Should I pack hiking boots or trail runners?

Trail runners. They're lighter, dry faster, and work for everything from Machu Picchu to city walking. Pack one pair of flip-flops for hostels and beaches.

How much cash should I bring?

Bring $500-800 USD in clean, newer bills. Many places don't accept damaged bills, and ATMs can be scarce in rural areas. Keep bills in multiple hiding spots.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

Only if camping or trekking. Most hostels provide bedding. If trekking, rent locally in places like Huacachina or Cusco rather than carrying one for months.

Yellow fever is required for many jungle areas. Consult a travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and altitude medication recommendations.

Should I pack toilet paper?

Yes, always carry a small roll or travel pack. Many public restrooms don't provide it, and the quality varies significantly between countries.

How to Pack for Solo Travel in South America

Pack light with versatile layers, a 40-50L backpack, and gear that works across climates from Patagonian cold to Amazon humidity. Focus on security items, quick-dry fabrics, and Spanish phrasebook essentials.

Choose the right backpack. Get a 40-50L backpack with lockable zippers and a daypack that detaches or clips to the front. Avoid roller bags—most South American streets and transport won't accommodate them well.
Layer for extreme climate variation. Pack a down jacket, rain shell, merino wool base layers, and quick-dry hiking pants. You'll encounter everything from Andean snow to tropical rainforest, often in the same week.
Prioritize security gear. Bring a money belt, TSA locks for hostel lockers, and a dummy wallet with expired cards and small bills. Keep photocopies of your passport and important documents in separate bags.
Pack for connectivity challenges. Bring a portable charger, universal adapter, and downloaded offline maps. WiFi can be spotty, especially in remote areas of Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia.
Include altitude and stomach prep. Pack altitude sickness medication, electrolyte packets, and basic stomach remedies. Many destinations sit above 3,000 meters, and your stomach will need time to adjust to new foods.
Add language tools. Download Spanish and Portuguese translation apps offline, pack a small phrasebook, and bring a pen for filling out frequent border crossing forms.

Should I pack hiking boots or trail runners?: Trail runners. They're lighter, dry faster, and work for everything from Machu Picchu to city walking. Pack one pair of flip-flops for hostels and beaches.
How much cash should I bring?: Bring $500-800 USD in clean, newer bills. Many places don't accept damaged bills, and ATMs can be scarce in rural areas. Keep bills in multiple hiding spots.
Do I need a sleeping bag?: Only if camping or trekking. Most hostels provide bedding. If trekking, rent locally in places like Huacachina or Cusco rather than carrying one for months.
What about vaccines?: Yellow fever is required for many jungle areas. Consult a travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and altitude medication recommendations.
Should I pack toilet paper?: Yes, always carry a small roll or travel pack. Many public restrooms don't provide it, and the quality varies significantly between countries.