Planning a trip to Colombia? Time to start getting ready! One of the most important things is to determine what you'll be taking with you for your journey. We've put together a clear and comprehensive packing list for you. This way, you'll be well-prepared and won't forget anything.
Colombia is located on the equator, resulting in relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year. However, the country experiences two rainy seasons, from mid-March to May and from September to mid-December. Outside of these seasons, it's mostly dry, but short heavy rain showers can occur.
Additionally, Colombia's diverse landscapes create significant temperature variations across regions. While the Caribbean coast often sees temperatures consistently above 30°C (86°F), high in the Andes Mountains, it can drop to below 0°C (32°F).
During a journey across Colombia, you're certain to encounter rain and varying altitudes. Packing rain gear and layers is recommended to be prepared for these conditions.
The first choice you have to make when you go on a trip is whether you opt for a suitcase or a backpack. There are advantages to both, and the best choice depends on your travel itinerary, the activities you'll be doing, but mostly on your personal preference.
The biggest advantage of a backpack compared to a suitcase is that you can carry it on your back. In Colombia, you won't always find good sidewalks and paved roads, especially when traveling to more remote places outside of major cities, so a backpack can be the obvious choice. On the other hand, traveling with a suitcase is much more comfortable. You don't have to carry a suitcase on your back, making it more relaxed for longer walks.
An important difference is that a suitcase is heavier than a backpack. With a suitcase, you quickly reach the maximum weight for checked baggage. A backpack can be packed heavier, but it often has less space than a suitcase.
A backpack offers a lot of flexibility, but in most places, you can travel just fine with a suitcase. For example, in locations with only unpaved roads, you can usually take a taxi. It may be challenging to move your suitcase only in places where there are no taxis and no paved roads. So, consider your route carefully and choose what's best for you.
We often travel with our Eastpak travel bags. These have all the benefits of a suitcase, but they are essentially wheeled bags. This results in a lower weight than a suitcase, allowing you to bring more.
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