Cartagena Travel Checklist
Everything you must pack before boarding your flight to Cartagena!
Documents
Financial
Clothes
Toiletries
Day Before Take off
health
CARTAGENA TRAVEL CHECK LIST
cartagena travel checklist
The Ultimate Checklist to Make Sure You Don’t Forget Anything
Before packing your suitcase, come and create your travel checklist with La Carta. From essential travel documents—personal and financial—to toiletries, ideal clothing, accessories, personal care items, beach essentials, and safety tips… here we’ve thought of EVERYTHING.
Traveling to Cartagena means stepping into an incredible universe of sun, beach, sand, warm people, and endless fun. But if you truly want to enjoy it as you should, you need to know the must-have items when packing to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and safe trip.
Imagine arriving in a coastal city where the sun’s rays embrace your skin all day long—and you forgot sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, or the right accessories for this type of weather. Or imagine bringing a suitcase full of clothes unsuited for the heat, or uncomfortable shoes that keep you from enjoying its cobblestone streets.
That’s a scenario you can easily avoid with our checklist and tips. Here at La Carta, we love this city and we know everything you need to make each journey not only unforgettable but also completely comfortable and safe.
Before Leaving Home: Keep the Essentials Always at Hand
The first things you should pack are all the necessary legal documents for your trip: ID card, valid passport, visa (if required from your country of origin), or any special entry requirements for Colombia.
We also recommend bringing a copy of your hotel, flight, and even tour package reservations. Your phone will always be a handy tool to store documents, but it’s best to have physical backups in case the signal fails—or worse, you lose your phone. A great tip is to digitize all your documents and store them in the cloud or in your email, just in case.
Hygiene, Personal Care, and Health
In Cartagena you’ll find plenty of shops, local stores, and supermarkets where you can buy personal hygiene products if you forget something or run out. Still, it’s always better to bring your own essentials—especially since you may not find the same brands you’re used to in Colombia.
Products like sunscreen, toothbrush, and toothpaste are a must. If you have a specific skincare routine with items like cleansers, moisturizers, serums, or masks, we recommend bringing them along—especially if they’re tailored to your skin type.
If you need medication, it’s best to bring it with a prescription in case you run out and need to buy more urgently. Of course, having travel health insurance is essential—not only because it’s often required, but also because it’s very important if you’re not used to tropical climates.
It’s also a good idea to carry a small first-aid kit with the basics: pain relievers, band-aids, antihistamines, sanitary pads, and motion sickness pills if you plan to take boat rides.
If you’re traveling with family, good news—Cartagena is kid-friendly! Just make sure to pack with extra care: spare clothes, kids’ sunscreen, hats, and healthy snacks for outings.
For babies, don’t forget enough diapers, wipes, bottles, and a light blanket to protect them from the sun or air conditioning. If you’re bringing a stroller, choose a lightweight, foldable one that works well on the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.
Your Best Outfit for Cartagena’s Climate
Cartagena enjoys tropical weather year-round. Unlike other regions, Colombia doesn’t have four distinct seasons—so even during rainy months, the heat is constant and lightweight clothing is a must.
We recommend packing light, breathable fabrics for the daytime. Loose styles that flow like ocean waves in light, tropical colors work best—but of course, keep your personal style. Just don’t forget essentials like a handheld fan, a wide-brimmed hat, and even an umbrella for extra shade.
For evenings, you can opt for short or long dresses in darker or bolder colors. While there’s usually a breeze at night, it’s still warm. Need inspiration? Check out our Instagram content for outfit ideas on what to wear in Cartagena.
A must-have accessory is a hat or cap. The sun in Cartagena is intense, and protecting your head and eyes will keep you energized longer. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent should always be in your bag, especially if you’re exploring nature or going out at night.
For beach days, wear your swimsuit under a light cover-up or beach dress. And always keep these in your beach bag: a water bottle, snacks, repellent, sunscreen, sandals, towel, and some cash.
Tech You’ll Need on Your Trip
In today’s digital age, it’s essential to bring at least two chargers for your devices (phone, laptop, or others). Pack your regular charger and a fully charged portable one. Don’t forget an adapter if needed—we explain this further in our Cartagena FAQs.
One of the most common travel mistakes is overpacking. In Cartagena, you won’t need winter clothes or heavy accessories. Think functionality, comfort, and mobility. A helpful tip is to plan daily outfits in advance. For the beach, you’ll likely need just one look for the day and another for the evening. Since daytime clothes are usually lightweight, you can repeat some pieces to avoid carrying too much.
We recommend bringing a beach bag (ideally waterproof and sand-proof), a medium suitcase, and a lightweight backpack for daily outings. Remember—you’ll be walking a lot, so pack only the essentials: water, sunscreen, a bit of cash, and a phone with good battery life.
If you plan to shop for handicrafts, clothing, or souvenirs, leave some extra space in your luggage so you don’t go over the limit on your way back.
Final Checklist
Use this checklist as a practical guide to guarantee a smooth trip and make the most of your Cartagena adventure. You can check off items as you pack, review before leaving home, or use it as a reminder while organizing your luggage.
Most importantly: don’t forget your personal documents—ID, passport, and travel insurance. Pack with intention, travel with curiosity, and get ready to fall in love with the magic of La Heroica.
