Maicao, Colombia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Maicao, Colombia? If you're planning to go to Maicao, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Maicao, Colombia

Based on the climate and weather in Maicao, Colombia, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Maicao, Colombia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Maicao, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Maicao, Colombia by month

January

If you go to Maicao in January, you will notice that it can be sweltering and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Colombia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Maicao. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right kind. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

February

If you vacation in Maicao during February, you will probably find that it is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Colombia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Maicao. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March in Maicao is really hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Colombia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Maicao. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

April

April in Maicao is constantly hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Colombia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Maicao. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

May in this region is unbearably hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Colombia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Maicao. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

If you go to Maicao in June, you will notice that it can be blisteringly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Colombia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Maicao. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

July

If you are traveling to Maicao in July, you will notice that it can be sizzling and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Colombia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Maicao. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

August

If you vacation in Maicao during August, you may see that it can be sizzling. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Colombia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Maicao. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September in Maicao is unbearably hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Colombia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Maicao. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

October

If you are traveling to Maicao in October, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Colombia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Maicao. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

November

If you visit Maicao during November, you will probably see that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Colombia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Maicao. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct type. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you go to Maicao in December, you will notice that it is really hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Colombia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Maicao. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Maicao, Colombia

Located in the northern department of La Guajira, Maicao is an enchanting city that is home to some of the most unique and interesting tourist attractions in Colombia. From lush nature reserves to bustling marketplaces, this city has something for everyone. Here's a look at some of the top tourist attractions in Maicao:

1. La Guajira Desert

The La Guajira Desert is an expansive and breathtaking landscape that spans across Maicao and its neighboring cities. It is known for its towering sand dunes and stunning salt flats, which make it a popular spot for desert safaris and photography enthusiasts. The desert is also home to the indigenous Wayuu people, who have thrived in this arid region for centuries.

2. Maicao Market

If you're looking for a unique shopping experience, head to the Maicao Market. This bustling marketplace is a melting pot of cultures, with vendors selling everything from traditional Wayuu crafts to imported goods from neighboring Venezuela. The market is especially lively on weekends, when vendors from neighboring towns come to sell their wares.

3. Chiribiquete National Park

Spanning over 1.2 million hectares, the Chiribiquete National Park is one of the largest national parks in Colombia. It is known for its unique geological formations, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage. There are several guided tours available that allow tourists to explore the park's many trails and learn about its natural and cultural history.

4. Wayuu Rancherias

The Wayuu Rancherias are traditional villages where the indigenous Wayuu people live. These villages are dotted throughout Maicao and are easy to spot by their distinctive circular huts, which are made from wood and cactus, and are adorned with colorful blankets and hammocks. Visitors can take guided tours of the rancherias, where they can learn about Wayuu traditions and customs.

5. Taroa Dunes

Located in the Cabo de la Vela region of Maicao, the Taroa Dunes are a stunning natural wonder that is worth visiting. These towering white sand dunes are situated on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, giving them a unique and striking appearance. Visitors can climb to the top of the dunes to enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.

In conclusion, Maicao is a city that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in exploring the desert, shopping in bustling markets, or learning about indigenous traditions, you're sure to find something that interests you in this captivating destination.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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