This post gives you a detailed and adjustable itinerary for two days in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. From sipping Piña Coladas at their birthplace and feasting on classic Puerto Rican dishes to exploring the historic forts and colorful streets!
Now, you might be thinking, how the heck can two days in one place be considered slow travel? If that was your first thought, then you’re in the right place. It means you have yet to experience the colorful historic district of Old San Juan!”
One could walk from one side of the town to the other in just under 30 minutes. And that’s not a fast-paced 30 minutes either. Technically, you could see all the main attractions here in a couple of hours, but just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should!
What & Where is Old San Juan?
Old San Juan is a historic district located on the westmost portion of Isla San Juan, an island located on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. The island is accessible by three large bridges that connect to the rest of San Juan, in addition to its modern day ship port. The Spanish built Old San Juan in 1521, making it the second-oldest settlement in the Americas!
La Isla Del Encanto
In Old San Juan, one can easily see why Puerto Rico earns its nickname, “La Isla Del Encanto,” or “the island of enchantment”. Something about the medley of architectural styles, colorful buildings, and narrow streets reminds me of walking through a very humid Venice!
Day One Morning: The Historic Side of Town
Start your morning at Spiga cafe on Calle de San Justo. This place always has the most mouth-watering treats to pair with your morning coffee. They’ve also got delicious homemade pasta for brunch too.
Paseo De La Princesa
From here you’ll then head towards the main port and walk along Paseo De La Princesa. It’s a picture-perfect boardwalk with food vendors, art, culture, history, and a stop at the Raices Fountain overlooking the sea. It culminates at the San Juan Gate, the oldest city entrance in Puerto Rico. To avoid the crowds, consider walking in the morning or during the evening around sunset for the best experience. To go when all the vendors are up, visit on the weekends or holidays.
At the end of the long row of trees that hug the cobblestone path, you will arrive at Raices Fountain. Raices means Roots in Spanish, which is what the fountain represents, the roots of Puerto Rico.
Paseo de La Princesa ultimately ends at the red San Juan Gate, where the Spaniards would enter San Juan for centuries. They retired it long ago, and now it stands as a historical monument.
Paseo Del Morro
You could enter the gate here and walk up into the town. However, if you’re up for the steps, I highly recommend continuing on the walking path for more amazing views. From the red gate onwards the path becomes Paseo Del Morro (AKA El Morro). It winds around El Morro’s walls and eventually spits you out at the front entrance of the fort.
This path is where all the stray kitties like to hang out, you may even see some kibble and bowls of water that some locals leave out for them. You’ll also come across many large Iguanas, these guys are not as friendly but they make for a cool photo!
I’m not sure of the total distance of Paseo De La Princesa/Del Morro, but it took me around an hour. Keep in mind, I stopped every five seconds to photograph the cats so it can be done a lot quicker. P.S., check out @saveagato to support the amazing work done by this nonprofit working to rescue these kitties.
El Morro
Immediately upon seeing the vast beauty of El Morro, you’ll understand why it’s such a special place for Puerto Ricans. A brilliant green field unfolds to either side of the long cobblestone path that leads to the forts’ front gate. On sunny days you’ll see people picnicking on the grass and little kids flying kites in the breeze.
The inside of the fort is akin to San Cristobal, though much larger, and with more ocean views. During its nearly 500-year history, El Morro was an important military outpost for Spain and later the U.S. Due to its long, rich history, it was recently named a world heritage sight. The fort boasts views of Old San Juan, La Perla, and the ocean, so you’ll get some beautiful photos here!
*Tip: Keep the receipt for your ticket, it can be used for San Cristobal within two days of purchase*
Lunch in Old San Juan
There are loads of great places to dine in Old San Juan. For your first day here I recommend La Tortuga Bistro. It’s close to El Morro, so if your feet are tired from the morning you won’t have far to go. Many locals I’ve spoken to have named this their ‘go-to spot’ in Old San Juan, specifically for the empanadas. So grab a seat and take some time to relax out of the heat!
