Unforgettable-Travel-with-Childrens-in-South-America

Travel with Children in South America

1. Introduction: Travel with Children in South America – An Unforgettable Adventure for the Whole Family

For parents and travel with childrens it’s always an advantage to visit a destination at the right time. Before being in South America you must remember that the seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. If you have babies or small children this can mean double summer or double winter. High season for travel to South America is usually our summer, winter is low season everywhere.

Prices often rise during the high seasons and places of interests can become crowded with tourists. Getting accommodation can also be more difficult. So families decide to travel during the low season, this can mean missing out on a lot of activities due to colder weather. Remember that not all countries have four seasons, some like it’s summer all year round in the tropics.

The continent’s awesome geographic diversity provides endless opportunities for children to learn, and sometimes unlearn, through natural experiences; vast Amazon rainforests, beaches, and savannas are like giant playgrounds with no boundaries. Climbing an active volcano, watching a condor swoop past a canyon, swimming in a clear pool beneath a waterfall, learning to surf, and riding horseback on the pampas are all adventures that your children are unlikely to forget. Rich indigenous cultures in many countries mean that children are often exposed to a variety of traditional music, dance, crafts, and foods.

As the title suggests, travel in South America is for families that are seeking an unforgettable adventure. Children of all ages are welcomed with open arms nearly everywhere, as the local people treasure family. Whether you’re going to a village fiesta, strolling through a market, or playing on a beach, you’re likely to find that the locals are not only tolerant of children’s antics but genuinely appreciative of them.

1.1. Why Choose South America as Your Family Travel Destination

In the past generation, South America has become a new and exciting key travel destination in the world. For families, it has much to offer in terms of travel experiences. South America has always had an appeal as an exotic and historical travel destination. In more recent years, it has also developed well-organized travel and tourism infrastructure. South American travel can be particularly rewarding for families, as it offers an opportunity to expose children to an entirely new and diverse culture. Exploring the various countries of South America will allow children to witness a rich tapestry of language, customs, and traditions. The continent may also offer families many opportunities to serve others through volunteer work.

In terms of natural beauty, South America is unmatched. From the world’s greatest rainforest and mightiest river to cloud forests, Andean peaks, and ancient deserts, it is a paradise for those interested in the environment and ecology. This is an area where children can witness nature firsthand, learning to appreciate and eventually act as stewards for our earth.

Travel in South America can be inexpensive and offers excellent value for families. The overall cost of living is less than in North America and Europe. If one gets off the beaten track of the typical tourist destinations, things like food, lodging, and transportation can be quite economical. Low land costs mean sprawling cities and abundant parks. In many areas of South America, kids simply live outdoors. They’ll love the vast and varied opportunities for recreation. South Americans themselves are very family-oriented and they’re quite accommodating to foreign children.

Finally, South America is the home of several modern educational approaches that place heavy emphasis on learning through travel and experience. Families will meet many expats and world travelers in South America and can connect with them through various international schools.

1.2. The Advantages and Rewards of Traveling with Children

It is important to answer the question of “Why travel with children of any age? Because the choice to take a family vacation involves time, preparation, and a budget. To this question, I would answer, “The most important reason is to widen their horizons.” By journeying, children develop flexible minds. They can observe alternatives to their usual environment and can form ideals of other ways of living and thinking. And the best time to have a child’s mind is when they are a child.

Travel is the best education as children learn via experiences and new situations. In most museums, it is difficult to stop children from physically exploring the exhibits. Hands-on experiences enrich children. In new surroundings, there is an endless supply of these.

Another reason for travel with children is learning to deal with diversity on many levels. Children learn that it is okay to be different. That language is not a barrier in making friends and that the world really is a small place. In South America, children will be gobsmacked by Africans speaking Portuguese in Salvador or Japanese speaking Portuguese in the Liberdade district of Sao Paulo. Language ain’t no thang.

A child can walk into a park anywhere in the world and make friends without saying a word because it is easier to make friends while being innocent, and South American culture is very child-friendly. Native South American children will astound your kids with their agility and Barraca do Beijo (Kissing Booth). For these reasons, it is certainly worthwhile taking even very young children traveling. Just choose your destination.

