A person wearing jeans and athletic shoes pulls a black carryon suitcase, photo ©Freestockpro for Pexels
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Your Complete Coastal Colombia Packing List for Fall

If you’re planning a trip to the Colombian coast this fall, Cartagena de Indias and Barranquilla are incredible destinations offering a unique mix of history, culture, and fun.

While any time of year is wonderful to visit, fall on the coast offers something special. Be prepared with this complete Coastal Colombia packing list featuring all the essentials. Get ready to enjoy every minute of your next adventure!

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Why Fall is a Great Time to Visit the Coast of Colombia

Weather

One of the best parts about traveling to Cartagena and Barranquilla in the fall is that while it’s always balmy on the coast, fall temperatures are often slightly cooler and less humid than the summer months.

From November to February, the oppressive heat eases, so you can enjoy the streets, beaches, and colonial architecture without feeling drained. You’ll still get those gorgeous blue skies and warm tropical breezes with less sweat.

Traditions

While there is no real fall or winter in this part of Colombia, the locals fully embrace the holiday spirit. As soon as November hits, you’ll see decorations going up, from lights sparkling in the streets of Cartagena’s old town to elaborate displays in the malls of Barranquilla.

A huge, colorful holiday display with lights in the center of a shopping mall in Barranquilla, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana
A holiday display in a Centro Comercial in Barranquilla, Colombia

You might even see the playful use of fake snow in the malls, which contrasts wonderfully with the tropical warmth. Colombians know how to blend their coastal culture with holiday traditions, making the season magical yet uniquely Caribbean.

Festivities

Fall brings pre-Carnaval energy to Barranquilla, with events ramping up towards the city’s famous season that starts in February with La Guacherna. While the official celebration is still months away, you’ll notice rehearsals for street parades and musical performances in the weeks leading up to it.

A Naval raft with colorful holiday balloons and an inflatable Papá Noel in a parade in Cartagena, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana
Naval cadets in a holiday parade float boat in Cartagena, Colombia

In Cartagena, don’t miss the stunning celebrations for Día de la Independencía on November 11th, with huge floats, beauty queens, and a sense of national pride.

Both cities host local festivities worth planning your trip around, whether you’re into celebrations including live music, delicious food, or all-night street parties.

Tourists line the streets outside the famous Club Havana in Getsemani, a barrio in Cartagena, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana

Tourists

If you’re looking to avoid the peak-season crowds, fall is perfect: the summer vacation rush has passed and the holidays aren’t quite here, so tourists take a break. Fewer people means it may be easier to book great accommodations and get reservations at top restaurants.

The Edificio Intendencia Fluvial, a government building in Barranquilla, Colombia, a brilliant, historic, blue building with the Barranquilla and Colombia national flags flying in front. photo ©Kate Dana
The beautiful, historic Intendencia Fluvial de Barranquilla 

The quieter streets allow for a more authentic experience as you explore local neighborhoods, and you’ll have more room to enjoy the beaches without jostling for space.

Travel Light for Your Coastal Colombia Adventure

When heading to Colombia’s coast, especially Cartagena and Barranquilla, I highly recommend traveling with carry-on luggage only. This saves time at the airport, prevents the hassle of lost luggage, and keeps you feeling more mobile—an absolute must when hopping in and out of taxis or taking buses.

While you may have to buy an extra suitcase for all the incredible recuerdos you’ll bring back as gifts for others and yourself, being lightweight upon arrival makes getting to your hotel from the airport much easier.

A large suitcase filled with Colombian products and souvenirs ready for travel home, photo ©Kate Dana
A suitcase filled with recuerdos and gifts from the coast of Colombia

Save your energy for dancing Champeta and exploring the streets, not dragging a massive suitcase behind you!

Your Coastal Colombia Fall Packing List

Whether a fashionista or a minimalist, this packing list features all the essentials. You may want to swap out wares like dresses and tankinis, but take notes on versatile items like bags and shoes. This list ensures you have everything to travel smart and light while staying stylish.

Clothes

Bring clothes that are light, easy to handwash, and interchangeable. I prefer neutrals, one color – yellow, my favorite – and a pattern – usually leopard print. Meow!

Electronics

Keep electronics to a minimum – after all, you’re on vacation! If you’re a blogger or working, bring a laptop or iPad and noise-canceling headphones or earbuds for the flight. I probably don’t need to mention a smartphone – which is more like a pocket computer – but leave the bulky stuff at home. You’ll have less to keep up with and fewer worries about loss or theft.

