The Best Family Vacation Destinations in South America

Want to explore South America with your kids? There are many destinations across this continent that are ideal for families. Below are 5 of the best family vacation destinations in South America.

Buenos Aires

Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, has a very European feel about it compared to many other South American cities. It’s very safe and has lots of family-friendly activities, making it a great place for a city break with kids. There are many fascinating museums throughout the city for learning about Argentine culture and theme parks such as Parque de la Costa. There are also some amazing family-friendly restaurants. While in the city, consider booking a one-hour flight to Iguazu Falls (widely regarded to be one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world). 

The Galapagos Islands

For a chance to get up close to rare wildlife, why not consider a vacation to The Galapagos Islands? These volcanic islands off the coast of Ecuador are home to exotic creatures ranging from giant tortoises to penguins. There are Galapagos tours aimed at families that can allow you to see all these amazing creatures. Cruise tours are one of the most popular options.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel located high up in the Peruvian Andes. Many people assume that the only way to access it is by taking a multi-day hike along the Inca Trail. However, you can in fact access Machu Picchu via rail – which is the most popular for families with kids. You can catch this train from Cusco where there are many family-friendly hotels. It’s worth noting that there are many other attractions in Peru for families including rainforest tours and chocolate museums. 

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the most visited city in Brazil. There is so much here to see and do that is suitable for families. Firstly, there are the beaches – while the likes of Copacabana are more popular among adults, beaches like Leblon are targeted exclusively at kids (there’s a huge play area here that young kids will love). There are also museums to explore and sports venues such as Maracana. Beyond this, there are attractions such as the cable car ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain, and of course the viewpoints around the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer. You’ll find plenty of hotels with pools and family-friendly facilities throughout Rio including some that are directly on the beachfront. 

Montevideo

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay – which is widely regarded as the safest country in South America. You’ll find a mix of beaches, museums and parks here to explore. The city has the longest carnival celebrations in the world and there is a fascinating carnival museum you can visit to learn all about it. You’ll find many hotels catered around families in Montevideo, as well as many restaurants serving local and international cuisine (Uruguayan cuisine is definitely underrated and is definitely worth trying while in this city).