Packing List for Latin America

A complete packing guide for South America, covering essentials for diverse landscapes - from the Andes to the Amazon and Brazil’s beaches.

Amanda
Amanda
Latin America Specialist
Published on
20 Mar 2025
Updated on
09 Apr 2025
Argentina patagonia

South America is a continent of extremes, offering everything from dense Amazonian rainforests and towering Andean peaks to vibrant cities and idyllic beaches. Packing strategically for your destination and activities is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip. Below is a detailed guide covering essential items for different regions and adventures across South America.


Exploring the Amazon Rainforest

Colombia Amazon village
Amazon village, Colombia.

The Amazon is hot, humid, and teeming with wildlife, so protecting yourself from the elements and insects is crucial. Choose lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing and reliable insect repellent.

Clothing:

  • Quick-dry, long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against mosquitoes and the sun
  • Lightweight rain jacket or poncho for sudden downpours
  • Long-sleeved tops for layering in cooler evenings

Accessories:

  • High-quality insect repellent (with DEET or a natural alternative). Amanda, our Latin America expert, recommends Incognito – a natural insect repellent.
  • A wide-brimmed hat for sun and rain protection
  • Dry bags to keep electronics safe from humidity
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting
  • A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. Latin America expert Amanda recommends Water-to-Go which helps elimate plastic bottles.
Amazon treetops Ideia
Tree tops, Amazon
Peru Day14 Amazon
Amazon, Peru

Hiking in the Andes

Chile Andes mountain Snow
Andes Mountain Range, Chile

Whether trekking to Machu Picchu, exploring Patagonia, or climbing Ecuador’s volcanoes, layering is essential to manage temperature fluctuations.

Clothing:

  • Base layers for warmth and moisture-wicking
  • Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
  • Waterproof and windproof outer layer
  • Quick-dry trekking trousers
  • Thermal socks and gloves for high-altitude hikes
  • Buff for face and head protection
  • Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support

Accessories:

  • Daypack with a rain cover
  • Sunhat and polarized sunglasses for strong UV exposure at altitude
  • Trekking poles for steep or uneven terrain
  • High-SPF sunscreen
  • Lip balm with SPF to prevent chapping
  • Rehydration salts to help with altitude adjustment
Chilcabamba Lodge Andes Ecuador 5
Chilcabamba Lodge, Andes
Ecuador volcano chimborazo andes
Volcano Chimborazo, Andes, Ecuador.

Latin America's Beaches

Brazil jan
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

If your travels take you to Brazil’s coastline, Colombia’s Caribbean shores, or Uruguay’s chic beach towns, pack lightweight and breathable clothing.

Clothing:

  • SPF 50 protective clothing
  • Rash vest for water activities
  • Loose, breathable shirts and shorts
  • Flip-flops or comfortable sandals
  • Light eveningwear for dining out

Accessories:

  • Eco-friendly, high-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe if snorkelling)
  • Sunglasses and a sunhat
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Waterproof phone case for beach and boat trips
  • Snorkelling gear (optional but useful in remote areas)
  • A waterproof phone case for beach and boat trips
  • A quick-dry towel
  • Water-resistant bag if you plan on island hopping and doing water activities
Paraty Brazil
Paraty, Brazil
Surfing beach Brazil
Surfing, Brazil

Other important things:

  • A plug adapter for your chargers
  • Record of your vaccinations
  • Cash – some establishments (especially on smaller islands) still only take cash, so make sure you carry cash with you
  • Portable fan to beat the heat
  • Sanitary products - they may be harder to come by in certain countries and may find that are of a lesser quality as the ones sold in the UK and are more expensive

General Essentials for Any Latin America Trip

Nauyaca Waterfalls Costa Rica
Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica

No matter where you're headed, a few key items will make your trip smoother:

  • Travel documents: Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance details
  • Money: A mix of local currency and a travel-friendly debit/credit card
  • Medications: Any prescriptions, motion sickness tablets (for boat trips), and a basic first aid kit
  • Tech gear: Universal adapter, power bank, camera
  • Airtag is both useful and reassuring for tracking luggage

Packing wisely will ensure you're prepared for everything from city lights to tropical islands. Keep your luggage light, focus on versatile clothing, and enjoy discovering the diversity of Latin America.

Speak to a South America expert today

and start planning your tailor-made vacation

Call 888 445-2912
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Amanda

South America Expert

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Jul 3, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024
Stodge

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Jun 5, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024