Torres del Paine, Chile

Argentina and Chile – What to Bring

Published on: July 26th, 2017

Last modified: August 3rd, 2022

Our list of what to bring to Argentina and Chile. If you have any other questions, please contact your travel designer or concierge.

We advise bringing a photocopy of your passport and carrying it with you, as it is a legal requirement in Latin America and you may need it when using credit cards. Please note, there are fines for bringing food and plant-based products into Chile and thorough checks are carried out.

General packing list

  • Day pack
  • Trekking shoes that have been broken in
  • Comfortable gym shoes for resting
  • Fleece/warm sweater
  • Gloves
  • Hat/cap
  • Bandanna
  • One or two pairs of trousers
  • Warm parka and/or windbreaker
  • Light pullover/sweater
  • Gaiters (optional)
  • Suncream
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses

Patagonia/Torres del Paine

Since there are strong winds, rain and snow on some days in the area, it is very important to have the proper clothing for these occasions.

Upper Body

Quick-drying T-shirt – The advantage of special fibers is that they dry very quickly and, hence, the body does not chill.

Polartech or fleece jacket – Essential, it keeps you warm and protects you from the wind.

Water repellent jacket – Gore-Tex protects from the rain, while at the same time allowing perspiration to evaporate, so that the body does not chill.

Polartech gloves – Ideally, take two pairs.

Legs

Leggings or stockings of quick drying fibre

Water repellent trousers (Gore-Tex).

Shorts for when it is hot

Polartech trousers for campsites

Head

Woolen or polartech cap (two)

Polartech neck warmer

Sunglasses with UV protection

At least factor 45 Sunblock

Lipsalve

Feet

Polartech or polypropylene socks.

Trekking shoes, preferably calf length to avoid sprains. Try them out at least a week beforehand to ensure that they are comfortable.

Comfortable shoes for resting – for base camps and to rest your feet.

Gaiters (optional) – for cover the bottom of the trousers and boots and prevent mud, water or snow from penetrating to your socks and wetting your feet.

Atacama Desert

It’s best to bring lighter, looser clothing for the day and warmer, thicker options for the nights when temperatures do drop quite significantly. High-factor sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are also encouraged.

Iguassu

Those travelling to Iguassu should bring lighter clothing and a rain coat.