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.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
🇨🇴 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!
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