South America Packing Lists

Packing for South America means remembering that the seasons are flipped from the northern hemisphere and that altitude matters at least as much as latitude. A December trip to Rio is full summer, a December trip to Patagonia is summer too but you still want a fleece, and a visit to Cuzco or La Paz means cold nights no matter what month you arrive.

Climate at a glance

The tropical north (Colombia, Ecuador, northern Brazil) is warm year-round with wet and dry seasons rather than hot and cold. The south (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay) has real four-season weather with January as peak summer. The Andes run through almost every country on the continent and make elevation a bigger factor than your latitude on the map.

What to pack for South America

• Layers for any Andes destination — nights get cold even when days are warm.
• Lightweight breathable clothing for the Amazon and tropical coasts.
• A waterproof shell or packable poncho for rainy season in almost every country.
• Sturdy walking shoes for cobblestones, rough sidewalks, and any trail you find yourself on.
• A Type C or Type N plug adapter depending on country, check before you fly.