Travel Bucket List: 31 Family Adventures in Central and South America, and Antarctica

This family travel bucket list is filled with family adventures across Central America, South America, and even into Antarctica.

Organized by region, this travel bucket list will inspire you to plan your next family vacation, long-term travel, or once-in-a-lifetime family adventure! We’ve indicated age ranges when applicable, though, of course, this may vary by family.

Central America is where I did some of my first long-term traveling when I was in my 20s, so many of these places are sentimental for me. South America was a big part of our first year of full-time travel as a family. Between seeing ancient temples, releasing baby sea turtles, and taking ballet class in Buenos Aires, our kids learned to be great travelers in many of these cities. We haven’t made it to Antarctica yet, but we hope to!

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Family Travel Bucket List: Central America, South America, and Antarctica

We’ve pulled together a list of bucket-list activities south of Mexico- including Central and South America and even farther into Antarctica!

We try to slow travel when we can, and these areas offer amazing wildlife and natural experiences. This is a fabulous part of the world for hikers, bird watchers, and jungle enthusiasts!

Central America Travel Bucket List

The 7 countries of Central America are often overshadowed by Mexico to the North, or the larger South American countries to the South. But Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Belize all have a lot to offer.

I traveled overland through Central America in my 20s, sleeping in my tent and wondering at the natural beauty of these countries. Some of these countries (looking at you, Costa Rica) have now become incredibly popular (and therefore expensive) tourist sites.

1. Watch Boats go through the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a 50-mile feat of engineering that opened in 1914. You can easily visit from Panama City and watch a boat slowly move through the locks.

The Miraflores Locks is the best place to watch- there is a detailed explanation of the canal at the visitors center, then head to the viewing platform to watch the boats. Best for ages 12+.

2. Swim with Stingrays in Belize

Head to Shark and Ray Alley to swim with nurse sharks and large stingrays. The animals are used to the idea that the boats bring food and will come quite close to snorkelers. Most tours leave from Caye Caulker in Belize.

You can also swim with stingrays in Grand Cayman- you’ll find large South Atlantic rays in an area dubbed Stingray City. Antigua also has opportunities to swim with Southern Rays. Ages 6+.

3. Go Volcano Boarding Down Cerro Negro

Cerro Negro, near León, Nicaragua, is the only place in the world where you can go volcano boarding! This black cinder cone last erupted in 1999, and now it’s one of the country’s top adventures.

You’ll hike up the slope (about 45 minutes) carrying your board, then zip down the ash-covered side wearing goggles and a jumpsuit. It’s fast, messy, and absolutely unforgettable.

This one’s for families with older kids who love a little adrenaline. Some tours take 6+, but considering you’ll need to carry a 15-pound board up the volcano, we’d say at least 10+ is probably more realistic.

Book Now: Volcano Boarding Cerro Negro

4. Hike in a Cloud Forest

Cloud forests are some of the most magical ecosystems in Central America. You’ll find suspended walkways strung through the dense forests, where you can watch for wildlife and listen to the calls of tropical birds through the mist.

You’ll find these high-altitude forests in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, and Guatemala.

Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica is the most famous, but we also love the quieter Mombacho Cloud Forest Reserve in Nicaragua. It’s a wonderful place for families who enjoy hiking but want to mix nature and wildlife spotting.

Keep an eye out for howler monkeys and count how many different types of birds you can spot!

5. Spy on Sloths in the Wild

Sloths generally hang out in lush tropical jungles, often sleeping high up in trees. Make sure not to touch them, as this is very stressful for the animals!

Sloths can be found in Costa Rica around the Arenal area. Try taking a guided walk of the private Bogarin Trail. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve also has sloths, though mostly nocturnal, so you’ll need to take a night walk.

The Rincon de la Vieja National Park has sloths, though you may need a guided tour to spot them.

In Peru, visit Tambopata National Reserve and take a night walk through the jungle to spot sloths. Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve near Iquitos is home to brown-throated sloths, and you may also see pink river dolphins or jaguars!

We were lucky to spy a sloth in the wild while visiting the colorful, vibrant city of Cartagena.

6. Climb Temples in Tikal

Tikal absolutely took my breath away. Incredible temples are spread over acres of thick Guatemalan jungle. Monkeys scream from the trees and lemurs dance around your feet. Of all the ruins that I’ve visited across Central America, this is the one I’d most like to return to.

