Have you ever considered traveling to South America? This large expansive continent has many amazing countries that are all family friendly. From Venezuela up in the north of the continent, to Brazil which reaches all the way down to its southern tip. And there is so much more to see in between! Many young backpackers travel around the continent and try to do as much as they can in one trip. This type of travel probably isn’t suited to families, and you might have a difficult time trying to decide which country to visit. This is where our guide to South America comes in! There is a lot of useful travel information and handy on some of the continent’s most popular countries.
When To Travel To South America? It is important to remember that the seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere. This can help you plan when to travel. So when it is summer in the United States, it will be winter in all the countries of South America. You will experience a lot more extreme weathers the further south you are traveling, and the seasons will be very noticeable. For instance, Buenos Aires’ summers are very hot and their winters very cold. However, if you stay north, then the climate is a lot more temperate and the seasons tend to blur together. It is also good to bear in mind that South America takes its Easter celebrations very seriously. So be sure to expect accommodation and travel around this time to be slightly more expensive.
Prevent Illness When traveling to South America, it is very important that you are proactive in preventing your family from falling ill. There are some shots you will need to get from your family doctor before you leave for your vacation. These protect against illnesses such as Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Hepatitis. You will also need to protect yourself against malaria. You can get a shot against malaria, and it is also a good idea to order malaria tablets to take with you.
Argentina Argentina has lots to offer the family, and it has some gorgeous landscapes that are waiting to be explored! The country has a vast Lake District that is perfect for hiking around with the kids. They will love taking part in one of the many outdoor activities that are available. For instance, the area turns into a famous ski resort during Argentina’s winter. And there is also lots of fishing and trekking to do as well. If you want to experience life in an Argentinian city, head to Buenos Aires. While you’re there, you can watch tango dancers in the arty La Boca neighborhood.
Brazil Brazil is a truly captivating country. It is a very vibrant country that offers plenty to keep the entire family happy! If you have never been to Brazil before, start off with Rio de Janeiro. This large city has plenty of beaches so you will be able to soak up the sun while the kids paddle in the ocean. Why not spend the day playing on the famous Copacabana beach? You will also have an excellent choice of natural wonders to explore as well. There are walks that take visitors up the Sugarloaf and Corcovado mountains. Don’t worry if you aren’t a seasoned hiker; there are paths to suit different abilities. After taking some amazing snaps of the Christ the Redeemer statue, head to the Maracana Football Stadium. Brazil is known for its love of football, and you can really get into the spirit of things when watching a game here!
Colombia If you want to travel to Colombia, be sure to listen out for any warnings issued by the US Centers for Disease Control, as there are sometimes reasons when travel to the country is discouraged. However, more often than not, traveling to the country is safe. A visit to the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona National Park is an absolute must-do. This scenic area will make you feel like you are on a tropical island! It is Colombia’s most popular national park and features plenty of hiking routes. As it is right on the coast, there are also lots of picturesque beaches and coves. Also, make sure that the port city of Cartagena is on your to-do list. Cartagena is nestled on the Caribbean Coast. This popular city has a very charming Old Town featuring lots of quaint restaurants and pretty facades.
Venezuela Venezuela’s economy has suffered in recent years. Unfortunately, this has given the country a bit of a bad reputation amongst travelers. However, the country is now on the way up, and many travelers are returning to explore its lands. Which is good news for this exciting country, which boasts some remarkable landscapes and scenery. Head to the country’s Caribbean Coast to soak up some rays on the pretty beaches. Make sure you head to Angel Falls in the Canaima National Park, which are the tallest waterfalls on the planet.
Peru You will have no doubt of heard of Machu Picchu, the large citadel left over from the times of the Incas. Well, it is located in the Peruvian countryside and is as amazing as you expect it to be. But there is plenty more to Peru than just this large temple. Firstly, there are more Inca ruins at the Sacred Valley. It is also a good idea to spend some time in the city of Lima. There are lots of historical attractions here that will entertain the family. Take some time looking around the impressive Monastery of San Francisco and the Cathedral of Lima. There are also plenty of places you can enjoy a delicious meal. Head to the buzzy Plaza San Martin to sit outside some popular cafes and bars.
As you can see, there is a lot to choose from in beautiful South America. But no matter where you choose to visit, you certainly won’t be disappointed. From vibrant cities to awe-inspiring landscapes, you will easily fall in love with this large continent!
All images for this post were sourced from www.pixabay.com
Written by Jacqueline Chambers
Jacqueline Chambers is the founder of TGIFguide. She uses her innate skills as a natural “connector” to serve businesses, brands and individuals in the LA area and beyond.
