14 Finest South America Journey Necessities

With 12 international locations—5 of them megadiverse—South America is dwelling to beautiful pure landscapes, charming small cities, and thriving fashionable cities. From the Andes to the Amazon, and from the Caribbean coast to the southern tip close to Antarctica, the continent’s dramatic geography mirrors its cultural richness. However all that selection makes it particularly tough to pack for.

As a Colombian-American author primarily based in Bogotá part-time, I see vacationers make the identical packing errors many times. In fact, what you carry relies on your itinerary, however there are some stuff you undoubtedly shouldn’t pack. Listed below are the frequent missteps that’ll make you stick out (or depressing), plus what to carry as a substitute for a smoother journey.

Don’t Pack: Sneakers That Solely Work for One Sort of Local weather

Pack As a substitute: Versatile Strolling Sneakers 

Adidas Watershoes Slides

Sandals would possibly really feel like the simple selection, however in lots of South American cities—like Santiago—they’ll immediately mark you as a vacationer. Locals are likely to favor extra polished footwear, even in heat climate. These Adidas sneakers are a sensible choose: they’re light-weight, comfy, and versatile sufficient for metropolis walks, countryside adventures, and even nights out. Plus, they pair effectively with outfits in each sizzling and funky climates and don’t take up a lot suitcase area. For those who’re solely packing one pair, make it this one.

Don’t Pack: Sweatpants

Pack As a substitute: Snug Unfastened Pants

Funyyzo Extensive-leg Pants

Sweatpants aren’t the norm in most South American cities—except you’re exercising or pulling off a stylish set in locations like Medellín. In any other case, they’re cumbersome to pack and scream vacationer. A greater choice? These light-weight, loose-fitting pants from Funyyzo. They’re comfortable sufficient for lengthy journey days however polished sufficient for metropolis strolls or dinner out. Plus, they received’t take up a lot area in your bag.

Don’t Pack: A Standalone Water Filter

Pack As a substitute: A Helpful Filter Water Bottle

Lifestraw Go Collection Water Filter Bottle

Whereas some components of South America have secure faucet water, it’s sensible to play it secure with a filtered water bottle. My Lifestraw bottle has filtered water from streams, lodge sinks, and rural spots with out fail. Although it takes a little bit of area, it’s price it for peace of thoughts, saving cash, and chopping plastic waste, particularly the place recycling is proscribed. If a liter feels too cumbersome, there’s a smaller 22-ounce choice too.

Don’t Pack: Athleisure Tops

Pack As a substitute: Traditional Tees

Miholl Quick-sleeve V-neck Shirt

Carrying overly informal athleisure (suppose leggings, bike shorts, or train tops) exterior exercises is a standard vacationer giveaway. Until you’re occurring a hike, skip these. As a substitute, keep on with traditional tees like these Miholl V-necks—comfy, versatile, and worn all over the place. They work for nearly any climate and hold you mixing in whereas touring. A easy journey important.

Don’t Pack: A Again-Dealing with Daypack

Pack As a substitute: A Cross-Physique Fanny Pack 

Maxtop Giant Crossbody Fanny Pack

Pickpocketing is frequent in lots of South American cities, particularly on public transit and crowded streets. Skip backpacks and hold your necessities shut with a crossbody fanny pack like this Maxtop model. Carrying your bag in entrance makes you a much less apparent goal. For those who want extra space, contemplate an anti-theft backpack designed to discourage thieves. At all times keep alert: hold baggage front-facing, keep away from pocketing valuables, and restrict cellphone use in public.

Don’t Pack: An Overstuffed Bag

Pack As a substitute: House-saving Compression Baggage

The Chestnut Retailer Storage Baggage

My favourite packing trick? These roll-up compression baggage. They shrink garments down without having a vacuum—simply roll the air out by hand. I pack them flat inside my cubes on the best way there, then use them on the best way dwelling to create space for souvenirs. Each South American nation has unimaginable artisan items, so odds are you’ll return with greater than you introduced. These show you how to do it with out paying for an additional bag.

