Schools Out For Summer: Where To Plan Your Next Family Vacation in South America

Imagine a family vacation in South America where your family explores sun-drenched beaches in Colombia and Peru, ventures into lush Ecuadorian rainforests, and marvels at the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. South America beckons with a diverse array of destinations perfectly tailored for families seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Summer break provides the perfect opportunity to explore South America’s most family-friendly spots, perfect for a summer vacation that exceeds expectations and enriches your family for years to come, with each destination offering unique opportunities for exploration and learning. Let Kuoda be your guide to this captivating continent where every moment becomes an opportunity to forge deeper bonds, uncover new perspectives, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime for you and your family on your next summer vacation to South America. Read on to learn more about the different destinations in South America for summer vacation, and send us a message to get started planning your trip.

For the Beach-Goers

San Andres, Colombia

Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, San Andres is a tropical paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life. This island offers a variety of activities perfect for families with kids, making it an idyllic spot for a relaxing and adventurous vacation.

What to Do: San Andres is a haven for water activities. The clear waters around the island are perfect for snorkeling and diving, where kids can explore the underwater world and see colorful fish and coral reefs. A short boat ride takes you to Johnny Cay, a small island where you can relax on the beach, swim, and enjoy fresh seafood. Spratt Bight Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island, with calm waters perfect for swimming and playing in the sand.

Where to Stay:

• Decameron Aquarium: This family-friendly resort offers all-inclusive packages, kids’ activities, and easy access to the beach. With various dining options and entertainment, it’s a convenient and fun choice for families.

Why It’s Perfect for a Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation: San Andres is an ideal destination for families because of its safe, calm waters and abundance of kid-friendly activities. The island’s compact size makes it easy to explore, and the friendly locals make visitors feel welcome. Kids will love the variety of water sports and the opportunity to see exotic marine life up close.

Santa Marta, Colombia

Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia, offers a blend of beautiful beaches, history, and culture. It’s a fantastic destination for families looking to combine relaxation with exploration in a vibrant setting.

What to Do: Tayrona National Park offers stunning beaches and hiking trails through the jungle. Kids will love spotting wildlife and swimming in the natural pools. Rodadero Beach is a lively beach with plenty of activities, including banana boat rides and paddleboarding. A visit to the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a historic site where Simón Bolívar spent his last days, offers educational tours for kids, making history come alive.

Where to Stay:

• Irotama Resort: This beachfront resort offers spacious family accommodations, a kids’ club, and numerous activities, ensuring a fun-filled stay.
• Zuana Beach Resort: A family-friendly resort with multiple pools, a private beach, and various entertainment options for kids, providing a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement.

Why It’s Perfect for a Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation: Santa Marta provides a perfect mix of beach fun and educational experiences. The city’s historical sites and natural parks ensure that kids are entertained and engaged throughout the trip. With Kuoda Tours, you can explore the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Santa Marta in a way that’s both enjoyable and informative for children.

Mancora, Peru

Mancora is a laid-back beach town in northern Peru, known for its sunny weather, excellent surfing, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect destination for families looking to unwind and enjoy the ocean.

What to Do: Mancora’s consistent waves make it a great place for kids to learn how to surf or kite surf. Local surf schools offer lessons for beginners, ensuring a safe and fun experience. From July to October, you can take a boat trip to see humpback whales migrating along the coast, an unforgettable experience for kids. Spend the day on Mancora Beach building sandcastles, swimming, and enjoying the warm sun.

Where to Stay:

• Eco Lodge Mancora: A family-friendly eco-lodge offering spacious bungalows and a swimming pool, perfect for a comfortable stay.
• Vichayito Bungalows & Carpas: This resort offers unique tented accommodations right on the beach, providing a fun and memorable experience for families.

Why It’s Perfect for a Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation: Mancora’s relaxed vibe and wide range of outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for families. The town’s safe, shallow waters and friendly surf schools ensure that kids have a great time while learning new skills. The opportunity to see whales and enjoy water sports makes Mancora a fun and exciting place for children.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands offer a unique opportunity for families to experience incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a destination where kids can learn about nature and conservation while having unforgettable adventures.

