South America recommendations - I know nothing!

[AdmiralBenson]

Am planning a two-week(ish) jaunt to South America over Christmas. It'll be a family reunion of sorts, with family coming from South America, UK and New Zealand.

There will be 30-somethings, 60-somethings and a toddler.

We would like ....

• beach (preferably child friendly)
• rainforest (options for jungle treks etc)
• culture/history (eg ruins/museums)
• nice food
• not a party town but close to somewhere with some atmosphere
• holiday home rental
• warmth

We DON'T like

• wild parties (sadly!)
• congested/built-up areas
• mass tourism
• big hotels
• very hot places

Ideally we would like somewhere that's easy to get to from Santiago - five hours or less (so the people coming from NZ don't have too much of an arduous journey).

We would be willing to travel within that country - eg, a week in one place and a week in another. But not TOO far.

Budget is mid-low range, but don't want to slum it. Brazil and Argentina are probably out because of the cost.

Any suggestions will be gratefully received.

I took my children to Rio and Iguassa Falls at Easter and loved both places. I think Rio could be a little busy for you at Christmas and also very expensive. We stayed on the Argentinian side of the falls in the rain forest and I would recommend that. The falls are amazing and i noticed lots of family with different age groups enjoying the experience together. Argentina is so much cheaper than Brazil. Some of my relatives visited Buenos Aires and raved about it.

Salta is lovely, although you did rule out Argentina. Anyway, the peso will be at 5 to the dollar by the end of the year.

Iguazu is lovely, although touristy, but with rainforest which was on your list.

Valparaiso and Chiloe? Never been to either.

So it isn't South America but if you are all traveling anyway, my vote is for Costa Rica. Fits all your criteria and is a really fascinating country.

Thanks so much for your suggestions, will have a decent look at them over the weekend.

Venezuela - had a fantastic holiday here travelling to different places on the coast and also going up the river and seeing the Tepui flat topped mountains at Cainaima and angel falls. really enjoyable and different place to go.

Liking the look of Costa Rica.

Any other suggestions for places where we can see rainforest AND a beautiful beach without having to travel hundreds of miles?

Ilha Grande might be just what you are looking for. It is about 2 hours + ferry from Rio. Look it up. We've had a number of happy holidays there.

How about Mexico? That has the jungle/beach combo. The Pacific and Caribbean side have a lot to offer.
Or Belize?

Or the Caribbean. Cuba has lovely beaches, rainforest and Havana is an amazing city.

Everywhere looks amazing. I think Central America is a little too far - my parents will be flying into Santiago from Auckland and I don't want them to have to have to do too much onward travel.

I on the other hand am going to be living in South America so have made a note of all your suggestions for future travel!

Ilha Grande looks lush. Is it expensive to stay there, Consort? Any parts in particular that you'd recommend?