Should I bring a suitcase with wheels?

No. Many streets in South American cities are cobbled or unpaved, and stairs are common in hostels. A hiking backpack with a supportive hip belt is significantly more practical.

How do I manage laundry?

Most hostels offer 'lavandería' services where you pay by the kilo. Expect a 24-hour turnaround. Pack enough clothes for 7 days of wear to avoid constant laundry stops.

Packing for South America’s diverse climates

To handle everything from the Amazon heat to Andean freezing temperatures, use a strict layering system instead of packing for individual activities. Limit yourself to one 45-liter carry-on backpack and a small daypack to keep transit through regional airports and bus stations manageable.

Implement the 3-layer rule. Pack a moisture-wicking base layer (merino wool), an insulating mid-layer (down jacket or heavy fleece), and a windproof/waterproof outer shell. This combination keeps you comfortable in 85°F (30°C) humidity and 30°F (-1°C) mountain altitudes.
Standardize your footwear. Bring one pair of broken-in waterproof hiking boots, one pair of versatile sneakers for cities, and one pair of flip-flops for shared hostel showers. Do not bring more than three pairs total.
Use compression packing cubes. Group clothes by category in cubes to maximize space. Place heavy gear at the bottom of your main bag and keep a 'go-bag' with your shell jacket at the top for sudden weather changes.
Pack for high-altitude health. Include a small pharmacy kit with altitude sickness tablets (e.g., Acetazolamide), hydration salts, and broad-spectrum antibiotic. Buy these at home, as specific brands might be harder to find in rural transit hubs.

Should I bring a suitcase with wheels?: No. Many streets in South American cities are cobbled or unpaved, and stairs are common in hostels. A hiking backpack with a supportive hip belt is significantly more practical.
How do I manage laundry?: Most hostels offer 'lavandería' services where you pay by the kilo. Expect a 24-hour turnaround. Pack enough clothes for 7 days of wear to avoid constant laundry stops.