Peru: Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest wonders, but seeing it through a child’s eyes makes it even more magical. The journey there is full of llamas, ancient ruins, and breathtaking Andean scenery, making it one of the best family-friendly adventures in Latin America.
Top 5 family experiences in Peru:
- Take the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu – A scenic ride through the Andes Mountains.
- Explore the ruins with a local storyteller – Learn the legends of the Inca Empire.
- Hike to the Maras Salt Mines – A dazzling field of ancient salt pools.
- Meet llamas and alpacas at Awanakancha – Feed and pet these adorable Andean animals.
- Try Peruvian chocolate-making in Cusco – Kids will love making (and eating) their own chocolate.
Brazil: The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Imagine spotting pink river dolphins, sleeping in a treehouse, and canoeing through flooded forests—a true family adventure like no other.
Top 5 family experiences in the Amazon:
- Spot pink river dolphins – These rare creatures are found only in the Amazon River.
- Take a jungle night safari – Listen to the rainforest come alive after dark.
- Sleep in a treehouse lodge – Wake up to the sounds of monkeys and tropical birds.
- Visit a local Indigenous community – Learn about Amazonian traditions and ways of life.
- Go piranha fishing – Catch (and release) the famous Amazonian fish.
Argentina: Patagonia & Perito Moreno Glacier
Patagonia is the ultimate adventure playground, with glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering mountains. Seeing the Perito Moreno Glacier up close—one of the few glaciers still growing—is an awe-inspiring experience for families.
Top 5 family experiences in Patagonia:
- Take a boat ride to Perito Moreno Glacier – Watch massive ice chunks crash into the water.
- Go on a mini ice trek – Walk on a real glacier (kid-friendly tours available).
- Spot penguins on Magdalena Island – Get up close to adorable Magellanic penguins.
- Hike in Torres del Paine National Park – Short trails perfect for families.
- Visit Estancia Cristina – A traditional Patagonian ranch with horseback riding.
Ecuador: The GalApagos Islands
A real-life wildlife documentary, the Galápagos Islands let kids swim with sea lions, walk among giant tortoises, and see blue-footed boobies up close. Every island has something unique, making it a perfect family travel destination.
Top 5 family experiences in the Galapagos:
- Snorkel with sea lions – Playful and curious, they swim right up to you.
- See giant tortoises in the wild – These ancient creatures can live over 100 years.
- Hike across a lava field – Explore the surreal volcanic landscapes.
- Kayak through mangrove forests – Spot rays, sharks, and turtles from your kayak.
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station – Learn about conservation and baby tortoises.
Colombia: The Lost City Trek
Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is one of South America’s greatest archaeological wonders. Hidden deep in the jungle, this ancient city was built 600 years before Machu Picchu. The multi-day trek is challenging but perfect for adventurous families with older kids.
Top 5 family experiences in the Lost City
- Hike through dense jungle trails – A real-life Indiana Jones adventure.
- Swim in hidden waterfalls – Cool off in pristine jungle pools.
- Meet the Indigenous Kogi people – Learn about their ancient way of life.
- Camp under the stars – Sleep in hammocks or rustic lodges along the way.
- Reach the Lost City at sunrise – Stand at the top of this mystical site before the crowds arrive.
Chile: The Mystical Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, but it’s bursting with adventure. With Mars-like landscapes, flamingo-filled salt flats, and world-class stargazing, this surreal desert is perfect for families looking for something extraordinary.
Top 5 family experiences in Atacama:
- Stargazing at ALMA Observatory – One of the best places on Earth to see the Milky Way.
- Floating in Cejar Lagoon – Like the Dead Sea, but in the middle of the desert.
- Exploring Valle de la Luna – A landscape so alien it looks like Mars.
- Watching the El Tatio Geysers – Steam erupts dramatically from the earth at sunrise.
- Visiting an Indigenous Atacameño Village – Learn the traditions of the desert’s ancient communities.
Bolivia: Salar de Uyuni – The World’s Largest Mirror
Salar de Uyuni is one of the most surreal places on Earth. During the rainy season, it transforms into a massive mirror reflecting the sky, while in the dry season, it becomes an endless white desert. The optical illusions and incredible landscapes make this an unforgettable family adventure.
Top 5 family experiences in Uyuni:
- Taking crazy perspective photos – Make your kids look like giants or tiny dolls.
- Exploring Isla Incahuasi – A cactus-covered island in the middle of the salt flats.
- Visiting the train cemetery – Old rusted trains become a fantastic playground.
- Sleeping in a salt hotel – Everything, even the beds, is made of salt.
- Spotting flamingos in the Red Lagoon – Thousands of pink flamingos in a surreal red lake.
From the salt flats of Bolivia to the glaciers of Patagonia, Latin America is packed with once-in-a-lifetime adventures for families. These kid-friendly experiences will create unforgettable travel memories that last forever.
Which destination will be your next big adventure? If you need help planning a custom family itinerary, reach out—I’d love to help.
Marta x
