What to Wear in Cartagena Colombia + Packing List

If you are tan lines and tropical locations enthusiast, a holiday in Cartagena may be what you’re looking for! Cartagena is a city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast with stunning beaches and historical spots–where significant events in history textbooks can come back to life. Before going, you should know what you should wear in Cartagena Columbia and what you should pack.

In this city, you will see numerous nightclubs, pastel colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and horse carriages, making your trip unforgettable.

Maximize your trip to this colorful city and pack everything you need. Don’t worry; we’ll help you create a complete packing list. Just keep reading!

What To Consider When Creating A Comprehensive Packing List?

Before anything else, it is a must to do some research about your destination about the factors that may affect your trip, in some ways, before making a packing list for your trip.

Below are some general tips or factors you need to consider when creating a packing list if you plan to go to Cartagena for your vacation.

Cartagena’s Weather Conditions

Since Cartagena is in South America, they tend to have a tropical climate with an average of highs of 90 degrees F or 32 C while during lows, were 78 degrees F or 26 C. With that, you may want to include packing clothes good for warm weather.

But if you travel around October to December, you may experience their rainy season. Adding a light or rain jacket for additional cover-up can be a good solution.

As a result, you may feel cold but much less while enjoying your best time in Cartagena.

Your Destinations

It is important to consider the places you will visit when making a complete list of your travel essentials. Suppose you plan to enter Colombia and visit Cartagena and have a tropical vacation.

In that case, it is natural to ensure that you do not forget to wear or bring something that is comfortable enough and can be wet during this trip.

That is because you will be welcomed by the great Caribbean Coast, where you can try spending time with your friends or family on a boat trip here.

Aside from that, Cartagena is extremely popular with its coffee region. And considering that, do not forget to pack some t-shirts with the perfect shoe to complete your look.

Cartagena Fashion Rules

Another factor to consider is if there are any clothing restrictions in your destination. Luckily in Cartagena, there are no certain fashion codes that you need to follow.

And that means you can wear a bikini top, some bright colors t-shirts, a crop top made by your favorite local designers, and many more. You can also pack heels to add to your outfit in case special occasions occur.

What to Wear in Cartagena Columbia, South America

Cartagena is where history and the tourist industry prosper, bringing comfy and light-colored trendy outfits.

Because of the sunny and humid weather, you’ll have to explore the city’s streets with sleeveless tops and chic white organic cotton fabrics. But selecting and packing suitable outfits may sometimes be a difficult activity. It can be difficult to figure out what to wear in Cartagena, Columbia. But don’t fret; we have selected a few clothing essentials to help make you a head-turner during your trip!

Summer Outfits

Do you want to blend in and feel like a local on your trip? Maxi dresses, as well as maxi skirts, maybe what you need! These outfits are excellent choices for bright weather to keep you comfortable and fashionable at once in Latin America.

You can also try to wear light-colored skirts and floral or flowing dresses to match the city’s high-spirited and delightful vibe.

The length doesn’t matter. That’s because you can still pull off the city’s vibe in long or short dresses and skirts.

Shorts are other summer outfits you can use for daily wear. Especially if you go to or visit Cartagena Columbia during summer, people often prefer to wear shorts with a pair of flip-flops.

Additionally, crop tops are a popular choice to pack for Cartagena. Fortunately, a crop top is also welcome to wear in Cartagena as there are no certain fashion restrictions in Colombia.

Swimsuits

Yes, show that great beach body you have worked on your whole life. Pack your favorite swimwear and bathing suit in your bag, and prepare for a dip in the city’s pools or beaches.

A branded one or two-piece swimwear may match the city’s calm and lively mood. Consider bringing a fashionable bathing suit cover-up if you want to walk around the town or eat in nicer restaurants near the coast or beach in your bikini.

Cute Two-Piece Jumpsuits

Are you a light packer? Put a two-piece jumpsuit in your bag! Have a set that is easy to combine and match with your other sets of clothes.

Don’t worry because whether in pants or skirts, you will always look dashing in jumpsuits. You may consider stripes and ones with flower designs when making your selection. Pastel or dazzling color clothing pieces may work too.

Flowy Linen Pants Good For Tropical Climate

Shorts are not a go-to for some local women of Cartagena, Columbia. So, flowy linen pants may be a good option for the convenience brought by wearing shorts.

A black-colored pair of linen pants may save you the trouble of exerting extra time in your closet to pair your clothes. You can wear anything in black at Cartagena Columbia.

