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I love traveling in Latin America! I originally visited South America in 2008 with G Adventures and did a Brazil/Argentina tour followed by a separate tour to Peru – life changing! I loved Peru so much I went back a few years later and made the trek to Machu Picchu for a second time.
In 2011, I spent 6 amazing months in Mexico and Central America. From small villages to busy tourist beaches and mesmerizing treks to city nightlife, this region is extremely diverse and rewarding.
What to Pack For A Year In Latin America
In many places, it felt appropriate to have a simple but more polished look so try to bring “normal clothes” too, maybe a nice pair of sandals or flats, and accessories. Guatemala and Peru check out the Peru Packing Q&A are two of my favorite countries in the world and El Salvador was an “off the beaten path” surprise.
This week, Leeah Kropp prepares for a year traveling through Central and South America and TFG helps answer all her packing questions:
How many t-shirts should I bring? Should I stick with solid colors or mix in some printed shirts?
Depending on your packing strategy and style, pack a mix of 4-6 tops. Remember, pack things that you like to wear. You can always buy necessary clothes along the way. Don’t pack items you wouldn’t wear at home. This is a nice sampling of tops for the varying temperatures and setting in Latin America (of course, not for trend purpose but style ideas you can customize):
What is better to pack, skirts or shorts?
Face-wash can become pretty heavy. What products do you pack to keep your skin healthy and clean?
The key to beauty products is to carry small sizes and to buy as you go. Don’t attempt to cram a year’s worth of beauty products from the beginning. You can replace most general drug store brands almost anywhere in the world. Nivea tends to be the one most commonly available.
My personal beauty must have is a face scrub. With so much dust and sweat, it’s nice to have a fresh clean face when you wash.
Read more tips on downsizing toiletries.
In South America, there is going to be a lot of humidity. Have you used any lightweight products to sooth the frizz of unmanageable hair?
The only styling tool I use (no mini-flat iron for me) is a leave-in conditioner by the name of Abba. It literally saves lives.
It’s a heavy duty conditioner for damaged hair so just a tiny dab goes a long way. It helps fight frizz, smoothens, and adds shine. A 3oz bottle lasts months!
Do you pack a sleeping bag for long trips (6 months- a year)?
Although I only travel with a sleeping bag when needed (Africa overland camping or Peru trek), a sleeping bag can be good idea depending on your planned activities such as trekking or camping. Ditch it when you’re done.
If you plan to travel in areas that are particularly cold you will find that the majority of hostels or guesthouses have warm blankets. A hostel in Johannesburg once gave me an electric blanket because it was so cold it was snowing.
An easier alternative to a sleeping bag is a sleeping bag liner. It’s super light and handy in hostels. Silk liners are lightweight but expensive. Cotton liners are cheaper but can be big and heavy. I recommend traveling with a liner made from microfiber material that is lightweight, effective, and a good price.
Read TFG’s top 10 hostel essentials.
For more great packing tips and general travel info for girls, check out ItsOneWorldTravel.com.
What are your best tips for traveling Latin America?
For more tips on traveling Latin America, please read:
- Brazil Packing List
- What to Pack for Machu Picchu when You’re not Trekking
- Backpacking South America Backpacking Packing List
- Riviera Maya Packing List
Suggested Travel Resources:
As i get ready for 4 months overseas in South America and Mexico I’m worried about the risk of malaria and dengue fever – what sort of clothes do you recommend for these areas that will help me stay mosquito free and cute? We will be doing trekking and a lot of city stuff as well.
I don’t think you need to worry too much about this here. Perhaps Yellow Fever in some parts of South America?
Avoid black clothing and carry lightweight long sleeve tops and trousers. Your best bet is a strong mosquito repellent and don’t wear perfume which can attract bugs.
Stay tuned for my upcoming packing list this month.