Unique Family Holidays

We understand the unique joys and challenges of travelling with children and teenagers, and we’re the experts when it comes to designing flexible family-friendly trips built specially around your family’s needs. With rainforest, ruins, glaciers, volcanoes and tropical beaches all waiting to be discovered, there’s something for every member of your tribe, and we can advise on the best family holidays in Latin America.

Why choose South America for family travel

South America offers unique family holidays that combine learning with fun. From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru to the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, the continent delivers unforgettable experiences that captivate adults and children alike. South America tours specially designed for families balance active exploration with relaxation, so that everyone from young kids to teenagers stays engaged throughout the journey.

The range of accommodation suits every family, from comfortable hotels in bustling cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro to remote jungle lodges in the Amazon rainforest. Many properties feature swimming pools, interconnecting rooms and child-friendly facilities. The continent’s compact distances between highlights mean less time travelling and more time exploring, while the warm hospitality of local communities makes families feel welcome everywhere they visit.

Family adventures across South America

Peru and the Sacred Valley

Peru stands out as one of the best South America family holidays, with ancient sites that spark kids’ imaginations. The Sacred Valley provides a gentle introduction to high-altitude travel, with Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo and Pisaq that children can explore at their own pace. The iconic Inca Trail trek suits active families with teenagers, while the scenic train journey to Machu Picchu works perfectly for families with younger children.

From Cusco, the former Inca capital, families can explore local artisans’ workshops where children learn traditional weaving techniques. The Amazon jungle beckons from Cusco, too, with three nights at rainforest lodges offering wildlife encounters with monkeys, macaws and giant river otters. Night walks through the jungle reveal creatures rarely seen by day, creating an unforgettable family adventure.

Brazil’s natural wonders

Brazil delivers excitement from the moment families arrive in buzzing Rio de Janeiro. The cog railway journey up Corcovado Mountain builds anticipation before children see the towering Christ the Redeemer statue and panoramic views across Rio’s beaches and Sugarloaf Mountain. Children love the golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, where they can get stuck into beach football.

The magnificent Iguazú Falls is one of South America’s most spectacular natural sights. Families can explore the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, with boat trips venturing close to the cascades for an adrenaline-fuelled experience. The Amazon rainforest in northern Brazil offers completely different wildlife encounters, where you can spot pink river dolphins and exotic birds.

Costa Rica family travel

Family travel to Costa Rica combines manageable distances with incredible biodiversity. From the capital San José, families can easily reach cloud forests where kids spot sloths, toucans and colourful tree frogs. The Arenal Volcano region offers hot springs where children can relax after a day exploring hanging bridges through the forest canopy.

Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts provide the perfect beach wind-down after jungle adventures. Manuel Antonio National Park combines pristine beaches with tropical rainforests, where families might spot capuchin monkeys playing in the trees. The country’s commitment to conservation means children learn about protecting wildlife while experiencing it firsthand.

The Galapagos Islands

No destination captures children’s imagination quite like the Galapagos Islands. Santa Cruz Island serves as the perfect base, where families can visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see giant tortoises up close. Daily boat trips to neighbouring islands reveal extraordinary wildlife that shows no fear of humans – sea lions pose for photos, blue-footed boobies perform their comical mating dances, and marine iguanas bask on volcanic rocks.

Snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters brings families face to face with sea turtles, tropical fish and playful sea lions. The islands’ unique ecosystem teaches children about evolution and conservation in the most engaging classroom imaginable. This unforgettable journey to one of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas creates memories that last a lifetime.

Argentina and Patagonia

Argentina’s vast landscapes give families the chance to explore everything from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires to the vast glaciers of Patagonia. In the capital, take some tango lessons, explore colourful neighbourhoods and chow down on Argentine steaks. The Lake District around Bariloche is fantastic for horse riding, hiking and water sports on impossibly blue lakes.

Further south in Patagonia, the Perito Moreno Glacier astounds travellers of all ages. Trek across the ice with crampons or take boat trips to witness massive chunks calving into the water. Torres del Paine National Park offers easier walking trails suitable for children, with chances to see guanacos, condors and if lucky, elusive pumas.

Wildlife encounters for families

Latin America’s extraordinary wildlife dazzles children and adults alike. The Amazon jungle sees sloths move through the canopy, whilst tropical rainforests across the continent echo with the calls of howler monkeys. The Pantanal wetlands of Brazil offer exceptional wildlife viewing, where jaguars, capybaras and caimans make an appearance.

Move away from land, and marine life proves equally thrilling. Witness sea lion colonies on the Galapagos Islands and along the Chilean coast, while whale watching trips on both Pacific and Gulf Coast regions reveal humpback whales breaching offshore. Giant tortoises lumber across the volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos, creatures that Darwin himself studied. These wildlife encounters teach children about conservation while creating unforgettable family memories.

Active family adventures

South America holidays cater to active families seeking adventure. The Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico offers cycling through jungle to ancient Mayan ruins, followed by swimming in crystal-clear cenotes. White water rafting on mountain rivers in Peru and Ecuador suits families with teenagers, with gentler kayaking trips more suitable for younger children.

If you love horse riding, then you’re in for a treat – from estancias in Argentina to highland trails in Peru, there’s plenty to choose from. Meanwhile, hiking options range from gentle day walks to more challenging multi-day adventures like the Inca Trail. For families seeking an extra thrill, ziplining through cloud forests in Costa Rica or mountain biking down volcanic slopes in Ecuador delivers an adrenaline-fuelled hit.

Family travel with us

Our South America tours are carefully designed to suit families, with flexible itineraries that adapt to your children’s ages and interests. We select hotels and lodges with family-friendly facilities, arrange private transfers where appropriate, and work with guides experienced in travelling with kids. Whether you prefer a structured group tour or a tailor-made trip designed around your family’s specific needs, we handle the logistics so you can focus on creating memories together.

Practical information for families

Most of our South America family holidays suit children aged eight and above, though some itineraries work well for younger travellers. Trip duration typically ranges from 10 days to three weeks, allowing families to explore several destinations without feeling rushed. The best time to visit varies by destination – Peru and Bolivia are best visited during the dry season from May to October, when trails are accessible and skies are clear, while Patagonia is best visited between November and March.

Travel between destinations is straightforward, with short internal flights connecting major regions. Accommodation ranges from comfortable mid-range hotels to luxury lodges, all selected for their family-friendly approach. Many trips include a mix of guided excursions and free time, giving families flexibility to explore at their own pace or simply relax by the pool.

Food across Latin America generally suits children’s palates, with familiar options like grilled meats, rice, pasta and fresh fruit available everywhere. Most restaurants welcome families, and our specialists can recommend child-friendly dining options in each destination. Adventure activities are carefully selected with safety as the priority, with age recommendations clearly stated for each excursion.