How much should my packed backpack weigh?

Keep it under 15kg (33 lbs) total. You'll be carrying it up stairs, onto buses, and through airports constantly. If you can't lift it over your head easily, it's too heavy.

Should I pack camping gear?

Only if you're specifically planning camping or multi-day treks. Hostels are cheap and everywhere. Camping gear adds serious weight and most cities don't allow wild camping.

What about altitude sickness medication?

Bring acetazolamide (Diamox) if your doctor prescribes it. You'll hit serious altitude in Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. Start taking it before you reach altitude, not after you feel sick.

Can I buy gear there instead of packing it?

Quality outdoor gear is expensive and limited in South America. Bring essentials from home. You can find basic items in capital cities, but don't count on finding specific brands or sizes.

How to Pack Gear for Backpacking South America as a First-Timer

Pack for extreme variety: bring layers for altitude changes (Andes can drop to freezing), lightweight rain gear for jungle humidity, and sturdy walking shoes plus sandals. Focus on quick-dry fabrics and keep your pack under 15kg total.

Choose the right backpack size. Get a 50-65L backpack maximum. South America has lots of bus travel and overhead storage is limited. Test the pack loaded with 12-15kg before you go — that's your target weight when fully packed.
Pack for altitude changes. Bring one warm jacket (down or synthetic), thermal base layer, and warm hat. You'll hit 3,800m+ in Bolivia and Peru where temperatures drop 30°F from daytime. Even tropical countries like Colombia have high-altitude cities.
Prepare for wet climates. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and rain pants. The Amazon basin, Chile's lakes region, and Colombian coast get serious rain. Choose gear that packs small — you'll carry it a lot.
Select versatile footwear. Bring hiking boots or sturdy sneakers plus flip-flops or sandals. You'll walk on cobblestones in Cusco, hike Patagonian trails, and want something easy for hostels and beaches. Two pairs maximum.
Focus on quick-dry fabrics. Pack mostly synthetic or merino wool clothing. Cotton takes forever to dry in humid climates and gets heavy when wet. Bring 5-7 days worth of clothes total — you'll do laundry weekly.
Add region-specific items. Include mosquito repellent with 20%+ DEET, sunscreen SPF 30+, headlamp with extra batteries, and a basic first aid kit with altitude sickness medication. These are expensive or hard to find in some areas.

How much should my packed backpack weigh?: Keep it under 15kg (33 lbs) total. You'll be carrying it up stairs, onto buses, and through airports constantly. If you can't lift it over your head easily, it's too heavy.
Should I pack camping gear?: Only if you're specifically planning camping or multi-day treks. Hostels are cheap and everywhere. Camping gear adds serious weight and most cities don't allow wild camping.
What about altitude sickness medication?: Bring acetazolamide (Diamox) if your doctor prescribes it. You'll hit serious altitude in Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. Start taking it before you reach altitude, not after you feel sick.
Can I buy gear there instead of packing it?: Quality outdoor gear is expensive and limited in South America. Bring essentials from home. You can find basic items in capital cities, but don't count on finding specific brands or sizes.