5 Eco-Friendly Tours in Latin America to Take with Your Family
From birdwatching in Ecuador’s Chocó Andean Hotspot to adventuring in Peru’s Sacred Valley, Travel Differently offers responsible tours for families across Central and South America.
Photo courtesy of Travel Differently.
If Latin America isn’t on your list of places to visit, it probably should be. With its cerulean waters, verdant cloud forests, awe-inspiring ruins, and towering volcanoes, this part of the world holds countless natural and cultural treasures to be explored.
A family visit to anywhere in this vast and varied territory is sure to create moments that children will cherish for a lifetime. And the fact that the region is at the forefront of sustainable and responsible travel makes an even stronger case for choosing it as your next destination.
The cities dotted along the coasts and nestled up in the mountains of Latin America all have their own unique charm and magic. But outside these hubs, the vibrant ecosystems and remote coordinates of many tourist meccas provide even more opportunities for both engaging in nature-positive travel and supporting local communities more directly. All-in-all, the momentum of the eco-friendly tourism movement in the region is astounding. Eco-lodging options abound as do regenerative activities to get involved with, from tree-planting to sea turtle-release programs. It would be difficult to dip into all of the exciting projects happening from Mexico all the way down through the Andes. But our friends at Travel Differently have curated some amazing experiences that make it easy for travelers, especially families, to take the plunge.
As much as we all want to get away when the holidays roll around, the task of researching and deciding on a trip that benefits both our family and our planet can be daunting. Each of the trips on the list below resonates with our own core values. They prioritize sustainable practices that minimize their environmental impact and help preserve the natural beauty of the area. They embrace responsible tourism practices, which translates to support for the local economy and respect for the culture and lifestyle of the local communities. And they offer fun and engaging activities for children of all ages, striking a fruitful balance between quality family time and exposure to local culture and environments.
Photo by Etienne Delorieux.
Costa Rica & Nicaragua
Costa Rica and Nicaragua are two of the most stunning countries in Latin America, and are both deeply committed to sustainability and eco-tourism practices. Travel Differently offers a 12-day trip to explore the natural beauty of these countries, including a walking tour of San Jose, a sunset horse ride in Monteverde, and a visit to Ometepe Island. With a mix of adventure activities and eco-tourism, this trip brings the rich topography of these two countries together in one eye-opening experience.
Ecuador
Santa Lucia Ecuador offers a unique eco-lodge experience in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Known as a Chocó Andean Hotspot, the mountainous, wooded area is home to over 400 species of birds. Activities include guided hikes through lush rainforest, visits to the orchid garden and the sugar cane plantation, and a walk along a waterfall trail. Santa Lucia is a conservation and tourism cooperative that incorporates sustainable alternatives in order to preserve our forests for future generations.
Photo by Janaya Dasiuk.
Photo by Jackie Hope.
Peru
This 11-day trip is packed with all the highlights of an iconic destination, all approached with a responsible mindset. Walking tours of the incredible Cusco, a visit to the Sacred Valley, and stops to see salt flats and Inka towns all build up to the once-in-a-lifetime exploration of ancient Machu Picchu. This itinerary also includes a visit to the Amazonian rainforest, with plenty of opportunities to observe the endemic flora and fauna. Stays in comfortable, eco-friendly lodges and the chance to participate in conservation efforts along the way round out this unrivaled experience.
Photo by Deborah Thomas.
Mexico
The luxurious eco-friendly resort, Playa Viva, located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, is committed to sustainability and responsible tourism practices and offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. At Playa Viva, travelers of all ages can build sandcastles on the beach, witness newborn turtles being released, and explore the ocean while snorkeling. The additional guidance in fishing, beach volleyball, and soccer offered by an excellent team means there’s never a dull moment on the resort grounds. Playa Viva even facilitates the participation of its guests in voluntourism projects for those eager to help out on local community projects. Family packages available.
Travel Differently’s Tips for Eco-Friendly Travel with Kids
Traveling with kids can be a daunting experience, but it doesn't have to be a detriment to the environment. There are plenty of ways to make your family vacation eco-friendly and sustainable. Here are some tips to help make your family travel experience both memorable and responsible:
Pack Light: The heavier your luggage, the more fuel your transportation will consume. Pack only what you need, and opt for eco-friendly luggage options when possible.
Use Public Transportation: Taking public transportation instead of renting a car can help reduce your carbon footprint. It also gives your family a chance to experience local culture in a unique and authentic way.
Support Local Businesses: Supporting local businesses not only helps to boost the local economy, but it also helps to reduce the environmental impact of your travel. Local businesses are more likely to use sustainable practices, reduce waste, and source their products locally.
Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Look for accommodations that use renewable energy, eco-friendly cleaning products, and have a recycling program in place. Staying at eco-friendly accommodations also supports the responsible tourism industry.
Be Mindful of Your Water Usage: When staying at eco-friendly accommodations, it's important to be mindful of your water usage. Take shorter showers, turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, and reuse towels to reduce the amount of water used.
Say No to Single-Use Plastics: Single-use plastics like straws, water bottles, and plastic bags are a major contributor to pollution. Bring your own reusable water bottle and shopping bag, and say no to straws when dining out.
Leave No Trace: Take care to leave the natural environment as you found it. Respect wildlife, dispose of waste properly, and stick to designated trails to minimize the impact on the local ecosystem.
