Planning a South America family trip from Australia? Here’s how to think about the real cost of flights, accommodation, internal travel, food, experiences and the hidden costs of travellschemaing with children.
Planning a South America family trip from Australia can quickly become overwhelming. Learn how to choose destinations, manage children’s ages, count travel transitions, plan around altitude and climate, build recovery time and create an itinerary your family can actually enjoy.
We took our children from Australia to South America in 2026, travelling through Chile, Peru and Brazil on a journey that included the Atacama Desert, Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Amazon, the Pantanal and Jericoacoara. This is the story of our route, what worked, what challenged us and what we’d want another family to know before attempting a trip like this.
Machu Picchu isn’t just one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites—it can also become one of the most rewarding adventures your family ever shares. This comprehensive guide combines first-hand experience, practical planning advice and detailed family-focused recommendations to help you confidently plan every stage of your visit, from altitude preparation and train travel to choosing the right circuits, avoiding common mistakes and creating unforgettable memories together.
