Travel Experts: 3 Best Hidden Gems for Middle-Class Families in Latin America

If you want to plan a trip to Latin America on a budget, you have options that are safe, affordable and fun for the whole family. Some of the most popular destinations are located in Mexico. This includes Cancun, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta. But there are other lesser-known places to visit both within Mexico and beyond.

GOBankingRates asked travel experts to share their top hidden gems for middle-class families with kids to go in Latin America. Here’s what they said and some approximate costs for each destination.

• Average cost of a hotel: $16 to $35 a night
• Average cost of meals: $5 per meal per person
• Average weekly cost (for four): $1,186 (includes accommodation, local transit, food and sightseeing)

If you’re looking to check something off your bucket list while still having a great, family friendly trip, Maya Kapoor-Miller, a travel manager at Dreamport, suggested Colombia.

“Surrounded by the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines in the north and west and the Amazon rainforest in the south, it offers some of South America’s most picture-perfect views and breathtaking adventures,” she said. “Today, it is a lot safer and more developed than it once used to be and welcomes tourists from all around the world while still being very [affordable].”

There are quite a few budget-friendly options to choose from in Colombia, including Bogotá, Medellín and Cali. You can always use one of those locations as your base, but then spend your days exploring what the country has to offer off the beaten path.

If you’re traveling with your kids, Kapoor-Miller added that many museums and attractions offer discounted or free admission to children under 12. The bigger cities also have cultural attractions, city parks and plenty of shopping, dining out and recreation.

“And the best part is that you can always escape the urban bustle and venture into the wild,” she said. “I suggest San Cipriano Rainforest Reserve for breathtaking river tubing and a ride along an abandoned railway in the jungle. Or the impressive Tayrona National Park and the world’s highest coastal mountains, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. And don’t miss out on the Caño Cristales.”

If you’re looking for something a little less busy, she suggested Playa Guachalito or other nearby locales with water activities the whole family can enjoy — often for free.

• Average cost of a hotel: $108 a night
• Average cost of meals: $38 per day per person
• Average weekly cost (for four): $4,052 (includes accommodation, local transit, food and sightseeing)

A family trip to the Dominican Republic is more expensive than one to Colombia, but the higher price may well be worth what you get. It’s got a lot to offer, including family friendly tropical getaways and a whole host of hidden gems, said Víctor Miguel Pacheco Méndez, CEO at Arajet.

One place to consider is Punta Cana, which is home to plenty of beaches, trails, freshwater lagoons and so much more.

“For families looking to stray from the mainstream, Santo Domingo is filled with rich history and culture,” said Méndez. “Families can take a walking tour or train through the Colonial Zone, an amazing ancient city that is over 500 years old. Even with these impressive attractions, traveling to Latin America doesn’t have to break the bank.”

Those looking to keep to a stricter budget can also find cheap airfare to and from the country — depending on where they start, of course.

• Average cost of a hotel: $34 a night
• Average cost of meals: $5 to $10 per meal per person
• Average weekly cost (for four): $1,080 (includes accommodation, local transit, food and sightseeing)

Oaxaca is located at the southern end of Mexico, quite a ways from more popular destinations like Puerto Vallarta. But if you’re looking for a hidden gem that’s still safe and fun, this is one of them. Kapoor-Miller specifically suggested Puerto Escondido for beach lovers.

“It is known for its untouched beaches, bohemian vibe and plenty of things to see and do around,” she said. “Puerto Escondido offers you everything from snorkeling, swimming among the marine life, seeing dolphins in their natural habitat, trying out sport fishing, releasing newborn turtles and taking surf lessons to exploring the nearby beaches.”

Located nearby are some quieter neighborhoods, which offer affordable and family friendly accommodations. One particular place, the Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel, even offers free bikes and an area for the kids. Family rooms start at about $85 a night.

“In my opinion, Mexico offers the best of both worlds — a rich history and vibrant culture in combination with a fantastic tropical climate and ultimate relaxation by the beach in one of its many all-inclusive hotels or resorts that have plenty of great deals for families looking to save while also having fun all year-round,” Kapoor-Miller said.