2. Planning Your Trip

planning-to-travel-with-childrens-in-south-america

When planning a trip to South America with small children, think carefully about what type of holiday experience you and your children would find enjoyable. A lot of South America is quite challenging to travel with children, but there are some lovely places which have a lot to offer for both adults and children alike. Cusco is the most popular tourist destination in Peru and it’s not hard to see why. The beautiful city is located in the Andes and has many interesting cultural attractions.

Most importantly, it’s only a short bus ride from the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley is a great place to relax for a few days and take in an inkling of Andean culture. Machu Picchu is a must-see for any traveler to South America and is an incredibly fascinating place for children, making it a great family destination. For a bit of relaxation, consider heading to the beaches of northern Peru. The small town of Máncora is becoming a popular spot for both Peruvians and foreign visitors.

The warm Pacific waters are great for swimming and the town has a very relaxed atmosphere. Máncora is a great place to unwind for a few days, recharge the batteries, and give the kids a chance to just play by the beach for a while. If you’re looking for an Amazon adventure, Rurrenabaque in Bolivia is the easiest and safest place to access the Amazon with children. With good malaria prevention and medical facilities, Rurrenabaque is a good option to take the kids for a jungle tour.

From Rurrenabaque, you can do a short tour which still gives a good taste of the jungle without being too tough on the kids, or longer tours which are more suitable if your kids are a bit older. Buena Vista, near Cochabamba, is a good place to do a jungle tour if the Pampas is too far in for your liking. The tropical parkland at Buena Vista has plenty of wildlife and is a much healthier environment than the pampas for children.

2.1. Choosing Child-Friendly Destinations

Travelling along the Amazon River and exploring the rainforest is an adventure that is both educational and exciting. Another eco-adventure destination that is highly recommended for families with older children is Canaima (the jumping-off point for a trip to Angel Falls) in Venezuela. Angel Falls is the world’s highest waterfall, and the trip to and from the falls involves so much adventure and cultural experiences that it will be the highlight of your child’s year.

For families with older children, the eco-adventure destinations of Bonito and the Pantanal are unbeatable. Bonito is an inland town that is famous for its crystal clear rivers, caves, and grotto lakes. The whole region is a nature reserve, and there are so many activities on offer that you will need at least a week to do them all. The Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland and is home to so much wildlife and adventure activities that your children will never forget it.

You can choose between staying on a fazenda (cattle ranch) or staying at a jungle lodge. The most popular activities are horseback riding, piranha fishing, and wildlife spotting canoe trips. Further north, the Amazon offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for families with older children.

During their early formative years, children will appreciate locations that are exotic, colourful, and noisy. The best child-friendly destinations in South America are the countries of Brazil and Venezuela. Coastal Brazil is home to so many child-friendly destinations that the problem will be choosing the best one for your family. For young children, the smaller colonial coastal towns between Rio de Janeiro and Salvador are the best. They combine a beach holiday with interesting and easily accessible day trips. Paraty and Morro de São Paulo are ideal. Morro de São Paulo is car-free, which is an added bonus.

2.2. Best Time to Visit South America with Children

There are, however, some areas for which the best time to visit is to dodge the main tourist season. This is probably true for many of the most popular tourist sites such as Machu Picchu or the Galapagos Islands. Visiting these places at their busiest times can mean overbooked accommodation, high prices, and an unpleasantly crowded experience. Coming in the shoulder season can be a good compromise for many people.

Generally speaking, the best time to visit much of the continent is during the dry season. This is when going is easier and there are more tourist facilities. In tropical areas, the dry season is a time when there are breaks in the rain rather than extended periods of sunshine. Sometimes it can get too hot and dry, which has its own difficulties. Mountainous areas can be inhospitable during the winter months, and it’s not a great idea to be trekking with children at high altitudes. Note that seasons can vary markedly from year to year. During the global El Nino weather phenomenon, some areas might experience much wetter or drier conditions than usual.