What to Do: The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their diverse wildlife. Kids can see giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and more on guided tours of the islands. Snorkeling and kayaking are popular activities, allowing families to explore the underwater world and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station provides an educational experience, where kids can learn about conservation efforts and the unique species found on the islands.

Where to Stay:

• Finch Bay Eco Hotel: A family-friendly eco-hotel offering comfortable accommodations and guided tours, ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable stay.
• Galapagos Safari Camp: Stay in luxurious safari tents for a unique and comfortable experience, providing a sense of adventure and immersion in nature.

Why It’s Perfect for a Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation: The Galapagos Islands are a living classroom, where kids can see and learn about unique wildlife up close. The variety of outdoor activities and educational opportunities make it an unforgettable destination for families. With Kuoda Tours, your family can explore the natural wonders of the Galapagos in a safe and engaging way.

For the Culture-Lovers

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a bustling metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage, tango music, and European-style architecture. It’s a city full of life and color, offering a variety of activities for families to enjoy.

What to Do: Buenos Aires is home to the Museo de los Niños, an interactive children’s museum where kids can role-play in a miniature city, engaging in fun and educational activities. The colorful streets of the La Boca neighborhood are a visual treat, with street performers and tango dancers adding to the vibrant atmosphere. A visit to the EcoParque, an ecological park and zoo, focuses on conservation and education, offering a wonderful day out for children to learn about wildlife.

Where to Stay:

• Alvear Palace Hotel: This luxurious hotel offers family suites and kid-friendly amenities in a prime location, providing comfort and convenience.

Why It’s Perfect for a Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation: Buenos Aires offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, interactive museums, and parks, making it a dynamic city for children to explore. With Kuoda Tours, your family can immerse in the rhythms of tango and the charm of Argentina’s capital, creating lasting memories.

Cusco, Peru

Cusco and the Sacred Valley are steeped in history and culture, offering a fascinating journey into the heart of the Inca Empire. The region is known for its stunning landscapes, archaeological sites, and vibrant traditions, making it an enriching destination for families.

What to Do: A visit to the iconic ancient city of Machu Picchu is a must, and Kuoda Tours offers guided tours tailored for families, making history come alive for kids. They can wander through the ancient ruins, imagining life as an Incan warrior or priest. Exploring the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuamán with its large stone structures will captivate young imaginations, and visiting the colorful Pisac Market allows kids to interact with locals and discover traditional Andean crafts.

Where to Stay:

• Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa: Located in the Sacred Valley, this family-friendly resort offers spacious rooms, a kids’ club, and beautiful gardens where children can play and explore.
• Belmond Hotel Monasterio: In Cusco, this historic hotel provides unique family rooms and offers cooking classes for kids, adding a culinary twist to your cultural experience.

Why It’s Perfect for a Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation: The mix of educational tours, hands-on activities, and the awe-inspiring landscapes make Cusco and the Sacred Valley an engaging destination for children. The guided tours by Kuoda ensure that kids are entertained and educated simultaneously, making it a perfect choice for a family vacation.

Valparaíso, Chile

Valparaíso is a colorful coastal city offering a mix of modern and historic attractions perfect for families. Known for its vibrant street art and bohemian culture, Valparaíso is a visual and cultural feast for visitors of all ages.

What to Do: Explore Valparaíso’s street art tours, providing a visual feast as you wander through the colorful murals that adorn the city’s buildings. The funicular rides through the hilly city are a unique experience that kids will love. Nearby Santiago offers Parque Metropolitano, a large park with a zoo, swimming pools, and stunning views of the city, providing plenty of outdoor activities for children. The Museo Interactivo Mirador (MIM) in Santiago is an interactive science museum that kids will love, with exhibits that allow them to engage in hands-on learning.