Printed documents/Dossier

Even in today’s digital age, it’s a great idea to print and pack important papers like your itinerary, hotel reservations, a copy of your passport, and your tickets – remember the major IT system failure in July 2024? Anything is possible!

Since I typically travel solo, I’ll leave a copy of my important papers with a friend at home for safekeeping in case of an emergency. Remember to safeguard and store your papers where they are easy to find but still secure.

Reusable water bottle

A water bottle is a must when traveling. Bring a BPA-free, collapsable, or hard bottle to refill and stay hydrated. Be smart, eco-friendly, healthy, and stylish. Just remember to empty it before your security screening!

Colombia has tons of cute bottles everywhere for sale so you can save this item for your arrival, but at least bring one for the plane ride. Many airports now have “hydration stations” to refill water bottles so you don’t have to pay $5 for a 0.5 litre plastic bottle.

Large napkin or bandana

Get ready to use this multipurpose item and wash it often. From a headband to keep the sweat away to a cloth napkin to use when eating an arepa from a street cart, you’ll be happy to have a bandana that folds up small and delivers mighty.

1 Daytime bag

Choose an adjustable cross-body bag you can easily keep track of: one that’s roomy enough to hold a water bottle and sunglasses, but not so big that it weighs you down.

Kate Dana, Founder of Cocameca, relaxes in casual travel clothes and a hat in Barranquilla, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana
Barranquilla day look: hat, blouse, shorts, walking shoes, mochila, and inexpensive jewelry at the Ecoparque de la Ciénaga de Mallorquín 

I treasure my Colombian mochila. I’ve had it for over 10 years and its weathered look makes me feel like less of a tourist. In Colombia, people of all genders and ages carry these amazing bags made by the Wayuu in La Guajira.

A vendor holds a beautiful, handmade black and white mochila bag for sale in Barranquilla, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana

For the best prices and a huge selection, check out the mochilas at La Galería 72 artisanal marketplace in Barranquilla.

1 Lightweight “string backpack”

A string backpack is a packable, rollable, practical item that works well as an extra beach, shopping, or sports bag. Look for a free, promotional one at events or thrift one for less.

A black backpack on the floor of a hotel room next to a pair of sandals and a colorful playera coverup near Cartagena, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana

2- 3 Packable grocery bags

I always take a few reusable, packable grocery bags like my mom’s version of the popular Chico Bag, created in Chico, California. Made of ripstop nylon with a drawstring to roll them up into a tiny ball, these bags are amazing for things like tienda runs and souvenir shopping. They also make great gifts to bring to your Colombian friends!

Colorful yellow, blue and red folding, fabric grocery bags on a table, photo ©Kate Dana
The practical, packable pocket-sized bags sewn by my mom

1 “Bum bag” or fanny pack

At the risk of looking like a middle-aged tourist, I love a good fanny pack. They are ultra-practical and safe and leave your hands free for activities like dancing on the Chiva Rumbera.  You’ll see people of all ages wearing fanny packs on the coast and fit right in!

Kate Dana stands in front of the Aleta de Juniors in Barranquilla, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana

Buy local! I love a good, multi-purpose souvenir purchased locally. Totto is a popular, quality brand in Colombia that makes nice fanny packs and bags. If you arrive without a fanny pack, you can pick one up at their signature store in the Cartagena airport, but, take note: you’ll pay full price.

Instead, look for fanny packs in Exitó or Jumbo – stores similar to Target in the U.S. – at the kiosk-loaded, CC Uno in downtown Cartagena, and SAO Olympica in Barranquilla.

Canã flecha and Wayuu handcrafted bags are among the recuerdos from Galeria Artesanal & Comercial 72 in Barranquilla, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana
So many pretty wristlets to buy from artisans in Barranquilla

1 Wristlet or small bag

I sometimes wait to buy a wristlet or small bag in Colombia because the ones they sell are super cute and economical. They’re perfect for going out to discotecas or on night tours. You can always take your fanny pack, but a wristlet or small bag feels cuter.

3 Pairs of shoes

For shoes, I take one pair each: athletic trainers for closed-toed shoe outings, comfortable, strappy sandals with an orthopedic design, and a pair of casual, walkable flats with a good sole like support huaraches or a grippy ballet style.

