Even though South America has been a firmly entrenched favourite of backpackers and other holidaymakers for years now, as a family holiday destination it has yet to really come into its own.
Families with younger children obviously need certain amenities and comforts, but South America is best experienced outside the big resorts, so if you have teenagers then here are some great examples of what South America has to offer:
Brazil
Brazil is by a long way the largest country in South America, and as you would therefore expect, the range of holidays is vast: from rainforest treks to beach holidays, cultural city breaks to week-long parties. One thing I would definitely recommend to any family though, whatever they’re doing in whichever part of the country, is to visit a water park - they are mad for them here and the Brazilians do their thrills in style. The two tallest water slides in the world are in Brazil - the Insano at Beach Park, Aquiraz, and the Kilimanjaro, Rio de Janeiro. Water parks are a fantastic end-of-holiday treat for the family but some, like Beach Park, are so big and well-equipped you can stay for days. Luckily they offer bed and board too!
Mexico
Alright so technically Mexico isn’t actually in South America, but I’m lumping it in there because I want to talk about pyramids. Mayan pyramids, to be precise. We learn about these vast, incredible structures in school but to see one up close is mind-blowing. Taking the kids around the Mayan ruins in Mexico will be an absorbing experience for everyone - on some you can even climb to the top. And older kids will probably revel in gruesome stories about ancient Mayan rituals, although you may want to ensure some bits are censored to avoid nightmares!
Peru
You may remember a very famous bear called Paddington originated from Peru. If you’ve introduced your kids to him (which you should have really because he’s great) then they may be intrigued to visit his homeland. If not, why not entice them to Peru with a visit to Machu Picchu, the legendary 15th century religious site in the Cuzco region. The views from here, especially at sunrise and sunset, are incredible and well worth the long journey getting there. But be warned that if you want to go, you need to book far in advance, months even, because the Inca Trail is so popular and visitor numbers are strictly limited. Better also to avoid the rainy season even though it’s less busy, as downpours often disrupt travel.
Guyana
Guyana is a great option for a rainforest adventure, as over 80% of the country is covered in vegetation. And because compared to the bigger South American countries it receives comparatively fewer tourists, your holiday will be much less expensive, which is handy for families on a budget. Although the wildlife isn’t perhaps as exciting as you’d see on, say, the Serengeti plains, kids on family adventure holidays can expect to see caimans, giant anteaters, jaguars and monkeys. Kids who love creepy-crawlies, and find me one that isn’t fascinated by them, will certainly not be going home disappointed either.
Argentina
Take your kids to the Iguazu Falls in the Misiones Province and watch their eyes pop out with amazement. They are considered one of the greatest wonders in the world, even putting Niagara to shame. If that’s out of reach, then Cordoba, a city in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas is a very pleasant place with a lot to do. Hiking and pony-trekking in the surrounding area are very popular tourist activities.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is also famous for the biodiversity of its rainforests, but it also has much to offer in its coastal regions. Simply put, these are some of the most stunning beaches you’re ever likely to encounter. Scope for diving on reefs, engaging in watersports, and propping up cocktail bars is plentiful. Visit Playa Grande between October and January for the nesting season of the Leatherback turtles - kids will love seeing these mighty beasts emerge from the waves to lay their eggs. It also means you can escape the brisk winter weather back in Blighty.
Rob’s year travelling around South America back in the 90's was one of the happiest of his life, and one he hopes to repeat with his kids in the near future.
Families with younger children obviously need certain amenities and comforts, but South America is best experienced outside the big resorts, so if you have teenagers then here are some great examples of what South America has to offer:
Brazil
Brazil is by a long way the largest country in South America, and as you would therefore expect, the range of holidays is vast: from rainforest treks to beach holidays, cultural city breaks to week-long parties. One thing I would definitely recommend to any family though, whatever they’re doing in whichever part of the country, is to visit a water park - they are mad for them here and the Brazilians do their thrills in style. The two tallest water slides in the world are in Brazil - the Insano at Beach Park, Aquiraz, and the Kilimanjaro, Rio de Janeiro. Water parks are a fantastic end-of-holiday treat for the family but some, like Beach Park, are so big and well-equipped you can stay for days. Luckily they offer bed and board too!
Mexico
Alright so technically Mexico isn’t actually in South America, but I’m lumping it in there because I want to talk about pyramids. Mayan pyramids, to be precise. We learn about these vast, incredible structures in school but to see one up close is mind-blowing. Taking the kids around the Mayan ruins in Mexico will be an absorbing experience for everyone - on some you can even climb to the top. And older kids will probably revel in gruesome stories about ancient Mayan rituals, although you may want to ensure some bits are censored to avoid nightmares!
Peru
You may remember a very famous bear called Paddington originated from Peru. If you’ve introduced your kids to him (which you should have really because he’s great) then they may be intrigued to visit his homeland. If not, why not entice them to Peru with a visit to Machu Picchu, the legendary 15th century religious site in the Cuzco region. The views from here, especially at sunrise and sunset, are incredible and well worth the long journey getting there. But be warned that if you want to go, you need to book far in advance, months even, because the Inca Trail is so popular and visitor numbers are strictly limited. Better also to avoid the rainy season even though it’s less busy, as downpours often disrupt travel.
Guyana
Guyana is a great option for a rainforest adventure, as over 80% of the country is covered in vegetation. And because compared to the bigger South American countries it receives comparatively fewer tourists, your holiday will be much less expensive, which is handy for families on a budget. Although the wildlife isn’t perhaps as exciting as you’d see on, say, the Serengeti plains, kids on family adventure holidays can expect to see caimans, giant anteaters, jaguars and monkeys. Kids who love creepy-crawlies, and find me one that isn’t fascinated by them, will certainly not be going home disappointed either.
Argentina
Take your kids to the Iguazu Falls in the Misiones Province and watch their eyes pop out with amazement. They are considered one of the greatest wonders in the world, even putting Niagara to shame. If that’s out of reach, then Cordoba, a city in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas is a very pleasant place with a lot to do. Hiking and pony-trekking in the surrounding area are very popular tourist activities.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is also famous for the biodiversity of its rainforests, but it also has much to offer in its coastal regions. Simply put, these are some of the most stunning beaches you’re ever likely to encounter. Scope for diving on reefs, engaging in watersports, and propping up cocktail bars is plentiful. Visit Playa Grande between October and January for the nesting season of the Leatherback turtles - kids will love seeing these mighty beasts emerge from the waves to lay their eggs. It also means you can escape the brisk winter weather back in Blighty.
Rob’s year travelling around South America back in the 90's was one of the happiest of his life, and one he hopes to repeat with his kids in the near future.
