Top Family Holidays

With rainforest, ancient ruins, glaciers, volcanoes and tropical beaches, Latin America holds enormous appeal across all generations. Parents revel in exotic places they’ve always dreamt of visiting, while little explorers benefit from horizon-expanding adventures sure to become among their most treasured memories. We understand the unique joys and challenges that family travel brings, and are experts at designing flexible trips to perfectly match your requirements. Be inspired by our Top Family Holidays…

1. Hotel Esencia, Mexico

One of very few luxury hideaway properties on Mexico’s Riviera Maya in the Yucatán to welcome families, this is a perfect choice for those who don’t want to be made to compromise just because they are travelling with children. The atmosphere is serene and the location idyllic, a haven of relaxation more often associated with a honeymoon destination. There are no special programmes for children, but of the two pools at Esencia, one is designated specifically for children. The nearby resort of Playa del Carmen offers numerous excursions and activities to keep even the most energetic of children entertained, and the Mayan ruins at Cobán and Tulum are sure to inspire their imaginations.

“We love the minimalism: the philosophy here is that simple is best: the atmosphere is of luxury pared down to its basic elements”.
Caroline Maber, Travel Consultant, Tailor-made Holidays.

2. Brazil's Emerald Coast

A great mix of a couple of nights experiencing the buzz and excitement of Rio de Janeiro, followed by a week spent relaxing on the laid-back golden beaches of Brazil’s northern coastline. Visit the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer and look back over the lights of Rio from the great vantage point of its famous cable-car up to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Head to the colonial fishing town of Parati, a delightful port known for its cobbled streets, colourful buildings and artisan crafts. Finish with a short ferry ride to the island of Ilha Grande, little touched by tourism and the perfect place to get some well-deserved rest and relaxation on its pristine beaches and in its turquoise green waters.

“We took our 2-year-old daughter to Brazil last November and she absolutely loved playing on the perfect sandy beaches and splashing around spotting fish in the crystal clear water off Ilha Grande.”
Jenny Powles, Head of Press and Marketing.

3. Nature's Trail, Costa Rica

Active and educational in equal measure, this family adventure created by our experts is packed full of thrilling outdoor activities and an abundance of fascinating nature and wildlife. Kayak through the maze of canals and waterways at Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, spotting sloths, otters, iguanas and poison-dart frogs along the way. Between June and October you can see nesting turtles laying up to 100 eggs. Wander along mystical canopy walkways through the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Ride down the rapids of the Sarapiqui River on an exhilarating white water rafting experience, enjoying its crystal clear pools and great splash at ‘Gringo’s Hole’, ‘Confusion’ and ‘Air Force’. You may even be lucky enough to stand in awe as the Arenal volcano billows its colourful smoke.

“I’ve visited many rainforest environments, but saw so much wildlife in a 3-hour boat ride from Tortuguero that this lodge went right to the top of my list.”
Sarah Bradley, Managing Director.

4. Active Peru

Offering an alternative perspective of southern Peru and the area around Cusco, this is a very active holiday that combines walking, biking and river rafting to transport you behind the scenes to visit markets, isolated villages and Inca ruins. No less captivating than the traditional highlights (which you will also visit) this trip offers a unique insight into the country. Replacing long coach rides with outdoor travel under, your journey time is filled with constant discovery. Weave your way through busy markets, amble along farm tracks across the countryside, cycle along peaceful country lanes, hike up beautiful mountain trails and white-water raft through wildlife-bursting Amazonian jungle. You will return home fit, exhilarated and filled with unforgettable experiences.