Cartagena guide
🇨🇴 Packing List
What to pack for Cartagena
In April, Cartagena is typically hot, light rain possible (26°C - 33°C). This list adapts to those conditions; adjust for your exact travel dates.
Cartagena essentials
- Swimwear (2 sets)
- Beach cover-up or sarong
- Flip-flops
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Very light, breathable cotton or linen clothing
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Compact umbrella
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
- Light rain jacket or poncho
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS (7 days)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- After-sun lotion
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type A/B plugs (North American), 110V.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
- Cash (COP pesos) preferred in local restaurants. Cards at hotels and major restaurants.
Local know-how
- Local SIM: Claro, Movistar, Tigo. Buy at mall or airport.
- Pocket tissues: some island toilets are squat-style or limited
- Overcharging tourists
- April highlights: Holy Week (if late)
Trip gear
- Dry bag for valuables