Would you travel to S. America with children?

boybill

My husband and I have been planning (loosly) a trip to Peru and Macchu Picchu for several years. We were hoping to go last March but found out we were due to deliver our first child that same month (turned out to be 2 babies)- plans are on hold for a while now, but wondered... for those who have traveled to these areas what age (if any) would be appropriate to travel with children?

Obviously the activities will be different with youngsters in tow, but would it be not even worth it if children had to come? I know when I visited Egypt, that not much there would appeal to a child under 10.
_________________
Tomboy on the run.....

Red Tape · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 7:04 pm Post subject:

That's what grandparents are for!

Seriously, I'm not one to be answering this.....
_________________
My flight map. A million miles and counting....Where I’ve been around the globe.

chibby123 · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 10:31 am Post subject:

I guess it really depends on what you are wanting from your holiday, obviously catering for younger children is going to be harder in Peru then say Egypt etc
_________________
Looking For Car Hire?
car hire malaga ?

pezzhull · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 11:15 am Post subject: Older

We took our childeren on many vacations but waited to do Ecuador, and Peru until they were older in our case they were over12. Both are long flights and expensive and hopefully they remember them. It also allowed us to enjoy the holiday. Sorry I'd say easier holidays are in the future unless grandparents step up.

pezzhull · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 8:33 pm Post subject: Further

Sorry i may have been too negative, but rather we did a lot of national parks, hikes, beaches, cities within north america when they were younger, and gradually did trips that were more exotic as they became independent (Galapagos, Macchu picchu, Egypt, Tanzania). Hoildays are just different all is good.

Geolina · Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 5:23 pm Post subject:

I have been travelling South America extensively before I had children and I would love to go back, but I will definitely wait til the kids are at least 12 - 14 years old. I have met people there travelling with children, I guess it depends a lot on your mindset and how you plan your trip.

But I would say it is a lot easier to go without children. And especially Macchu Picchu would be really hard on them. The main issues in my opinion are food and hygene, but children in general don´t tolerate hights very well - so if you plan on going to the Andes you will run into trouble.

It depends on your kids of course, but I would wait til they have a certain age (or leave them at home)

A great place to travel to even with smaller kids is Chile, around the 10th region - no problems with climate or hygiene and really beautiful landscapes!
_________________
The Smart Travellers Network

seba22 · Posted: Wed May 27, 2009 7:05 pm Post subject:

ecoventura · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 10:37 am Post subject:

Galapagos is also ideal for the whole family and the children will not forget of experiencing up close and personal interactions with the animals of the islands. Swimming with the world's only tropical penguins, or coming face to face with the famous Galapagos tortoise is an every day occurrence during Galapagos travel.
_________________
Web blog and travel guide on Cebu Island and Siem Reap Cambodia.

pezzhull · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 2:41 pm Post subject:

I'd wait until the children are a liitle older for Galapagos, the kids are confined to a small boat and must be old enough to stay on paths and not upset the wildlife. It is a great place but we waited until they were older and could enjoy the adventure,and we as adults could as well without having to look after them.

jimb12345 · Flight Steward Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Posts: 48 51 ants

i would definitely wait until the children are older. i would take two different trips one with the kids and one without.
_________________
cool world travel | Lake wallenpaupack pa
Cruise Deals Resources

patrick123 · Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:50 am Post subject:

Yeah. Take them when they are 12 +

Peru is very beutiful. You may have to worry about altitude, so waiting until they are older will be safer as well.

Los Chilenos · Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 8:49 pm Post subject: Children in Chile

Chile is the most developed of the South American countries with an excellent infrastructure - travel, communications, health care, etc. Also with plenty to do.

There are activities to suit all ages and abilities - also climates and geography. You can choose from the dry heat of the north, to the wetter greener pastures of the South. You can choose pleasant rolling landscapes such as Chiloe, or mountainous scenery of the Andes.

It is all very easy to get around.

Having been to Machu Picchu, my main concern for the children would be the altitude. One of our team has mountain experience and suggests you seek some quality advice on signs and symptoms of 'altitude sickness' should you go.
_________________
Santiago Chile Travel
A website about Chile, by people who live in Chile

LatAmForLess · Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2010 3:42 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Machu Picchu is very accessible for small children and generally in Peru there are a wide range of top hotels offering quality babysitting services. If you were looking to travel off the beaten path, however, it's probably recommended that the kids stay home.

Emily

KathleenO · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 4:24 pm Post subject:

I think there are definitely some kid-friendly areas to visit in South America. It really depends on what you are interested in doing. I have traveled quite a bit in S.A. with my 2 year old and she has a blast. Taking tours sucks because I feel like we are a nuisance for the other travelers sometimes. The best way to travel is in a private vehicle so you can go at your own pace.
_________________
miami hotel deals