Few decisions shape a backpacking route as much as the choice to carry a musical instrument. For those setting out on a three- to four-month journey from Colombia through Peru, Bolivia, and into Brazil, the question of how to pack both light and comfortably — while also bringing a guitar — becomes a recurring theme in cafes and on hostel rooftops. The instrument is not simply cargo; it is a companion, a conversation starter, and often the only reliable source of rhythm after a long bus ride across the altiplano.
The first challenge is the backpack itself. Many experienced travelers recommend a 40- to 50-litre pack for this kind of trip, as anything larger tempts overpacking and becomes a burden on steep Inca trails or crowded city buses. A 40-litre bag forces discipline: a few quick-dry shirts, a single pair of trousers, sandals that double for hiking, and a compact first-aid kit. A 50-litre option offers a touch more room for a small camping stove or an extra layer for the cold highlands, but the weight difference matters when the heat of the Amazon basin meets the altitude of the Sacred Valley.
The guitar demands its own strategy. Most airlines allow a carry-on plus one personal item, which means the backpack can go in the overhead bin while the guitar rides in the cabin, provided it fits the size restrictions. A lightweight travel guitar — sometimes called a guitalele or a small-body acoustic — is far easier to manage than a full dreadnought. A padded gig bag offers enough protection for cautious handling, though a hard case adds significant weight and is rarely worth the trouble on long overland journeys. For budget flights within South America, travelers should check the airline’s policy on musical instruments at the time of booking; some require an extra seat or charge a fee, while others allow the guitar as a carry-on if it is small enough.
On the ground, guitar-carrying backpackers quickly learn the value of a dry bag for the humid coastal stretches of Brazil and the rainy season in the Colombian Andes. Bus companies in Peru and Bolivia rarely object to a guitar stored in the cargo hold, but a well-padded soft case and a secure strap keep it from bouncing against other luggage. Hostels often have a corner where guitars gather, and those who play
