South America Packing List
This expansive continent is by far one of the best in the world for a backpacking trip.
Here you can explore some of the most remote jungles in the world (The Amazon), as well as lap up the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Pacific, or, even the Atlantic.
Once you’ve decided that you’ll be going to South America, it’s now time to start packing.
South America Packing List
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be looking at everything you’ll need to bring for your trip, as well as key things to leave at home. Finally, we’ll have an FAQ section where we’ll answer anything else that you need to know.
What NOT to carry to South America
When planning for this giant, it’s very easy to try to fit everything you find into your backpack. What if I need this? Or how about if this happens?
In our experience, whether traveling South America on a budget or not, around a third of the things you carry you’ll probably not end up using, which only takes up precious space!
Let’s explore 5 things NOT to carry to South America.
- A Mosquito Net – Yes mosquitoes are a big problem in many areas of this region, so you may wonder why we’ve included this. A net takes up too much space, and you could easily just borrow or rent one wherever you are staying that requires it. Likewise, you can easily get some high-quality insect repellant, or (if you don’t like the smell), buy a Plug-In Deterrent to keep these foes at bay.
- Too Many Flashy Accessories and Jewellery – Of course you’re going to want to look good in photos, and bringing some is okay. However, too much and you’re asking for trouble. Many parts of this continent are known for petty theft, and there’s nothing better of an opportunity for thieves than a lost gringo sporting a Rolex or silver chains. And even if nothing happens, you’ll probably start to feel a bit over the top in these parts anyway.
- A Restrictive Travel Insurance Policy – When backpacking, you’re going to be more open and of course taking more risks, whether it be adventure hikes, adrenaline-fuelled activities or more. And in South America the opportunities are simply endless. One big mistake many backpackers make is going too cheap with travel insurance, which ends up providing too little cover.
- A Larger than Life Backpack – In most cases, “bigger is better”. However when it comes to backpacking, this isn’t always the case (well at least in this particular example). When choosing a backpack, going bigger can create more problems than solutions for you. Firstly it’s easy to bring too much, which can mean you have to pay extra baggage fees at the airport. And the other? You’ll have to carry it around, and the heavier it it’s, the more your back is going to complain. Choose a backpack that’s between 50-70 litres such as this one for men or this one of ladies.
- Non-Versatile Clothes – This depends on where you want to visit, but most backpackers heading here usually want to visit different countries (or at least different terrains). And many of these will vary in altitude and temperatures, meaning you’ll need to pack a variety of layers. The best thing to do in this case is to pack clothes that can be used in several contexts. For example, a stylish vest is perfect for the hot beaches, and also good as an under-layer for mountainous treks.
South America Checklist
Having put aside what not to carry, now it is time to get everything else together. Here’s our comprehensive checklist of things you need to carry when heading to South America.
Part A: Important Items
- Passport
- Credit Cards
- Wallet
- Phone
- Driving License
- COVID Tests (depending on the country)
- Travel Insurance Document
- Visa (if necessary)
- Any Medications
- First-Aid Kit
- Anything else you Personally CANNOT travel without
Part B: Clothes
- Baseball Cap (for hotter weather)
- Chullo Hat (for colder climates)
- Polarised Sunglasses (see Dan’s favorite shades for backpacking)
- T-Shirts (4-5)
- Vests (4-5)
- Jumpers (1-2)
- Thick Coat (if heading to cold areas)
- Rainproof Jacket / Poncho (George swears by these)
- Playsuit
- Sundress (2-3)
- Bikini (1-2)
- Swimming Trunks (1-2)
- Jeans (1-2)
- Shorts (2-3)
- Ankle / Normal Socks (7-8)
- Shoes (1-2)
- Hiking Boots (1 Max)
- Sandals (1-2)
Part C: Miscellaneous
- Mosquito Repellant
- Laptop
- Digital Camera / GoPro
- Travel Adapter
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Padlocks
- Electrical Items
- Drone
- Spare Wallet
- Swimming Accessories
- Water Bottle
- Anything else that’s necessary for you (emphasis on necessary)
When going through this list, it’s important to first consider where you’re heading, and therefore you’ll instinctively know which items to carry or leave.