Tikal was a Mayan city where around 100,000 people lived at its peak. Only a fraction of the site has been excavated. You can climb the main temples for a wonderful view across the jungle canopy.

Most temples have narrow steps and no railings, so I’d advise age 8+ to get the most out of the site.

7. Search for the Sacred Quetzal

The tropical quetzal is one of the most beautiful birds in Central America, and one of the hardest to spot! With its iridescent green feathers and long tail plumes, it was sacred to the Aztec and Mayan people, associated with Quetzalcoatl, the snake god, and symbolizing freedom, beauty, and light.

Your best chance to see a quetzal in the wild is in the cloud forests of Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Nicaragua. In Costa Rica, head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest or Los Quetzales National Park. In Guatemala, the Biotopo del Quetzal near Cobán is the best place to look.

Early morning is when these shy birds are most active. Bring binoculars and plenty of patience!

8. Visit the ATM Cave in Belize

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is the most popular cave in Belize. This cave was a spiritual site for the Mayan people and was discovered by them around 300 AD. The cave was opened to the public in 1998.

Archeologists believe that human sacrifice took place in this cave, including the sacrifice of small children. Pottery, human remains, and other artifacts are still on display in the cave. No cameras are allowed inside.

The journey to the cave involves a trek through the jungle, swimming, darkness, and scrambling over rocks. The cave is located about an hour’s drive from San Ignacio. Best for ages 8+.

South America Bucket List

We spent over 5 months in South America as a family. We loved practicing our Spanish (and then Portuguese) and watching how the language and culture shifted from Colombia to Peru (don’t skip Lima), to Argentina, and Brazil (we wished we had longer in Sao Paulo).

We also wrote travel tips for South America, specifically for families- you’ll often find lines just for families when traveling there.

9. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

In the early 1400s, Pachacuti built the citadel of Machu Picchu high in the (now Peruvian) Andes. A four or five-day hike brings you to the ruins of this city.

Plan to acclimatize for a few days in Cusco due to the 11,000-foot elevation. There are also fabulous day trips from Cusco to other areas of the Sacred Valley. If you have time, don’t miss Ollantaytambo as well.

You fly into Cusco, but the Inca Trail starts near Ollantaytambo. On day three, you’ll hike up to over 13,000 feet before descending into Machu Picchu on the fourth day. The trail can be narrow and has steep steps. Best for ages 12+.

There is a two-day alternative to hiking the full Inca Trail that is suitable for families with younger kids or people short on time. You’ll still hike part of the trail to the Sun Gate on the first day, spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and explore Machu Picchu on the second day, before returning to Cusco.

Book Now: Two-Day Inca Trail for Families

10. Wander the Colorful Streets of Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena’s walled Old Town is one of the most colorful cities in South America. You’ll find Cobblestone streets, flower-draped balconies, and bright colored “palenqueras” selling fruit from bowls on their heads. Don’t miss the murals in the Getsemani district, just outside of Old Town.

We loved exploring Cartagena as a family, and then spending a few days relaxing in the gorgeous Rosario Islands. Check our guide to visiting Cartagena.

11. Celebrate Carnival in Rio or Barranquilla

Carnival is the biggest celebration in South America. It is a riot of color, music, and dance that fills the streets each February. While Rio’s carnival is the most famous, Barranquilla, Colombia, offers a more family-friendly atmosphere with parades, cultural performances, and less overwhelming crowds.

All ages will love the costumes, drumming, and sheer joy of the celebration. Be sure to plan well in advance, as hotels and flights book early!

12. Explore the Bolivian Salt Flats

Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, covering more than 4 square miles. The flat creates a mirror effect reflecting the sky in the wet season (November to March), and a patterned effect during the dry season (May to October).

The salt flats are close to 12,000 feet above sea level. They can be reached from the town of Uyuni or on a tour from La Paz. Multi-day tours include seeing wild flamingos, hot springs, and colorful lakes.

13. Visit the Space Center in French Guiana

French Guiana has “Europe’s Spaceport”! The Guiana Space Center, near Kourou, is the center of the European space industry and the launch site for satellites from the European Space Agency.

Families can tour the visitor center to learn how rockets are built and see launch pads up close. The experience is fully bilingual in French and English.

Combine it with a visit to the nearby Îles du Salut, a group of islands once used as a penal colony, which is now a fascinating historic site with stunning sea views.

14. Taste Tropical Fruits You’ve Never Heard Of

From dragon fruit and guanábana to lulo and passion fruit, South America’s markets are filled with fruits you won’t find anywhere else. Stroll through a local market in Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru and let each family member choose a new fruit to try.

