(That Adults Love Too)
You’ve heard the myth: that travel with children means sacrificing a real vacation; the experiences, the food, and the comforts never live up those pre-family couples’ trips. The reality is that family travel can be crafted for everyone’s enjoyment. You’ll experience wonder, joy, and connection as a family that was never possible on those earlier journeys.
From Amazonian River cruises to horseback rides in Patagonia, South America offers unforgettable, family-friendly luxury experiences that surpass the ordinary. South America’s destinations offer world-class accommodations and adventures that can be tailored with your family in mind.
Creating meaningful memories for multiple generations requires destinations that engage both curious young minds and sophisticated adult sensibilities. South America excels at delivering these multi-layered experiences.
The team at LANDED is uniquely experienced to help your family have the trip of a lifetime: we are parents, we’ve vacationed with our children in each of these locations, and we’ve planned travel for families like yours since 2006. We handle all the details, so that you can focus on what matters most: enjoying these precious times connecting with the people you love most.
We can adapt your trip for young children, tweens, teens, as well as for grandparents. We’ll provide all the practical information, from packing to dietary considerations. And we’ll match your family with hand-picked guides who are a perfect fit.
In South America, you’ll find luxury properties that seamlessly blend adventure with comfort, education and enjoyment, cultural immersion and world-class service. You’ll be away from the European tourist crush, experiencing adventures you’ll love sharing.
As a starting point for a broader conversation with an expert travel planner at LANDED, here are ten standout experiences for your family vacation in South America – yes, South America! These journeys prove that family travel doesn’t require compromising on refinement or authentic cultural connection.
The List
- Private charter cruising in the Galapagos Islands (natural wonders in the Enchanted Isles)
- On safari in Brazil’s Pantanal (conservation successes: jaguars, giant anteaters, and scarlet macaws)
- Wild Discovery in Southern Patagonia (riding with gauchos, tracking pumas, and trekking the Andes)
- Exploring the Amazon by cruise or lodge (wildlife, canopy walkways, and indigenous communities)
- The Natural Wonders of Chile’s Atacama Desert (volcanoes, flamingos, and stargazing)
- Off-the-beaten path to Machu Picchu (ancient sites, living cultures, llamas, and landscapes)
- Brazil Thrills: Rio, Bahia, and Iguazu Falls (beaches, vibrant culture, jungle waterfalls, and amazing wildlife)
- Tailor-Made Adventures in Northern Patagonia (hot springs, rafting, and ancient forests)
- Cultural Immersion in Colombia (Bogota, the coffee region, and Cartagena)
- The Sunny Coast of Uruguay (surf, sand, polo, and wine country)
See our Top 10-Family Friendly Luxury Experiences in Central America. (And yes, parents love these trips too.)
1. Private Charter Cruise in the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Board a chartered catamaran or luxury yacht designed for families and groups of up to 20. Swim with sea lions, dolphins, and penguins, hike volcanic trails, and learn from expert naturalists—without the crowds. Onboard chefs cater to dietary preferences and allergies.
Why Galapagos?
- Wildlife encounters
- Natural beauty—beaches, volcanoes, sunsets, the Milky Way
- Snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking
- Hiking and biking
- Sea safaris with artisanal fishermen
- Surf lessons
- In-depth learning with expert naturalist guides
- Diving (and dive certification) is possible
- Sustainability projects with local families (chocolate making, recycling, coffee farms)
- Model conservation success
Your family’s experience in the Galapagos (from 3 to 7 nights) can be combined with time at a private ranch in the Andes, a lodge in the Amazon, or Machu Picchu (Peru).
2. On Safari in the Brazilian Pantanal (Brazil)
The world’s largest tropical wetland (the Pantanal) transforms family members into wildlife photographers and conservation advocates. Your family can enjoy open-air jeep safaris (scarlet macaws, giant anteaters, capybaras, and caimans); boat trips through the wetlands—similar to the Okavango Delta of Botswana—and family-friendly jaguar tracking.
Home base? A stylish lakeside or ranch lodge with top-tier amenities, swimming pool, and sundowners. Between safaris, explore the flowering forest on horseback with gauchos. In the evenings, learn to make empanadas before sitting down to a Brazilian barbeque, accompanied by ranch-hand guitars.
The family-travel magic of the Pantanal lies in shared moments of discovery—a jaguar sighting that silences the entire family, that first night safari sighting of a giant anteater, or children teaching grandparents to identify bird calls.
