Latin America packing list for families
Latin America spans rainforests, high Andes, Patagonian wind, and Caribbean beaches, so the right list depends completely on where and when you go.
Kristina's notes
- Altitude in Cusco and the Andes means cold mornings even in sunny months.
- Rainforest trips need quick-dry clothing and a good kids' bug spray.
- Bring small bills for tips and markets in many places.
The complete family Latin America packing list
Latin America with kids can mean rainforest, beaches, high Andean cities and colonial towns all in one trip. Pack for heat and rain, plan for altitude where it applies, and bring sturdy shoes. Here is our master list, then choose your destination below for weather and tips by month.
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Clothing
- Lightweight quick-dry shirts and pants that roll up
- A rain jacket; tropical showers come fast
- Warm layers if you're visiting high cities such as Cusco or Quito
- Swimsuits for beaches, pools and waterfalls
- Closed-toe shoes for trails and sandals with backs
Rainforest and adventure
- Insect repellent and long sleeves for dusk
- A dry bag for boat rides
- Binoculars for birds and wildlife
- A headlamp for lodges with limited lighting
Health
- Ask your doctor about recommended vaccines and altitude advice
- Children's pain reliever, rehydration salts and a first aid kit
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
- Bottled or filtered water where tap water isn't drinkable
Documents and money
- Passports valid well beyond your trip
- Small bills in local currency for tips and markets
- Copies of passports stored separately
Family basics
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash, or use the hotel's
- Leakproof travel-size bottles
- Deodorant, hairbrush and hair ties
- Glasses, contacts and solution
- Prescriptions in their original packaging
- Bandages, a thermometer and hand sanitizer
- Phones and chargers
- Driver's licenses or IDs and health insurance cards
- Credit cards and a little cash
- Flight, hotel and car confirmations saved offline
- A warm layer or light jacket for each person
- Mesh laundry bag for dirty clothes
- Before you go: hold the mail, set the thermostat, charge everything
Three mistakes we see families make
- Forgetting warm layers for high-altitude cities
- Packing heavy jeans that never dry in humidity
- Relying on one rain-friendly pair of shoes
Choose your destination
Latin AmericaArenal & Manuel Antonio
Volcano hot springs, hanging bridges, and monkeys on the beach.
Latin AmericaBelize
Maya ruins, jungle rivers, and the barrier reef in one trip.
Latin AmericaBuenos Aires & Mendoza
Tango, steakhouses, and Andes-backed vineyards.
Latin AmericaCartagena
Colorful walled city, Caribbean breezes, and island days.
Latin AmericaChile: Atacama Desert
Salt flats, geysers at dawn, and some of the clearest skies on earth.
Latin AmericaMexico City
World-class museums, parks, food, and colorful neighborhoods.
Latin AmericaMexico
Caribbean beaches, Pacific sunsets, and colorful colonial cities.
Latin AmericaOaxaca
Colorful markets, ancient ruins, and Mexico's best food festivals.
Latin AmericaPanama
The canal, rainforest wildlife, and San Blas island days.
Latin AmericaPatagonia
Granite towers, glaciers, guanacos, and serious wind.
Latin AmericaPeru: Machu Picchu
Inca ruins, Sacred Valley villages, and big Andean views.
Latin AmericaRio de Janeiro
Famous beaches, mountain views, and big-city energy.
Latin AmericaSan Miguel de Allende
Cobblestone streets, pastel facades, and rooftop sunsets.
Latin AmericaUruguay: José Ignacio
Laid-back beach village, lighthouse sunsets, and wood-fired dinners.
Latin America packing, answered
What should a family pack for Latin America?
Quick-dry clothes, a rain jacket, warm layers for any high-altitude stops, swimsuits, sturdy shoes, insect repellent, a dry bag and a small first aid kit.
What do kids need for high-altitude cities?
Warm layers for cold mornings and evenings, sun protection, and plenty of water. Ask your doctor about altitude before you travel, and plan easy first days.
What should I pack for the rainforest?
Lightweight long sleeves and pants, insect repellent, a rain jacket, closed shoes, a dry bag and binoculars.
How do I get a list for my exact destination?
Choose your destination below, then set your month and your kids' ages for typical weather and what's happening that time of year.
Get our printable packing checklists free, plus new lists and seasonal tips.
Kristina's edits for this trip
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.