Comfortable black walking shoes with crew socks relax on the feet of a traveler with hand-painted Spanish tiles on the floor of a house in Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana

Men can wear trainers, canvas casual shoes, and good flip-flops with webbed straps. The idea is to pack light and be comfortable because you’ll probably do a lot of walking in Cartagena and Barranquilla or most likely be on buses, beaches, and tours. Remember, you’ll be wearing one pair on the plane, plus have two pairs to take.

A dress on a mannequin and a glass display case of sunglasses welcomes shoppers in Cartagena, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana

Sunglasses

The Caribbean sun is strong, so take at least one pair of sunglasses. You may or may not lose them, but you’ll want to arrive with them on. The coast of Colombia is notorious for guys carrying big foamboard displays with “gafas… lentes” priced anywhere from 5 USD to 20 USD. Beware of fake Ray-Bans, unless that’s your thing, then have fun!

A fringed straw hat with a black ribbon rest on a tall, cream-colored carryon suitcase, photo ©Heyho for Pexels
photo ©Heyho for Pexels

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Sun Hat

A hat is a must, but taking one is optional if you plan to buy one. Each year, I take a nice, rollable style and usually trade it with someone for a Costeño version. Sometimes I’ll give it away. After all, I always want another hat made from Caña Flecha because I love Colombia, in case you didn’t get that by now.

Toiletries

Minimal toiletries are a good idea because you can always buy when you arrive. Not only is this economical, but Colombia sells some wonderful health and beauty products and the standard items for aches and pains, cuts and bruises, should you need them.

Dozens of tiny, transparent plastic bottles for travel-sized toiletries, photo ©Kate Dana

Buying when you arrive means less waste and mess from using those little travel-sized bottles, too. Imagine all the one-time-use plastic you’ll be saving for the planet.

Seasonal jewelry

To keep things fun and fancy, dress up your outfits with inexpensive, natural jewelry made from tagua or shell. Indulge in handmade necklaces, rattan or wood earrings, and carved wood or fabric bangles.

Beautiful, large, beaded, heart-shaped earrings in yellow, blue, and red, reflective of Colombia's national flag by Kerry Marie, photo ©Kate Dana
Gorgeous, handmade earrings by Kerry Marie for Sipsi Maria Bwtic

Limit daytime jewelry to earrings, a watch, and a necklace or a bracelet. Always be mindful of what you wear where, especially if it’s high-quality. The idea is to look nice but not entice thieves. Observe what those around you are wearing and follow suit.

Remember, Colombians are amazing artisans and you can always buy things when you arrive. They love to sell their crafts and it is a huge compliment to them to see you wearing their goods.

Clothing

4 to 6 pairs of underwear

Choose comfortable, breathable, underwear that’s easy to handwash, and dries quickly.

2 to 3 bras

Select bras in a nude color, one with removable straps, and one with soft cups for lazy days. Wear a sexy black bra on the plane, or take two and wear the soft-sided one on your flight.

4 pairs of socks of varying weights

I’ve been known to partake in ZELP! Zumba en La Plaza in Getsemani, or enjoy a hot yoga class in Barranquilla, so I take 2 ankle-height socks, 1 crew, and 1 mid-calf pair. All are hand-washable. If you walk all day or stay in a chilly hotel, you’ll be glad you have some nice socks to launder and stay comfortable.

A small, black carryon with packing cubes on a red sofa, photo ©Kate Dana

3 pairs of shorts

Two pairs of shorts in a preppy, belted style, about mid-thigh and stylish seem to work best for coastal travel. Bring brown or khaki for a neutral pair and one in color – my favorite is yellow, but the Caribbean coast loves bright splashes like aqua and peach.

Make sure your shorts are light and easy to hand-wash and line dry. Add one pair of thin, athletic, pull-on shorts for yoga, Zumba, or the beach under a playera.

1 pair of loose-fitting (but not sloppy) long pants – I like fitted track pants in a breathable fabric. I usually wear these on the plane for comfort and easy walking through the airport.

1 pair of dark wash, nice-fitting jeans – Even though they are bulky in a suitcase, the coast cools down in the evening and Costeños appreciate fashionable jeans. Pair them with a unique blouse or shirt and you’re good to go from dinner to out dancing in the club. Don’t like jeans? Linen or poplin pants like khakis are a great choice, too.

1 playera – a loose-fitting, colorful dress for the beach, shower, poolside, etc. I bought mine, in the Colombian flag colors of yellow, red, and blue, for $15 mil (about 5 USD) on Playa Bocagrande in Cartagena in 2015. Today, I wouldn’t be without it.