Private guides tailor excursions to different attention spans, or combining jeep and boat trips for younger travelers. While adults can extend into longer wildlife expeditions, children and teens can learn handcrafts at the lodge, or shadow a macaw conservation team.
Your family’s stay in the Pantanal (usually 3 to 4 nights) can be combined with time in Rio de Janeiro, the Amazon, or Iguazu Falls.
3. Wild Discovery in Southern Patagonia (Chile and Argentina)
The family estancias and luxury lodges of Patagonia provide spacious accommodation in settings of unmatched natural wonder.
Outdoor programs (such as hiking, riding, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, puma tracking) can be adapted to your children’s interests, energy, and skill levels. Even challenging hikes can be enjoyed by all, supplemented with 4WD, boat, or helicopter support.
The landscapes of Southern Patagonia are astonishing–from glaciers and waterfalls to multi-hued granite spires and the quiet beauty of the Patagonian steppe. On the coast, you can visit penguin and seal colonies, or take whale watching cruises.
Traditional estancias offer immersive ranch experiences where children learn horsemanship, folk dances, empanada making, cattle herding, and handcrafts. Adults can enjoy wine tastings and sophisticated open-flame asado techniques.
Many of these properties offer connecting rooms or suites, private terraces, and family-style dining.
Your family’s vacation in southern Patagonia (usually 4 to 6 nights) can be combined with city exploration in Buenos Aires or Santiago, a wine country stay, or time in either the Atacama Desert or the Iguazu Falls region.
4. Exploring the Amazon by Cruise or Lodge (Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil)
Stay at a luxury Amazon lodge with elevated walkways, air-conditioned suites, and bilingual naturalists. Alternatively, enjoy a comfortable multi-day cruise with daily excursions. Each region of the massive Amazon Basin offers unique wildlife and cultural exploration.
Picture your family on guided walks along forest trails or on canopy walkways with expert naturalists. By river, you’ll canoe through the flooded forest or smaller tributaries in search of monkeys, macaws, toucans, and pink dolphins. These outings engage young minds in discussions of biodiversity, inter-species cooperation, and conservation.
The accommodation options include family suites or interconnected rooms, private plunge pools, and river-view decks.
Cultural exchanges with indigenous communities create profound learning opportunities, with children often serving as natural ambassadors while adults gain deeper insights into traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable living practices.
Your family’s Amazon vacation (usually 3 to 5 nights) can be the start of a longer journey that could include the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, or Rio de Janeiro. The options are almost unlimited.
5. The Natural Wonders of Chile’s Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is one of our family’s favorite destinations. We’ve spent a lot of time here, and it still calls us back with its raw beauty, adventure options, and crystal-clear night skies.
The Atacama is one of the driest places on earth, but oasis towns like San Pedro de Atacama are magnets for adventure lovers. In fact, it would take more than three months of full days to cover every hiking, biking, hot spring, salt flat, canyon, cultural, and wildlife viewing excursion here. Our expert adventure guides can tailor these outings to your family’s needs and wishes.
Although it may look familiar to anyone who’s traveled in the Desert Southwest of the USA, Atacama is worth the extra travel. The landscapes are epic and untouched. Where else can you spend one day climbing a volcano, relaxing in hot springs, picnicking in a salt river canyon, and viewing the southern sky with perfect clarity?
The wildlife—llamas, flamingoes, Andean cats—are surprising and unfamiliar. So too are the multi-colored mountains and the ice-blue salt lagoons.
The local culture—experienced through weaving and pottery workshops, cooking classes, and visits to ancient sites—is unforgettable. The lodges themselves—the comfort, food, and design—make the trip special.
Your family’s vacation in the Atacama (usually 4 or 5 nights) can be combined with stays in the Chilean Wine Country, Easter Island (Rapa Nui), or Patagonia. The intrepid can even take overland journeys to the Argentine Andes or the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia.
6. Off-the-beaten path to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is glorious. It’s one of the few manmade wonders that lives up to its billing. We’ve been to Machu Picchu more than a dozen times, and it has never disappointed. In fact, we look forward to our next visit.
In those travels, we’ve found ways to make the journey even more special, providing context, connection, and well-deserved moments of solitude and reflection.
The possibilities extend far beyond the iconic hilltop city, to locations in and around the Sacred Valley and Cusco that are missed by the masses. We arrange picnic hikes and llama treks (adapted as appropriate for age, ability, and interest) to hilltop cities and sacred sites you and your family will love. Yes, there are still many places that offer you the true magic of Andean landscape and culture, away from the crowds.
