South American Travel Checklist
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least six months beyond travel dates)
- Visa (check requirements for each country)
- Travel insurance (coverage for medical, trip cancellations, and theft)
- Driver’s license & International Driving Permit (if renting a car)
- Copies of important documents (passport, ID, itinerary, reservations)
- Credit/debit cards (notify bank of travel dates)
- Local currency (varies by country: Brazilian Real, Argentine Peso, etc.)
- Emergency contact information (family, embassy, credit card support)
- Health documents (vaccination records, prescriptions, medical conditions list)
- Proof of onward travel (some countries require proof of departure)
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (mandatory for certain regions)
- Digital backups of important documents (saved securely on your phone & cloud)
Luggage & Bags
- Carry-on bag (meets airline size restrictions)
- Checked luggage (lightweight, durable, easy to maneuver)
- Personal item (small backpack, purse, or crossbody bag)
- Packing cubes (for organization and space-saving)
- Reusable plastic shopping bag (waterproof bag)
Clothing & Footwear (adjust based on season & destination)
- Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers, loafers, or boots)
- Sandals or dress shoes (for nicer outings)
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing (for warm/humid areas)
- Long-sleeve shirts & pants (for sun & insect protection)
- Warm layers (for Patagonia, Andes, or high-altitude regions)
- Rain jacket or poncho (weather varies across the continent)
- Hat, sunglasses, & sun-protective clothing
- Swimsuit & quick-dry towel (for beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, spas, or pools)
- Sleepwear & undergarments (quick-dry recommended)
- Compression socks (for long flights, high-altitudes and circulation)
- Scarf or buff (for dust protection & warmth)
Tech & Gadgets
- Check if your electronics are dual-voltage (South America uses 110-220V; if not, bring a converter)
- Phone & charger (with waterproof case)
- Universal travel adapter (outlet types vary by country)
- Voltage converter (if devices are not dual-voltage)
- Additional electrical adapters (Type C, I, L, & N for different regions)
- Power bank (for charging on the go)
- Laptop/tablet (if needed)
- E-reader or book (for downtime)
- Headphones (noise-canceling recommended)
- Camera & memory cards (if not using phone camera)
- Travel SIM card or international roaming plan
- Smartwatch or fitness tracker
Toiletries & Medications (travel-size where possible)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Shampoo, conditioner, soap (or solid alternatives)
- Deodorant or Anti-Perspirant
- Razor & shaving cream
- Moisturizer & lip balm (keep skin hydrated)
- Sunscreen & insect repellent
- Makeup & remover wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Prescription medications (keep in original containers with prescription info)
- Over-the-counter meds (pain relievers, anti-diarrhea, altitude sickness pills, motion sickness, cold medicine)
- First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, tweezers, allergy meds)
- Electrolyte tablets (for hydration, especially in tropical regions)
Travel Comfort & Security
- Travel pillow & eye mask (for long flights/trains)
- Refillable water bottle (collapsible recommended, filtered or with a built-in purifier for safe drinking water)
- Snacks (protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, gum)
- Packing locks & luggage tags
- RFID-blocking wallet or money belt (for extra security)
- Travel guidebook or offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me, etc.)
- Small padlock (for hostel lockers or luggage or securing bags)
- Emergency whistle & personal alarm (for added safety, especially solo travelers)
- Lightweight travel towel (quick-dry microfiber preferred)
- Waterproof phone case
- Travel laundry detergent packets (for washing clothes on the go)
Entertainment & Extras
- Journal & pen (great for notes & memories)
- Playing cards or small game (fun for travel downtime)
- Local transit or city passes (if available in advance)
- Tickets for attractions (pre-booking may save time & money)
- Language translation app or phrasebook (Google Translate, Duolingo, etc.)
- Reusable utensils & collapsible cup (for eco-conscious travelers)
Outdoor & Adventure Gear (if applicable)
- Hiking gear (trekking poles, gaiters, gloves for high-altitude hikes)
- Sleeping bag liner (for hostels, camping, or budget accommodations)
- Headlamp or flashlight (for treks, power outages, or early morning hikes)
- Binoculars (for wildlife viewing in the Amazon or Galápagos)
- Reusable utensils & travel mug (for sustainable travel & reducing waste)
- Dry-fit base layers (for high-altitude trekking & unpredictable weather)
- Mini sewing kit (for quick clothing repairs on the go)
Before You Leave
- Confirm flights & transportation bookings
- Check local weather forecast (pack accordingly)
- Download offline maps & travel apps (Google Maps, TripIt, XE Currency)
- Notify your bank of international travel (to prevent card issues)
- Arrange pet or home care if needed
- Set up out-of-office emails if necessary
- Double-check visa & entry requirements (COVID rules, travel advisories, etc.)
- Take photos of important documents (store in cloud & phone for backup)
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