Is South America on your radar for 2015? Thanks to Jacquie Whitt, co-founder and director of US Operations for the tour operator Adios Adventure Travel, for information on the company’s 2015 adventures. She writes, “I have planned several family-friendly active adventure trips to South America in 2015. I thought this might interest your families with children age 10 and up. These trips are designed to accommodate various ages and abilities, including grandparents. But all participants must be able to walk up/down steps & carry their own bags/luggage for short periods. I work with families closely to help them choose the right trip. And once they have decided, I do lots of hand-holding to get them prepared.”
Here are Jacquie’s picks for top family adventures in South America:
Ecuador Rainforest Adventure & Riverboat Cruise – June 2015
Adios Adventures is chartering a 30-passenger riverboat in June 2015 for a 7 Day Trip to Quito, Ecuador & the Rainforest. Ecuador is easy to fly to/from ATL or MIA. Families can visit the real Amazon rainforest in the comfort of a self-contained river boat while traveling up the Napo River in Ecuador.
This was the only river cruise in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest for 10 years, notes Jacquie, until 2013 when a sister ship was inaugurated. Boat accommodates 30 lucky guests and 12 crew in comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and running hot water, individual air conditioning, onboard laundry service, large dining room, attractive bar and lounge area, panoramic terrace, delicious cuisine and the finest multilingual naturalist guides, plus the highest safety standards, personable service and efficiency.
Current prices are USD $1693 for double or triple occupancy (largest cabins hold 3 on this ship), or USD$2322 for a single cabin. (Not included are international flights, certain meals, gratuities.)
Galapagos Island Land-based Adventure – July 2015
Adios Adventures has a budget-friendly trip to Galapagos Islands planned as well. This is a land-based tour and it’s perfect for families including children 10 & up.
Begins and ends in Guayaquil, Ecuador. If families arrives in GYE the night before, Adios Adventures can help them book a hotel for overnight. The 7 day itinerary throughout the Galapagos Islands includes visits to Frigate Hill, kayak tours, Kicker Rock & Lobos Island, boat transfer to Santa Cruz /Drive Highlands & trip to Garrapatero Beach, day trips to uninhabited islands, boat transfer to Isabella Islandto see a breeding center, Sierra Negra Hike & Concha Perla snorkel tour and much more.
Current prices are USD $1980 for double occupancy, or USD$2220 for single in a Standard Hotel (private bath with hot water – usually) cabin. Includes Galapagos flights and Galapagos tour package as described, option for kayaking in San Cristobal and Concha Perla. Meals are included once the goup arrives in the Galapagos. Not included are international flights, certain meals, gratuities, Visitors Card / Galapagos National Park Entry Fee – $110 USD pp cash, drinks/alcoholic beverages, travel insurance, mountain bikes in Santa Cruz or Isabella.
For this trip, there are optional add ons for families with more time. Jacquie recommends Otavalo and Cotopaxi, another 4 days in Ecuador (after trip to GPS, they can schedule flight to Quito.) the suggested itinerary includes a day trip to Otavalo Market and overnight, a visit to Quito / Cotopaxi National Park and overnight, more Cotopaxi activities and last night in Quito.
Price per person: USD$ 430 double through quadruple occupancy; USD4 510 single occupancy. Includes airport transfer, accommodations in Quito and Cotopaxi, indicated meals, and escort guide.
Machu Picchu Adventure – August 2015
Adios Adventures recommends their Machu Picchu Tour departing Aug 5-13, 2015 to families. This trip is perfect for families who have members with different abilities. The group is divided up so those who are able to hike the strenuous 4 day Inca Trail can break away for the hike, then meet up later in Machu Picchu for a guided tour with everyone.
Current prices: This 9-day trip, including your choice of 4 Day or 1 Day Inca Trail Hike is priced at USD$1642 per person, plus USD$350 to cover domestic flights.
For more information, and to get references from past clients (a must when working with any tour operator!), please get in touch with Jackie via their website: AdiosAdventureTravel.com or visit
their Twitter feed or their Facebook page.
Buen Viaje!
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