Day One Afternoon: The Historic Side of Old San Juan
Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis
While you’re still up near El Morro, head over to Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis cemetery. This cemetery overlooking the ocean dates back to 1863. It’s the burial spot of many famous and important Puerto Ricans throughout history. I know a cemetery doesn’t sound like the ideal vacation must-see, but this cemetery is not like most. It’s ornately and elegantly designed and boasts beautiful views of the ocean, El Morro, and the small, colorful town of La Perla located on the coastline of Old San Juan.
Promenade to Castille De San Cristobal
From the cemetery, stroll along Calle Norzagaray for a scenic coastal walk leading to Castille De San Cristobal. Use your ticket from El Morro to enter. San Cristobal is smaller than El Morro, but you get a whole different set of views from this side of the isle, specifically from the enclosed lookout on the top floor.
After you explore the Castille, I recommend heading back to your accommodation for an hour or two. At this point in the day, the sun is blaring down and the streets will be at peak crowds from cruise ship tourists. While in Old San Juan, I’d return to my hostel to freshen up, cool off, and do some work.
Dinner in Old San Juan
For your first night in Old San Juan, I recommend grabbing dinner at La Raices (not the fountain!) or Princesa – Cocina Cultura. Depending on when you go, you may need a reservation at the latter, as it can get busy. Both restaurants are renowned for their classic local dishes, such as mofongo!
After dinner, you’re a short walk away from the actual La Raices fountain, where you can go to enjoy some of the best views of the sunset from Old San Juan.
Finally, if you’d like to enjoy some drinks and explore the nightlife, you can head to Moreno’s for $1 beers and shots!
Day Two morning: Art & Architecture in Old San Juan
For your second day in Old San Juan, I recommend using Google Maps to find your general direction and then letting yourself wander the cobblestone streets till you find your new destination. The best way to truly see a place is to get a little lost in it! This way you’ll be sure to uncover all the architecture and colorful buildings Old San Juan has to offer!
Today, I want you to explore all the streets. I’m only going to give these in a loose order and not by what’s closest to the other, so you can wander around a bit more.
Cafe Botanico
Cafe Botanico is an adorable, plant-filled cafe located in a little yellow building. This was one of my favorite spots to stop for a morning coffee and was where I spent all my time working when it was raining too hard to walk around. The baristas were all so friendly too! I felt like I was sitting in a romance movie. Stop here for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up!
Poets Passage
If you enjoy art, poetry, and music, you must make time to stroll through The Poets Passage. It’s run by Puerto Rican poet Lady Lee Andrews and her French husband and painter Nico Thomassin. Also. if you’re there on a Tuesday, stop in from 7 pm-12 pm for their weekly poetry/music open mic night. I spent a lovely rainy evening listening to a mix of Spanish and English poetry and music!
End of Fort Wall
Back down towards the sea is a little secret garden at the End of Fort Wall. Okay…it’s not actually a secret, and it’s got no walls hiding it, but it feels magical. Amidst a stone pathway and a small stone sculpture, rays of light filter through lush trees rife with blooming flowers. Stand under the trees and look up to watch dozens of butterflies and small birds flit around from tree to tree. You may even spot an iguana while you’re there! I stumbled upon this place by accident, but I spent quite a long time here attempting to capture its magic with my camera.
Banco Popular – Old San Juan Location
The curved facade facing the bay is adorned with bronze eagles, while a towering stained-glass window portrays the shield of San Juan. Framing the glass on either side are reliefs of Greek and Roman gods, serving as a fitting tribute to the architectural influences and ambitions of the district.
Antigua Casino De Puerto Rico
This casino was built in 1910 in the Beaux-Arts style from 19th century Paris. It currently acts as an event space and wedding venue. You may not be able to enter on the day you visit, but the outside is magnificent enough to be worth the trip there. The entire building, including its walls and floors, consists of white marble. Look for the Tiffany-style glass windows, bronze roof, and ornate marble detailing.
