Best Luggage for Latin America Travel (2026): Safe, Durable & Lightweight

Latin America consistently ranks as one of my favorite regions to travel to.

Whether you’re hiking in Peru’s Andes Mountains, dodging cars on Cartagena’s cobblestone streets, hopping among Belize’s islands, or venturing off the beaten path in Patagonia, your luggage will go through hell and back.

Traveling in Latin America isn’t the same as going on a city vacation in Europe or hopping between state attractions in North America.

Your mode of transportation will likely consist of several domestic flights, long-distance buses, broken sidewalks, dirt roads, ferry rides, and hostel stays.

Which is why having the right luggage can take your trip from stressful to relaxing.

In this post I outline the best luggage for Latin America ranked by durability, ease of transport, security, and real world-tested reliability.

These luggage recommendations are great whether you’re going on a luxury vacation, backpacking trip, or exploring multiple countries.

Quick Comparison Table

Why Choosing the Right Luggage Matters in Latin America

Travel in Latin America is different than you might expect.

Maybe you’ll be:

• Strolling along cobblestone sidewalks in Mexico or Colombia.
• Lugging your bags up hotel staircases because there are no elevators.
• Riding overnight buses through Peru or Argentina.
• Dragging your suitcase through a Central American ferry terminal.
• Driving through rainy season in the tropics.
• Flying on airlines with severely restricted overhead bins.

If you don’t pack correctly, your suitcase will soon become your enemy.

You want your bag to be:

• Super tough. It will get knocked around.
• Light. Airlines will force you to edit your packing list.
• Convertible to a backpack. Wheels will go- NOWHERE on cobblestones.
• Pick-proof. Opportunistic theft is common.
• Weather-proof. Because…rain.

Best Overall: Samsonite S’Cure

When packing for nearly any kind of Latin America vacation, a versatile suitcase like the Samsonite S’Cure can be one of your best bets.

The polypropylene construction is incredibly durable, yet still lightweight. Where most hard-shell luggage eventually cracks from abuse, the S’Curves enough to absorb impacts.

Pros

• Exceptionally durable
• Lightweight
• Three-point locking system
• TSA-approved lock
• Water resistant

Cons

• Doesn’t have many pockets on the outside
• Interior organization isn’t very nice

Best Carry-On: Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage

Why We Like It

Flying domestically in Latin America is common.
Investing in a durable carry-on will spare you time, baggage fees, and lost luggage woes.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite has gained esteem as one of the best carry-ons with airline crews and frequent travelers alike.
Its glide-ready wheels and robust construction excel on airport floors and city streets.

Pros

• Great construction
• Smooth rolling
• Expandable sizing
• Included TSA lock

Cons

• Pricier than basic models
• Ideal Suitability
• Frequent business travelers.

Best Backpack: Osprey Farpoint 40L Men’s Travel Backpack

Why We Like It

Your travels call for hostels, overnight buses, hiking trails or crossing multiple borders? A backpack is a better bet than a suitcase.

Created using world-class backpacking innovations, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is considered one of the finest travel backpacks ever made.

Its carry-on size, comfortable suspension, and tough build make it perfect for traveling the world long-term.

Pros

• Carry-on compliant
• Comfortable to wear all day
• Superior weight distribution
• Tough and durable

Cons

• Casual look
• Not suited for business trips

Best For

Backpackers and digital nomads.

Best Duffel Bag: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel

Why We Like It

One of the most popular styles with adventure travelers is a duffel because they are lightweight and easy to store.

The Cargo Hauler packs many of the easy features we love about a duffel but also packs up nice and hard for rugged conditions.

We really love this bag on expedition-style trips and anywhere you might find yourself off the beaten path.

Pros

• SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT
• Water-resistant Materials
• Compression Straps
• Various Carry Options

Cons

Not as organized as traditional luggage

Best Used For

Patagonia travelers, Amazon adventurers, or any other remote area traveler.

Best Premium Luggage: Briggs & Riley Essential 22″ Carry On Expandable Spinner

Why We Like It

If you’re willing to spend on luggage that can last you a lifetime, Briggs & Riley is one of the best brands out there.

Customers consistently praise Briggs & Riley’s durability and customer service.

Their Baseline line of luggage handles frequent international travel with ease.

Pros

• Lifetime warranty
• Extremely durable
• Great organization
• High-quality materials

Cons

• Can be pricey

Best For

Frequent flyers who travel internationally and appreciate luggage with a luxury edge.

