Backpacking is a fun adventurous activity that involves visiting a country or a place on foot and admiring its natural and human beauty.
And, one place worthy of backpacking is South America. In this article, we’ll teach you what to pack for backpacking in South America and much more, so let’s delve right into it, shall we?
South America Features & Facts
South America is a continent located in the Western Hemisphere, between Central America and Antarctica. It is the world’s fourth-largest continent, with an area of 6,880,000 square miles. South America is home to some of the world’s most iconic animals, including jaguars, llamas, and piranhas.
The continent is also home to the Amazon rainforest, the largest tropical forest in the world. South America has a rich history and culture, with many different nations and indigenous groups. Spanish and Portuguese are the most widely spoken languages on the continent, although there are also many other languages spoken, such as Quechua, Aymara, and Guaraní. South America is a fascinating continent with much to offer visitors.
From its stunning natural scenery to its vibrant cities and cultures, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
What To Pack For Backpacking In South America?
When it comes to backpacking in South America, there are a few key things you need to remember in order to have an enjoyable and safe trip.
Here are some essential tips on what to pack for backpacking in South America:
Pack Light
This is probably the most important tip when it comes to backpacking in South America. You will be doing a lot of walking, so the last thing you want is to be lugging around a heavy backpack. Try to pack only the essentials and leave any unnecessary items at home.
Pack Versatile Clothing
Another important tip when packing for backpacking in South America is to pack versatile clothing. This means that you should bring clothes that can be mixed and matched, so you can create different outfits for different occasions. For example, a pair of jeans can be worn with a t-shirt during the day and then dressed up with a blouse and jacket for going out at night.
Pack Comfortable Shoes
As mentioned above, you will be doing a lot of walking while backpacking in South America, so it is important to pack comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to break in your shoes before you go, so you don’t get blisters.
Pack Rain Gear
South America is known for its rainy season, so make sure to pack some rain gear. This includes a raincoat, umbrella, and waterproof shoes.
Pack A First Aid Kit
Last but not least, it is always a good idea to pack a first aid kit when backpacking, especially if you are going to be in a remote area. This should include items such as bandages, antiseptic cream, and painkillers.
These are just a few of the essential things you need to remember when packing for backpacking in South America.
If you keep these tips in mind, you will be sure to have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Now that we’ve talked (rather in detail) about what to pack for backpacking in South America, let’s talk about why should you backpack across the continent.
Reasons To Backpack Across South America
South America is a massive continent with a huge variety of landscapes and cultures. From the jungles of Brazil to the peaks of the Andes, there is something for everyone.
For those looking for an adventure, there is no better way to experience all that South America has to offer than by backpacking.
Here are just a few reasons why:
It’s A Great Way To See Everything
Backpacking allows you to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. If you’re only on vacation for a few weeks, you can still see a ton of different places by backpacking. And if you have more time, you can always take your time and explore each destination in more depth.
It’s Budget-friendly
Backpacking is one of the most affordable ways to travel. You can save money by camping instead of staying in hotels, cooking your own meals instead of eating out, and taking public transportation instead of renting a car.
You Meet Interesting People
Backpacking is often seen as a solo activity, but in reality, you’ll meet lots of other travelers along the way. Whether you’re staying in hostels or camping in remote areas, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends.
You’ll Get Off The Beaten Path
One of the best things about backpacking is that it takes you off the beaten path. You’ll get to see places that most tourists never see and have experiences that you won’t find in a guidebook.
These are just a few of the reasons why backpacking in South America is such a great idea.
If you’re looking for an adventure, there’s no better way to see everything this continent has to offer.
South America: Interesting & Cool Facts
South America is a continent located in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere.
It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean; North America and the Caribbean Sea lie to the northwest. South America ranks fourth in area after Asia, Africa, and North America, and fifth in population after Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America.
Brazil is by far the most populous South American country, with more than half of the continent’s population, followed by Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, and Peru. Politically, South America is divided into 12 sovereign countries—Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname Uruguay, and Venezuela—and the overseas department of French Guiana. The vast majority of South Americans are Roman Catholic. Spanish and Portuguese are the continent’s most widely spoken languages. Interesting facts about South America also include its wildlife.
The Amazon rainforest is home to an estimated 390 billion individual trees belonging to 16,000 species. With 1/10 of all known species living in the Amazon rainforest South America definitely has some of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Amazonia also has the world’s largest river by volume—the Amazon River.
South America is also home to some of the world’s tallest mountains. Aconcagua, located in Argentina, is the tallest mountain outside of Asia, with an elevation of 22,841 feet (6,962 meters). Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador is the tallest mountain when measured from Earth’s center due to the fact that Ecuador lies on the equator and therefore has a longer distance to the center of the planet than any other peak.
There are also many interesting things about South America’s history. The continent was home to some of the world’s earliest civilizations, including the Olmecs!