Barrachinas
An absolute must-visit in Puerto Rico, Barrachinas is the birthplace of the Piña Colada drink. Get here a few minutes before they open at 11 to ensure a spot, otherwise, you will have to wait in line. I promise the wait will be worth it just for the Piña Coladas alone. Normally, I don’t like Piña Coladas, the rum always tastes too strong for me, but I found them to be quite delicious here! So even if you’re not usually a fan of the drink, I recommend giving it a try…at the least to say you did it!
I didn’t eat lunch here, but the dishes served at the tables around me looked delicious. Overall, most plates seemed to be well-cleaned by the end of people’s meals, always a good sign!
Plaza De Armas
Plaza de Armas, considered the heart of Old San Juan, is a tribute to the main plazas of Spain, and offers unique architectural views on every side of the square. To the northwest, you’ll find Casa Alcaldia, which is a replica of Madrid’s neoclassical city hall. To the west, Antiguo Palacio de La Real Intendencia (Puerto Ricos Department of State office), styled after an Italian high palace. Lastly, to the South you’ll find 20th-century American influences in the building ‘Gonzalez Padin’.
Iglesia De San Jose
Just up the road from Plaza de Armas, you will find Iglesia de San Jose. Originally built in 1532, this is the second oldest standing church in the Americas. This church displays classic 16th-century Spanish Gothic Architecture. Visits inside are welcome.
Cuartel de Ballaja
Cuartel de Ballaja is hard to miss as you walk towards El Morro. The colossal, three-story building was built by the Spanish in the mid-19th century and served as housing for military officers. Now the building houses cafes on the first floor and the Museum of the Americas on the second floor. Tickets are only $6 ($4 for students). The exhibits are relatively small but they are a great opportunity to learn about Puerto Rican history from the point of view of individual artists. This is a particularly great stop on a rainy day.
Anita’s La Mamma del Gelato
At some point in the day, when you find yourself in need of a cool-down, head to Anita’s shop for some extravagant and delicious gelato flavors. They have vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free options as well.
As we come to the end of this two-day journey through Old San Juan, I hope you’re excited to embark on your adventure in this vibrant city. Whether you’re captivated by the historic forts, charmed by the colorful streets, or indulging in the local cuisine, Old San Juan offers something for every traveler.
Not sure when to book your trip to the island of enchantment?
I’ve got you covered! Read ‘when to visit Puerto Rico’ to learn more about when the best time to visit is for different activities, cheaper stays, and smaller crowds! You’ll be booking that flight in no time!
Let me know in the comments which of these activies you’re most looking forward too! And if you’ve already been to Old San Juan, what hidden favorites have you stumbled upon?
Ignore the mud.. I took these shots in the middle of a hike!
*This is not a paid review. I am an affiliate with Xero shoes, which means that I may earn a small commission if you click on some of the links and make a qualifying purchase. However, I earn nothing from Xero Shoes by writing this and everything in my review of these Ridgeways is my complete and honest opinion*
Xero Shoes was created in 2009 in Boulder, Co (my hometown!) by Steven Sashan and Lena Phoenix, who strove to create a barefoot shoe that was both environmentally sustainable & respectful, and that helped people move more naturally.
All their shoes use ethically-sourced and sustainable materials and provide your foot with a wider toe-box, minimal padding, and a zero-drop heel for natural, pain free movement.
Moreover, barefoot shoes promote natural foot function. Without the added support and cushioning, they allow you to feel where your feet are landing and adjust accordingly. Over time this leads to better gait mechanics, proper posture and balance and best of all, no more foot, knee or hip pain! Eventually you will be walking the way nature intended and your feet will become healthy & strong again!
What makes a shoe a ‘Barefoot’ shoe?
According do Xero Shoes and Dr. Irene Davis, a genuine “barefoot shoe” has:
A wide, foot-shaped toe box
No arch support (it’s a myth that you need this)
Little or no cushioning (you don’t need this either!)
A flexible sole to allow for proper foot motion
A thin sole to provide proper feedback about what you’re stepping on or in (hence the no cushioning)
The Retro Ridgeways are made with rugged canvas & suede accents. They have a fully seam-sealed inner bootie, gusseted tongue and waterproof membrane that make the whole shoe waterproof.
