This paper advances the literature on multiple knowledge systems, showing how Traditional and Local Knowledge (TLK) systems can collaborate with scientific knowledge to advance understanding of the slow-onset effects of climate change adaptation in Latin America and the Caribbean. Such an approach implies acknowledging the cultural heterogeneity of traditional (e.g. indigenous) knowledge and local knowledge, and how this can link to practical actions to adapt to climate and global change. Integration of TLK with scientific knowledge in impact and risk assessment may be necessary to develop both short and long-term planning. The authors review how and why TLK needs to be integrated into climate change adaptation in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and offer a critical perspective and a vision toward incorporation of TLK on climate risks and adaptation in LAC.