WHAT TO BRING
You are responsible only for personal clothing and gear listed below. We'll take care of everything else. A gear check will be completed before you depart for the trail. This list does not include additional clothing/items you may want for travel or for your time off the trail. Any luggage not needed on the trail can be left at the hotel in Santa Marta during your expedition. See current weather conditions for Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.
Packing System: This expedition does not include porters. You are responsible for carrying all of your personal gear in your own pack. Rentals are not available on this expedition.
Don't forget
We need you to have everything on the list below for our expedition to go smoothly, so there is no one item that is more important than another. Double-check your entire list and make sure to have/review these important items below.
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your arrival date in Colombia.
Medical insurance card
Should anything happen, we can get you the care you need.
Required Vaccinations
It is important to receive required (or recommended) vaccinations before traveling abroad. Check the CDC's recommendations for Colombia here.
The List (check it twice)
Expedition Gear
Change of clothes for Santa Marta - to be kept in storage during expedition
Synthetic shorts (zip-away pants are a great option)
Rain Jacket
Synthetic long underwear
Light fleece top
Synthetic or wool T-shirt (2-3)
Waterproof hiking boots
Nylon-wool blend socks (3)
Water sandals (for river crossings walking around the camp in the evening)
Swimsuit
Comfortable pants for evenings and bug protection
Backpack
Water bottles (2+ liters)
Headlamp
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Quick-dry towel
Personal toiletries and medicine (basic showers are available on trail)
Sleeping bag liner (blankets are available for cooler nights)
Backpack cover
Insect repellent (long sleeves also provide protection)
Hat
Toilet paper in ziplock bag
Extra ziplock baggies for organizing small items and toilet paper waste on the trail
Documents and Logistics
International flights booked and confirmed to Santa Marta
Passport valid for 6 months after arrival date (to be carried at all times)
Photocopy of passport
Medical insurance card
Cash for tipping guides, buying souvenirs, incidental costs, etc.
Note: Please bring crisp US bills. Many places will not accept torn, wrinkled, or worn bills
Other (optional)
Reading material
Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
Hotel reservations for extended time in Colombia (if applicable)
Guidebooks
Camera
Energy/protein bars
Zip-lock bags for waterproofing passport and other valuables