“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million” – Walt Streightiff

Travelling with children is one of the most rewarding and life-affirming experiences parents can enjoy.

An opportunity to spark the imagination and inspire the next generation by widening horizons and introducing children to new sights, sounds and cultures – all certain to create a lasting impact on impressionable young minds.

What’s more, breaking free from the routines and pressures of daily life to visit iconic destinations such as the Atacama desert or Iguazu Falls is a great way to craft precious family memories whilst travelling the world.

The world is a classroom

Children absorb huge amounts of information in their early years, and their natural curiosity is spiked when exposed to new experiences.

Visiting remote locations surrounded by nature, history and culture can be a shared family experience that brings a family closer whilst offering younger travellers the freedom and opportunity to broaden their life experiences and learn things they are unlikely to find in a classroom.

Expert guides can thrill younger travellers as they search for creatures they may well not have encountered before, and regale young guests with tales of explorers, adventurers and warriors who have walked the same paths in times gone by.

Private guides & excursions

At our Relais & Chateaux lodges Awasi Atacama and Awasi Iguazu, families with children can experience unforgettable adventures in the safety, peace and comfort of two of South America’s finest boutique properties.

Located in San Pedro de Atacama – a desert oasis town in Chile’s Atacama desert – and the forests of Iguazu – home to the largest waterfall system in the world where Argentina borders Brazil – respectively, Awasi Atacama and Awasi Iguazu are both unique properties, but have much in common.

At each Awasi property, each room has its own private guide and 4 wheel drive vehicle for the duration of the stay, all included in the rate.

With private guides, itineraries are entirely personalised with tailor-made excursions, opening up a world of opportunities for family travellers who may have specific requirements or wish to move at their own pace.

What’s more, guests can combine both destinations in to one luxury itinerary to really make the most of their time in South America and to visit two iconic destinations that are worlds apart.

A schedule made to fit your family

Guides can discuss suitable excursions and talk guests through options with children in mind, with the vast majority of our activities in both Atacama and Iguazu possible as child friendly outings.

With a dedicated guide, schedules can be adapted, departure times are flexible, naps and meals can be taken in to account, and there can be as many stops as needed. And with a vehicle just for you, there’s no need to worry about keeping other guests waiting.

Discovering the quirky details of the vicuñas’ lifestyle in the altiplano, hearing the spooky tales and legends of the rainforest, following mysterious tracks through dense jungle and open desert to figure out who they belong to, or enjoying private picnics in the shadow of vast volcanoes are all activities that can be enjoyed en famille.

Snacks and meals are all included, plentiful and personalised for the duration of your stay.

And while parents enjoy fine dining at our private Relais & Chateaux restaurants, children can either choose to try out some new, local flavours or find refuge in their more familiar options.

The best time of the year to visit Atacama and Iguazu with family is between May and September; crowds tend to be smaller, so our team and guides can ensure a truly special and personalised trip for you and your loved ones.

With just 12 or 14 rooms at Awasi Atacama and Awasi Iguazu respectively, we are entirely dedicated to each guest’s needs – no matter the age! – and available to help navigate any additional requirements that may arise.

Planning a trip to South America with children might feel overwhelming, and it can be easy to put off travelling to far flung destinations. Get in touch with us and we can help put together a trip based around all your needs and wishes; you can reach us directly by email, phone or through our online form.