cakegal

I will vacationing in Bogota and Cartagena next month (late July) and would like some advice on what to pack and how to dress. We will be touring during the day( and going to the beach in Cartagena) and going out at night, to nice restaurants, casual restaurants and clubs. How formal is Colombia? What would be appropriate in a nice restaurant? Is a blazer or sweater sufficient for Bogota, or should we bring something warmer?

ColombiaEcoTrav

Hello Cakegal,

Bogota is at above 10,000 feet in altitude so it's cold. Even when it's sunny it's cold. I was there last saturday and it was 48 F at night! I would recommend wearing boots, a scarf and a coat and you'll fit right in with all the other women in Bogota.

Cartagena is hot and humid. It is also very trendy and stylish. Lots of linen long flawy dresses and big hats.

Colombians dress as their finances allow so it's not an issue of formality but more of socioeconomic standing.

In bogota and cartagena both places with lots of money you should be paying US prices for a dinner and expect to also dress it.

Hope this helps!

Daniel
Colombia Eco Travel

floridamark

Take a light jacket for Bogota and take shorts and cotton shirts for Cartagena. You should pack white clothes for Cartagena because it is very hot and humid in Cartagena. I also will tell you to be aware of street hustlers in Colombia. The people are very slick and the criminal element in Colombia is everywhere.....I mean people are poor and will fool you will be kind to you......there is a reason for their kindness......they know all the tricks to get your money and belive me that is all they really want from you. I never felt my life was in danger in Colombia after three years, but your wallet is always in danger in Colombia because there are many dishonest people and many criminals in Colombia. There are many others places to travel to if you want to relax and enjoy your vacation. If you are smart you will rethink your trip and go to a place that you can relax and not be on your guard 24/7. The Colombian people will wear you down in just a few days of nagging and begging. I regret ever going to Colombia.......should have gone further down to Chile or Argentina.

SusanInToronto

Wow, I'm really surprised by the previous comment. We really enjoyed our time in Colombia, and are certainly glad we went. I definitely relaxed, and yes, you have to be careful, but I wouldn't say that I was on my guard 24/7.

ChicagoLarry

I can't believe floridamark spent any time in Cartagena. My experience was not remotely like hers. She mentioned Bogota and kept saying "Colombia." Well, Cartagena is on the northern coast of Colombia, but it's not "Colombia" and it is not surprising that experiences inland or in big cities would be different.

I felt WAY more at risk staying at a luxury hotel on Copacabana Beach in Rio than I ever did in Cartagena. It's a wonderful place and I've been talking it up to all my friends. I've traveled on 6 continents and have been to many scary places. Cartagena isn't one of them. Not even close. Go. Enjoy.

SambaChula

And I have NEVER felt "at risk" in Rio, or anywhere else in Brazil, over two decades of prolonged regular travel (solo non-Brazilian looking female).

So the moral is: YMMV

janisj

>>Go. Enjoy<< . . . She did . . . FOUR years ago.

Welcome to Fodors ChicagoLarry. When topping threads it's a good to look at the dates