Planning a trip to go backpacking or travel in South America? Not sure what to take? Let me give you some suggestions.
Okay, what you pack really depends on how long you will be away for, where you will go and what you plan to do.
Important
• Valid passport within the expired period
• Plane tickets
• Vaccination certificates (if needed)
• Online backup of documents
• Travel insurance
• Money Belt (optional but usually quite handy)
Backpack or Suitcase?
I recommend a backpack over a suitcase for ease of transportation especially if you plan to visit a lot of destinations. Luggage should be restricted to a frameless backpack which must not weigh more than 20kgs (ideal – 15kg).
General Packing List
• Travel towel (i.e microfibre material)
• Toiletries
• Money belt
• Reusable water bottle
• Thin raincoat
• Sun Hat
• Anti-bacterial hand santitizer
• Sunglasses
• Phone
• Travel Adapters
• Padlocks
• Travel pillow
• Travel clothesline
Clothing
• Light clothing – cotton and quick drying (dark colours recommended)
• Underwear/socks
• Swimwear
• 2 x long trousers, these should be lightweight and comfortable, preferably cotton.
• 2 x shorts
• Skirt/dress
• Sarong/headscarf (particularly useful if you need to cover up quickly)
• 4 T-Shirts/2 Long-sleeve t-shirts
• Fleece (for cooler evenings)/Thermal underwear for high altitude areas
• 1 smart/casual outfit for evenings out
• 1 Waterproof/windproof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes – trainers/sandals
• Flip Flops – ideal for hot weather and also for showers
• Scarf, hat and gloves for all high altitude and Patagonia tours
• Hiking boots – recommended for all adventre/hiking tours in South America.
First Aid Supplies
• Sunscreen
• Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips
• Antiseptic
• Blister pads (if going trekking)
• Pain killers
• Diarrhorea remedies
• Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
• Malaria Tablets (if required)
• Any prescription medication required
• Contact lenses and solution
• Cold/flu decongestants
• Antihistamines
• Travel motion-sickness tablets (i.e. natural ginger tablets)
• Contraceptives
• Mosquito Repellent
• Insect bite cream
• Tampons
• Tweezers
• Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)
What Not to Pack
These are some things you might want to take but probably won’t need.
• A sleeping bag and sleeping mat unless you plan to visit the wilderness or go camping. Even if you book camping/adventure tours usually travel operators provide this for you. For trips like the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu you can also hire these locally.
• Sewing kit
• Reading material/guide books – use your phone instead and save your back
• Pens and notebook – again heavy to carry
• Swiss army knife
• Water Purification tablets
• Universal sink plug/Laundry Soap
Need inspiration for where to go? View my guide to the best hiddem gems in South America or check out these regional guides to popular locations:
• Peru travel guide
• Brazil travel guide
• Argentina travel guide
