• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Layer Culture

Latin America Travel & Culture Blog

  • Start Here
    • About
    • My Story
    • Travel Bible
  • Travel Tips
    • Travel Gear
    • Dan’s Checklist
    • Medellin Tips
    • Culture Shock
    • Travel Safety
  • Destinations
    • Mexico
    • Colombia
    • Central America
    • South America
    • Jamaica
    • Brazil
  • Resources
    • Safety Gear
    • Learn Spanish
    • Travel Journals
    • Backpacking
    • Latin Culture
Home / Travel Tips

What to pack for Colombia?

Travel Gear, Travel Tips Last Updated · Dec 29th, 2022 · Daniel James

what to pack for colombia

Deciding exactly what to pack for Colombia can be challenging.

If you think about it, Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. So knowing what to pack for each climate can be difficult.

On my travels backpacking Colombia, I’ve managed to find ways to pack, not only lighter, but smarter, and more agile along the way.

But oftentimes I’ve found myself having to go without, or, lacking that ‘one thing’ that would’ve made a perfect addition to my backpack.

Table of Contents

  • What to Pack For Colombia?
  • Colombia Packing List
    • Traveling to Colombia what do I need?
  • What to Pack For Colombia?
    • Tarriss Neck Wallet with RFID Blocking
    • Outdoor Products Multipurpose Poncho
    • Columbia Tamiami II Short-Sleeve Shirt
    • Patagonia Performance Better Hoodie
    • Got Travel Insurance for Colombia?
  • Colombia Packing List
    • Need More Packing Inspiration?

What to Pack For Colombia?

Although packing light is now one of my rules for backpacking. My priorities do change depending on what type of travel I’m doing.

What you wear in Medellin will be different from what you’ll wear in Palomino or when traveling to Cali in the Valle del Cauca for example.

With this Colombia packing list, I am going to share some ideas to help you know what to pack and in what circumstances.

In some cases, you’ll need to pack items you thought you didn’t need. Or, something you didn’t anticipate which turned out to be crucial.

Does this sound familiar?

Rest assured in this guide I will introduce you to some of the things that I have carried or plan to carry in the future on my trips to Colombia.

Colombia Packing List

What you see in the packing list for Colombia is not all of the items I carry on one single trip. My goal is to list the things that have been useful over the years during my travels to Colombia.

palenquera carrying fruit
This Palenquera’s packing list is pretty basic

Having traveled to many regions in Colombia and using Medellin as my base. I have had the luxury of leaving some items behind and re-packing my daypack. This allows me to do mini-trips with minimal gear.

Traveling to Colombia what do I need?

This is the question to ask ahead of time. Depending on where you are in the country, the weather in Colombia can change drastically.

If you’re asking what to pack for Colombia in March, the answer may be different depending on where you go.

These three extremes will help you decide what to carry to Colombia.

Extreme 1 Holiday/Beach/Coast/Carnival

  • Swim Pants – Breathable with a decent pocket
  • Stylish Glasses – Protect your eyes at all times

Extreme 2 Hiking/Jungle/Amazon

  • Durable Shoes – For Walking and Hiking in Colombia
  • Travel Pants – Something you can use for all occasions

Extreme 3 City/Rain/Formal

  • A Rain Jacket – Get a decent one that rolls up
  • Formal Pants – The type that make you look slick

Carrying a decent pair of pants for hot weather will help you to look more presentable and protect you at the same time.

For many travelers, and people living in Colombia, Medellin is popular. Known as the city of external springs you can expect a moderate temprature all year round.

However, Medellin is not the kind of city where everybody is walking around in shorts and a vest. This is why you must carry some pants.

What to Pack For Colombia?

Here are the items I suggest you add to your packing list for Colombia.

Tarriss Neck Wallet with RFID Blocking

best travel wallet

Features:

  • Offers RFID protection
  • Made for maximum comfort
  • Does not stand out

Price via Amazon

This neck wallet is 100% inconspicuous and with it being somewhat stylish at the same time you can carry it with you at ease. It comes with numerous features for protection, but also provides a fully working RIFD solution you can trust does the job.


