6 to 8 weeks travelling with 3yr old South America

[Ninja12345]

I’ve finally persuaded my DH that we should go ‘travelling’ before DS starts school. Thinking about this Sept/ Oct for about 6 to 8 weeks in South America (that’s where DH wants to go to). We have no set place in mind to go to but safety is key. I’m thinking that we will stay a week in each place so it’s not a hurried trip. We are fine with not ticking all the “must sees” in a country but one or two is fine.
I’m looking for advice on which countries to go to that are safest. What to do in those countries and any travel advice between places/ countries. Thanks!

We have been to Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and have just booked Chile for September. However haven’t been with a 3 year old.
Depending on how much you actually want to travel, there are so many options. One thought was driving Route 40 through Chile and Argentina. We rated Argentina very highly. It was easy to fit in and it felt safe. In fact everywhere is safe if you keep to the beaten track and stay away from dodgy areas, eg favellas in Rio.

You are too early in the season for Patagonia but you could certainly look at Peru and Ecuador and northern Chile. The rainforest in either Peru or Ecuador might interest you too but be aware that other guests might not want a three year old on trips to watch wildlife where you have to be quiet.

Peru and Ecuador are amazing. Lots to see and do and Ecuador has cloud forest. It’s seriously underrated. I have nothing but good to say about Argentina. Everyone was helpful and friendly and it’s a big country so don’t rush it.

We liked some of the Brazil we saw but Rio has very rough edges. The beach resorts in the north are laid back and towns such as Paratay are great. Igassu falls is a must. You go into Argentina anyway so carry on south to BA. Lots of internal flights are available and they are good.

Have fun planning!

The only South American country I’ve been to is Peru but we loved it, and I can definitely recommend it. It felt very safe - we weren’t with kids but my overall feel was it was safe. If you have any questions about Peru very happy to answer! Lucky you, sounds like an amazing trip 😁

Thanks both. You’re reassuring me! I was worried about safety but by going to Peru and other countries around, that seems like a good bet.

One advantage of using hotels and b&bs is that the owners tell you where to avoid. I think it can be fairly obvious to seasoned travellers but people see “interesting” neighbourhoods on the tv and think they will be ok wandering around in them. That just isn’t a good idea so always try and check even if you do Airbnb. If you want to do edgy, get a guided tour! Otherwise there is enough to keep all of you very happy without doing anything risky.

Friends of ours have just finished a long trip with little kids to Colombia. I thought it was a dangerous place (not having looked into it) but they had no worries and found the locals very kind and friendly.

I was just about to recommend Colombia too! A wonderful country and very safe!
Also loved Costa Rica, but not sure if you planned further south.

No advice from me but my friend loved Nicaragua, also Costa Rica is supposed to be amazing

They are classed as Central America. They would also be a lot hotter in September. I haven’t been to Columbia but as long as you are staying to tourist areas, you will be fine.

Thank you. Good advice to ask where we are staying where to avoid and keep to the well travelled routes. Peru and Ecaudor sound amazing especially the cloud forest. Good point that We’d have to get a private tour if we wanted to try and see anything. Thanks all