14 Best South America Travel Essentials

With 12 countries—five of them megadiverse—South America is home to stunning natural landscapes, charming small towns, and thriving modern cities. From the Andes Mountains to the Amazon River, from the Caribbean Coast to the Southern tip of Antarctica near the Antarctic, South America’s dramatic landscape mirrors its cultural riches. All that diversity makes packing for it a challenge.

As a Colombian-American writer based in Bogotá part-time, I see tourists make the same packing mistakes again and again. There are certain things that you should never pack. Here are some common mistakes that will make you stand out and/or be miserable, plus what to pack instead for a more enjoyable trip.

Don’t pack shoes that are only suitable for one type of climate

Pack Instead: Versatile Walking Shoes 

Adidas Watershoes Slides

Sandals might feel like the easy choice, but in many South American cities—like Santiago—they’ll instantly mark you as a tourist. Locals often prefer polished footwear even during warm weather. These Adidas sneakers These shoes are perfect for any occasion: city walks, country adventures, even nights out. They also go with both warm and cool climates, and take up little suitcase space. This is the pair you should pack if you only have one.

Don’t Pack: Sweatpants

Pack Instead: Comfortable Loose Pants

Funyyzo Wide-leg Pants

Sweatpants aren’t the norm in most South American cities—unless you’re exercising or pulling off a trendy set in places like Medellín. They’re also bulky and look like a tourist. What’s a better option? Which is a better option? lightweight, loose-fitting pants from Funyyzo. The shoes are comfortable enough to wear on long trips, but stylish enough to go out for a stroll or eat in the city. They’re also lightweight and won’t take much room in your bag.

You don’t need to pack: a standalone water filter

Pack Instead: A Useful Filter Water Bottle

Lifestraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle

Although some parts of South America may have clean tap water, you’re better off with a water bottle that has been filtered. My Lifestraw bottle It has always filtered the water in rural spots, streams, and hotel sinks. It’s worth the space for peace of mind and to save money. A smaller 22-ounce bottle is also available if the liter size seems to be too big.

Don’t Pack: Athleisure Tops

Pack instead: Classic Tees

Miholl Short-sleeve V-neck Shirt

Athleisure that is too casual (think bike shorts, leggings, or tops for exercise) can be a tourist giveaway. Skip them unless you’re planning a hike. Keep it classic with tees such as these Miholl V-necks—comfortable, versatile, and worn everywhere. They are suitable for any weather conditions and help you blend in when traveling. A simple travel essential.

Do not pack a back-facing daypack

Pack Instead: A Cross-Body Fanny Pack 

Maxtop Large Fanny Pack

Pickpocketing can be common in South American cities. This is especially true on public transport and on crowded streets. Avoid backpacks, and keep all your essentials within reach with a fanny-pack. this Maxtop style. You will be less noticeable if you carry your bag up front. Consider a backpack that is designed to discourage thieves if you need extra space. Keep your bags facing forward, don’t pocket valuables and avoid using phones in public.

Don’t Pack: An Overstuffed Bag

Save space by using compression bags

The Chestnut Storage Bags

What is your favorite packing tip? These roll-up compression bags. They shrink clothes down without needing a vacuum—just roll the air out by hand. On the way to the destination, I roll them out flat and use them as spacers for my souvenirs. There are many artisanal products in South America, so you may return with more than the amount you originally brought. You can do this without having to buy an extra bag.

Don’t Pack: A Heavy Checked Bag

Pack Instead: A Roomy Carry-On

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Carry-on

I’m all about carry-ons for trips under three months—lugging heavy bags through South America’s cobblestones, buses, and boats is a nightmare. This Travelpro Maxlite Air Carry-on It is spacious yet lightweight, and can handle bumpy bus rides as well as steep hills in small cities. After two months in Europe and numerous trips through Colombia, I’ve found it to be my go-to bag for multiple-destination travel. Durable, practical, and easy to maneuver—highly recommended.

Don’t pack: Only clothes for hot weather

Pack Instead: A Lightweight Packable Jacket

Amazon Essentials’ Packable Puffer jacket

What’s the biggest mistake that I see people make when traveling to South America? Only packing for warm weather. But climates here shift drastically depending on elevation and season—Bogotá hovers in the 50s year-round, and places like Cuzco can go from sunny days to freezing nights. This lightweight puffer Packs down small, but provides just enough heat for cooler temperatures. To stay prepared, I always carry one with me (plus a thermo shirt).

Cargo pants or shorts are not recommended for packing.

Pack Classic Jeans Instead 

Levi’s Original Fit Jeans 

Cargo shorts might fly in outdoor settings, but in South American cities—especially capital ones—they’re a dead giveaway you’re a tourist. Even in beach resorts, the locals are more formal. A classic pair of Levi’s 501s It will make you blend in better. They are versatile, durable and easy to dress down or up depending on the environment.

Do not pack: a single plug adapter

Pack Instead: A Universal Plug Adapter

Unidapt Universal Travel Adapter

Plug types vary widely across South America—Brazil alone has multiple standards depending on the state. Separate adapters can be expensive. A universal adapter like this Uniadapt model It is an excellent investment, as it covers all the major plug types. It lasted for nearly a decade, which proves its value.

Avoid bringing an umbrella that is only designed to protect you from the rain.

Pack Instead: A Compact UV Umbrella 

Sy Compact Travel Umbrella

A compact umbrella is essential for rainy seasons that can be severe near the Equator. This travel umbrella The extra UV-blocking layer protects you from rain as well as harsh sun. Lightweight and portable, it’s a must-have for unpredictable weather—and perfect for creating instant shade and cooling down on sunny days. When traveling during the rainy season, combine it with a portable rain poncho to ensure full protection.

Only facial sunscreen is required.

Pack Instead: Reef-Safe Body Sunscreen

Thrive reef safe SPF 50 sunscreen

Sunburn isn’t just a beach problem—UV rays intensify at high altitudes, making mountain sun protection crucial. Avoid burns and wrinkles by using facial and body sunblock. Thrive’s reef-safe SPF 50 mineral formula offers strong protection with minimal white cast, perfect for South America’s varied climates—from snowy peaks to tropical beaches. No matter where you go, you will be covered.

One Wallet is not enough

Pack Instead: A Coin Purse

Hibate leather coin purse

I have visited over 45 countries and always carry two wallets. This helps me to not lose everything if my wallet is stolen. I split cards and cash between them—this strategy saved me in Panama when I lost a coin purse but still had backup funds. I keep cash in this compact leather Hibate coin purseIt fits perfectly into my fannypack. A little extra caution is always advisable when traveling to South America.

Don’t Pack: A Bulky Beach Towel

Pack Instead: A Microfiber Towel

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

For over a decade, my Rainleaf microfiber towels Travel essentials. These compact, lightweight towels dry quickly and are easy to pack. The large towel can be used for water activities or beach days. A quick shake will remove sand from rental cars. These towels are useful for South America’s hot springs and waterfalls. They can also be used to raft, snorkel, or visit South America’s many waterfalls.

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