The Best South American Vacation Packages For Families

From the sultry tango clubs of Buenos Aires to the rustic wineries tucked into the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Argentina seems like the perfect romantic getaway for two! But worldly travelers may be surprised to learn that this South American country is actually very family-friendly. From leafy town plazas and city parks to the wide-open plains of the pampas and waterfalls hidden deep in the jungle, a family trip to Argentina should be next on your bucket list.

Argentina is extremely safe and family-friendly. If you are not sure that touring Argentina with your family is a good idea, here are three reasons a trip to this fantastic country should be on your radar:

• Argentina is wild – Argentina is ideal for nature lovers. Take your family to Peninsula Vales to see whales, elephant seals, and penguins, or to Esteros del Ibera to see marsh deer, caimans, and capybaras.
• Argentina has cool museums – take your budding scientists for an overnight stay at the Egidio Feruglio Museum of Paleontology in Trelew, visit taxidermied mammals at the Museo de la Plata in Buenos Aires, or learn all about glaciers at the Glaciarium in El Calafate.
• Argentina is home to real-life cowboys – take your horse-loving kids to Patagonia for a tour of a working estancia! Learn ranch skills from real, working gauchos and take a horseback ride across the vast grassy sea of the pampas.

Why Visit Argentina As A Family?

Experienced travelers joke that Argentinians love children as much as they love a good steak and a glass of Malbec. While that may be an exaggeration of local attitudes, Argentina is definitely a country where family comes first. While the country is most famous for its wine, a family trip to Argentina will not disappoint even the youngest travelers! Keep reading for a listing of some of the top spots to visit while touring Argentina with your family.

Destination #1 - Parque Esteros del Iberá

Parque Esteros del Iberá is one of the best places to see wildlife in South America. This magnificent wetland is home to birds and mammals, including marsh deer, black caimans, and capybaras. Experience the native fauna of Argentina with your family during your visit to this exotic wonderland.

Destination #2 - Península Valdés

If your kids are animal lovers,  a stop at this famous wildlife reserve is a must. Here, you can see sea lions, elephant seals, guanacos, rheas, Magellanic penguins, and numerous seabirds. You can even take a voyage on a yellow submarine. This truly one-of-a-kind vessel sails close to whales for an experience your family will never forget.

Destination #3 - Iguazú National Park

Iguazú National Park is home to the horseshoe-shaped Iguazú Falls, which is made up of more than 270 waterfalls that stretch one and a half miles. Located in the northeastern tip of Argentina, the falls sit deep in a subtropical rainforest, with a variety of ocelots, jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, toucans, butterflies, coatis, anteaters, and caymans peering out at tourists as they make their way to the falls. This family-friendly park is a destination for many of the best South American vacation packages and for good reason!

Destination #4 – Buenos Aires

There are so many wonderful things to do in Buenos Aires — it's hard to know where to begin! But the Museo de Los Niños is a great place to start – this interactive space has been specifically designed for children up to 12 years old and is always a hit with kids. You can also tour the Carlos Thays Botanical Garden or the Paseo del Rosendal with your family. But don’t miss the Galileo Galilei Planetarium – it features a moon rock collected by Apollo XI and a meteorite that’s over 4,000 years old. The museum’s five-story spherical dome shows a variety of films about space and the universe, which is sure to hold the interest of kids and parents alike.

Destination #5 – San Carlos de Bariloche

Known simply as “Bariloche,” this quaint city attracts families interested in year-round outdoor adventures. During the winter months, you can ski or snowboard some of the best slopes in the Andes. Or, during the spring and summer, you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing along the stunning lakes and beaches nearby. There are also lake tours, horseback riding tours, and many lovely hiking paths to keep you and your family busy. This region is popular with local families, too – it is a popular escape for the summer holidays and winter ski trips.

Destination #6 - The Tigre River Delta

The river delta area of Tigre, with its numerous islands and incredible biodiversity, is a quick ferry ride from Buenos Aires and makes a great day trip for families touring Argentina. The Euca Tigre Adventure Park is a favorite with kids. This park offers over 100 outdoor activities, including a zip line, rock-climbing areas, and more. Families can also take a leisurely tour through the river delta by kayak.

Destination #7 - Rush Trampoline Park

Located in Pilar, just an hour outside of Buenos Aires, Rush Trampoline Park is the largest of its kind in all of Latin America. If your kids need a culture-free day (and you need a little break), treat them to a day at the park with its spring-dunk hoops, high-flying trampolines, and endless foam pits.

Destination #8 - Los Glaciares National Park

The best South American American vacation packages include a stop in Los Glaciares National Park. Perfect for active families with older children, this park is a mecca for hiking and horseback enthusiasts and those daring enough to walk across the face of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Enjoy birdwatching on nature hikes, go on photography safaris, raft the Santa Cruz River, or try your hand at trout fishing. While this isn’t a good park for small children, it is perfect if you are looking for a more adventurous itinerary for your older kids to experience.

Destination #9 - Glaciarium Museum, El Calafate

The Glaciarium Museum sits in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. The fascinating displays illuminate the world of ice, and documentaries on continental ice expeditions are sure to entertain both children and adults. Bonus tip – while the kids are exploring, parents can suit up in furry capes for a visit to the Bar de Hielo, a blue-lit, below-zero club serving vodka in ice glasses!

Destination #10 – Tierra del Fuego

No family trip to Argentina is complete without a trip to Tierra del Fuego, aka “the end of the world.” If you want to wow your kids, book tickets for the Southern Fuegian Railway, which will take you on a journey around the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Ride the rails to the national reserve and spend the day exploring, keeping a lookout for guanacos and other native animals. After a magical day in the park, you can ride the train back to Ushuaia and wander through this tiny town perched on the edge of Antarctica.

The Perfect Family Trip To Argentina

Now that you know just how family-friendly Argentina is, you’ll be able to plan out the perfect vacation for your family. Use the suggestions above as a guide for touring Argentina and be ready to enjoy a truly unique experience with your children. Bon voyage!