Colombia has beaches, jungles, and cities higher than Denver. And somehow, people still arrive dressed for exactly none of those.

I’ve watched travelers land in Bogotá wearing flip-flops and gym shorts, only to slowly realize—midway through the airport—that something is very wrong. Colombia isn’t a “summer vs. winter” country. It’s an altitude country. And it’s also a place where people quietly pay attention to how you dress—not out of judgment, but because looking intentional is part of daily life.

This isn’t about fashion. It’s about comfort, blending in, and reducing friction as you move through the country. I live here, and I’ve seen every packing mistake imaginable: too hot, too cold, dressed for the wrong city, or dressed in a way that silently broadcasts “I just arrived.”

You don’t have to change who you are. But if you want to feel comfortable and move through Colombia with fewer awkward moments, here’s how to pack—by region, altitude, and culture.

There are no real seasons here. Once you choose your altitude, you’ve basically chosen your temperature for the entire year.

If Medellín feels perfect when you visit—congratulations. That’s Medellín all year.
If Bogotá feels cool and cloudy when you land—that’s not temporary.
If Cartagena feels like a sauna—spoiler alert: it always does.

People overpack because they bring clothes for seasons that don’t exist and forget the one variable that actually matters. Once you understand altitude, packing becomes simple—because now you’re packing for a place, not a month on the calendar.

Let’s break it down by zone.

This is hot—not “summer day” hot. This is sweating while standing still hot.

Clothing here is more relaxed, but not careless. Think lightweight, breathable, and intentional.

You want to look comfortable—not like you just escaped a cruise ship.

Yes, shorts finally make sense here.

What doesn’t work: tank tops in the city, shirtless walking outside beach areas, gym shorts everywhere, massive hiking backpacks.

Even on the coast, once you’re in the city center, locals still dress with intention.

This is where cultural differences are most visible. Colombian women dress confidently. Curves are embraced. Showing skin is normal—and it’s not about size.

What feels off: oversized hoodies, full athleisure outside the gym, pajama energy, excessive jewelry.

Relaxed doesn’t mean accidental.

This is where most visitors get it wrong—because the weather feels comfortable, so they dress too casual.

These cities are spring-like year-round, but culturally, people still expect a little effort. The goal here is casual, but put together.

You don’t need to dress up. You just need to look like you thought about it for 30 seconds.

What doesn’t work: flip-flops, basketball shorts, cargo shorts, gym wear outside the gym, hiking boots when you’re not hiking.

If your outfit says “running errands in Florida,” Medellín is silently judging.

You’ll see confident, feminine styles everywhere—balanced, intentional, and practical for walking cities.

Now the temperature drops, layers matter, and the style gets more serious.

Bogotá sits higher than Denver. It’s cool, cloudy, and rewards subtlety. The keyword here is layers.

Bogotá men dress cleaner and slightly more European.

What doesn’t work (worth repeating): shorts. Do not bring them to Bogotá.
Also no flip-flops, gym wear as daily clothing, or loud logos.

If you wear shorts here, people assume you’re lost, foreign, or deeply committed to poor life choices.

Still fitted. Still stylish. Just warmer.

Less midriff—not because of culture, but because of temperature.

A few universal guidelines can make a big difference, regardless of city.

Colombia isn’t dangerous. It’s observant. People notice who looks distracted and who looks at ease. Dressing appropriately isn’t about hiding—it’s about moving through the country with less friction.

Once you understand altitude, region, and a few cultural norms, packing for Colombia becomes surprisingly simple.