There are a few factors to consider when deciding the best time for your family to visit South America. The continent is located in the southern hemisphere, so its seasons are the reverse of those in the north. South America is a massive continent covering many climatic zones. Consequently, the best time to visit will depend on the areas you wish to travel to.

2.3. Vaccinations and Health Considerations

These diseases have vaccines available, although they may not provide 100% immunity. High risk areas and seasons for particular diseases should be avoided. Other not so well known health risks in South America include Chagas disease, Leishmaniasis, Trypanosomiasis and Rabies. Information on these can be obtained from a travel health clinic.

Typhoid: Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by consuming contaminated food or water. The risk is higher among children, travellers to rural areas, and those who are unable to eat and drink safely. Measures to prevent typhoid include vaccination and careful selection of food and drink.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B: Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water. The infection has worldwide distribution and is the most prevalent type of hepatitis in the third world. It is highly infectious and symptoms can last from weeks to months. Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact, blood, and blood products and medical, dental and cosmetic procedures. This includes body piercing and tattooing.

Malaria & Dengue: These diseases are spread by mosquito bites and are thus difficult to guard against. The most effective protection is to avoid getting bitten. The use of mosquito nets and repellent are essential, particularly for children. Preventative medication is also available and should be discussed with a doctor. Measures should be taken to avoid contact with mosquitoes, especially during daylight hours. Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts may be advisable.

Yellow Fever: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to certain areas in South America. These areas are usually remote jungle destinations, which may not be appropriate for families with children. Transmission usually occurs through mosquito bites.

Below is a list of the main health risks for travellers to South America. This isn’t exhaustive; it’s only meant to serve as a guide.

South American countries are home to a wide variety of diseases that you and your family are unlikely to have come into contact with before. The length of time that vaccinations to protect against these diseases need to be administered in advance of travel varies. Many need to be given in two doses, often spread over several weeks. So it is worthwhile discussing the trip with a doctor as soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit a travel health clinic with up to date knowledge of current health issues in South America. Doctors there will have access to the latest, accurate information.

3. Essential Tips for Travelling with Children

essential-tips-for-travelling-with-children-and what-you-should-pack-for-trips-in-south-america

Childproofing is a difficult task in a place where you are unfamiliar with the environment. We advise that you book accommodation with secure window and balcony grilles and no open pools or unprotected water nearby. Beware of poisonous snakes and insects when choosing a rural location. Request stair guards if necessary. If you will be doing extensive traveling in taxis, consider bringing your car safety seats.

This will also act as a familiar and comfortable place for your child to sit. If your child is still an infant, consider buying a baby hammock to use while in South America. A baby hammock is small and light so can easily be transported, and will keep your child off dirty floors and surfaces and out of the reach of animals. It will also provide your baby with a familiar place to sleep.

3.1. Safety Precautions and Childproofing

When packing your family’s luggage, remember that you can buy most necessities in South America. You may choose to travel light and buy certain items locally. Try not to bring anything that you couldn’t bear to lose, damaged, or stolen. Things of sentimental value or necessity, such as prescription medications and favorite toys should be packed in your hand luggage.

Give everyone a small backpack or bag they can carry themselves filled with items to entertain them or help with sleep on the plane. Items will depend on the age of your child but may include activity books, music or stories on tape, and comfort toys. Also pack a change of clothes for everyone in your hand luggage, accidents happen.

Pack traveling bag for each child. Include favorite toys, books, and other comfort items, as well as diapers and wipes for younger children. A small backpack or bag can be used as a carry-on for the plane and later as a daypack. Also use a fanny pack for your child, where a limited amount of spending money can be stored. This will prevent the constant loss of money. Roll clothing instead of folding. This saves space and makes it easier to find items in the travel bag. Bring a few favorite toys and several new toys.

Having something new to offer will help avert a tantrum because the children are bored with the old things. It is ideal to have a variety of small things that can be pulled out one at a time during the course of a long travel day. A small, quiet toy can also be carried in a parent’s pocket to be used as a reward for good behavior. If you are traveling to a developing country, consider taking an inflatable bathtub.

