There’s something special about the hustle and bustle of summer— the sports games, camps, family celebrations, and cookouts with friends. But sometimes, it feels like we’re simply racing from one thing to the next. We’ve found that the time we truly feel like we’re on ‘break’ — together, completely — is when we leave it all behind and travel abroad. We connect, we relax, we explore, and we grow as a family.
June – August, which corresponds to winter in the Southern Hemisphere, is the perfect time to travel to many South American regions. Travel during this season may mean milder temperatures, more active wildlife, and less rain. Below are some of our favorite South America trips for summer, ideal for escaping the heat of the U.S. during the warmer months.
Galapagos and Ecuador
Discovering rare wildlife unshy of humans in Darwin’s playground, snorkeling with playful sea lions, and experiencing the perspective of Ecuador’s timeless indigenous cultures makes for magical family trips.
Weather during U.S. Summer Vacation:
Galapagos: U.S. summer months bring milder temperatures to the islands with daytime highs coming down into the high 70s, ideal for those averse to heat and humidity. Colder water means snorkelers will benefit from wetsuits, but it also means the water is higher in nutrients, which tends to bring out the most marine wildlife and also provides the best water clarity.
Mainland: June, July, and August are the driest months in most of mainland Ecuador, making it a great time to go. Temperatures vary by region, but in most areas, travelers can expect comfortable weather with highs in the 60s and 70s and lows in the 40s and 50s.
Family-favorite Properties:
Hacienda Zuleta: A 14-room hacienda that’s been in the family of a former Ecuadorian president for over 100 years offers cultural intrigue, a range of light adventures, their own working farm, a cheesemaking facility, and a condor rehabilitation project — just a few of the things that make this charming, authentic property a family favorite of ours.
Napo Wildlife Center: Set deep in the Amazon Basin on a black water lagoon, families will arrive by canoe to a lavish natural classroom where the wonders of one of the world’s most biodiverse areas are unveiled.
Mashpi Lodge: One of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, Mashpi is only a few hours’ drive from Quito, yet it is a wildlife paradise deep in the cloud forest. It is a very stylish property with great food and a perfect hub for exploration. Cable car rides through the high canopy, visits to the butterfly reserve, and splashing in the many nearby waterfalls are all family favorites.
Suggested family-friendly summer sample itinerary in Ecuador & Galapagos
Peru & Machu Picchu
With jaw-dropping mountain landscapes, stunning archeological marvels, the world’s most diverse and delicious cuisine, charming small properties, warm people, and fascinating indigenous cultures, budget-friendly Peru is special.
Weather during U.S. Summer Vacation:
June, July, and August correspond to the dry season in the highlands, so there is lots of sunshine and very little rain. Temperatures are cooler than in the rainy season, with afternoon temperatures reaching the mid-to-high 60s in the Sacred Valley and slightly lower in Cusco.
Family-favorite Properties:
Explora Sacred Valley: This lodge is a luxurious, all-inclusive adventure option with a great range of family-friendly excursions. It’s a great starting point for a trip which allows travelers to avoid moving around too much as they acclimatize at lower altitudes.
Sol y Luna: A property that does it all right. With a couple delicious on-site dining options, both casual and more refined, a great swimming pool, impromptu Peruvian Paso horse shows, and fun family casitas with a separate loft room for the kids, Sol y Luna is another remarkable Sacred Valley base to start your trip.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: Bordering the town of Aguas Calientes, below the Machu Picchu Citadel, but set amongst a cloud forest reserve, Mapi Pueblo is the best of both worlds — access and convenience while feeling serene and detached. Their naturally fed hot spring pools are ideal following a 1-day Inca Trail trek into town, the challenging multi-day Inca Trail, or a full day of visiting Machu Picchu. Although expensive, the value for the experience compared to that of the Sanctuary Lodge is incredibly strong.
Suggested family-friendly summer sample itinerary in Peru
Brazil
Brazil is home to the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, which is home to the jaguar and myriad other wildlife species. This is the most adventurous, out there, and awesome safari experience you’ve never heard of!
Weather during U.S. Summer Vacation:
The Northern Hemisphere’s summer is the coolest and driest time of the year in the Pantanal, with the best chance to observe the star of the region, the jaguar. Similarly, in Rio and the Green Coast, the Austral winter also brings drier weather and cooler temperatures, with fewer visitors and less crowded beaches.
Family-favorite Properties:
Araras Lodge: Located in the northern Pantanal wetlands, this eco lodge is more accessible, with a wide variety of safari and outdoor activities to discover the local fauna including caiman, anteaters, marsh deer, and more.
Hotel Pantanal Norte: Better for older kids or those who are accustomed to extended travel by vehicle, this hotel is very basic, but on the water and ideal for jaguar-spotting by boat.
Suggested family-friendly summer sample itinerary in Brazil
Argentina & Chile
Often sought out for Patagonia, Argentina and Chile offer so much more. Perfect summer break destinations include Chile’s Atacama Desert and Easter Island, and in Argentina the Ibera Wetlands, Iguazu Falls, and Buenos Aires.
Weather during U.S. Summer Vacation:
‘Winter’ in the central latitudes is beautifully mild. Atacama is consistent year-round, with daytime temperatures fluctuating between 60 and 75 degrees in San Pedro de Atacama. Easter Island averages in the high 60s, with some rain but plenty of sunshine, and Iguazu and the wetlands are in the 70s or low 80s. All of these areas see far fewer visitors than at other times of the year, and the weather is perfectly pleasant!
Family-favorite Properties:
Atacama – Explora Atacama: This property is ideal for active families. Horseback riding through canyons, hiking to remote natural hot springs, and having breakfast as the Tatio Geysers erupt is just the start.
Easter Island – Hare Uta: A fun concept of a few rooms with one shared common area in the style of Rapa Nui dwellings is opportune for families. Also favorable for multi-generational travel is the good pool, location near town, and strong relative value.
Iguazu – Melia Iguazu: Although quite large, this hotel’s location allows for direct access to the national park so you can enter before others and enjoy lots of flexibility. The immense pool and grounds are kid’s favorites.
Ibera – Rincon del Soccoro: On-site biologists doing important rewilding and kid-friendly field excursions makes this your ideal classroom in action. There are lots of safari type experiences by vehicle, boat, and foot available to guests.
If you have any questions we can help answer, or if you’d like to discuss planning your adventure to South America, give one of our Trip Specialists a call today at at 612-315-2894, or email us at [email protected] to begin planning your personalized South America itinerary.
Knowmad Adventures works closely with independent-minded travelers creating innovative trips to South America. Our specialists in Patagonia, Chile, Machu Picchu, Peru, Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Antarctica are eager to collaborate and create a trip as unique and authentic as you are, and our experienced South American operations team guarantees you get an insider’s perspective, superior values, and a flawlessly operated trip. Start planning today by reaching out to your Knowmad Trip Specialist at 612-315-2894 or [email protected].
