South America packing list: what to carry on your trip
South America is by far one of the best in the world for a backpacking trip.
It’s here you can explore remote jungles (like the Amazon) as well as lap up the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the Pacific, or even the Atlantic.
If you’ve decided you’re ready to go to South America, it’s time to start packing.
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South America Packing List
This guide looks at everything you’ll need to carry for your trip and towards the end, some FAQs where I’ll answer other questions that you may need to know.
South America Checklist
Here’s a checklist of things you need to carry when heading to South America.
Part A: Important Items
- Passport
- Credit Cards
- Wallet
- Phone
- Driving License
- 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 My favourite shades for backpacking)
- T-Shirts (4-5)
- Vests (4-5)
- Jumpers (1-2)
- Thick Coat (if heading to cold areas)
- Rainproof Jacket / Poncho
- 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 travellers and those who are more spontaneous.
So with this in mind, it’s worth packing 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…
South America Packing List
Having covered what you’ll need, I’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 are so many unreal landscapes to be explored that you’ll want to capture them 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 my 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, it is 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 are many varying microclimates 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 dry 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 a backpacker who has suffered from back and neck pains in the past, I 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 my 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 my opinion.
