Carry-On Packing for Cartagena, Colombia: What to Bring

Cartagena de Indias is one of the best carry-on-only destinations in the Americas. The heat means you wear less, laundry services are cheap and fast, and the city's compact layout means you barely leave your hotel between the Walled City, Getsemaní, and the boat dock for the Rosario Islands. Here is how to pack smart for CTG.

Airline Carry-On Allowances

Most visitors fly into Cartagena via Bogotá (BOG) or Medellín (MDE), or on direct international flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or New York.

Wingo's 6 kg limit is tight — weigh your bag before heading to the airport if flying with them.

What to Pack: The Heat Problem

Cartagena sits on the Caribbean coast at around 10° north of the equator. Temperature is 28–33°C year-round with humidity that makes it feel warmer. The practical implication for packing:

• Fewer clothes than you think. Linen and lightweight cotton dry fast when hand-washed and are comfortable in the heat.
• No cold-weather layers needed. One light cardigan or long-sleeved layer for air-conditioned restaurants is the maximum you need.
• Swimwear is high-priority. You will likely be in or near water more than you expect.

Clothing List (7-day carry-on trip)

The Walled City's cobblestones are beautiful and uneven — sandals with grip are fine; heels are not.

Toiletries and Health Essentials

Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are available in Cartagena pharmacies and supermarkets — you do not need to fly in with a large supply.

Day Trip: Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario)

The Rosario Islands are a 45-minute speedboat ride from Cartagena's tourist dock. What to carry for the day:

• Swimwear already on or in a small day bag
• Dry bag or waterproof case for your phone (mandatory — the boat gets wet)
• Reef-safe sunscreen (the islands are a marine protected area)
• Cash in COP for drinks and food on the island
• Snorkel (rentals available but variable quality)

Your hotel will store your main carry-on while you do the day trip.

Practical Tips for CTG

Currency: Withdraw COP from ATMs in the city — Bancolombia and Davivienda ATMs are reliable. Do not exchange at the airport. Cards work at most Walled City restaurants but carry cash for street vendors and tuk-tuks (mototaxis).

Water: Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere. Stay hydrated — the combination of heat, humidity, rum cocktails at rooftop bars, and tourist walking adds up.

Airport: Rafael Núñez (CTG) is small, easy to navigate, and about 10 minutes from the Walled City by taxi or Uber. You do not need to arrive more than 90 minutes before a domestic flight, or 2 hours before international.

Note on Pacific Colombia: Bahía Solano and the Pacific coast of Colombia are an entirely different trip — rainforest, whale watching, and very different packing requirements. This guide covers Caribbean Cartagena only.

Reviewed carrier allowance

Avianca includes a 45×35×20 cm personal item on every fare. One main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 10 kg is included with international Light, Classic, Flex and Business; domestic Basic requires purchase. Check original conditions for Americas Light tickets bought before 27 January 2026. Business still has one main cabin bag.

Avianca carry-on guide

LATAM allowance for the booked fare

LATAM permits one main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 12 kg in Economy, or 16 kg in Premium Economy/Business, plus a 45×35×20 cm personal item. Basic requires a main-bag purchase. Light is included in the English main page and Spanish tables, but the Portuguese international table lists an extra cost; confirm the issued fare. The personal-item FAQ gives 10 kg, while the Brazilian regional table gives 12 kg in Premium cabins.

LATAM cabin guide