So far these shoes have really held their own in terms of quality. I’ve trudged them through mud, slush, snow, and even rivers, and have always ended the day with dry, warm socks. As someone with Raynaud’s, keeping my toes warm is very important, so having shoes that keep them dry through all my adventuring is essential.
I found these shoes to be very temperature regulating. As in, when it was chilly out, they kept my feet nice and warm, and when it was hot out, they kept my feet cool and sweat-free.
Colorado recently experienced a cold streak of about -10 degree days, while the rest of my body was rather chilly during my walks, my feet never got cold!
Additionally, I found the material to be exactly what it claimed: flexible yet sturdy. My ankle felt supported but the shoe was still flexible enough for my foot/ankle to bend as needed with the terrain. (More on this in the comfort/size section of the review)
Retro Ridgeways in ‘Insignia Blue’
Comfort
I found these ridgeways to be some of the most comfortable hiking shoes I’ve tried, and thats coming from someone who is generally quite picky about foot comfort. The wide toe box offered by Xero shoes helps relieve the discomfort I usually feel from shoving my wide feet into normal shoes. Also, the upper part of the shoe around my ankle provides support without digging into my skin at all.
Even as an avid hiker, I always find my feet & calves in major pain towards the end of a hike. I used to think this was normal, and simply meant that I had worked super hard and challenged myself…Yay me! I’ve now come to realize how wrong I was about this. Don’t get me wrong, my legs will still be a little sore after a really long or challenging hike, but not nearly the way they did before.
Before I switched to Xero shoes, my legs would throb with so much pain I could barely wait to get to my car to take off my shoes (if I wasn’t wearing my nice wool socks, sometimes I would take my shoes off before finishing the hike)… in retrospect that really should have tipped me off sooner…
These shoes are light and comfortable enough that I’ve actually found myself reaching for these shoes to wear just around town.
A Note On barefoot shoes
On the other hand, if this is your first time trying a barefoot shoe…it is going to hurt the first few times you wear them! BUT! This is NOT due to the shoes itself, but rather due to your foot & ankle muscles being forced to actually do what they were meant to do. Basically, your feet are just sore from their workout, and like any other muscle in the body, they need proper training to get in shape.
Sizing – Ridgeways & all Xero Shoes
Xero shoes’ sizing can be a little tricky to nail down. However, they offer a shoe fit guidefor finding the right fit and seeing if the shoe you want runs true to size, small, or large. If you don’t get it right the first time, U.S orders get a free exchange.
The Ridgeways recommend your usual size, however I ended up going up half a size since you want more toe room in hiking shoes to accommodate thick socks, swelling (like during multi-day hikes) and foot slide when going downhill. I was able to try my moms Ridgeways first (we usually wear the same size, she purchased a size 8, her usual size, and loves them) so I didn’t have to deal with exchanging for a new size, but I’ve heard the process is simple and direct.
Looks
Last but certainly not least…looks! I personally LOVE the style of these shoes. The other hiking shoes offered by Xero look more like a classic barefoot style shoe and I personally prefer the look of a classic hiking boot, which is why I was so excited to try the Ridgeways. I’ve got them in the Camel Brown style. The brown canvas & suede gives off that classic hiker look, and the pops of orange and blue add such a fun retro touch to the shoe.
However, the only downside here is that they only offer two color options: Camel Brown with orange and blue accents & Insignia Blue with yellow accents.
Ridgeways: Overall Take
The Retro Ridgeways have the look and style of super cute hiking shoes with all the flexibility and benefits of a barefoot shoe.
On their site, Xero Shoes makes the promise: If your feet don’t feel as good at the end of the day as they did in the beginning, you haven’t tried the Ridgeway. And so far, these shoes have delivered! Additionally, as an added bonus, I’ve gotten tons of compliments on my Ridgeways out on the trail.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever given barefoot shoes a try, or if you have any more questions about them! Want more hiking and travel recommendations? Head over to my gear recs page. Happy Hiking Y’all!
