The 8 Best Places to Visit for Families in Latin America

Costa Rica offers some of the best Central America family vacations imaginable, whether you’re looking for brilliant beaches, incredible animals or adrenaline-filled adventures. The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, making it paradise for animal-loving children and adults alike; think monkeys, macaws, pumas and dolphins.

Thrill-seeking families will also find plenty to do. You can go white water rafting in the Pacuare Reserve, soar through the treetops on zip lines in Arenal or take surf lessons on the Nicoya Peninsula – the kind of family bonding you’ll never forget.

Need to know: There’s a wide array of family-friendly lodges in Costa Rica. We love Pacuare Lodge for families with older kids and teenagers, and Tortuga Lodge for children of all ages.

Mexico is absolutely packed with archaeological sites that offer intriguing insights into ancient civilisations like the Maya, Aztecs and many others. Visits to places like Tulúm and Teotihuacán provide the perfect mix of educational opportunities and fun, awakening the imagination of every family member.

This country is also replete with idyllic beaches that provide an ideal complement to its cultural sites. After exploring the ruins, lay back on the sandy shores of the Mayan Riviera or Isla Mujeres. There’s also excellent snorkelling and water sports to enjoy.

Need to know: If you’re travelling to Mexico with children, we suggest going during the dry season from November to April. In early November you can also experience Día de los Muertos.

Peru is a treasure trove of both history and natural beauty – not to mention Peruvian cuisine. If your family is up for an active challenge, you can take on the Inca Trail together (we generally recommend this for older children with hiking experience). Otherwise, a scenic train ride on the Hiram Bingham or Vistadome will get you all the way to Machu Picchu in style.

Apart from the legendary citadel, a family vacation in Peru can include a trip to the Amazon to see giant otters and pink river dolphins, white water rafting in the Sacred Valley, cooking classes in Lima and much more.

Need to know: If you’re headed to Cusco or other high-altitude spots, you might want to build in a few days for your family to acclimatise (our travel designers can help with this).

Argentina is the setting for more than one of our favourite South America family vacations, especially if you want to see nature’s majesty on full display. On the border with Brazil, Iguazú Falls offers thundering cascades and thrilling boat trips at their base, allowing you to witness their power up close. Farther south, the glacial landscapes of El Calafate await.

Animal lovers will delight in the abundance of penguins, whales, seals and other species in Península Valdés. Aspiring gauchos should head to the authentic estancias (ranches) of the Pampas. And of course Buenos Aires has plenty of child-friendly museums and parks.

Need to know: Located within Iguazú National Park, Gran Meliá Iguazú boasts family-friendly rooms and easy access to the falls.

Considering that it’s the largest country in South America, it makes sense that Brazil is brimming with activities for every age group. February brings the festivities of Carnival to Rio de Janeiro, including plenty of fun for adults as well as special parades and performances for children. There’s also the lively Parintins Folklore Festival and Festas Juninas, both held in June.

Brazil’s interior contains around 60% of the Amazon Rainforest, and visiting it with your family is a life-changing experience – especially if you’re interested in wildlife. Stay at a remote outpost like Cristalino Lodge, which welcomes guests aged five and up.

Need to know: If you want to enjoy Brazil’s gorgeous coastline at a more relaxed pace outside of the big cities, we recommend Paraty and Trancoso.

Chile stands out for its sheer diversity of landscapes, all the way from the bone-dry Atacama Desert to the glaciers of Torres del Paine. In between you’ll find tranquil lakes, lush vineyards and colourful port towns. You can traverse the country from top to bottom on an exciting road trip tailored to your family’s interests.

Visit Valparaíso for vibrant street art and scenic funiculars, then head south to Chiloé to learn about the mythology of these mystical islands. Chile is also a dream destination for young astronomers, with some of the world’s best stargazing in the Atacama Desert.

Need to know: Although it’s around 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometres) from the mainland, Easter Island is a fantastic place for active families to visit in Chile.

Ecuador may be small compared to its neighbours, but it’s incredibly rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. If your family is into grand architecture and history museums, Quito is a must-visit. It also provides the perfect starting point for a journey into the Andes and the wildlife-filled cloud forests.

Children, teenagers and adults will be equally amazed by the Avenue of Volcanoes and Cotopaxi. A few hours south, the city of Baños offers geothermal hot springs and plenty of activities for thrill seekers, from zip lines to bungee jumping.

Need to know: Mashpi Lodge is a dream come true for nature-loving families, with a canopy gondola, sky bike, observation tower and butterfly farm.

Technically part of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are about a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Guayaquil. Famous for an abundance of unique species, from blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises, this archipelago is an ideal destination for adventurous families who want to get off the beaten track.

If you’re travelling with little ones, we highly recommend Galápagos Safari Camp. There’s a three-bedroom family suite, kids’ club and all kinds of family-oriented activities, including specially designed safaris.

Need to know: Exploring the archipelago by boat is a great choice for adults and older children (usually aged seven and up) who are comfortable at sea; book a family-friendly vessel like the Endemic for the best experience.