Can I buy gear in South America instead?

Quality gear costs 2-3x more in South America due to import taxes. Buy your main items at home. You can find basic replacements in major cities but selection is limited.

How much cash should I carry?

Carry $200-500 in small bills spread across different hiding spots. ATMs are common in cities but scarce in rural areas. Some countries prefer USD for large purchases.

Do I need hiking boots?

Trail runners work better. They dry faster, weigh less, and handle most South American terrain. Only bring boots if you're planning serious mountain treks.

Laundromats exist in every city and cost $2-5 per load. Hand-wash small items with travel soap. Everything must be quick-dry fabric or you'll be carrying wet clothes.

How to Pack for Solo Travel in South America

Pack light with versatile layers, a 40-50L backpack, and gear that handles both cities and nature. Focus on quick-dry fabrics, a good daypack, and items that work across climates since you'll likely hit beaches, mountains, and everything between.

Choose your main bag. Get a 40-50L backpack with front-loading access. Osprey Farpoint 40 or Gregory Compass 40 work well. Avoid wheeled luggage—cobblestone streets and bus storage will destroy it.
Pack for three climates. Bring layers for hot coast (shorts, tank tops), cool mountains (fleece, long pants), and rainy seasons (rain jacket, quick-dry everything). One warm layer beats multiple medium layers.
Get your electronics right. Universal adapter, portable battery pack (20,000mAh minimum), waterproof phone case, and offline maps downloaded. Bring backup charging cables—they break.
Pack your daypack essentials. 20L daypack, water bottle with purification tablets, basic first aid kit, headlamp, and copies of documents in waterproof pouch. This bag never leaves your side on buses.
Choose quick-dry fabrics only. Merino wool base layers, synthetic hiking pants, quick-dry underwear and socks. Cotton takes forever to dry in humidity. Bring 7 days of underwear, 5 days everything else.

Can I buy gear in South America instead?: Quality gear costs 2-3x more in South America due to import taxes. Buy your main items at home. You can find basic replacements in major cities but selection is limited.
How much cash should I carry?: Carry $200-500 in small bills spread across different hiding spots. ATMs are common in cities but scarce in rural areas. Some countries prefer USD for large purchases.
Do I need hiking boots?: Trail runners work better. They dry faster, weigh less, and handle most South American terrain. Only bring boots if you're planning serious mountain treks.
What about laundry?: Laundromats exist in every city and cost $2-5 per load. Hand-wash small items with travel soap. Everything must be quick-dry fabric or you'll be carrying wet clothes.