Learn how to tell the difference between anxiety, which often holds us back, and intuition, which can be our guide!
This morning, during my habitual social media scroll (a habit I swear I’m attempting to break), I stumbled upon something that completely shifted my perspective. I was actually a bit surprised I hadn’t realized it sooner. Though perhaps it’s the result of growing up in a society that doesn’t teach us all that much about our emotions or how to handle them.
I was watching a reel of a female traveler who decided to cut her solo camping trip short. One of her reasons involved being surrounded by solo male campers, along with an unsettling feeling she couldn’t shake. Instantly, my mind began racing through potential scenarios that would undoubtedly cross my thoughts in her shoes. As I delved into the comments, one in particular caught my attention.
Anxiety vs Intuition
A woman, who works professionally to empower others to cultivate inner confidence and tune into their instincts, shared a valuable insight. She wrote, “The way to separate your anxiety from your intuition is to listen to the kinds of stories your subconscious is telling you.”
Simple… but profound!
Basically, our anxiety loves to tell us all kinds of elaborate, scary stories. Monsters! Serial Killers! Mountain lions! Oh my! Our anxiety wants to prepare us for all sorts of scenarios by feeding us stories.
On the other hand, our intuition gives us very clear directions. DON’T go over there, DON’T stop here, DON’T camp in this place. Intuition is a feeling, not a story. It’s clear and direct, and it won’t feed you unnecessary information.
This led me to another realization… when I let my anxiety run the show, I’m missing out on listening to my body’s genuine feelings to guide me. Plus, because I hate feeling anxious, I’ll try to suppress all the anxious feelings and end up suppressing all risk assessment. But risk assessment is what keeps us safe. Tuning in to our intuition allows us to make evidence-based decisions that are grounded in logic and reason!
I hope you’ll join me this year in learning to move past fear and anxiety and reconnect with intuition. Together we will work through those stories our anxiety loves to tell us, and discover how to become a confident, independent traveler!
Do you struggle to differentiate between your anxiety and your intuition? Have you found any tricks that help? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Upcoming Adventures…
The first stop (of what will hopefully be many) on my solo adventures for 2024 is Puerto Rico! Crazy to think I’ll be heading there in less than a month, and it’s the perfect opportunity to begin calming my anxiety and tuning into my intuition. I’ve already begun documenting my Puerto Rico travel planning and would love for you to follow along as the adventure unfolds!
*March 2024 Update*
My next solo adventure is coming up in under a month. I’m so excited to be heading to…. Sedona, Arizona! Can’t wait to enjoy a bit more warmth, sunrises on the red rocks and more solo adventures. If you’d like to come along for the ride, follow me on Instagram @rileyeloise (posts on the blog tend to be a few weeks behind the adventure)!
Dreaming of travel is one thing, but actually taking the steps towards a solo trip can be daunting, especially for someone who struggles with anxiety like myself. I thrive on plans, but the thought of actually making them gives me anxiety. And yes, I see the double entendre…
The Decision to Explore Puerto Rico Solo
The decision to plan my solo adventure to Puerto Rico has become a journey of pushing boundaries, and embracing the allure of the unknown. Though I anticipated the road wouldn’t be easy, every step taken to transform this dream into reality has blended excitement and a healthy dose of nervous anticipation.
Navigating Choices and Overcoming Anxiety
As I sat down to purchase my tickets, I agonized over minute differences in prices and takeoff/landing times. The abundance of choices overwhelmed me, prompting me to shut my computer before buying my tickets. The following day, I knew I needed to decide, as the prices were only likely to increase.
Unmasking Anxiety: Beyond Dates and Prices
It wasn’t until I had wasted another two hours examining flights that I realized my anxiety had nothing to do with dates/times or incremental price differences. My anxiety lay in the knowledge that purchasing this ticket would mean finalizing what had until then only been ideas in my head.
