Don’t forget sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.

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Clothing:

• Cool, lightweight clothes for warm/hot days in both Medellín & Cartagena (~75-90F°)
• Layers, light jacket, pants for cooler evenings in Medellín (~60s°F)
• Light rain jacket/travel umbrella: there’s always a chance of rain in both cities!
• Clothes for our week’s activities (both active & casual activities):
  • Day excursion to Guatapé
  • Walking up/down stairs at Comuna 13
  • City walking tour in both Medellín & Cartagena
  • Spanish classes
  • Group dinners
  • Exploring the city during free time
• Shoes: for walking & tours days, beach day.
• Items for Beach Day:
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Small travel bag to take on boat; consider waterproof or dry bag for your things
  • Shoes for beach/boat
  • Optional: motion sickness meds for the boat ride
  • Optional: change of clothes for after the beach
• Sunglasses, hat
• Underwear & socks
• Sleepwear

Travel Essentials

• Passport and photo of passport
• WhatsApp downloaded and ready for group messages
• Travel insurance information if applicable
• Credit/debit cards: check in with you bank beforehand about using your cards internationally (may or may not be necessary – ask your bank).
• Colombian pesos: you can also wait until arrival and take out cash at an ATM
• Small daypack or backpack: for carrying your essentials on tours days, beach day
• Phone & charger: check on your international calling/data plan or Wi-Fi options with your phone provider
• Camera & charger: if your phone’s camera isn’t enough for you
• Language / dictionary app: access to a dictionary/translation on your phone – you don’t necessarily need to bring a phrasebook
• Maps/offline navigation: Download Google Maps or another offline map
• Notebook/journal & pen: taking notes on new Spanish words/phrases
• Laundry bag or packing cubes: for separating used clothes or organizing luggage.
• Emergency Contacts List: Keep a printed or written list of emergency contacts, especially if your phone dies or gets lost
• Name & address of the hotels: your transfer will be organized for you, but it’s never a bad idea to know where you’re going!

Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and other basic toiletries
• Sunscreen & insect repellent – you can also buy in a pharmacy upon arrival
• Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner – if you don’t want to use the hotel’s
• Small packs of tissues/toilet paper – some public restrooms may not have any toilet paper
• Moisturizer & lip balm
• Medication: Any prescription medication, along with over-the-counter basics like pain relievers, allergy medication, and digestive aids (there are also easily accesible pharmacies abroad for over-the-counter medicines).

Miscellaneous:

1. Portable charger to keep your phone or camera charged during long days
2. Facial wipes, hand sanitizer, masks
3. Music, podcasts, books, journals, etc.: entertainment during bus transportation to Guatapé
4. List of restaurants: research options for meals during free time
5. Small first-aid kit: Colombia has accessible pharmacies, but some travelers like to be extra cautious and carry basic care products for minor injuries.

Did I miss anything? Let me know, and I’ll add it to the list!