School is almost out and that means one thing: summer vacation! Take your family to a place with beaches, sunshine, volcanoes, culture, adventure and more. Looking for outdoor family adventures that provide more things to do? Yampu recommends the following gems for families:

Nicaragua is safe, affordable, and easily accessible, meaning more time for you and your family to enjoy.

Granada & Morgan’s Rock: Soak up an idyllic summer vacation by exploring Nicaragua’s beaches, nature and culture. Start in the historic colonial city of Granada, where you and the family can explore on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, and by boat. Then head to Morgan’s Rock, a luxury ecolodge just north of the beach town of San Juan del Sur. Roam the beautiful grounds’ private nature reserve, view wildlife, ride horses on the beach and more. Don’t miss the experience of crossing the 100 meters suspension bridge overlooking the ocean! Explore the Mombacho Volcano Cloud Forest, Canopy Tours (zip-lining), and the Masaya Volcano.

Nicaragua, the largest–but least densely populated–country of Central America, is known as the land of lakes and volcanoes and is home to the world’s only freshwater sharks.

© Jose Irauzqui

Many Yampu staffers and clients boast a South African Safari as an ideal family vacation. It is probably the easiest place to start your Africa experience – no shots, no visas, and relatively cheap airfare (usually nonstop or just 1 stop). Safari lodges are made for kids with great programs, no long drives and kid friendly food. This is where you’ll see the big five and its protected so you see LOTS of wildlife.

Drive across scenic expanses in open air safari vehicles to witness the magestic wild animals of South Africa up close and personal in their natural habitat. Children of all ages are welcome on these safaris.

Enjoy unique safari experiences like riding an ostrich or elephants, and kayaking with penguins. Adventurous teenagers will love hiking to the top of Table Mountain; moms will love the wine country. Visit a Zulu tribe, go down a gold mine and take in all the history in Johannesburg and the townships.

Photo Credit: Vilseskogen via Compfight cc

Experience the best of Peru, in a way you and your children will enjoy, including the colonial city of Cuzco and the Inca lost city of Machu Picchu. Stay in the Sacred Valley, at the foothills of the Andes. Try white water rafting, mountain biking, go horseback riding, or take a family Spanish lesson in the comfort of your own Villa. With over 16 years of designing family itineraries to Peru, feel secure knowing we’ve selected the most family friendly hotels and the most active tours for both children and parents.

© Jose Irauzqui

Panama: This small country is close (short flights, no cranky babies, no jetlag) and no visas or shots are needed. There are modern hotels if desired, but also rustic beach resorts, and off the grid ecofriendly places. Combine stays at each to experience it all. 

You’ll find jungle, beaches, islands, mountains, coffee plantations, rivers, and more – offering a nice mix of adventure. Dive deep into the culture by visiting with the Ebera tribe in the jungle and Kuna tribes on the islands – many a kid’s highlight. Enjoy abundant wildlife – monkeys, dolphins, alligators, and birds galore
© Karolina Guilcapi

San Blas is one of the most fascinating places in Panama. It is an archipelago of 356 islands in the Caribbean Sea, of which 51 are inhabited by an indigenous Kuna tribe. This territory includes a wide strip of virgin tropical forest, as well as beautiful coral reefs teeming with marine life. The most impressive part of the islands are the Kuna people, who only recently opened their home to tourism and live true to their colorful traditions. Spend a night on the islands in a Kuna operated lodge, with daily activities such as snorkeling, fishing, visiting the local communities, diving, canoe trips, hikes in the forest, and beach time!

Mom’s will find plenty of shopping options and dad’s can try fishing while the kids will clamor for an adventure to visit amazing sunken pirate ships that you can dive to off the Pearl islands.

This archipelagos is known for its coveted pearls. Legend says Isla Contadora or “Counting Island” became the central point where pearls from around the region were sent to be counted, registered, and prepared for transit over the isthmus and finally shipped to Spain. The archipelago has also served as a haven for Pirates from which they would stage daring assaults on the treasure laden Spanish Fleet, returning to the islands sanctuary to divide and stash their plunder.

Argentina

Located in the province of Salta, the Estancia El Bordo de las Lanzas is one of the oldest estates in the country. Its property deeds date as far back as 1609. The estate’s owners, a young and lovely couple of the Arias Cornejo family, personally welcome visitors. Staying in the Estancia is an experience that allows travellers to really get to know Salta’s countryside, to share the authentic lifestyle of a working estate and to learn in detail the history of the north of Argentina, a region rich in traditions and the former battleground during the wars of independence. A host of activities can be experienced including a visit to the incredible black cayman reserve.

Yampu also offers a family trip which explores three extraordinary regions in Argentina. In Buenos Aires visit a typical Estancia and enjoy a typical Argentinean barbeque a lo gaucho. In Iguazu Falls, allow the deep-flowing waters of the Iguazu River, plunging over 275 falls, to mesmerize your entire family. In El Calafate visit the Estancia Cristina, the breathtaking Upsala Glacier, and the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, one of only three glaciers not retreating in Patagonia.

Chile

Are you a family of skiers? How about a trip to Portillo Chile to ski? Ask about our special kids ski free promotion for dates in June, August & September. Or stay in the desert of Atacama Chile where kids & teens stay free! 

For the purchase of a 4 night ALL INCLUSIVE stay, one child or teen stays and enjoys excursions completely FREE with each paying adult! Visit Atacama, Chiloe or Patagonia. Offer good from July 1 through September 30, 2015. 

Visit archaeological sites, the Copán Ruins, a finca where coffee is produced and enjoy the rancho life of the Honduras. Honduras is virgin territory for adventure eco-tourism. Its lush vegetation, varied terrain and multiple diverse ecosystems, including a lush rainforest, offer families endless possibilities. Go horseback riding and learn about cattle ranching or take an excursion to a lagoon and see white-faced monkeys or ‘micos’ who live in the mangroves. 

Track elusive Bengal tigers through the wilds of Ranthambhore, India on a Tiger Safari. Tour the Golden Triangle including Delhi’s Red Fort, the Taj Mahal and the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Safaris through the park are conducted from a guided, open-top Jeep. Besides the famous tigers, the park is also home to numerous other large animals, including leopards, hyenas and sloth bears.

South East Asia Family Trip
Learn about Hinduism with a visit to the limestone hills of Batu Caves of Kuala Lampur that is comprised of three caverns and several smaller caves. It is the shrine of Lord Murugah, a Hindu deity, with a flight of 272 steps leading up to the temple cave. Another cave, called the museum cave, is filled with images of deities and murals depicting scenes from the Hindu scriptures. Shoot the rapids at Kuala Trenggan, experience the everyday life of Balinese farmers, visit an active volcano with the picturesque Lake Batur in its crater, and relax at white sand beaches with clear turquoise water and great surf. 

Take advantage of booking any of these tours with our June special savings! From now until June 30, book any Highlight Tour to Latin America, Africa, or Asia and receive a 10% discount. For families, save an additional $100 off per child under 18!  Discount applies to land prices only (not including international airfare) and travel must be completed by May 15, 2016. Contact one of our personal travel consultants for details today! info@yampu.com – 1-888-926-7801

© Jose Irauzqui

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