What to pack for Colombia?
You will shortly be heading off on a great adventure to Colombia. What you put in your suitcase will largely depend on your itinerary. Sea, mountain or city: the climate can vary, ranging from hot and humid in coastal regions, to fresh and potentially dry in the mountains. It's therefore advisable to pack light, cotton clothing for the warmer regions, as well as a jumper, some trousers and a windbreaker for places where the temperatures can get quite low (mainly Bogotá and the mountains). A swimsuit is also essential if you want to make the most of the coast!
As for footwear, it's advisable to take some waterproof walking shoes if you plan on trekking in the mountains or in the humid forests. But don't forget a lighter pair of trainers for the cities, as well as some flip-flops for the beach. If you plan to experience Bogotá's or Cartagena's nightlife, you can add a pair of dressy shoes to your suitcase.
The sun is particularly strong in the tropical areas: so please take all the necessary equipment to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. Take enough to protect yourself from mosquito bites if you're on the coast or in the forests. Having said that, you don't need to worry about insects if you're at altitude!
Outside the major cities and towns, it can be hard to find material to film or photograph. So make sure you get everything you want during your stay, from a camera to some memory cards.
Always carry a first-aid kit with you which contains antiseptic, bandages, paracetamol, and anti-diarrhoea tablets. Also remember to take your prescription with you as well as the necessary amount of medication if you are undergoing any treatment.
Here's a list of items to remember for your stay in Colombia.
- Warm clothing: trousers, jumper, windbreaker, raincoat for hiking
- Some loose clothing, preferably cotton, for hot and humid regions
- Your swimsuit and a beach towel
- A hat, a baseball cap, sunglasses and sun scream to protect yourself from the sun
- Some insect repellent and soothing cream in case you get any insect bites
- Several pairs of shoes relevant to where you're staying: walking boots, comfortable trainers for striding through cities, flip-flops, and dressy shoes if necessary
- A camera and a memory card
- Some binoculars if you plan on birdwatching
- A first-aid kit with basic medication
- A waterproof bag where you can keep your travel documents and your passport
- A good rucksack for hiking and a lighter shoulder bag for cities
- A photocopy or a scan of your passport, useful if you lose the original
- Your prescription if you're travelling with lots of medication
- Your international driving licence if you plan to hire a vehicle and a road map
- A notebook and a pen so you can record your travel experiences
- An adaptor so you can charge your devices