Outdoor Products Multipurpose Poncho

multipurpose poncho

Poncho Features:

  • Multiple purposes provided
  • Great for all outdoor events
  • Made for lasting durability.

Price via REI

For your trip to Colombia, a rain poncho may seem a little over the top but will not be missed on those rainy days when you get caught off guard. A poncho is easily carried and helps to avoid rain soaking through your clothing whilst making sure you don’t feel weighed down.

Columbia Tamiami II Short-Sleeve Shirt

travel clothing

Shirt Features:

  • Antimicrobial finish for protection
  • UPF40 sun protection also
  • Great for managing moisture

Price via Amazon

Carry a shirt that will help you to stay nice and cool no matter whether in the city or at the beach or at a mountain location. This shirt not only looks good but it feels good and gives you the ideal shirt to wear for an added sense of comfort as you travel. Great for heat management.


Patagonia Performance Better Hoodie

mens toiletry bag

Hoodie Features:

  • Keeps you warm without excess
  • Flat-seam construction avoids bulkiness
  • Great for wearing when travelling

Price via REI

This travel hoodie offer a healthy mix of polyester, fleece, spandex, and Polartec to ensure that you can get plenty of protection no matter what the weather. Since it is entirely breathable at all times it is also perfect for those long bus rides throughout the country.


Got Travel Insurance for Colombia?

travel insurance
🔒 World Nomads provides Travel Insurance

Designed by travelers, for travelers, World Nomads covers more than 150 adventure sports and activities so you can explore your boundaries.

Colombia Packing List

So whatever you decide to pack for Colombia you have some great ideas above.

Each one of the travel gear products I have recommended should give you a helping hand in making sure you are equipped for one or more of the variable climates found in Colombia.

If you’re concerned about your safety traveling in Colombia see the various pages on this site dedicated to travel safety.

📌 Like this article? Pin it…

packing for colombia
colombia packing list
Did this help you with some ideas for your Colombia packing list?

Need More Packing Inspiration?

Hopefully, you’ve found a this packing list useful for your trip.

Feel like you need more travel gear for your trip?

  • North Face Jackets – Coats designed for the outdoors.
  • Travel Hoodies – Stay warm without a jacket.
  • Leather Laptop Bags – Keep your laptop safe and stylish.
  • Patagonia Jackets – Sustainable travel jackets.
  • Leather Duffel Bag – Leather holdall bags for travelers.

Or, maybe you’re considering buying a gift for a fellow traveler? See this best travel gear page for even more ideas on what to shop for.


“Dear friend! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps me to keep traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

Filed Under: Travel Gear, Travel Tips Tagged With: Colombia

Daniel James

Helping thousands of people worldwide with independent travel in Latin America. Layer Culture means to dig deeper into the ideas, customs, and behavior of a group of people.

Primary Sidebar

Meet Dan 👋🏽

south america travel with dan

After spending years on the road Dan is now offering to help you find your feet in Latin America; inspire you to learn Spanish and get you started on your adventures. Learn how to travel longer and stronger!

Yes Dan, help me!

Need something specific?

Recent Posts

  • Safest States in Mexico 2023 Guide
  • Is Punta Cana safe? 2023 Travel Guide
  • Is Guatemala safer than Mexico?
  • Tulum vs Cancun
  • Is San Luis Potosi safe? 2023 Guide

Footer

  • South America Safety
  • Connect with locals
  • Dan’s Travel Bible

Work with Dan

  • Be a Travelpreneur
  • About This Blog
  • Ask Me Anything

Travel Tips

  • South America Safety
  • Connect with locals
  • Dan’s Travel Bible

Get Inspired

  • South America Itinerary
  • Central America Safety
  • Solo Travel Tips

Learn Spanish

  • Learn Spanish Conversation
  • Become Fluent in Spanish
  • Top Places to Learn Spanish

© 2023 · Daniel James · Built on Genesis · See my site Policies

Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used.

This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
0 shares