Best places to travel with kids in South America

travel with kids in south america

This post is also available in: Español

If you love to travel, have children, and would like to discover Latin America, you are in luck! At Howlanders we know that enjoying your passion with the ones you love the most is a pleasure. That’s why, and because there is no minimum age to start discovering the world, in today’s post we have prepared a series of ideas in different destinations to travel with kids in South America.

Why travel with kids in South America?

Not only for the little ones but traveling is a way to learn about life for everyone at any age. However, Latin America is a perfect destination to go with children, as they will have the opportunity to enjoy, have fun and learn different lessons at the same time.

It is a destination to mingle with a wide variety of cultures. Therefore, children can interact with other children accustomed to a very different life and learn from traditions that in other destinations they would not do.

Besides, We are sure your kids love animals, right? There is nothing more fun than the moment when a child meets a llama on a trip to Machu Picchu or is amazed by the giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands.

girl with a turtle in the galapagos islands

We won’t keep you waiting any longer! Here you have some activities that you can find in different countries if you decide to travel with kids in South America.

Kid-friendly activities in Ecuador

Horseback riding

One of the many things to do with children is horseback riding through the volcanic lands. Today, there are many traditional cowboys in Ecuador who keep cattle on the high slopes and this often catches the attention of the little ones.

Visiting an active volcano

If you’re not interested in horseback riding, you can take a ride up one of the many living volcanoes of Ecuador. They may be too young to ascend the Chimborazo volcano, but you can always go for a visit to Cotopaxi National Park, which is about an hour from Quito.

Adventure tourism in Baños

If your kids are a little older, Baños would be a great place to visit. There you can go rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing and a lot of activities.For those who are a little less adrenaline junkies, a moment of relaxation in the thermal bath under the Tungurahua volcano might be more palatable.

pailon del diablo in Baños, Ecuador

Enjoying the beach in Galapagos Islands

Ecuador has a coastline with beautiful beaches and areas that are ideal for surfing, snorkeling and whale watching, which is ideal for families who love the sea.

That’s why a trip to the Galapagos Islands is a perfect idea if you’re the type who loves to soak all day on vacation. Besides, in this place there are a lot of animal species not found anywhere else in the world.

Live an adventure in the jungle

If instead of the beach, you are more of an adventure lover, you must visit the Cuyabeno Reserve. Here, you can feel in the middle of a Tarzan movie by sleeping in a lodge, eating typical local dishes or discovering animals.

Don’t worry, there are expert guides to take care of all of you and explain the flora and fauna of the area. Surely the children will be surprised by the tree frogs or the Epiphyllum cactus.

cooking typical food in the cuyabeno reserve

Travel with kids to Peru

Discover Machu Picchu

Traveling in Peru with children is quite easy and comfortable. An essential stop for the whole family is Machu Picchu. You can travel there on one of the most famous trains and also discover all the things to do in Cusco, the Inca capital.

Visiting Manu National Park

Peru has great wildlife and a huge area of jungle. It has been declared a World Biosphere Reserve and with a tour to Manu National Park you will discover endangered species such as the giant river otter, the black caiman or the jaguar. In addition, children can learn about the different ecosystems of the area.

manu national park

Exploring the Iquitos Jungle, the Peruvian Amazon

Although if what you want is a real jungle adventure….travel to the Iquitos jungle is amazing.

You will be able to see pink dolphins, monkeys, and caimans while exploring the rivers by boat. During your stay in the jungle of Iquitos, you will live with a native community who will teach you about the customs of the jungle.

Sailing Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, and another must-see on your trip to Peru. Sailing on Lake Titicaca, children can observe the culture of the islands and also the daily life of the inhabitants who still live there.

With children in Bolivia

View real dinosaur footprints

Bolivia has its own ‘Jurassic Park’ and is ideal for children to learn about dinosaurs in the Cretaceous period: Torotoro National Park. It is a dinosaur park where you can observe real footprints dating back 120 million years ago.

Playing with perspective in the Uyuni Salt Flat

The Uyuni Salt Flat is the largest salt desert in the world, and there creates a very funny mirror effect for creating original photos. In addition, you can visit a train cemetery and Incahuasi Island, inhabited by giant cactus (keep an eye on kids!).

Moreover, travelling to the Salar de Uyuni with children is perfect because with the organised tours you only have to worry about going and enjoying yourselves.

man playing with perspective on a toy dinoasaurus in Uyuni Salt Flats

Using the La Paz Cable Car

La Paz is a bit chaotic city, but using the Cable car and touring from end to end is sure to attract the attention of the little ones. Flying over the streets on such a characteristic means of transport is something that everyone will love.

Family holidays in Mexico

Having fun in Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is a great place for families due to the large number of child-friendly resorts. You can visit Tulum and its beautiful beaches along with archaeological sites for the little ones to enjoy.

One of the must-do activities is to visit Chichen Itza, one of the wonders of the world. Most tours combine this stop with a dip in a sacred cenote where everyone will have a great time, not just your children.

family holidays in chichen itza

Travelling with children to Chile

If you’re travelling with children in Latin America, Chile could be a perfect destination. It is ranked as the safest country in South America and one of the 25 safest in the world.

Stargazing in San Pedro de Atacama

Did you know that San Pedro de Atacama is one of the best places in the world to see the stars? Surely your children have dreamed of being astronauts, and taking an astronomical tour in this place will be a sure hit.

Surprised by the Moais on Easter Island

In Chile there are many national parks to visit that children tend to love. Rano Raraku, located in the Rapa Nui National Park on Easter Island, is one of them and the little ones will be amazed by the giant statues that inhabit the place, the moais (no wonder!).

Close-up of the moais at sunset in Easter Island

As you have seen, travel with kids in South America is a perfect idea to teach the little ones the wonderful pleasure of travelling. They will surely love it and ask you for more! Which destination do you most want to discover with your children?

Lily

Lily is happy with a backpack on her back. Every year she travels through one country in Latin America and has repeated several times, especially Peru where she says she feels at home (although she says the same about Argentina, Chile and Bolivia).

She loves ceviche, hiking and Sunday picnics with her friends, although whenever you ask her, she's always planning her next destination.

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