With epic, up-close wildlife encounters, fascinating relics to gaze at, and days spent adventuring in every way, Latin America is the perfect place for an unforgettable family holiday. Whether you go for sun-soaked moments on the Costa Rican coast or all-out activities in the wilds of Patagonia, there are trips to suit every taste. If you’re wondering how to decide on your next destination, we’ve summarised the top choices for a family getaway and what you can get up to.
Costa Rica
A juicy gem in Central America, Costa Rica has all the makings of a holiday to remember from its dual coasts (both the Caribbean and Pacific) to the forests filled with snoozing sloths, shrieking monkeys and birdlife of every size and colour, all of which you can experience on a trip like this.
For a good helping of adventure, head for the forests surrounding the Arenal Volcano and explore the tree canopy, boat across the mirror-smooth lake, and hike until you drop – preferably into one of the bath-tub warm hot springs. Alternatively, head for the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the very place where ziplining was invented, which is home to enthralling species of butterflies and birdlife.
Then there are the coastal hot spots, which still have their fair share of forests to explore. On the Caribbean side, Tortuguero offers some of the best sea turtle sightings in the world – and it can only be reached by boat or plane, giving it that added feel of exclusivity. On the southern end, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has a bevy of powder-white beaches where you can swim in the shallows, ride horseback along the shore, and learn to surf. And then there’s the delicious chocolate tastings to look forward to…
Over on the Pacific Coast, combine adventurous pursuits in the jungle with sunny days spent on the beach. In Manuel Antonio, enjoy kayaking, swimming in the clear waters and learning to surf, or, if you’d prefer to stay on firmer ground, venture inland to explore by zipline or horseback. For fantastic whale-watching, kake your way down to the Osa Peninsula or head north to the Nicoya Peninsula for some of the finest beaches in Costa Rica. Hermosa is just right for families.
Where to stay
With private pools and plenty of trails on the property, Nayara Tented Camp is a delightful spot from which to explore Arenal. In Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, the Hotel Cariblue has a fantastic selection of suites and villas for families and sits right on the beautiful Playa Cocles. With fun for the entire family and suites with private dining, Arenas del Mar is a fantastic option in Manuel Antonio.
Argentina
For older children who love the thrills and spills of high-adrenaline activities, Argentina is your place. To ease in, start off with the gentle scenery of Bariloche and the Lake District and enjoy meandering hikes, kayaking, and chocolate tastings and then get into the good stuff of Iguazu Falls and its many activities. Then, take the trekking up by a few notches in El Chalten (tell the kids to keep their eyes peeled for local wildlife) or head for El Calafate where you can marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier and discover the landscape on horseback.
Right at the bottom of Argentine Patagonia, Ushuaia is the place to go for nature lovers. You’ll boat across the Beagle Channel to see chattering penguin colonies and explore Tierra del Fuego National Park on foot and kids will love the novelty of sending a postcard from the ‘end of the world’. The Peninsula Valdes is marinelife hotspot where you’ll be able to see spouting southern right whales, sea lions and elephant seals.
For a real helping of adventure, head north to Iguazu Falls, which straddle the border with Brazil. You’ll have the time of your lives hiking around the falls or boating below them. On an entirely different tact, Buenos Aires will likely bookend your trip and it’s worth doing a little exploring. There are fun cooking classes, beautiful parks and colourful characters to meet.
Where to stay
In El Calafate, the Estancia Cristina is ideal for families with fantastic on-site activities and plenty of space to spread out. Just 20 minutes from Iguazu Falls, Loi Suites have a selection of outdoor heated pools and plenty of amenities to keep younger ones and teenagers entertained. Set just outside of Bariloche, the Estancia Peuma Hue is like a destination in itself and if you’re travelling en-famille, booking an entire villa is just the ticket.
Chile
A country of staggering contrasts, from one of the oldest deserts on Earth to the shimmering Patagonian fjords, Chile has its fair share of thrills for families to enjoy. If you’re an active bunch, there’s an endless array of things to do in the south including kayaking across the lakes, horseback rides with real gauchos and sensational hiking routes to suit all levels and ages – and that’s just the tip of the glacier.
Head to Chile’s northernmost reaches where the Atacama Desert provides an entirely different type of adventure including biking across surreal valleys, swimming weightlessly in sky-blue lagoons and stargazing to dazzle young minds.
If it’s a quieter, more gentle pace you seek, the bright-as-a-button buildings of Chiloe Island provide a unique look at Chile’s culture. You can even enjoy a family-style cooking lesson! Alternatively, head for the wilds of Elqui Valley and meet the alpacas as you tour a local farm. You’re bound to spend some time in the capital, Santiago, where you can ride the cable car high above the city and cycle through its pretty parks.
Lastly, there’s the enigmatic and ever-fascinating Easter Island that sits 3,700km off Chile’s coast. Take advantage of the incredible snorkelling in the crystalline waters and take the family hiking across the rugged landscape to marvel at the infamous moai statues.
Where to stay
In the Lake District, Hotel AWA enjoys a prime location right on the shore of Lake Llanquihue so watersports are always on offer and accommodation includes a large private villa with its own kitchen. The Tierra Chiloé Hotel & Spa will keep both parents and kids happy with tons of included activities including a trip to nearby islands on the private yacht. On the edge of Torres del Paine National Park, the Estancia Cerro Guido has plenty of room to play and the entire family can get involved on the working farm.
