Should I bring a stroller?

No. Most sidewalks are uneven, narrow, or non-existent. A soft-structured baby carrier or a hiking backpack carrier is significantly more practical.

Do I need to pack diapers or baby formula?

Only bring enough for the first 48 hours. Major pharmacies in South American cities carry international brands like Pampers and Nestle, though they may have different regional names.

Is it worth bringing a water filter bottle?

Yes. While urban tap water is often drinkable in some parts of the Southern Cone, a filtered bottle is essential for rural areas or countries with older infrastructure to avoid stomach issues.

Packing Gear for a Family Trip to South America

Prioritize modular, multi-climate clothing and high-quality, lightweight gear that can be easily cleaned. Stick to carry-on-sized backpacks for each family member to keep mobility high across varying terrain and transportation types.

Select the right luggage. Use 40L travel backpacks for adults and 20L-30L packs for children. Avoid hard-shell suitcases; they are impossible to maneuver on cobblestone streets or during bus transfers.
Implement the 'Rule of Three'. Pack only three full sets of clothing for each person. Use laundry services (common and cheap across the continent) or hand-wash items in hotel sinks every three days. Choose synthetic, quick-dry fabrics.
Layer for microclimates. South America can shift from coastal heat to Andean freezing temperatures in 24 hours. Pack a lightweight down jacket, a waterproof shell, and a moisture-wicking base layer for every person.
Organize with compression cubes. Assign a specific color of compression packing cube to each family member. This keeps the contents of shared packs separated and compressed to save space.
Secure your electronics and documents. Use a single, waterproof dry bag to store passports, vaccination records, and a tablet. Keep this in your personal item at all times during transit.

Should I bring a stroller?: No. Most sidewalks are uneven, narrow, or non-existent. A soft-structured baby carrier or a hiking backpack carrier is significantly more practical.
Do I need to pack diapers or baby formula?: Only bring enough for the first 48 hours. Major pharmacies in South American cities carry international brands like Pampers and Nestle, though they may have different regional names.
Is it worth bringing a water filter bottle?: Yes. While urban tap water is often drinkable in some parts of the Southern Cone, a filtered bottle is essential for rural areas or countries with older infrastructure to avoid stomach issues.