Kate Dana, Founder of Cocameca, stands in a colorful playera each dress near an infinity swimming pool in Cartagena, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana

Look for playeras, kaftans, or similar coverups wherever beachwear is sold. Make sure what you buy is easy to handwash and dry. Skip the pompoms or fringes this time: you want practical, fashionable, easy to pack, and simple care on the go.

2 dresses – one short, one longish – think cute and pretty with a tiny hint of sexy. Make sure they have sleeves or, if strapless, you can cover your shoulders with your sweater. This is important because

  • A. You may visit cathedrals and holy places and it is respectful to cover your shoulders and knees
  • B. Costeño establishments are known to be freezing when it’s warm outside. The continual #costenolife dilemma of the switch from scorching outside to frigid inside, the struggle is real!

4 blouses – at least one long-sleeved

The sun can be brutal on the Colombian coast so you may want at least one long-sleeved blouse to cover up during the day. Take three other, lightweight, foldable, rollable versions: one pattern, one color, and one neutral, and switch up your look.

Colorful men's dress shirts hang in a store in Cartagena, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana

A note on blouses: you will probably buy at least one bright yellow Colombian futbol jersey, especially if there’s a game on the TV at the closest tienda. Make space for items like this in your suitcase or double up and wear them home over your travel clothes. Just do it! No one will judge.

Kate Dana, Founder of Cocameca, smiles in a bright yellow Colombia futbol jersey with sombero and tiny versios of the Colombian and American flag in Cartagena, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana

2 tankini swimsuits

Tankinis are so versatile. With interchangeable tops and bottoms, you can mix and match or wear one while the other is drying. If you get a sweet tankini top, you can wear it with your dark jeans!

Kate Dana, Founder of Cocameca, smiles in a black tankini top against a stormy sky by the ocean near Cartagena, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana

I prefer modest swimwear since I’m not on vacation to hook up, but I like to be ready for other types of “action,” like diving, snorkeling, and kiteboarding, which is super popular in La Boquilla near Cartagena.

Handmade signs welcome curious travelers to kiteboarding schools on the beach in La Boquilla near Cartagena, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana
Signs outside a kiteboarding school in La Boquilla near Cartagena

2 lightweight sweaters

Two sweaters – one dark, one colorful – both in a lightweight cotton or silk blend. I take two because I can wear one while the other is drying from being hand-washed. They’re also good to wear on chilly flights.

1 lightweight rain jacket or poncho

Many times I debate bringing a jacket or poncho but find a small, rollable, packable one amazing on those wet lancha rides to the islands. If you have a windbreaker-style jacket, it will keep you toasty on cool evenings in Barranquilla when it’s extra-breezy from the magical, Magdalena river. Again, who loves Colombia? Me.

2 tank tops

Lightweight, cotton tanks are great for layering and to use as pajamas with your shorts. I take one dark and one bright – following my theme for swapping and handwashing.

2 belts

Take one skinny leather belt for dress up, and one fabric or woven belt for fun.

1 skort

I love my trusty, black skort – a skirt with shorts underneath – and take it everywhere. It is practical enough to wear during the day while sightseeing, can be dressed up at night with a fancy top, and can be worn with a tankini to the beach. It’s also great on moto rides when you realize you’re wearing a skirt and suddenly wish you had on shorts.

Kate Dana, Founder of Cocameca, stands in a casual top and skort wearing a holiday headband in Cartagena, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana

My skort is made of a stretchy picot with pockets, I just pull it on and go! It’s a must-pack item for all my trips to Colombia. 

Embrace Fall on Colombia’s Coast

Visiting Cartagena and Barranquilla in the fall offers a unique, unforgettable experience. The weather is milder than in the summer, making it easier to explore without overheating, and the festive atmosphere during this time of year is magical. Plus, with fewer tourists around, you’ll get to experience a more authentic side of these vibrant cities.

A view from an airplane window shows El Cerro de la Popa and the neighborhood around the area in Cartagena, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana
El Cerro de la Popa to the right – flying into Cartagena

🇨🇴 From culture to food to music, read all the posts about Colombia 🇨🇴

I visit Colombia’s coast every year, and fall is my favorite season to explore. Whether you’re marveling at the stunning Christmas displays in Barranquilla’s CC ¡Viva! or dancing under the lights in Cartagena, having a packing list makes traveling easy.

I love Colombia year-round, but fall holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it will in yours, too. ¡Vamos!

Cocameca founder Kate Dana smiles in a sun hat and orange blouse in front of several Colombian flags in yellow, blue and red, photo ©Kate Dana

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