Where to Stay:

• Casa Higueras Hotel: This is a luxurious, kid-friendly boutique hotel that offers spacious suites ideal for families. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool where children can splash around, and beautiful gardens for outdoor play and relaxation. The on-site restaurant caters to all tastes with a child-friendly menu, ensuring enjoyable family dining. Located in the heart of Valparaíso, Casa Higueras provides easy access to the city’s cultural and historical attractions. With attentive staff and personalized services, this hotel ensures a comfortable and memorable stay for families seeking a high-end experience.

Medellín, Colombia

Medellínis is the cultural heartbeat of Colombia that has transformed into a vibrant and innovative city, offering numerous attractions for families. From colorful street art adorning every corner to world-class museums showcasing Colombian history and contemporary art, Medellín invites exploration and appreciation of its cultural heritage. Its pleasant climate and breathtaking landscapes further enrich the cultural experience, making it a destination where history, art, and natural beauty converge harmoniously for families visiting for their summer vacation.

What to Do: Medellín’s Parque Explora is an interactive science and technology park where kids can learn through hands-on exhibits and activities. The city’s Botanical Garden offers beautiful grounds to explore and learn about native plants and wildlife. A ride on the Metrocable, Medellín’s unique public transport system, provides stunning views of the city and its surrounding mountains. The nearby town of Guatapé, with its colorful buildings and the towering El Peñol rock, offers a fun day trip for families, including a boat ride on the lake.

Where to Stay:

• The Charlee Hotel: Located in the trendy El Poblado neighborhood, this hotel offers family-friendly amenities and easy access to restaurants and parks.
• Hotel San Fernando Plaza: This comfortable hotel provides spacious family rooms and a swimming pool, ensuring a pleasant stay for families.

Why It’s Perfect for a Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation: Medellín’s transformation into a vibrant, family-friendly city offers a range of activities that are both fun and educational for children. The city’s innovative public spaces and cultural attractions make it an exciting destination for families. With Kuoda Tours, your family can explore the dynamic and welcoming city of Medellín, creating unforgettable memories.

For the Adventure Enthusiasts

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Peru

The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu offer breathtaking landscapes and rich history, perfect for adventurous families looking to explore one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. The destinations offer a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, making them ideal destinations for adventurous families. The Sacred Valley, nestled between Cusco and Machu Picchu, is renowned for its stunning landscapes dotted with terraced fields, traditional Andean villages, and ancient Incan ruins like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Families can engage in activities such as llama trekking, exploring local markets brimming with colorful textiles and handicrafts, and visiting agricultural terraces that showcase the Incan mastery of farming in diverse climates.

What to Do: Embark on family-friendly hikes through the Sacred Valley, leading to ancient ruins and stunning vistas. Exploring the ancient city of Machu Picchu with guided tours tailored for families makes history come alive for kids. The vibrant Pisac Market is a great place to experience local culture and buy traditional crafts, adding an interactive element to your visit.

Where to Stay:

• Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa: Located in the Sacred Valley, this family-friendly resort offers spacious rooms, a kids’ club, and beautiful gardens where children can play and explore.
• Belmond Sanctuary Lodge: Situated right next to Machu Picchu, this hotel offers convenience and luxury, ensuring a memorable stay.

Why It’s Perfect for a Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation: The mix of educational tours, hands-on activities, and awe-inspiring landscapes make the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu an engaging destination for children. The guided tours by Kuoda ensure that kids are entertained and educated simultaneously, making it a perfect choice for a family vacation.

Ecuadorian Amazon

The Ecuadorian Amazon offers an unforgettable adventure into one of the most biodiverse places on earth, providing a living classroom for kids to learn about nature and conservation. It is an unforgettable adventure into one of the most biodiverse places on earth, providing a living classroom for kids to learn about nature and conservation. Families can embark on guided tours through lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, including colorful birds, monkeys, and elusive jaguars. Exploring the Amazon River and its tributaries by canoe offers opportunities to spot river dolphins and learn about the vital role of rivers in sustaining ecosystems.

