Southern Exploration’s Top Five Family Adventures

05/24/2019
Father and son in the Atacama desert

The best family trips often become the stories that are shared again and again among family members for decades. Travel builds legacy—connecting grandparents, parents and children through a shared love of adventure. But when planning a family trip, we know that one size does not fit all. We also recognize that planning a family trip can be stressful, so we’ve compiled our top five favorite family trips that are made for stress-free multigenerational adventure:  
 

Panama Family Adventure

 
While the Amazon may be the most popular rainforest destination, Panama is home to the second largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere and continues to inspire travelers to venture in and check out the flora and fauna. Our local guides will educate the kids on the exotic wildlife that can be found at Soberania National Park—including monkeys, striking birds and ocelots. Marvel as a family at the architectural feat that is the Panama City canal and tour UNESCO World Heritage Site, Casco Viejo, which was once Panama’s second city.
 

Galapagos Safari Camp

 
Camping under the Galapagos sky is magical, but camping at the luxurious Galapagos Safari Camp brings it to the next level. The 55-hectare family-run property looks out towards turquoise waters and towering peaks of nearby islands. Little ones will delight in wildlife spotting at a small pink flamingo lagoon or snorkelling in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, the second largest reserve in the world. After a long day of adventuring, the adults can enjoy the ocean breeze in a hammock—drink in hand.
 

Costa Rica Family Adventure

 
A true nature lover’s paradise, Costa Rica offers endless stretches of shoreline and a rich ecosystem. Guests looking for a mellow family getaway will love the Costa Rica Family Adventure where everyone can get their adrenaline pumping while rappelling down cliff faces or decompress in a hot spring. Spend your days snorkelling alongside dolphins, sea turtles and if you’re lucky—breaching whales. Push past your comfort zone with zip lining across the Arenal River canyon, safari floating on scenic Corobici River or traverse through rainforest canopies that allow you to view the Arenal Volcano from above.
 

Ski Arpa & Tres Valles

 
Families in search of an après-ski trip of a lifetime should look no further than the Ski Arpa & Tres Valles Chilean tour. The Andes offer an exceptional ski experience, renowned for pure powder snow and cat-skiing. The luxe ski resorts offer hills suited to any skiing ability and are conveniently located near some of Chile’s best wineries, making for a romantic date night out. You’ll enjoy the authentic Chile mountain experience at South America’s most renowned resort, El Portillo, offering up a chance to ski 45-degree soft powder slopes for an adrenaline-fueled thrill. 
 

Ocean Nova

 
Fuel your child’s sense of adventure for years to come by setting off to explore the last great frontier as a family—Antarctica. Ocean Nova provides an intimate Antarctica cruising experience with only 68 passenger cabins available. There’s an incredible amount of wildlife to see and the best way to get up close is by zodiac. You’ll disembark on Deception Island where the magnificent active volcano “Neptune’s Bellows” continues to bubble and warm the waters to a toasty 65°C. Next stop: Petermann Island, home to the largest colony of Gentoo and Adélie penguins and where Elephant Seals can often be spotted sunbathing.