A Reminder of Purpose and Courage
Fortunately, my dedicated efforts in building this site served as a crucial reminder of my purpose. Without it, I might have succumbed to the anxiety, but this site is a testament to why I’m embarking on this adventure, pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. With that, I found a reasonable ticket and swiftly filled out my information before my anxiety could conjure up another excuse to postpone.
From Decision to Commitment
Et voila! Puerto Rico here I come! Getting the ticket didn’t magically erase my fears and doubts, but it did offer a gentle reassurance. The decision was made. Now it’s less of a choice and more of a commitment to navigate through any anxiety that arises because. I know I’m capable and strong enough to handle any bumps in the road, viewing each challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow for future travels!
Countdown to Adventure
While I’m still in the planning phase, I’m starting to feel the excitement build. The idea of stepping off a plane into the unknown and fully embarking on my solo trip is both thrilling and scary. Each day I spend exploring Puerto Rico will bring new challenges, yet it also holds the potential for magical discoveries and personal growth. This trip feels like a move away from my comfort zone and towards a more enriching and fulfilling life!
I’d love to hear your thoughts or first experiences with planning solo trips below!
This is a complete and comprehensive guide to packing for any length of trip to the mountains of Colorado in the late spring and summer, with a bonus free PDF packing checklist.
FREE Downloadable PDF Packing Guide Included!
Are you planning a trip to go explore the Colorado Rocky Mountains this summer? Then you will definitely appreciate this packing guide to help you avoid the pitfalls of packing!
I used to be the WORST packer ever! I wanted to be prepared for any and every possible thing. I’d pack half my closet only to go on the trip and wear the same four items. If you’re like me, then Colorado probably sounds like a difficult place to pack for, as the weather can certainly vary a lot and change quickly. As a native, I’ve learned to understand what to expect and how to prep for what I can’t expect, without stuffing my hiking bag or car to the brim with gear.
This guide will give you a good idea of all the things you need to bring (and all the things you don’t), for a wonderful trip to Colorful Colorado!
Packing Tips
You may notice that I haven’t provided a trip length that this packing guide is for, and there is a good reason for that! We don’t need to be washing clothes nearly as often as we do, it’s a trick from the cleaning product companies to get more money out of us. If your clothes are sweaty at the end of the day, hang them up for a bit to dry (things dry fast in Colorado).
Generally speaking, if you pack right then what you pack for a week works just as well for four weeks or more. I aim to pack tops that go with all the bottoms I pack, that way, I can mix and match and create loads of outfits from just a few items!
*I do, however, only wear underwear once before washing, so I bring enough for a week to limit washing*
Disclosure: *This post may contain amazon affiliate links. I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a qualifying purchase. However, I only recommend products that I use and love!*
Clothing:
Layers, layers, layers! It’s all about layers in Colorado, that is the key to being prepared for all weather. Summertime in Colorado can average 80-90 degrees most days, but the further you get up into the mountains, the quicker those temps can drop. As the saying in Colorado goes, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes!”…
Mornings/evenings can still be chilly, especially if you’re staying in a mountain town, but the middle of the day will heat up quick. The tops of mountains will be windy and brisk, and nights when you’re camping can get cold.
So, here’s what I suggest packing:
Tops
4 t-shirts / tanks (I love my merino wool shirts, I personally prefer 3 tees & 1 tank, but mix and match as you like!)
1 Long Sleeve (My merino wool long sleeve shirts are my favorite)
A sweatshirt (opt for a neutral color to match with everything)
Rainjacket
A shell coat / puffy coat (If you plan on hiking way up in the mountains or camping). Even in the summer, the nights can get chilly, and the tops of mountains can get windy and cold.
3 sports bras
1 regular bra
Bottoms
Personally, I can’t stand jean shorts and I rarely even wear jeans. In fact, you will almost always find me in a pair of athletic shorts; and if you’re planning on doing mostly outdoor activities or want to pack light, then I’d recommend avoiding heavy jean material and sticking with active wear, but I’ve included them on this list for those that enjoy them, they can be good for exploring the town!
