Backpack is better I think although I have seen many people w/ trolleys. Depends on where you are spending most your time imo. If you are going to mostly cities then a suitcase would be fine but if you are planning on doing a lot of bus rides and spending time in smaller towns a backpack is much better.
Bug Spray... other than that I guess stay away from damp warm places as much as you can. Don't really know what else to say.
Company won't be a problem if you are staying in Hostels however if you avoid dorm rooms it might make it slightly more difficult to meet people. There are generally common areas in most hostels and you meet lots of different people.
If you have unlimited time and a solid budget I wouldn't worry too much about a plan for now... you can just travel all over and decide as you go.
I don't think you can avoid cold showers in countries like Bolivia and Ecuador... it is just a given you will stay at places w/ only cold water. Most hostels seems to be clean here though... I have been here for 3 months in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina and am yet to stay in a hostel that was incredibly filthy.
Good Luck!
-Kadin
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