Should I pack a sleeping bag?

Only if you're trekking or camping. Multi-day treks like Torres del Paine or the Inca Trail require a sleeping bag rated to -5°C to -10°C. Otherwise hostels and hotels provide bedding. You can rent trekking sleeping bags in hub cities like Cusco, El Chaltén, or La Paz for 5-10 dollars per day.

How do I deal with going from hot to cold climates?

Ship items ahead or leave them in storage lockers in major cities. Many hostels let long-term travelers store a bag for 1-2 dollars per day. Pack your winter gear when heading south to Patagonia, leave it in Santiago or Buenos Aires, then pick it up on your way back. Don't carry everything everywhere.

What size backpack do I actually need?

45-55 liters is the sweet spot for 3-6 months. Bigger than that and you'll overpack. Smaller and you can't fit layers for extreme temperature swings. Get a pack with good hip support — you'll be walking cobblestones with it. Wheeled bags don't work on most South American streets and bus luggage compartments.

Can I do laundry everywhere?

Yes. Even tiny towns have laundry service or someone who will wash clothes for a few dollars. In the Amazon or very remote areas, expect 2-3 day turnaround because nothing dries in the humidity. Always ask for laundry back the next day in cities — some places default to 2-3 day service when it's not necessary.

Should I bring a rain cover for my backpack?

Yes. Either a dedicated rain cover or a large garbage bag. Patagonia, southern Chile, and the Amazon will soak your bag. Bus luggage compartments aren't waterproof. A 15-dollar rain cover saves your gear. Pack important items in dry bags inside your pack as backup.

Pack for Long-Term Travel in South America

Pack for extreme climate variation across South America with layerable clothing that works from Patagonian cold to Amazon heat. Build around 2-3 weeks of mix-and-match pieces in quick-dry fabrics, a packable down jacket, and sturdy walking shoes. Expect to do laundry weekly and buy specific items locally as you move between climate zones.

Map your climate zones first. South America spans from 12°N to 55°S. You will experience desert, rainforest, high altitude, and sub-Antarctic conditions. List which countries and elevations you're visiting, then pack for your coldest and wettest destinations. Everything else you can layer down from there or buy locally for a few dollars.
Build your core wardrobe around layers. Pack 2 pairs of pants (1 hiking zip-offs, 1 casual), 1 pair of shorts, 5-6 shirts (mix of short and long sleeve), 2 long-sleeve base layers, 1 fleece or merino sweater, 1 packable down jacket, 1 rain jacket. All quick-dry synthetic or merino wool. This handles 5°C to 35°C when layered correctly.
Choose footwear for terrain and weather. One pair of broken-in hiking shoes or trail runners that can handle mud, cobblestones, and light trails. One pair of sandals (Tevas or Chacos) for hot weather and hostel showers. If you're doing serious trekking in Patagonia or the Andes, bring actual hiking boots. Otherwise trail runners are more versatile.
Pack for altitude and sun exposure. The Andes and Altiplano sit at 2,500-4,000m. UV exposure is 50% stronger at altitude. Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and good sunglasses. Bring lip balm with SPF. The sun at 3,800m in La Paz or Cusco will wreck your skin faster than any beach.
Add climate-specific items based on your route. Amazon basin: lightweight long sleeves and pants for mosquitos, antimalarial medication if needed. Patagonia: warm gloves, beanie, thermal underwear. Atacama Desert: warm layers for freezing nights after 40°C days. Don't pack everything at once — buy or discard items as you move between zones.
Plan for weekly laundry access. Most hostels and small hotels offer laundry service for 3-5 dollars per load. Pack for 7-10 days maximum, then build laundry into your routine. Quick-dry clothing dries overnight in dry climates, takes 2 days in humid zones. Always carry one outfit's worth of clean clothes in case laundry gets delayed.

Should I pack a sleeping bag?: Only if you're trekking or camping. Multi-day treks like Torres del Paine or the Inca Trail require a sleeping bag rated to -5°C to -10°C. Otherwise hostels and hotels provide bedding. You can rent trekking sleeping bags in hub cities like Cusco, El Chaltén, or La Paz for 5-10 dollars per day.
How do I deal with going from hot to cold climates?: Ship items ahead or leave them in storage lockers in major cities. Many hostels let long-term travelers store a bag for 1-2 dollars per day. Pack your winter gear when heading south to Patagonia, leave it in Santiago or Buenos Aires, then pick it up on your way back. Don't carry everything everywhere.
What size backpack do I actually need?: 45-55 liters is the sweet spot for 3-6 months. Bigger than that and you'll overpack. Smaller and you can't fit layers for extreme temperature swings. Get a pack with good hip support — you'll be walking cobblestones with it. Wheeled bags don't work on most South American streets and bus luggage compartments.
Can I do laundry everywhere?: Yes. Even tiny towns have laundry service or someone who will wash clothes for a few dollars. In the Amazon or very remote areas, expect 2-3 day turnaround because nothing dries in the humidity. Always ask for laundry back the next day in cities — some places default to 2-3 day service when it's not necessary.
Should I bring a rain cover for my backpack?: Yes. Either a dedicated rain cover or a large garbage bag. Patagonia, southern Chile, and the Amazon will soak your bag. Bus luggage compartments aren't waterproof. A 15-dollar rain cover saves your gear. Pack important items in dry bags inside your pack as backup.