Suitcase or Backpack? Let’s Figure It Out!
April 2025
Hope you’re all doing great!
Today, I'm going to talk about something important when planning your trip to South America, especially if you're heading to Bolivia: What should you pack in, a suitcase or a backpack?
But first, as always, a little weekly update from Café del Mundo!
Lately, we’ve had more and more travelers asking about Sucre, the official capital of Bolivia. It’s a small, beautiful, white city, full of charm and history, and definitely worth a visit. So, if you’re planning your Bolivian adventure, add Sucre to your list!
We’re also planning a visit soon with Travel del Mundo to gather fresh travel tips and updates for you, so stay tuned. And if you want more info about Sucre right now, you can download our free e-guide HERE.
Now back to packing!
One of the most exciting parts of your trip (well, for some of us) is the planning. From figuring out where to go to what to pack and what to do, it’s all part of the adventure.
Of course, we know not everyone loves planning. Some travelers are super organized, everything booked, perfectly packed, and ready to go. Others show up more relaxed (or maybe a bit stressed), with half-filled bags and last-minute bookings. And then there are those who travel completely free and flexible, no plans, no pressure.
No matter what kind of traveler you are, here’s a good thing to remember: Almost everything can be solved on the spot! As long as you have your travel documents and a credit card, you’re already off to a good start.
Today, I want to help out those of you who might feel a little overwhelmed by all the decisions. Let’s take a moment to breathe and enjoy the “pre travel” phase, it’s part of the journey too, and it's a beautiful part!
So, are you sitting at home, planning your trip to South America (hopefully Bolivia!) and starting to tick things off your to-do list?
One of the first big question always pops up:
👉 Should I travel with a suitcase or a backpack?
We hear this all the time, and the honest answer is: It depends on you.
Are you the kind of traveler who loves to move around, jump on local buses, and take the road less traveled? Then a backpack might be your best friend.
Or do you prefer a smoother journey, rolling your luggage through airports, hotels, and city streets? Then a suitcase could be more your style.
But remember:
Bolivia isn’t always suitcase-friendly. Cobblestone streets, dirt roads, stairs, and uneven sidewalks can make rolling bags tricky. At the same time, backpacks can be heavy, and if you’re not used to carrying one, it might be a pain (literally!).
Still unsure? No worries, I’ve got you!
We made a quick quiz to help you figure out what suits you best for your Bolivian adventure: backpack or suitcase? Let the fun begin! 🌍
Download Here
Team Backpack! Here’s What You Need to Know!
Backpacks are perfect if you plan to move around a lot, take public transport, or explore Bolivia’s stunning landscapes. A 60 - 65L backpack is the sweet spot, big enough for warm layers and essentials but still easy to carry.
Look for a front loading backpack (opens like a suitcase) instead of a top-loader, so you don’t have to dig through all your stuff every time. Comfort is key, so pick one with padded shoulder straps, good back support, and a hip belt to help distribute the weight.
If you’re planning day trips, a detachable daypack is super useful. Need to buy a backpack? Osprey, Deuter and The North Face are great brands. Get one before you travel so you can test it out, adjust the straps, and make sure it feels right. If you need one in Bolivia, check Illampu Street or Sagarnaga Street in La Paz, but the selection is bit limited.
PRO TIP: Before your trip, load up your backpack and walk around with it to make sure it feels comfortable. Small details like strap adjustments can make a big difference!
Team Suitcase Here’s Why It Works!
A suitcase is a great option if you’re staying in cities, using private transport, or want easy access to your stuff.
Rolling luggage is comfortable for airports, hotels, and smooth streets, but Bolivia’s cobblestone sidewalks and dirt roads can make it tricky to pull around. If you do go for a suitcase, make sure it has sturdy wheels, and bring a foldable daypack for daily outings
The Bolivia Packing Challenge!
Let’s turn packing into a game — are you in?
Lay everything you’re planning to bring on the floor.
Now set a timer for 10 minutes.
Can you pack it all nicely without overpacking?
Keep it conscious, well-rounded, and travel smart.
Here’s your don’t forget list:
✅ Warm layers (Bolivia’s weather goes from summer to winter in a flash!)
✅ Comfortable shoes (for cobblestones, markets, and mountain trails)
✅ Sunscreen & lip balm (the sun at 3,600 meters is no joke!)
✅ Reusable water bottle (hydration = happiness)
✅ Travel meds & altitude pills (be ready for the heights)
Bonus round: Can you pack all this without overpacking?
Tag a friend to take the challenge with you — loser buys the first salteña!
Hope this blog post helped you decide whether to bring a suitcase or a backpack for your trip to South America and Bolivia! The good news? These tips and the quiz work for any trip around the world.
Want more packing advice? Check out our blog post all about what to pack for Bolivia,
And don’t forget to tune in to this week’s podcast episode:
Suitcase or Backpack! I share some personal stories, plus we chat with travelers from around the world who are currently in La Paz and tell us what they prefer.
Still unsure? Drop us a message, we’re happy to help.
See you in Bolivia!