This can be used to keep the child clean and safely contained in areas where the local accommodations are not childproof. Deflated, it can be packed in the bottom of a suitcase. Also bring a nylon sheet or crib net. This can be used as a safe sleep area or to contain a child when a safe play space is not otherwise available.

3.2. Packing Essentials for Children

If you’re thinking about heading to South America with your kids, you might be feeling a bit daunted at the task. A family trip to South America can be off the beaten track and sometimes involve health and safety risks. However, with proper planning and precautions, it can be the trip of a lifetime.

3.3. Safety Precautions and Childproofing

Explanation of the need for an emergency preparedness escape plan and linking to both the emergency and disaster preparedness information and the childproofing section. A subheading: Childproofing may be introduced here. The purpose of childproofing is explained as being more than just physical proofing, i.e. preventing access. It is protection of the child from harming themselves.

This is nicely summed up by the use of a quote: “While it’s impossible to watch over your children every minute, taking steps to ensure their safety can greatly reduce the chances of serious accidents.” Measures such as ensuring all immunizations are up to date, learning the location of the country’s closest hospital (and deciding who fluent English-speaking countries would visit an area’s hospital to avoid confusion), keeping a small medical travel kit plus a compact first aid manual. Safety also relates to health, and it is stressed to take out comprehensive travel insurance and researching destinations to check whether any diseases are prevalent. The final point is preventing child abduction in South America.

It depicts a brief statement regarding the growing issue of child abduction in the fast urbanizing Latino areas and provides a formula known as Identikit. This formula stores all vital information and photos of your children and will provide great assistance in the event of trying to find a missing child in a foreign country. This information is very useful, if not a little frightening. This section would also link to the first subheading concerning the locating and documentation of important information.

3.4. Keeping Children Entertained during the Trip

Travelling to foreign countries sometimes entails long journeys, layovers, and delays. It is often the time spent in getting to a destination that can be the most tedious for children. A variation of the ever-useful “busy bag” can keep children entertained and focused for hours. Allow your children to pack their own backpack full of things to keep them happy on the plane. Options may include coloring books, reading books, iPods, various handheld games, cards, and a special stuffed animal.

Make snacks a part of this entertainment bag, but try to limit the amount of sugar so as not to hyper-stimulate your children. Select a few small toys and wrap them; the longer it takes them to unwrap, the better. Pack magnets and small magnetic whiteboards – these can be easily transported and yet provide hours of entertainment. A roll of aluminum foil is also a great entertainment item – it can be shaped into anything your child’s imagination can come up with, and then squished back down to be remade into something else.

And of course, on a long journey, there will be some point in time when all the activities have been exhausted and boredom has set in. This would be a good time to pull out a surprise iPod or laptop. For children who do not often get prolonged periods of screen time, this can be something that is looked forward to and can therefore buy a few hours of good behavior. Be cautious, though, that you do not reveal all of the bag’s items at once. This backpack will be much more interesting if it continues to provide new and exciting activities the longer the journey goes on.

3.5. Managing Jet Lag and Travel Fatigue

Travelling to South America can take a toll on the energy and enthusiasm of adults and children alike. There are a few ways to minimize the effects of travel fatigue and jet lag on your family. It is a good idea to carry a few familiar toys or games that can be used on the plane or in the airport during long layovers. Try to carry these in your hand luggage as checked baggage is often inaccessible during layovers.

Resist the urge to let your child/children go to sleep during the day after you arrive at your destination. It is best to try to adjust to the new time schedule as quickly as possible. Depending on the time of year, it may be possible to go to the Amazon or some other place with high humidity because high humidity and temperature can worsen the symptoms of jet lag. It may be possible to avoid it altogether by not going outside the zone of your departure time.


Most importantly, try to maintain a flexible schedule and not to overdo daily activities. Over-planning can increase stress and fatigue, and may even lead to illness. This advice applies to children of any age, but particularly to babies and toddlers, who can become very irritable when tired. If your child does become ill when travelling, it is worth traveling to a major city where you can obtain good medical advice. The tropical medicine department at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto has an excellent website that provides up-to-date information for travelers requiring medical care in many foreign destinations.

