Best Family Vacations in Central and South America
It will require planning, but bringing your family to Machu Picchu's iconic ruins or Costa Rica's unspoiled rainforests can be the trip of a lifetime. Prefer an urban adventure? No problem. Rio de Janeiro's colorful Carnival festivities and Buenos Aires' riveting street-side tango performances entertain travelers of all ages. To help you and your clan find the perfect destination, we've rounded up the best family vacations in Central and South America.
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Why Go: With numerous kid-friendly attractions and eclectic culinary options, Buenos Aires boasts plenty to captivate family visitors. The Museo de los Niños and the Museo Argentino del Títere are tailored to younger visitors, and the El Zanjón de Granados' maze-like channel of underground tunnels enchants travelers of all ages. Should you tire of city-strolling, sit down at an authentic parrilla (steakhouse). Read More»
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Why Go: What could rival a face-to-face encounter with giant tortoises, exotic birds, and colorful lizards? The Galápagos plays host to an array of enchanting species. Whether you're exploring caves or admiring the magnificent white-sand shores of Turtle Bay, you won't be bored. However, the Galápagos is by no means cheap or easy to reach, so you'll want to come with a thick wallet and make travel arrangements well in advance.
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Why Go: While most families love soaking up sunshine, not all tropical destinations offer a healthy balance of adventure and relaxation. Here, you and your kids will create unforgettable memories while zip-lining above rainforests and sprawling across Nicoya Peninsula's sandy shores. Suited for beach-goers and adrenaline-junkies alike, Costa Rica features a variety of ways to keep you and the kiddos smiling. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Costa Rica
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Why Go: With its abundance of magnificent creatures—from jaguars to toucans—Belize is a wonderland for visitors both young and old. Culture-hounds can explore Mayan splendors like Lamanai, while sun-seekers can spend their days lazing under thatch-roof huts and snorkeling in cerulean waters. Just be sure to bring your camera: You won't want to miss the opportunity to snap photos as you and your crew marvel at ancient ruins and soak up the rays at Placencia Peninsula's lovely white-sand beaches. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Belize
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Why Go: Kids and adults alike will get a kick (and some exercise) out of exploring ancient ruins of Machu Picchu (as well as those found closer to town). Hosting affordable hotels and restaurants, Cusco suits families hoping to take their kids on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation without putting a major dent in their wallet. Just be sure to order some mate de coca to help you and the kids get acclimated to Cusco's sky high elevation. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Cusco
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Why Go: With breathtaking frontiers to explore, jaw-dropping natural wonders to admire, and scrumptious food to consume, you might ask yourself: "What am I waiting for?" Getting here is no easy feat, but once you arrive, you and the kiddos can be whisked away on trusty steeds and gallop through Southern Patagonia. Younger travelers appreciate Patagonia's guacho (cowboy) culture, and you'll love the aromatic Argentinean wine, quaint villages, and gorgeous scenery. Read More»
Why Go: The pilgrimage to the Inca's lost city is long and tiring, but once you and your kids reach Machu Picchu, you'll be glad you made the trek. Overlooking Machu Picchu would be a missed opportunity to witness the remains of a powerful ancient civilization. Once you board the train in Cusco, you and your clan will be in for an adventure in a place where ancient temples, thousand year old Incan masonry, and jaw-dropping views await.
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Why Go: You and your family will have a blast exploring this wind-whipped wonderland. Experienced climbers will enjoy marveling at the towering peaks of Torres del Paine National Park, while nature-lovers will love mingling with Patagonia's curious penguins at Isla Magdalena. Plus, with jaw-dropping scenery, sumptuous cuisine, and affordable scenery, there are hardly any negatives to this gorgeous region (apart from the high transportation costs). Read More»
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Why Go: If you're set on a family trip to South America, Rio de Janeiro shouldn't easily escape your list. Rio's dramatic views, gorgeous beaches, and glittering skyline appeal to visitors of all ages. Yes, you and the kiddos may feel a tad cramped as you battle through large crowds on Copacabana Beach, but when you and your crew need a retreat, it's easy to escape to the Jardim Botânico's serene gardens or Grumari's remote stretch of sandy bliss. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
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