2-3 activewear shorts
1 pair of jeans/jean shorts
1-2 pair of casual shorts
1 pair of joggers
5-7 pairs of underwear (personal preference for how often you want to do laundry, I like to do it no more than once a week so I bring seven pairs of underwear)
4-5 pairs of socks + 2 pairs of hiking socks, opt for these merino wool socks to cut down the # you need to bring.
Shoes
This will depend on your plans. If you’re not doing any hiking or only doing light hikes, opt for trail running shoes over hiking boots. I LOVE my Xero shoes, and can personally go with just my hiking boots and my foldable travel sandals. If I plan on doing lots of city exploring in colder weather, I’ll also bring a pair of regular cute sneakers.
Hiking boots or trail running shoes
Outdoor Sandals
Cute, casual sneakers (optional if you’re trying to keep travel weight down)
Other Clothes
1-2 Summer Dresses – at such a high altitude, I prefer dresses that cover my shoulders so I don’t have to worry as much about painful shoulder sunburns…but I burn easily!
Pajamas – I prefer light cotton shorts and a loose, lightweight tee. Additionally, you can throw on your joggers if you get cold at night.
Swimsuit – Bikini or one piece, whatever you prefer!
The most important thing to remember: Fashion is out when it comes to hiking & camping, people! It’s all about comfort on the trail!
Accessories
Hiking Backpack – Big enough to hold your extra layers, water bottle, snack, and camera. Just make sure it’s supportive & comfortable, but it certainly doesn’t need to break the bank! You can find lots of cheap options, like this pack from amazon, or even shop second hand!
Hat – I generally go with a baseball cap
Sunglasses (The sun is very bright at this altitude)
Water bottle – High altitude means you will need a lot more water than you normally do, and staying hydrated will help with altitude sickness! I like my Klean Kanteen for day hikes, and on trips or camping I take my grayl!
P.S Remember that alcohol will hit you a lot quicker and a lot harder, so make sure to stay extra hydrated and eat a snack if you go out for a drink!
Wallet + I.D ( and passport if coming from out of the country)
Other
These things aren’t necessary, but can be really helpful
Gaia app or avenza app – These apps are excellent gps maps and they have both free and paid versions that will help you stay safe and navigate the trails. I use them all the time, especially when I’m hiking or traveling solo. You can also download the maps online and see your exact location even without service (Gaia only)!
Electrolytes – As an EMT, I see it ALL the time, travelers never think that the altitude will effect them and often head straight up into the mountains before giving themselves a couple of days to acclimate (I recommend at least 2 full days if you are coming from sea level, there is lots to do in Denver!). Remember that you’re going to need a LOT more water because of the altitude, and because of this you will likely need more electrolytes, especially if you’re working out. Pack some to throw in your water each day and you’ll be good to go!
Mini first aid kit (remember to remove the scissors in this one if you travel carry-on only)
Headlamp – Even if you aren’t camping, a headlamp is a good thing to have if you decide to go for a sunrise or sunset hike, or even just for emergencies.
Toiletries
Sunscreen – Don’t skip this one! Due to Colorado’s high altitude, the sun is HOT and about 5-10 thousand feet closer to your skin (depending on where you are). So even if you normally get away without sunscreen, you will probably need it here! Even in the winter (actually especially in the winter!) the sun reflects off the snow and can burn you. Make sure you use a broad spectrum sunscreen with reef safe ingredients. These are my favorite brands that I take everywhere:
Toupe & Co – Tallow & Zinc Oxide Sunscreen in a reusable jar- they use real, recognizable ingredients, which is just one reason why I love them! ( use code: BEYONDTHESHIRE11 for 10% off!)
Farmacy – The packaging makes this one easier for carry-ons
I don’t always travel with all of these, and I try to limit my tech use on trips, but here’s a list of all the possible basic electronics you may want!
I hope this guide has given you insight on what to pack for your trip and I hope you have an amazing time in Colorado. While I might be a touch biased, I think it’s one of the best states to visit!
*This is not a comprehensive camping guide, this is just personal things to pack, more gear is needed for camping*
