3-week South America Packing List: What to Bring

Introduction: 3-week South America Packing List

Hey fellow travelers! Here’s what we packed for our 3+ weeks backpacking through South America — clothes, gear, toiletries, and everything in between.

Our trip took place in July, which means the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere. The weather was expected to be dry, sunny, and cool, with temperatures ranging between 5°C and 20°C depending on the region.

That meant we didn’t need heavy jackets or rain gear. Instead, we focused on light, versatile clothing that could be layered and dried quickly. We also packed just one week’s worth of clothes and relied on doing laundry along the way — that’s the key to keeping your backpack light and your life simple.

Here’s our complete 3-week South America packing list, plus what we learned along the journey.

The 3-week South America Packing List in detail

Backpacks & Packing Gear

When you’re only traveling for three weeks, you want to stay light and organized. We relied on compression bags to save space and make packing (and unpacking) effortless.

What we packed:

• 50L backpack
• 1 foldable daily backpack
• 1 small utility pouch
• 2 medium compression bags
• 2 small compression bags
• 1 small additional bag

Tips:

• Compression bags are a game-changer. Instead of rummaging through your backpack, you can just grab the bag with what you need.
• A 50L backpack is perfect for 3 weeks — large enough for hikes and flights, yet manageable to carry everywhere.
• The foldable daypack works great for city days or short hikes.

Legwear

Comfort and practicality matter the most. You’ll spend time hiking, walking through cities, and sitting on long bus rides, so flexible, quick-drying pants are essential.

What we packed:

• 3 hiking pants
• 1 comfy pant (for travel or chill days)
• 1 belt
• 5 merino socks
• 2 regular socks
• 1 hiking boots
• 1 regular shoes
• 1 flip-flops

Tips:

• Merino socks are worth the investment. They dry fast, resist odor, and keep your feet comfortable in both warm and cold weather.
• Flip-flops are perfect for showers or warm destinations like northern Chile or Brazil.
• You don’t need jeans — they’re heavy, slow to dry, and impractical for backpacking.
• Hiking pants can double as casual wear, especially in darker colors.

Tops & Outerwear

South America in winter is all about layering. You’ll have chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and cooler evenings — so bring layers that can adapt easily.

What we packed:

• 6 merino t-shirts
• 2 regular t-shirts
• 2 sweaters
• 1 foldable jacket

Tips:

• Merino wool t-shirts are essential. You can wear them for days without washing — they don’t smell, they breathe well, and they’re super light.
• A foldable jacket keeps you warm during cold bus rides or mountain nights and packs down easily.
• Skip heavy coats — you won’t need them even at -15°C in Uyuni; layers work just fine.

Accessories & Essentials

Small items often make a big difference when you’re traveling through different climates and altitudes.

What we packed:

• 1 pair of thin under-gloves
• 1 merino hat
• 1 sunglasses
• 1 UNO card game (for those long travel days!)

Tips:

• Sunglasses are a must — especially in high-altitude destinations like the Andes or Uyuni.
• A hat and gloves come in handy early in the morning or at high elevation.
• And yes, bring a small game like UNO — it’s the best icebreaker at hostels!

Camera Gear

We always bring a camera, but to be honest, for shorter trips, your phone might be all you need.

What we packed:

• 1 camera + lens 24-70mm
• 1 extra lens (16mm)
• 1 charger
• 1 cover

Tips:

• DSLRs take amazing photos but are heavy. A good smartphone camera will save you around 2 kg and simplify your trip.
• Keep your camera gear minimal — one lens is enough for travel.

Yoga Gear

If yoga is part of your routine, you’ll want to keep it light and practical.

What we packed:

• 1 travel yoga mat
• 1 yoga short
• 1 tank top

Tips:

• A travel yoga mat can also serve as a picnic mat or exercise pad.
• Not into yoga? Skip it — you’ll instantly save around 1 kg of weight.

Vanity Set & Medicine

When it comes to toiletries, solid and compact is the way to go. Liquids add weight and risk leaking.

What we packed:

• 1 small towel
• 2 wet wipe packs
• 3 tissue packs
• 1 solid deodorant
• 1 shaver
• Earplugs

Tips:

• Solid toiletries (like dry soap or stick deodorant) are perfect for travel — lightweight, eco-friendly, and long-lasting.
• Always bring earplugs — between buses, hostels, and city noise, you’ll need them.
• A microfiber towel dries fast and saves space.

Packing It All Together

We packed everything into compression bags to make packing faster and more organized. It also meant we didn’t have to unpack our entire backpack every time we needed something — just grab the right bag and go.

Packing hack: Separate your clothes into “tops,” “bottoms,” and “used” bags — it saves time and helps you stay organized during long trips.

What We’d Change Next Time

Even after years of travel, we always find something to improve. Here’s what we’d change in our 3-week South America packing list:

• Bring a headlamp instead of a regular torch — it’s more useful for night buses or hikes.
• Use a mobile phone instead of a camera to save 2 kg.
• Skip the yoga mat unless it’s essential to you.
• Bring a small laptop or tablet if you want to write or work while traveling.
• Add a light rain jacket — we only had one rainy day in Machu Picchu, but it’s still a must-have.

Final Thoughts

Packing for 3 weeks in South America is all about being practical. You’ll experience different climates, altitudes, and transport modes, but if you pack light and smart, you’ll move freely and enjoy every moment.

Whether you’re hiking the Andes, exploring Patagonia, or wandering through colonial towns, this South America packing list will keep you ready for anything — without overpacking.