This region abounds in cultural riches. From weaving and pottery workshops, to cooking classes, to stargazing conversations about Andean cosmology. Our hand-picked private guides can adapt the cultural and historical narratives, engaging all ages and making the ancient and living cultures accessible.
Luxury accommodations options (in the Sacred Valley, in the Machu Picchu area, and in Cusco) include family suites, neighboring rooms, or private villas. We know the importance of a well-timed visit to a hotel pool. We’ll provide advance details on dietary preferences and allergy considerations.
Instead of taking the route traveled by so many of your acquaintances, why not take the road less traveled—a road that includes all the highlights and still makes time for reflection, connection, and discovery?
Your family’s vacation to Machu Picchu can be combined with an Amazon adventure, an exploration of the cultural wonders of Lake Titicaca, or even a charter cruise in the Galapagos.
7. Brazil Thrills: Rio, Bahia, and Iguazu Falls
Why should your family consider Brazil as a vacation destination? The scale and intensity of Brazil’s beauty, diversity, and warmth make it a standout. When we ask our daughters which South American country they want to return to for our family vacation, Brazil tops the list.
How can one country have this much untouched beach? Why is the food so amazing? How can the vibe—music, architecture, style—be so consistently excellent? How can so many people be this charismatic?
If this were our first trip to Brazil, it would be hard to choose where to start. Rio de Janeiro seems like a natural entry point. Picture design-forward beachfront hotels in Ipanema, Leblon, or Copacabana. Imaging visiting the iconic hilltops of Sugarloaf and Corcovado (by tram and helicopter) with your fun-loving guide. Take a surf lesson or explore the botanical gardens with a local expert. Top off your days with world-class meals and unforgettable sunsets.
Afterward, fly up the coast to Salvador to take in its cultural treasures: the historic city center; the forts and churches; the energetic traditions of capoeira, samba and drumming; and exceptional cuisine. Then branch out along the coast for a beach retreat. Explore endless coastline, practice your surfing, and top it off with whale watching.
Your next stop? The pure-wow of jungle waterfalls in Iguacu. Imagine a riverside luxury retreat with private plunge-pools and tailor-made meals. Spend your days marveling at the waterfalls from above and by speedboat, then entering the forests with experts at spotting the tropical wildlife. We can arrange cultural encounters and handcraft workshops, or private boat trips to waterfalls and forest reserves.
Your first trip to Brazil won’t be your last. You’ll be back for the Amazon, the Pantanal, private reserves like Ibitipoca, and all those other beach towns you need to meet.
8. Tailor-Made Adventures in Northern Patagonia
Northern Patagonia—on both the Chilean and Argentine sides of the Andes—has been a family travel destination for generations. Families from South America and Europe have spent the Austral Summer seasons here from November to early April, and enjoyed winter sports from July to early September.
One of our favorite destinations is Pucon, Chile. Think Jackson Hole 40 years ago. This lakeside town has it all: volcanoes, hot springs, rivers, forests, lake sports, biking and horseback adventures, rafting, indigenous culture, and local arts scene, and a chocolate factory. This is where many of our favorite private villas—designed as family retreats—are located. Hand-selected guides and private chefs make every day here special.
Farther afield, boutique lodges are nestled within private reserves, on rivers, or near national parks known for their snow-crowned peaks, ancient forests, and excellent fishing.
On the Argentine side of the Andes, we can arrange pop-up camps with helicopter or whitewater rafting access. These become the base for river and mountain adventure days—everything from rappelling and volcano hikes to heli-treks and horseback journeys. A shared sense of accomplishment from these Patagonian adventures strengthens family bonds.
This part of Argentine Patagonia is also well known for its fly-fishing lodges and boutique hotels. Here, professional river and lake guides can help everyone have a great day on the water. The sundowners and sunset barbeques are unforgettable.
Your family’s vacation in northern Patagonia (usually 4 to 6 nights) combines easily with a customized city stay in either Santiago or Buenos Aires. Other options range from Easter Island and Iguazu Falls, to the wine country regions of Colchagua and Mendoza.
9. Cultural Immersion in Colorful Colombia
Colombia was our first long-term family travel destination. We spent a month here exploring the cities, beaches, national parks, and Andean towns. We always look forward to returning to Colombia, for the beauty of its lands, the warmth of its people, the vibrant flavors, and its strong culture of creativity.