Best Adventure Duffel: Patagonia Duffle Bag

Why We Like It

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is beloved by outdoorsy travelers.

The materials stand up to all kinds of weather and gear abuse from boat trips, rainstorms, and bumpy rides.

Pros

• Highly weather resistant
• Rugged
• Sustainable materials
• Comfortable carrying options

Cons

• Organization can be tricky

Best For

Adventure travelers who care about sustainability.

Best Expandable Carry-On: Away Carry-On Luggage

Why We Like It

Travelers tend to not realize how much shopping they’ll want to do in Latin America.

Whether you’re snagging handmade textiles in Peru, leather bags in Argentina or coffee in Colombia, you’ll likely find yourself wanting some extra space.

Away’s Carry-On Flex has an expandable compartment that offers even more packing space when you need it.

Pros

• Streamlined aesthetic
• Expandable pocket
• TSA-approved lock
• Large spinner wheels

Cons

• Shell may scuff easily

Who It’s Best For

City travelers and weekend getaways.

Hard Shell vs Soft Shell for Latin America

Pick Hard Shell If:

✅ You’ll be switching planes frequently
✅ You carry electronics
✅ You want something more weather resistant
✅ Security is your top priority

Pick Soft Shell If:

✅ You’ll be traveling by bus most of the time
✅ You want external pockets
✅ Flexibility is more important than security/protection

For travelers heading to Latin America, a durable hard-shell suitcase is usually the best option.

Backpack or Suitcase?

This is entirely up to your travel style.

If you’ll be:

• Staying in hostels
• Traveling for an extended period of time
• Relying on public transportation
• Visiting rural areas
• Changing locations frequently

A backpack will likely serve you better.

If you’ll be:

• Staying in hotels most of the time
• Traveling for work
• Visiting big cities
• Packing organized suitcase-style

Then you should take a suitcase.

Security Tips When Traveling in Latin America

Keep in mind that no suitcase or backpack can substitute common sense when you’re traveling. Follow these easy tips to keep your belongings safe:

Get TSA-Approved Locks

They won’t keep a determined thief from getting into your belongings, but they can deter casual theft.

Put Your valuables in Your Carry-On Bag

Passports, electronics, medications, and important documents should never be checked.

Don’t put your home address on luggage tags.

You can put an email address or phone number instead.

Use a cable lock if possible.

This is especially helpful if you’re riding overnight buses.

Invest in some packing cubes.

They help you stay organized and will make searches easier.

Best Luggage Size For Latin America

40L Backpack

Best For:

• Backpackers
• Digital nomads
• Trips with multiple countries

21–22 Inch Carry-On Suitcase

Best For:

• Short trips
• Frequent travelers
• City travelers

24–26 Inch Checked Luggage

Best For:

• Two to three-week vacations
• Families

28–30 Inch Large Suitcase

Best For:

• Extended trips
• Long-term living
• Moving abroad

Most travelers will find a 22″ carry on or a 40L travel backpack to be ideal.

Final Verdict

Traveling in Latin America can be safe as long as you take the proper precautions. For luggage, we recommend sticking with hard-shell suitcases for maximum security and durability. Our personal favorite is the Samsonite S’Cure suitcase .

Backpackers should consider getting the Osprey Farpoint 40 , one of the best travel backpacks on the market. For adventure travelers, we highly recommend checking out the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler or the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel. If you’re looking for a premium option, the Briggs & Riley Baseline suitcase is tough as nails.

Ultimately, the best luggage for Latin America will depend on your travel style. No matter what you choose, look for durability, security features, and easy transport. Latin America is a great destination for flexible travelers, and your luggage should make your trip smooth from beginning to end.

LATAM Travel FAQs

Is hard shell luggage recommended for Latin America?

Hard shells offer the best protection against damage and unpredictable weather.

What luggage do people use when backpacking in South America?

Many backpackers prefer a good travel backpack like the Osprey Farpoint 40.

Do you need a big suitcase for Latin America?

A carry on should be sufficient for trips under two weeks. Here’s our favorite 21″ carry on suitcase.

Is it safe to travel alone in Latin America?

Latin America is as safe as you make it. Learn more about traveling solo in LATAM.

Can I bring a carry on only?

Of course! A carry on suitcase and a backpack are all you’ll need.

Should I bring a suitcase or backpack to South America?

If you plan on moving around frequently or going on adventures, we recommend a backpack. If you’ll be staying in cities for the most part, a suitcase is more comfortable.