How much should kids carry?

Kids over 8 can handle a small rolling bag plus daypack. Under 8, they carry just a small daypack with their entertainment and snacks. Adults carry the heavy stuff.

Do I need hiking boots for the whole family?

Only if you're doing serious trekking. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip work for most South American travel. Save space and buy hiking boots locally if needed.

Laundromats exist in most cities for $3-5 per load. Pack 5-7 days of clothes and plan to wash weekly. Quick-dry fabrics let you hand-wash underwear and socks in between.

Should I bring a stroller?

Skip it. Sidewalks are often broken, buses are crowded, and you'll be walking on uneven surfaces. A good baby carrier works better for South American infrastructure.

How to Pack Gear for Family Travel in South America

Pack versatile layers for varied climates, bring a quality first aid kit with altitude and stomach remedies, and prioritize lightweight, quick-dry clothing. Focus on sun protection, water safety, and entertainment for long bus rides.

Choose the right luggage system. Use rolling duffel bags instead of hard suitcases. They handle cobblestone streets better and compress when half-empty. Each family member gets one main bag plus a daypack. Kids over 8 can manage a wheeled carry-on.
Pack for three climates. Bring base layers for cold mountains, breathable shirts for hot lowlands, and a rain jacket that packs small. Temperature can swing 40°F in one day. One warm layer per person is enough - you can buy sweaters locally for $10-15.
Build your family first aid kit. Include altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide), electrolyte packets, anti-diarrheal medication, thermometer, bandages, and any prescription medicines plus 7 extra days. Pharmacies are common in cities but scarce in rural areas.
Pack for long-distance buses. Bring neck pillows, eye masks, entertainment downloads, snacks, and a blanket for each person. Bus journeys often run 8-12 hours. Download offline maps and translate apps before departure.
Focus on sun and water safety. Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours at altitude), wide-brim hats, sunglasses with UV protection, and water purification tablets. The sun is intense at elevation and near the equator.

How much should kids carry?: Kids over 8 can handle a small rolling bag plus daypack. Under 8, they carry just a small daypack with their entertainment and snacks. Adults carry the heavy stuff.
Do I need hiking boots for the whole family?: Only if you're doing serious trekking. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip work for most South American travel. Save space and buy hiking boots locally if needed.
What about laundry?: Laundromats exist in most cities for $3-5 per load. Pack 5-7 days of clothes and plan to wash weekly. Quick-dry fabrics let you hand-wash underwear and socks in between.
Should I bring a stroller?: Skip it. Sidewalks are often broken, buses are crowded, and you'll be walking on uneven surfaces. A good baby carrier works better for South American infrastructure.