What are the carry-on allowances for flights to Cartagena?

Avianca allows 8 kg and 55×35×25 cm on most Economy tickets. LATAM Colombia allows 8 kg with similar dimensions. Wingo (the budget carrier) allows only 6 kg. Check your fare class — basic economy fares on all three often include carry-on but not personal item, or vice versa.

What is the weather like in Cartagena year-round?

Cartagena is hot and humid year-round: 28–33°C with high humidity. There is a drier season (December to April) and a wetter season (May to November), but even in the dry season afternoon showers are possible. Pack for heat, not for cold.

Is Cartagena safe for tourists?

The tourist areas — the Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada), Getsemaní, Bocagrande, and the Rosario Islands — are considered safe and see large volumes of international visitors. Use common sense with valuables in crowds, as with any busy tourist destination. Cartagena is one of Colombia's most visited cities.

Do I need to exchange money before arriving in Cartagena?

No. Colombian Pesos (COP) are widely available from ATMs in Cartagena. Airport rates are poor — withdraw from ATMs in the city centre. Card payment is accepted at most restaurants and hotels in the Walled City, but cash is useful for smaller vendors, tuk-tuks, and market stalls.

How far is Cartagena airport from the city centre?

Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is about 3 km from the Walled City — roughly a 10-minute taxi or ride-share. It is one of the most conveniently located airports in South America.

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.

Airline	Max weight	Max dimensions	Notes
Avianca	8 kg	55×35×25 cm	Standard Economy — check fare class
LATAM Colombia	8 kg	55×35×25 cm	Varies by route and fare
Wingo	6 kg	55×40×25 cm	Budget carrier, strict weight checks
American Airlines	10 kg (22 lb)	56×36×23 cm	On flights from US
JetBlue	No weight limit	56×36×23 cm	Blue Basic excludes carry-on

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)

Item	Quantity	Notes
Lightweight linen or cotton shirts	3–4	Light colours absorb less heat
Shorts	2	One smarter pair for evening
Flowy dress or smart trousers	1	Evening in the Old City — smart-casual
Swimwear	2	Rosario Islands and beach
Underwear and socks	5–6	Easy to hand-wash
Sandals	1 pair	For beach and Old City walking
Trainers or walking shoes	1 pair	Cobblestones in the Walled City require flat soles
Light cardigan or thin long-sleeve	1	Air conditioning in restaurants

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

Toiletries and Health Essentials

Item	Notes
High-SPF sunscreen (100 ml)	Reapply constantly; UV index is very high
DEET mosquito repellent (100 ml)	Especially for Getsemaní evenings and the islands
Antihistamine	Useful for insect bites
Oral rehydration sachets	Heat and humidity dehydrate you faster than you expect
Hand sanitiser	For street food and market visits
Prescription medication	Pharmacies in Cartagena are good but carry what you need

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.