How many clothes should I pack for kids?

Pack 5-7 days worth of clothes per child, then do laundry. Kids get dirtier but you can wash clothes easily in most accommodations. Bring extra underwear and socks.

Do I need hiking boots for Machu Picchu?

No, broken-in hiking shoes work fine for the standard Machu Picchu visit. Save boots for multi-day treks like the Inca Trail. The tourist train and bus route needs sturdy shoes, not technical boots.

What if my kids outgrow clothes during the trip?

Buy replacements locally - South American cities have excellent shopping for kids clothes at lower prices than home. Pack slightly loose-fitting items and plan to shop for growing teenagers.

Should I pack formal clothes for kids?

One nice outfit per child is enough. Dark jeans and a collared shirt work for most upscale restaurants. Some Buenos Aires steakhouses and churches require long pants and covered shoulders for everyone.

How to Pack for Family Travel in South America

Pack layers for dramatic climate changes, prioritize quick-dry fabrics, and bring fewer clothes than you think you need. Focus on versatile pieces that work from beach to mountain, and pack a dedicated daypack for each family member.

Map your climate zones first. List every destination and check elevation plus season. Cusco in July hits 40°F at night but 70°F during day. Buenos Aires in December is 80°F summer weather. Pack for your most extreme destinations.
Build around a layering system. Base layer: moisture-wicking shirts and underwear. Middle layer: fleece or lightweight down jacket. Outer layer: packable rain jacket. This works from Patagonia to Amazon. Kids need the same system in smaller sizes.
Choose fast-dry everything. Synthetic fabrics or merino wool only. Cotton takes forever to dry in humid climates and stays wet in cold mountain air. You'll be doing laundry every 3-4 days regardless of trip length.
Pack one nice outfit per person. Many South American restaurants and churches have dress codes. Dark jeans, collared shirt, closed shoes. For women, knee-length dress or pants plus covered shoulders. Kids need long pants and closed shoes.
Bring broken-in hiking shoes. Every family member needs comfortable walking shoes that can handle cobblestones, uneven terrain, and light hiking. Break them in 2 weeks before your trip. Pack flip-flops for hostels and beaches.
Pack individual daypacks. Each family member gets their own small backpack for day trips. Kids carry their own water, snacks, and rain jacket. Parents carry medications, documents, and backup items. 20L capacity minimum.

How many clothes should I pack for kids?: Pack 5-7 days worth of clothes per child, then do laundry. Kids get dirtier but you can wash clothes easily in most accommodations. Bring extra underwear and socks.
Do I need hiking boots for Machu Picchu?: No, broken-in hiking shoes work fine for the standard Machu Picchu visit. Save boots for multi-day treks like the Inca Trail. The tourist train and bus route needs sturdy shoes, not technical boots.
What if my kids outgrow clothes during the trip?: Buy replacements locally - South American cities have excellent shopping for kids clothes at lower prices than home. Pack slightly loose-fitting items and plan to shop for growing teenagers.
Should I pack formal clothes for kids?: One nice outfit per child is enough. Dark jeans and a collared shirt work for most upscale restaurants. Some Buenos Aires steakhouses and churches require long pants and covered shoulders for everyone.