But if you’re not a fan of shadier tones, other neutral colors can help you complete your cool Cartagena mood. Try on cream, khaki, and white!

Leather Sandals and Tropical Sun Hat

Finalize your look with a pair of leather sandals that you can use to roam around the beach and city.

May it be for exploring and spending time during Cartagena nights, touring the historical places, or hopping on nicer restaurants to try their good food, wear sandals for the best experience.

Aside from that, remember to wear sandals and prioritize comfort while walking around Cartagena Columbia beach or an old town. They should not be a drag for fun, especially while you rock and party at nightclubs.

Since you’re in a warm and sunny spot, having a fancy hat would be significantly helpful to you. It can protect your skin and makes you a stylish tourist at the same time.

Finish Your Look With A Cross Body-Bag

Experience that tourist feels with a chic cross-body bag as you stroll from different parts of Cartagena. Not only is it stylish, but it is also convenient while traveling.

Additionally, you do not need to carry it from time to time. It is bound and secured to your body wherever you go. White, black, or neutral-colored ones may match any outfit you desire.

Travel Essentials

To fully enjoy your Cartagena trip, it is important to organize your bag and bring the essentials matching the weather conditions and the city’s environment.

Additionally, on what to pack for Cartagena listed above, here are the other essential items you should consider adding to your Cartagena packing list.

Sunscreen And Shades For A Sunny Day

Prepare yourself for a bright day with sun protection! Don’t forget to apply sunscreen when you hit the beach. It defends your skin from harmful sun rays.

Add shades to your bag for another form of sun protection. Not only do you need to cover your face, but damaging sun lights may also strain and affect your eyes.

Travel Towel For The Beach

Some may not allow you to bring your towel to the beach if you stay in a hotel. Bringing your travel towel is a perfect thing to do. Try including a microfiber travel towel to avoid damp smells inside your beach bag.

Fight Mosquitoes With Bug Spray

Hate mosquito bites? Include bug sprays in your go-to essentials. Spray some on your body before you go out, especially in the evenings. You would not want to ruin the fun of your trip by getting sick.

Charge Everywhere

Plug and power voltages vary in different countries. Before traveling, you must know the currency and the platforms used in your travel destination.

To make it easier, buy a universal adapter to work with any currency or plug, so your gadget or appliance will work. It is a great investment if you are a fan and love traveling globally.

Document Your Visit 

Photos help preserve memories. Pack a camera, and make sure to take lots of pictures! 

Some of the best places in Colombian Cities to take a photo are Plaza de la Trinidad, Catedral Santa Catalina De Alejandra, and Castillo San Felipe De Barajas. These are just some of the most popular spots to look forward to on your Cartagena visit!

Read A Good Book

Nothing beats a great book reading session on a bus, plane, or hotel you are staying at while waiting for your next tour location.

Aside from romantic or science-fictional books, reading about historical sites in Cartagena can add thrill and excitement to your travel experience.

A good book allows you to stay calm and comfy on your trip, keeping your right state of mind during your whole stay in the city.

Quench Your Thirst

If you are on a trip to a hot and humid spot, do not forget to bring your water bottle! It will save you from an additional cost, so you will not have to spend some on plastic water bottles.

Furthermore, personal water bottles are environmentally friendly since you will reduce the use of plastics.

But be sure to drink mineral water instead of tap water, to be on the safe side. You would want to prevent possible stomach and other health problems while on your trip.

First Aid Kit For Your Safety

Make basic first aid kits required in your travel bag on any journey. Injuries and accidents are inevitable wherever you go. Tend to minor cuts and bruises to ensure your safety.

It is also wise to include antihistamines and pain relievers in your kit. Always pack your medicines first and foremost if you have certain health conditions.

Hygiene Kit

If you try being one of those light packers, make sure you do not forget to include a personal hygiene kit, like soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, and even toilet paper, to your packing list.

And by doing that, even if there are public restrooms, worry less because you have your kit to keep your cleanliness and stay hygienic.

Conclusion

Thinking of what to pack for Cartagena can be pretty tiring. Surely, there will always be worries if you miss something in your bag. In making a comprehensive packing list, remember to consider your destination and its weather conditions and know what you’ll expect in your visit.

In the City of Cartagena, brace yourself for the hot weather. With the essential travel things mentioned above, you can enjoy exploring the city without thinking and worrying about anything.

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