This tropical fruit tour in Bogota takes the guesswork out of what to try and how to eat these strange fruits. We’re pretty sure you’ll find a new favorite. Ours is slippery, slurpy granadilla, and of course, passionfruit!

Book Now: Tropical Fruit Market Tour

15. Look for Condors in Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon in southern Peru is one of the deepest canyons in the world; it is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon! Arrive early in the morning to increase your chance of seeing Andean condors soaring above.

There are short family-friendly walks along the canyon rim. Plan to spend a night or two in Chivay or Yanque. You can also soak in the local hot springs and explore nearby villages. The condors are most active from March to June.

16. Explore Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Just a short ferry ride across the river from Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento is a charming riverside town filled with history and character. This UNESCO World Heritage Site blends Spanish and Portuguese influences. You’ll find whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and colorful doorways draped with bougainvillea.

You can climb the iconic lighthouse for sweeping views of the old town and river, enter the Puerta de la Ciudadela (the original city gate), and wander through Plaza Mayor to see 17th-century ruins tucked among shady cafés. Colonia makes an easy, relaxed day trip from Buenos Aires.

17. See Penguins and Glaciers in Patagonia

Trek through Las Glaciares National Park, stare in awe at the Perito Moreno Glacier, or even take a kayak up close to it (ages 14+).

See the emperor penguins in Tierra del Fuego National Park, the only place they live in the wild outside of Antarctica. This area at the very tip of Argentina is known as the “End of the World”.

Patagonia can be explored from Chile or from Argentina. Flying is often the easiest way to get around, as there are large distances between cities.

18. Take a Street Art Tour in Medellín

Once considered one of the world’s most dangerous cities, Medellín, Colombia, has transformed itself into a creative and inspiring destination. The walls of Comuna 13, once the city’s most dangerous neighborhood, are now adorned with vibrant murals telling stories of resilience, hope, and community.

Take a guided street art tour to hear directly from local artists about how the neighborhood changed and how art helped shape its rebirth.

Book Now: Comuna 13 Street Art Tour

19. Visit the Floating Villages on Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world, and home to the Uros people, who live on islands made entirely of reeds. Visiting the floating islands near Puno offers a fascinating glimpse into a traditional way of life that has endured for centuries.

On this tour, you’ll take a boat ride out to meet the locals, learn how they build and maintain their reed islands, and even try a short paddle in a reed boat.

You’ll also visit nearby Taquile Island, known for its colorful weaving and strong community traditions. Expect to watch (or join in!) a fun dance presentation, and then have lunch on the island.

We loved this tour for its great mix of culture, food, and dance, and included several different kinds of boating experiences.

Book Now: Lake Puno and Taquila Island

20. Visit the Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad, Paraguay

Deep in southern Paraguay, the ruins of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná tell the story of the Jesuit missions that once spread across the region.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the carved stone walls, ornate columns, and open plazas are both beautiful and haunting. The ruins are about 18 miles (30 kilometers) from the riverside town of Encarnación, and it’s easy to get there by local bus, taxi, or rental car.

Signs in both Spanish and English explain the history, and local guides are available for a small fee if you’d like more context.

The entry ticket also includes nearby Jesús de Tavarangue, another Jesuit site that can be visited within 48 hours. This is one of Paraguay’s most peaceful and fascinating historic spots.

21. Ride Horses Across Grasslands in Mendoza

Mendoza is one of Argentina’s most famous wine regions, but it’s also home to grasslands, mountains, and the gaucho culture (cowboy culture). Take a horse ride across the hills and enjoy Asado (traditional barbecue) for lunch. Ages 6+.

22. Visit Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

Take a cable car to the summit of Corcovado Mountain to stand at the base the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, arms outstretched above Rio de Janeiro. This statue is considered one of the “Modern Wonders of the World”, so don’t skip it! The views over the city, beaches, and bay are simply unforgettable.

23. Explore the Amazon Rainforest

Most of the Amazonian rainforest is within Brazil. After exploring Rio de Janeiro, head to Manaus, then take a boat to where the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimões meet.

Dine at a floating restaurant, see lily pads as big as kids, then head out on a boat to cruise through the Amazon. You’ll see macaws, monkeys, piranhas, and more.

You can also explore the Amazon from Peru– either the Iquitos or Tambopata region. The high season is from December through March. Ages 8+.