4. Exploring South America with Children

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When planning a family holiday to South America, it is important to involve your kids in the decision-making process. At the very least, try and gauge their interest. As travel to South America may be far removed from what they know as a holiday, it is important to sell it to them in their terms. Make sure you inform them of the fun and excitement they will have there and how it may cater to their interests.

For example, nature-loving kids will be fascinated with the Amazon or Pantanal, animal-loving kids will be keen for any jungle, farm, or zoo tour, sporty kids might like to see a football match. Older children may also like to be involved in your planning research and help make decisions. Involving them in this way will give them a sense of ownership of the trip and greatly increase their interest and enthusiasm.

South America is an excellent place to explore with children. Many South American cities are rich with fun and educational family attractions. The stunning natural environment offers numerous child-friendly nature activities and South Americans are very family-minded people. However, you should be aware of some specific health risks and plan ahead on how to best deal with them.

4.1. Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions

From the Andes’ northern tip to its southern extremities, South America abounds with activities and sights that will enthrall children. But children, and the parents who tote them, have limited energy and often fewer cultivated tastes than more seasoned travelers. Your travels – and the family happiness – will benefit greatly if you select activities and places to visit with your child in mind. It’s essential to allow flexibility in your schedule. Children tire easily and the last thing you want is a cranky, exhausted child pleading with you to leave what you know is a fabulous experience.

Consider breaking excursions into smaller, manageable portions. Step off the museum path and explore a local market, park or playground. The break will allow children to be children and the whole family to take in more of the native culture. Always allow for impromptu exploration. Some of the best times can be the unexpected adventures that stem from poking around back streets and interacting with local people. Keep your approach to all activities as low key as possible and allow plenty of time for children to absorb the atmosphere around them.

This is particularly important to remember at major cultural or historical sights. Children will rarely have the same appreciation as adults and any display of impatience from accompanying adults will quickly disillusion them. On the flip side, if you sense the children have had enough, don’t hesitate to cut an activity short. An hour at the Louvre as a taste of things to come is better than a forced march through room after room of disinterested children.

For the purpose of these listings, age ranges for children’s admission fees are only mentioned where significant. Keep in mind, children 12 and under will generally be admitted free of charge at most sights and reduced fees often apply to youths under 18 and/or seniors. Always inquire about reduced family rates.

4.2. Child-Friendly Accommodations and Restaurants

South America is not different from North American family values when it comes to child-friendly accommodations. Many South American countries welcome children and have facilities such as children’s play areas, and kid’s meals can be found in most restaurants. South American culture is very family-oriented and South American people love children. In places like Brazil, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Argentina, you may be surprised by just how welcome your children will be. Even in Peru, people will go out of their way to help families, and in places like Ecuador and Bolivia, children are often doted on by people who are happy to see foreigners with children.

There are many places to find child-friendly accommodations and restaurants. Chile is commonly referred to as the most “European” country of South America and has facilities and attitudes similar to Europe. Places like Santiago, Vina del Mar, the Lake District, and the beaches of Concon and Renaca are good spots to take kids. Chile has some of the best public transportation in South America and is one of the easier countries to travel in. Brazil has beguiling cheerful nature and the famous Brazilian friendliness.

There are things to keep children entertained all over the place and plenty of family-friendly facilities in Brazil. Whether it is beaches, big cities, the Pantanal, the Amazon, or cultural attractions, Brazil has something for your children.

4.3. Transportation Options for Families

There are a variety of transportation options to suit every family’s need. Flying is the easiest and quickest way to get around, but there are also good long distance buses, which may be more cost effective and more convenient, especially as you are able to interact with locals and enjoy watching the scenery, rather than trying to entertain your child for several hours in a crowded airplane. If you choose this option, try to get the best possible seats to avoid car sickness – close to the front, where you can control the heat and air conditioning, and aim for the double decker buses, as the view is incomparable to the bottom level.

Ferries are most likely to be fun for your children, and can be a thrilling adventure with a pretty relaxed environment. However for long distances, it is definitely not the most practical option. Boats can be similar, however if you are considering any trips up the Amazon, a bus may be a safer and more comfortable option in the long run.

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