Should we share one big bag or each bring our own?

Each person needs their own bag. You'll get separated on buses, one of you might do a side trip, and if a bag gets lost or stolen, you need backup. The only exception is if one person is carrying a child—then redistribute weight across adult bags.

How do we handle toiletries through security as a couple?

Combine shared liquids into one person's quart bag, keep individual prescriptions separate. Most couples check bags for South America trips, so the 3-1-1 rule only applies to carry-on toiletries. Buy full-size sunscreen and bug spray after arrival—they're cheaper and you're checking bags anyway.

What do we do if our packing styles are completely different?

Set shared minimums: enough clothes for each person to go 5 days between laundry, one warm layer each, one rain layer each. After that, the light packer gets more room for souvenirs and the heavy packer carries their own extra weight. Don't let one person's overpacking spill into the other's bag space.

Should we bring a tent for camping as a couple?

Only if you're specifically planning multi-day treks like the W Trek or Huayhuash Circuit. Otherwise accommodation is cheap enough ($25-40 per night for a private room) that carrying camping gear isn't worth the weight. You can rent gear in trekking towns like Huaraz or El Chaltén.

How do we split money and cards between our bags?

Each person carries one credit card and some cash. Keep a backup card separate—one person's bag holds their partner's spare card. Divide $200-300 emergency cash between your bags, hidden in different spots. Use a shared budgeting app so both people track spending in real-time.

Pack for Two Traveling South America

Pack one checked bag per person (50L backpack or convertible bag), share toiletries and first-aid supplies, and coordinate wardrobes to mix-and-match with each other's clothes. The key is dividing shared items strategically while keeping each person's bag functional if you get separated.

Choose the right bag setup. Each person carries a 50L backpack or convertible travel backpack as checked luggage, plus a personal daypack that fits under the seat. Avoid the temptation to share one large bag—you need mobility and backup if bags get separated. Look for bags with lockable zippers.
Divide shared items strategically. Put shared toiletries in one person's bag, first-aid kit in the other's. Chargers and adapters split between bags. Camera gear in one bag, backup phone charger in the other. If one bag goes missing, you still have basics in the other.
Coordinate your wardrobes. Choose a shared color palette so you can mix pieces. Pack 5-6 tops, 2-3 bottoms, 1 warm layer, 1 rain layer each. Buy clothes that work for both coastal humidity and Andean cold. Merino wool and synthetic fabrics dry faster than cotton in humid climates.
Pack one comprehensive first-aid kit between you. Include altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide), anti-diarrheal, rehydration salts, basic pain relievers, antibiotic ointment, blister treatment, and any prescription medications. Pharmacies in South America are excellent, but having basics saves time.
Bring the right documents for both. Each person needs their own passport with 6 months validity. Make two copies of both passports, visas, and insurance cards—one set in each person's bag, plus digital copies in shared cloud storage. Keep one credit card separate from the other person's cards.
Pack dual-use electronics. Bring one universal adapter between you, share one power bank (20,000mAh minimum), but each person gets their own charging cables. One Kindle or tablet is enough if you both read, but bring separate headphones. Download offline maps for both phones.

Should we share one big bag or each bring our own?: Each person needs their own bag. You'll get separated on buses, one of you might do a side trip, and if a bag gets lost or stolen, you need backup. The only exception is if one person is carrying a child—then redistribute weight across adult bags.
How do we handle toiletries through security as a couple?: Combine shared liquids into one person's quart bag, keep individual prescriptions separate. Most couples check bags for South America trips, so the 3-1-1 rule only applies to carry-on toiletries. Buy full-size sunscreen and bug spray after arrival—they're cheaper and you're checking bags anyway.
What do we do if our packing styles are completely different?: Set shared minimums: enough clothes for each person to go 5 days between laundry, one warm layer each, one rain layer each. After that, the light packer gets more room for souvenirs and the heavy packer carries their own extra weight. Don't let one person's overpacking spill into the other's bag space.
Should we bring a tent for camping as a couple?: Only if you're specifically planning multi-day treks like the W Trek or Huayhuash Circuit. Otherwise accommodation is cheap enough ($25-40 per night for a private room) that carrying camping gear isn't worth the weight. You can rent gear in trekking towns like Huaraz or El Chaltén.
How do we split money and cards between our bags?: Each person carries one credit card and some cash. Keep a backup card separate—one person's bag holds their partner's spare card. Divide $200-300 emergency cash between your bags, hidden in different spots. Use a shared budgeting app so both people track spending in real-time.