Backpacking around South America is such a unique adventure; this is largely down to its rich culture and the vast, ever-changing landscapes. From Rainbow Mountain to the vibrant streets of La Paz, and the coastal charm that you don’t need to travel far from Santiago de Chile to find, each destination offers a different life entirely.
Packing the appropriate clothes for your travels can make your journey far more enjoyable. If you don’t have the right gear, you will struggle to do the things you want to when you are away. Packing too much clothing adds unnecessary weight to your backpack, and the wrong items can leave you too cold, too hot, and massively unprepared.
Base Layers That Make a Difference
A base layer is what you wear closest to the skin, and it is essential for staying comfortable and warm. Breathable t-shirts made from merino wool or quick-dry fabrics are ideal because they wick away sweat on long hikes in the mountains or when exploring markets, like in Quito. Long-sleeve shirts are useful for cooler mornings, especially in the lower and higher parts of South America, where temperatures can drop quickly. Layering a thin thermal top under your t-shirt is a smart choice if you plan to hike at higher altitudes or visit chilly spots like the Atacama Desert at night.
Trousers and Shorts That Work Anywhere
Choosing the right bottoms is crucial for comfort and flexibility while walking around a city or hiking in the mountains. Lightweight hiking trousers are perfect for mountain trails, while shorts work well in warmer coastal cities like Valparaiso. Convertible trousers that zip off into shorts are particularly handy if you are going to be travelling across seasons or across different climates. They reduce the number of items you need and can handle sudden changes in weather. For casual sightseeing or evenings in local towns, a pair of neutral-colored leggings or comfortable pants is ideal.
Outerwear for Changing Conditions
A lightweight, waterproof jacket is essential for sudden rain showers and misty mornings when you are away on your trip. Another use for the waterproof that you may not have even thought about is to keep you dry on boat trips and when visiting a waterfall, to stop you from getting soaked through. If you are visiting colder areas like Patagonia or the southern Andes, fleeces and thin down jackets provide a lot of warmth without adding too much bulk. Combining a base layer, mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer keeps you comfortable in a variety of conditions. Jackets that compress easily are ideal for backpacking because they save space without sacrificing protection.
Shoes for Every Adventure
Shoes are often the most important part of your packing list because no one wants to have sore feet on a hike or even be uncomfortable when exploring a city. Comfortable hiking boots are essential for hikes like Rainbow Mountain, as well as for exploring other potentially slippery and rugged terrain. Another pair of shoes that is useful to have is a pair of regular trainers; these can be used for day-to-day walking, like in cities and less intense daily exploring. The third pair of shoes that is great to take with you to backpack South America is a pair of Crocs or other water-safe sandals. These are great to use in hostels, in the shower and also just more widely around the building. Some people don’t mind walking around barefoot in clean hostels, but there is no guarantee that it will be suitable to walk around with no shoes on.
Essentials
Don’t forget accessories like a hat for sun protection in desert areas, gloves for higher altitudes, and a beanie for chilly mornings. Sun cream is an absolute essential and is vital to have with you, especially the closer to the equator you get, because the sun gets stronger. Even small essentials like a scarf can double as a light blanket on a long bus journey, in particular, night buses, which can get pretty chilly.
Taking a bar of hand soap and bars of shampoo and conditioner is helpful because you dont need to worry about them leaking in your bag, they also take up much less room than bottles do. Buying fabric wash sheets is the perfect way to save money on laundry when you are travelling. You can wash your own clothes this way, in the sink, for free, and in your own time. Many backpackers also download entertainment onto their phones before long bus journeys or travel days, ranging from films and podcasts to digital games and titles such as Big Bass Bonanza.
Casual and Social Clothing
Clothes in neutral colours are great because they can go with most other things, meaning that you have more possible combinations of outfits to wear. Materials like linen are wonderful because they are natural, breathable and can be used for walking and also just for everyday. One thing that a lot of people struggle with is whether or not to pack ‘nice’ clothes; this is where linen can come in. Putting a necklace on and a bit of blusher can dress up a pair of linen shorts or trousers and a top a lot, making them a great choice.
