South America Packing List

These are general packing suggestions for South America as a whole — you’ll have your own preferences, and you should always check the country-specific guidance for climate details and local recommendations. The continent spans tropical rainforest, high Andes, desert coast, and sub-polar Patagonia, so the golden rule everywhere is: travel light and pack in layers.

Our top tip is to keep to one main bag per person of no more than 20kg, plus one small daypack for what you need during the day. Staying within these limits makes moving from place to place far easier, and it matters on the region’s smaller domestic flights, which often have tighter weight limits. Most hotels offer laundry for a fee, so there’s no need to pack large quantities of clothing. A strong, soft-sided bag that can handle rough treatment is usually the best choice for your main piece of luggage.

When flying, keep anything you can’t do without in your carry-on — passport, valuables, medication, and a change of clothes in case your main bag is delayed.

The Essential Checklist

Documents & money

• Passport (with any necessary visas) plus photocopies kept separately
• Yellow fever vaccination or exemption certificate, if needed for your route
• Cash, plus credit and debit cards (bring two cards in case one isn’t accepted)
• Your travel vouchers and itinerary (we send these shortly before you depart)
• Travel insurance details — immigration may ask for these on arrival in some countries
• Contact details for your bank, card, and phone providers
• A money belt and/or decoy wallet

Clothing

• Lightweight trousers, shorts, and a dress or two
• Short- and long-sleeve tops, including some that protect against the sun
• A swimsuit
• A light sweater and jacket — even in hot areas, air conditioning and evening chills bite
• At least one smart-casual outfit for higher-end restaurants
• A lightweight raincoat or poncho
• Comfortable footwear for hours of walking, plus sandals or flip-flops

Health, sun & extras

• Toiletries, hand sanitizer, and a small first-aid kit
• Sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream, and lip balm
• Insect repellent (essential in the Amazon and other tropical areas)
• Any medication you need, with a prescription in case customs asks
• Ear plugs, an eye mask, and a small torch or flashlight
• Phone, camera, spare batteries, and dry bags to protect them
• Electrical adaptors (plug types vary by country — see the electricity section)
• A refillable water bottle and some reading material

Because climates vary so widely, it’s worth reading the packing guide for each country on your itinerary — for example Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Chile.

Ready to start planning? Our specialists design private, tailor-made South America tours and will advise on exactly what to pack for your route and season.