What to Do: Take guided tours to see monkeys, toucans, and even pink river dolphins. Explore the Amazon River on a boat tour, learning about the ecosystem and local communities. Walk above the forest floor on canopy walkways, getting a unique perspective of the jungle and its inhabitants.

Where to Stay:

• La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa: Positioning itself as the ultimate family-friendly retreat in the Ecuadorian Amazon, La Selva Amazon Ecolodge offers an immersive Junior Naturalist Program that engages young adventurers in a variety of activities. From thrilling day and nighttime canoe safaris to jungle walks, visits to Indigenous communities, kayaking excursions, and ascending an observation tower, children not only have fun but also learn valuable skills such as identifying bird calls, paddling canoes, and exploring the rainforest with a magnifying glass. Each child receives an adventure kit complete with crayons, ensuring entertainment both indoors and outdoors.

Why It’s Perfect for a Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation: The Ecuadorian Amazon offers a living classroom where kids can learn about nature and conservation while having incredible adventures. The variety of outdoor activities ensures that children are engaged and excited throughout their stay. With Kuoda Tours, your family can explore the wonders of the Amazon in a safe and educational manner.

Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia offers some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, perfect for adventurous families looking to explore dramatic natural beauty. The park is a paradise for adventurous families seeking breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its towering granite peaks, pristine glacial lakes, and vast expanses of rugged terrain. Families can embark on scenic hikes along well-marked trails that lead to iconic viewpoints such as the base of the Paine Towers, Glacier Grey, and the stunning Cuernos del Paine.

What to Do: Explore family-friendly hiking trails leading to glaciers, lakes, and iconic granite towers. Spot guanacos, condors, and even pumas in their natural habitat, offering a thrilling wildlife experience for kids. Take a boat tour to see the Grey Glacier and its stunning blue icebergs, adding an exciting element to your visit.

Where to Stay:

• Explora Patagonia: This all-inclusive lodge offers guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and stunning views, ensuring a memorable stay for families.
• Hotel Las Torres Patagonia: Located at the base of the towers, this hotel provides easy access to hiking trails and family-friendly amenities, making it a convenient and comfortable choice.

Why It’s Perfect for a Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation: Torres del Paine offers a blend of adventure and natural beauty, making it an exciting destination for families. The variety of outdoor activities and the stunning landscapes ensure that kids have an unforgettable experience. With Kuoda Tours, your family can explore the dramatic beauty of Patagonia in a way that’s both thrilling and educational.

Iguazu Falls (Argentina)

Iguazu Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, offers a thrilling adventure for families, combining natural beauty with exciting activities.This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its awe-inspiring series of waterfalls spanning nearly 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) in width. Families can explore the falls from various vantage points, including panoramic viewpoints and exhilarating boat rides that venture close to the thundering cascades.

What to Do: Get up close to the falls with a boat tour, feeling the power and majesty of the water. Explore the various hiking trails offering different perspectives of the falls and the surrounding jungle. Visit the nearby bird park to see colorful and exotic birds, adding an educational element to your visit.

Where to Stay:

• La Aldea de la Selva Lodge: This eco-friendly lodge provides comfortable accommodations and easy access to the falls, making it a great choice for families.

Why It’s Perfect for a Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation: Iguazu Falls offers a mix of adventure and natural beauty, making it an exciting destination for families. The variety of outdoor activities ensures that kids are entertained and awed by the power of nature. With Kuoda Tours, your family can experience the majesty of Iguazu Falls in a way that’s both safe and thrilling.

South America stands as a playground of discovery and adventure for families seeking a summer vacation filled with wonder. Whether you’re exploring ancient civilizations in Peru, snorkeling in vibrant Colombian waters, or immersing yourselves in the pristine landscapes of Patagonia, each experience offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness that enriches children’s lives. From the Andes to the Amazon, South America’s diverse landscapes and welcoming communities invite families to explore, learn, and grow together, creating memories that will inspire and endure for years to come. Embrace the spirit of adventure and embark on a journey where every step reveals a new story, making your family’s summer vacation truly unforgettable.Send us a message now to get started.