Latin America · Best Dec–Apr
Cartagena packing list for families
Cartagena is a walking city in Caribbean heat, so what you pack decides how much everyone enjoys it. Light fabrics, sun protection, and a few cooling tricks go a long way with kids.
Photo by felipe prieto on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Cartagena
- Cartagena is hot and humid all year. I plan walking in the old city for early morning and late afternoon, with pool time in the middle of the day.
- Pack breathable linen and cotton, and skip anything heavy. Even dinner here is a sundress and sandals kind of evening.
- A day on the Rosario Islands is a highlight, but boat rides can be bumpy when the trade winds blow in the dry season. Keep motion sickness help in your beach bag.
Best timeDec–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyColombian peso
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Cartagena
This time of year
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Carry-on19
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Handheld fanKristina's pickA lifesaver on hot afternoons in the walled city.
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Linen button-downsBreathable and still polished for dinners out.
Warm winter coat, hats, and glovesEuropean winters are cold and damp.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones13
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries20
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Cooling towelsQuick relief in strong humidity.
Motion sickness bandsFor the boat ride to the Rosario Islands.
Documents & tech18
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Cartagena weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 87°F 31°C | Dry season: sunny, breezy, and the most comfortable stretch of the year. | Music and literary festivals bring concerts and events to the old city. Steady breezes make this the best stretch for island days. |
| February | 87°F 31°C | Dry season: sunny, breezy, and the most comfortable stretch of the year. | Steady breezes make this the best stretch for island days. |
| March | 88°F 31°C | Dry season: sunny, breezy, and the most comfortable stretch of the year. | Holy Week processions and festivities, timing follows Easter. Steady breezes make this the best stretch for island days. |
| April | 88°F 31°C | Dry season: sunny, breezy, and the most comfortable stretch of the year. | Holy Week processions and festivities, timing follows Easter. Steady breezes make this the best stretch for island days. |
| May | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid, with showers starting to return. | |
| June | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid, with showers starting to return. | |
| July | 89°F 32°C | A drier spell in the middle of the year, still hot and sticky. | |
| August | 89°F 32°C | A drier spell in the middle of the year, still hot and sticky. | |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Wettest months, with heavy afternoon storms and high humidity. | |
| October | 87°F 31°C | Wettest months, with heavy afternoon storms and high humidity. | |
| November | 87°F 31°C | Wettest months, with heavy afternoon storms and high humidity. | Independence celebrations with parades and music around November 11. |
| December | 87°F 31°C | Dry season: sunny, breezy, and the most comfortable stretch of the year. | Christmas lights and decorations across the walled city. Steady breezes make this the best stretch for island days. |
Questions families ask
Cartagena with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Cartagena with kids?
The best time is Dec–Apr. Dry season: sunny, breezy, and the most comfortable stretch of the year.
What's the weather like in Cartagena?
Typical daytime highs range from about 87°F (31°C) in January to about 89°F (32°C) in May. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Cartagena?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Cartagena?
None. Cartagena uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Cartagena with kids?
Cartagena is hot and humid all year. I plan walking in the old city for early morning and late afternoon, with pool time in the middle of the day.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.