Bogota is a mere 5.5 hours by air from New York, but it’s a world away from winter weather and city stress. Bogota’s setting in the Andes graces the city with natural beauty and a consistently spring-like climate. Some of the best family-friendly museums, markets, and parks in South America are found here, and the food is exquisite. Boutique luxury hotels express the unique character of their neighborhoods. On Sundays, many urban thoroughfares close to cars; this bike-loving city becomes a party on wheels.
A short flight to the Colombia’s coffee caffeinates your outdoor adventure options. Imagine a stay in a private countryside coffee or cacao plantation, enjoying bamboo forest hikes and horseback rides, zip-line canopy tours, excursions in restored Jeep Willys, and rafting trips. After time at the pool, try your hand at farm-to-table chocolate making.
This region is home to whitewashed hilltop towns with traditional markets, artisanal workshops, and street fairs. The Cocora Valley is a landscape straight out of Dr. Seuss, with 100-foot palm trees, waterfalls, and impossibly green mountains.
From there, continue to Colombia’s Caribbean Coast via a short flight or a helicopter tour. With its pastel-hued houses and ice-cream spires, Cartagena is a cultural treasure box. Drumming clinics, handcraft workshops, colorful markets, and world-class cafes are within easy reach. Boutique hotels feature rooftop hammock terraces, private pools, and powerful AC for a mid-day siestas. Day trips reach nearby islands and beaches. Evening strolls are even better with fresh-fruit paletas and gelatos, accompanied by guitars from the fortress walls.
Your family’s trip to Colombia (usually 7 to 10 days) can be modified to include time in the Andes, at the beach, or in the Amazon. For longer-term travel, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Galapagos Islands are realistic options.
10. Uruguay’s Sunny Side – The Eastern Shore
Uruguay is the relaxed little sibling of two economic powerhouses: Brazil and Argentina. This tiny country has long served as a getaway for over-stimulated city dwellers from both of those countries and from Europe. Despite their popularity, Uruguay’s coastal towns have largely preserved their local flavor, pace, and charm.
Yes, peak season can be crazy. But outside of those few weeks in December and January, you’ll find a hidden-gem of a destination that is tranquil, family-friendly, and welcoming. Imagine morning surf lessons, a picnic at a botanical garden or sculpture park, afternoon horseback riding, a swim or siesta, and an evening at a toes-in-the-sand tented restaurant.
Wine tastings (juice for children) and cooking classes are easily arranged. Yacht charters can take you past historic lighthouses and forts to sealion colonies and migrating whales or penguins. Farther up the coast, day trips by monster truck provide access to in-the-dunes fishing villages that seem preserved from another age. Polo lessons or riding with gauchos? Easy. Canoe or biking trips? With pleasure. How about an all-ages private cooking class with a master chef / grandfather?
We love the selection of boutique art-focused hotels here, and one of South America’s best collections of private villas. Concierge services, nannies, house chefs, and private guides can ensure that all members of your family—from toddlers to grandparents—are well cared for.
Your family’s getaway to Uruguay (usually 5 to 7 nights) can be easily combined with time in Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, or Buenos Aires.
Creating Lasting Family Connections
These vacations succeed because they recognize that luxury family travel isn’t about entertaining children while adults endure kid-friendly compromises. Instead, we create sophisticated experiences that engage different generations simultaneously, fostering genuine connections through shared discovery and adventure.
The investment in these multi-generational experiences pays dividends in family relationships that extend far beyond the travel dates. Children develop appreciation for different cultures and environments while adults rediscover wonder through young eyes. Most importantly, these shared adventures create family narratives that strengthen bonds and inspire future explorations together.
When planning luxury family travel to South America, remember that the most precious gift isn’t the destination itself, but the opportunity to create meaningful memories with the people who matter most.
These experiences ensure that every family member returns home enriched, connected, and already looking forward to the next adventure together.
Travel Made for Your Family
At LANDED, every vacation we design is a custom-made original. Every itinerary is crafted with your pace, preferences, and passions in mind—combining comfort, culture, and connection.
We are parents, travelers, and expert travel planners. We know these destinations first-hand and by heart. Trust the team at LANDED. We’ll be here for you at every step of the journey.
Ready to explore South America with your family?
Start the conversation with one of LANDED’s expert travel planners today. We know the territory first-hand and by heart.