Now here’s another important thing to consider. This continent tends to attract the more daring and risk-taking travelers, and those who are also more spontaneous. So with all this in mind, it’s a good idea to pack some of the other things “just in case”.
For example, if you’re only thinking you’ll head to South Brazil, then who knows, you may end up finding your way into Bolivia! Stranger things have happened…
Got travel insurance for South America?
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
South America Packing List
Having covered what you’ll need, we’ll now list some of the best items you can carry with you when backpacking through South America.
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank
Product Features:
- Compact and Light
- Use with Various Electronics
- Full Charge in a few Hours
Long bus rides are an inevitable part of your trip through South America. This handy device will keep you charged all along the way, and even has additional outputs for any electronics (including your laptop or shaver, so it’s not just limited to phones).
GoPro MAX
Product Features:
- Best Definition and Quality Possible
- 360° Spherical Capture
- Ultimate Stabilisation
This is an ultimate must-carry when heading to this continent. There’s so many unreal landscapes to be explored, that you’ll want to capture it all in the best quality possible. A GoPro is also great for capturing high definition during activities like surfing or mountain biking.
Danner Mountain 600 Full-Grain Leather Hiking Boots
Product Features:
- Technical Hiking Function
- Lightweight Design
- Stylish Look
There’s a good chance you’ll be hiking when in South America, and you’re going to need some high quality hiking boots. These leather boots by Danner tick all of our boxes, as not only do they give you control, they also look great too. For the ladies out there, be sure to check out these durable hiking boots designed by KEEN.
Pacsafe Coversafe X100 Waistpack
Product Features:
- Keep Money Safe
- Comfortable on the Skin
- Good Value for Price
One of your biggest priorities on your trip is to keep your things as safe as possible (given there’s a higher risk of theft here). One of the best ways to prevent this issue is by wearing a Money Belt, with this particular design both well hidden and made with comfort in mind.
Backpacker Poncho
Product Features:
- Reliable and High Quality Materials
- Perfect for Longer Hikes
- Takes up Little Space
Yep – The rains are an unavoidable thing when heading to South America. Given it’s so big, there’s many varying micro-climates with their own things going on, so you’ll want to be prepared. This poncho does the job well, and doesn’t make you feel sticky like other lower-quality ponchos.
SealLine Skylake Dry Pack
Product Features:
- Intuitive Sealing Design
- Convenient and Compact Storage
- Removable Shoulder Straps
On the theme of staying dry, you’ll also want to keep your things seco too! This awesome dry pack is perfect for South America, given there’s a good chance you’ll be hiking through wet rainforests or exploring in stormy weather. SealLine has done an awesome job here, where you’ll have a zip-tight seal as well as plenty of space.
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveler Pillow
Product Features:
- Very Comfy
- Perfect for Long Trips
- Weighs Very Little
As backpackers who have suffered from back or neck pains in the past, we both know that a long bus ride isn’t the most comfortable of journeys. This travel pillow has been a saving grace, since its comfortable design allows you to get comfortable and allow your body to rest without aches. An absolute must-carry in our opinion!
Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L
Product Features:
- Perfect for Daytime Exploring
- Very Spacious
- High Quality Design
Whilst you’ll need a good quality backpack for moving around, your day pack is even more important given this is what you’ll be carrying out daily. Your biggest requirements here are durability and space, and this Day Pack by Peak Design has really been made with the backpacker in mind. An essential carry in our opinion.
South America Packing List FAQs
South America Packing List
And that’s all for our guide on what to pack for South America.
This sprawling continent promises endless adventure and fun, and you’ll most likely find yourself staying longer than originally expected.
When it comes to packing though, it can be somewhat daunting. However in this guide we’ve covered everything you’ll be needing, as well as some things best left at home. We’ve also included an FAQ section too, where we answer your most burning questions.
See our backpacking South America guide for more travel tips and advice.
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