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Peruvian child

Latin America holds enormous appeal across the generations. While you revel in the exotic places you’ve always dreamed of visiting, your children will benefit from horizon-expanding adventures that are sure to become some of their most treasured memories.

We understand the unique joys and challenges of family travel, and we’re the experts when it comes to designing flexible trips built specially around you and your family. Call for a chat to get started, or simply browse through this guide and we’ll help you match your requirements to the ideal destination. If your trip has to coincide with the school holidays, make sure to also explore our climate advice.

If you're seeking the sun

Kuna Yala, Panama

There is certainly no shortage of idyllic beaches in Latin America. Indeed you need look no further than Brazil to be dazzled by the possibilities – from the glamour of Ipanema to the laid-back northeast with its small, charming seaside towns.

Don't forget that Latin America also has a stunning Caribbean coast – Mexico, Cuba, Central America, Colombia and Venezuela all lay claim to the white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters that the name conjours up.

The Yucatán peninsula of Mexico, with its Mayan Riviera, lends itself particularly well to families due to an unbeatable combination of paradise beaches and amazing Mayan ruins, while Cuba’s unique quirks and vibrant, musical culture make it another big hit with kids and adults alike.

If your family loves nature and wildlife

Amazon lillies, Brazil

The Amazon could be perfect: as a jungle experience, the world’s largest rainforest is unrivalled, and with options to visit from Peru, Brazil or Ecuador it’s also easier to fit into your trip than you might think.

For the best wildlife viewing however, head to the Pantanal in Brazil, where the fascinating fauna is easily spotted amidst the marshland scenery. Expect to see howler monkeys, capybara, anteaters and caiman, and perhaps tapirs, ocelots or even jaguars, along with a plethora of birdlife.

Iguazú Falls is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring natural sights on the planet, and is a perfect addition to a trip to Brazil and/or Argentina, lying on the border between the two countries. Your kids will love the friendly, fuzzy coatis that roam the national park!

Another obvious choice for nature lovers has to be Costa Rica, a treasure trove of jungle, volcanoes and wild beaches that is accessible and geared to family travel. Meanwhile untouched Guyana offers a pristine rainforest environment for pioneering families. There is also great whale watching in Mexico’s Baja California, Brazil and Argentina.

...And that’s to say nothing of the magnificent Galápagos Islands, or of Patagonia – a vast region home to some of the world’s most spectacular wilderness scenery, from enormous glaciers to jagged mountain peaks.

If you're looking for outdoor sports and activities

Zip-lining in the forest canopy

Costa Rica is an adrenaline junkie’s idea of heaven, with opportunities aplenty to catapult yourself through the jungle on a canopy zip wire, battle rapids on a white-water rafting expedition or even trek up a volcano. Belize, too, has an array of outdoor attractions from canoeing to mountain-biking.

Another popular option is sea kayaking in Baja California, Mexico, which can be easily combined with riding the rails of the spectacular Copper Canyon on one of Latin America’s greatest rail journeys.

If on the other hand it’s trekking that holds the greatest appeal, Patagonia is the place for you and your family. There are plenty of easier walks, trails and scenic ambles in addition to the more strenuous trekking that will suit teenagers, and you could even add an estancia stay to your holiday for some memorable horse riding. Peru’s extraordinarily beautiful highland scenery also makes an ideal backdrop for keen walkers.

If you want somewhere with real educational value

Machu Picchu, Peru

For the ultimate lesson in natural history, head to the Galápagos Islands, where the science of evolution will come alive in spectacular fashion. Stay on the islands themselves or choose from one of the many exciting cruises available – many of which have excellent facilities and activity programmes for children of all ages.

There are few places on earth where history is more vividly present than in Peru, home of jaw-dropping ruins and the tangible legacy of both the ancient Inca and Spanish colonial periods. A trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu never fails to make a truly long-lasting impression.

For a schooling in more modern history, head to Cuba, or for a different take on the ancient world Mexico and Guatemala are equally remarkable – here Aztecs, Mayans and other sophisticated civilisations have left an indelible mark on the land and its living culture.

If you're after a culturally rich destination

La Boca, Buenos Aires

Get to know the thriving indigenous cultures of Latin America through their markets, costumes and music. Traditional ways of life run particularly deep in Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, Bolivia and Mexico. These countries are also home to ruins which stand testament to the scale of past empires.

Cuba is home to a very different but equally fascinating culture, and a unique history that is mirrored in the rich outpourings of its music and dance.

Argentina boasts a sophisticated and cosmopolitan culture with a rugged rural heart: from one day to the next you might be watching street tango in San Telmo then saddling up with the gauchos on a traditional estancia.

If your children are under five

Peruvian baby, Sacred Valley, Peru

We can cater for children of any age, but we understand that travelling with very young children can bring its own challenges. Most popular for young families are Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica and the coast of Brazil, which are all easily manageable, with the reliable infrastructure that will leave you feeling reassured at every step. If you would like something more adventurous, we can help too of course – we’ve seen enough trekkers set off with babies strapped to their backs to know that families come in all shapes and sizes!.

If your children are in their teens

Meeting the locals, Cusco, Peru

Why not consider a group tour? Children of age 12 and over are welcome on all our escorted trips, and our award-winning guides allow you to really get under the skin of your destination and learn all about its culture and history.

By the teenage years your children have reached an age where they can truly appreciate everything travel has to offer (even if demonstrating that appreciation may not always be their strongpoint!). So feel free to think big – you may find other ideas to interest you amongst our regular tailor-made suggestions.

If you want the trip of a lifetime

Penguins, Antarctica

Perhaps this is the year that you make that trip you’ve always dreamed of... it could be that you’ve got a little more time to play with than usual, or maybe you want to combine several iconic highlights into one unforgettable holiday. Or maybe it’s the destination itself that’s truly out of the ordinary, like Antarctica with its vast icescapes, astonishing wildlife and thrilling history of adventure and exploration.

You may like to start by browsing through our holidays and highlights for inspiration before getting in touch to find out how we can make your dream family holiday a reality. The possibilities are endless!