Don’t Pack: A Heavy Checked Bag

Pack As a substitute: A Roomy Carry-On

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Carry-on

I’m all about carry-ons for journeys underneath three months—lugging heavy baggage by South America’s cobblestones, buses, and boats is a nightmare. This Travelpro Maxlite Air Carry-on is roomy but light-weight and difficult sufficient to deal with all the pieces from steep hills in small cities to bumpy bus rides. After two months utilizing it in Europe and numerous journeys throughout Colombia, it’s my go-to for multi-destination journey. Sturdy, sensible, and straightforward to maneuver—extremely beneficial.

Don’t Pack: Garments for Scorching Climate Solely

Pack As a substitute: A Light-weight Packable Jacket

Amazon Important’s Packable Puffer Jacket

One of many largest errors I see vacationers make in South America? Packing just for heat climate. However climates right here shift drastically relying on elevation and season—Bogotá hovers within the 50s year-round, and locations like Cuzco can go from sunny days to freezing nights. This light-weight puffer packs down small however provides simply sufficient heat for cooler temps. I at all times carry one (plus a thermal shirt) to remain ready with out overstuffing my bag.

Don’t Pack: Cargo Pants or Shorts

Pack As a substitute: Traditional Denims 

Levi’s 501 Unique Match Denims 

Cargo shorts would possibly fly in outside settings, however in South American cities—particularly capital ones—they’re a useless giveaway you’re a vacationer. Locals have a tendency to decorate extra polished, even in seashore cities. A traditional pair of Levi’s 501s works nearly wherever and can show you how to mix in significantly better. They’re sturdy, versatile, and straightforward to decorate up or down relying on the setting.

Don’t Pack: A Single Plug Adapter

Pack As a substitute: A Common Plug Adapter

Unidapt Common Journey Adapter

Plug varieties differ extensively throughout South America—Brazil alone has a number of requirements relying on the state. Shopping for separate adapters for every will be irritating. A common adapter like this Uniadapt mannequin covers all main plug varieties, making it a sensible funding for years and a number of journeys. Mine lasted practically a decade earlier than breaking, proving its lasting worth.

Don’t Pack: An Umbrella That Solely Protects You From Rain

Pack As a substitute: A Compact UV Umbrella 

Sy Compact Journey Umbrella

Wet seasons close to the Equator can hit exhausting and quick, making a compact umbrella important. This journey umbrella stands out with an additional UV-blocking layer, shielding you from each rain and harsh solar. Light-weight and transportable, it’s vital for unpredictable climate—and ideal for creating immediate shade and cooling down on sunny days. For those who’re touring within the moist season, pair it with a packable rain poncho for full safety.

Don’t Pack: Solely Facial Sunscreen

Pack As a substitute: Reef-Protected Physique Sunscreen

Thrive Reef Protected SPF 50 Sunscreen

Sunburn isn’t only a seashore drawback—UV rays intensify at excessive altitudes, making mountain solar safety essential. Don’t skip facial and physique sunscreen to keep away from burns and untimely wrinkles. Thrive’s reef-safe SPF 50 mineral system presents sturdy safety with minimal white solid, excellent for South America’s various climates—from snowy peaks to tropical seashores. Wherever your journey takes you, you’ll be lined.

Don’t Pack: A Single Pockets

Pack As a substitute: A Coin Purse

Hibate Leather-based Coin Purse

After visiting 45+ international locations, I at all times journey with two wallets to keep away from whole loss if pickpocketed. I break up playing cards and money between them—this technique saved me in Panama after I misplaced a coin purse however nonetheless had backup funds. I hold money in this compact leather-based Hibate coin purse, which inserts completely in my crossbody fanny pack. When touring in South America (or wherever), a bit of further warning goes a good distance.

Don’t Pack: A Cumbersome Seaside Towel

Pack As a substitute: A Microfiber Towel

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

For over a decade, my Rainleaf microfiber towels have been journey necessities. Light-weight and compact, they dry quick and pack small. The massive towel is ideal for seashore days or water excursions, and a fast shake simply removes sand, nice for conserving rental automobiles clear. Even when your lodge provides towels, these come in useful for South America’s waterfalls, sizzling springs, rafting, and snorkeling adventures.

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