24. Visit the Galapagos Islands 

A visit to the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies of the Galapagos Islands is definitely high on our family adventure travel bucket list!

The Galapagos Islands are about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. You can choose to do a boat-based or land-based exploration of the islands.

The Galapagos can be expensive to get to, but you can also visit Isla de la Plata, “the poor man’s Galapagos,” to see blue-footed boobies. Visit the Galapagos any time of year, ages 8+.

25. Relax on the Famous Beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema

Few beaches in the world are as iconic as Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana and Ipanema. These long golden stretches of sand, lined with palm trees and lively promenades, have come to symbolize the city.

Copacabana has been world-famous since the 1950s for its sweeping curve, art-deco boardwalk, and the blend of beach soccer, cold coconut stands, and locals playing music. Just around the corner, Ipanema feels trendier, with colorful umbrellas and spectacular sunsets over the Two Brothers mountains.

These beaches are great spots to relax after exploring Rio’s famous landmarks. While they are generally safe, keep a close eye on your belongings and expect lots of vendors calling up and down the sand.

26. Explore the Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile feels like stepping onto another planet. This is one of the driest places on Earth, with salt flats, geysers, and red Mars-like landscapes. At night, the stargazing is incredible; you can often see the Milky Way without a telescope.

Base yourself in San Pedro de Atacama for family-friendly tours to Moon Valley or the El Tatio Geysers. Some of the sights are at high elevation, so be sure to allow a few days to acclimate.

27. See the Caño Cristales River in Colombia

The Caño Cristales River has been described as a “liquid rainbow”. During July, August, and September, a water plant blooms, turning the river red, white, black, and yellow. Located in the Sierra de la Macarena National Park, accessible from the town of La Macarena.

Colombia has some fantastic family destinations, including Medellin, Guatape, Jardin, and Cartagena.

28. Experience Tango in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the “Paris of South America”. Visit the colorful La Boca neighborhood to enjoy its street art and watch impromptu performances of the tango. Stop at a cafe to try some delicious alfajores.

While you are in La Boca, take a walking tour of the Boca Juniors soccer stadium. Many restaurants offer dinner-and-dance shows, where you can watch more tango.

We spent one month in Buenos Aires during our Family Gap Year. We loved our time there and would all love to go back.

29. Get Wet at Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina is one of the new “Seven Natural Wonders” of the world. It is actually made up of 275 separate waterfalls.

To visit from Brazil, fly from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguaçu. From there, you can see the falls by either taking the Cataratas Hiking Trail to a boardwalk with views of the falls, or you can take a boat ride closer to the falls. You can opt for a “wet” or “dry” boat, depending on how close to the falls you’d like to get.

In Argentina, fly to Puerto Iguazu. On this side of the falls, there are more hiking trails with views of the falls. Take the green trail to the lower circuit trail. It has eight viewpoints and some places to stop and rest.

We visited both sides of the falls in one trip, which can be a little intimidating to plan, with border crossings, two currencies, and two languages. We wrote an article with details on planning Iguazu to share how we managed it.

Boat rides on the Argentine side are for 12+ only. A lot of visitors opt to visit both sides of the falls; crossing the border is relatively easy.

Antarctica:

We haven’t made it here yet, but we hear it’s amazing! We’ve included it with Central and South America, as most people begin their Antarctica journey from Chile or Argentina.

30. Explore Antarctica

Head over the rough seas of Drake’s Passage to get to Antarctica! See waddling penguins, sunning seals, calving glaciers, and enormous icebergs.

The elusive Southern Lights can be seen year-round, though your best chance during the touring season is in March. Tours range from 10 to 20+ days in length. The summer months from December to March are the best time to visit. Best for ages 8+.

31. Step onto South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

There are no residents of these islands, and they are claimed by both Britain and Argentina. The famous explorer Ernest Shackleton is buried here. These islands, along with the Falkland Islands are sometimes combined with Antarctica on longer cruises.

The South Georgia Islands have kelp forests and the largest colony of emperor penguins on earth. You’ll also see albatross penguins, king penguins, fur seals, and elephant seals. Ages 10+.

There You Have It

I had so much fun putting together this family bucket list for Central and South America. I hope this helped you come up with some ideas for your next big adventure.

Don’t miss our other bucket lists for travel in Europe, adventures around Africa, in Asia, and bucket list Middle East destinations.

We also have a list for North America that includes the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Did we miss any travel adventures that are on your family bucket list? We’re always willing to add new ideas or destinations!