travel

Pura Aventura’s Hot Destinations Include Chile!

An exploration of hidden Patagonia and a journey from the mountains to the Spanish Mediterranean are the latest two additions to Pura Aventura’s ‘family programme’.

The company’s family holidays are designed to set aside screens and bring loved ones together through immersive activities which engage each family member. From sleeping in a ranger station in the forests of Costa Rica to hiking to Machu Picchu, and white water rafting in the Pyrenees to snorkelling with marine life in the Galapagos, guests can expect a thrilling adventure far removed from the usual family trail.

NEW Hidden Patagonia Family Adventure
Spend two weeks in the great outdoors, experiencing all that Southern Chile’s least visited region has to offer. Enjoy an action-packed lap around Chile's greatest lake, Lago Carrera, exploring on foot, kayak, bike, horseback, raft and crampons. Interactions with locals, beautiful accommodation and 4x4 rental complete the picture. Families may explore at their own pace with ample downtime to sit back and soak up the enormity of Patagonia.

The adventure begins in the mountains of Cerro Castillo National Park where guided walks may lead to sightings of the seriously endangered national animal, the huemul, and classic Patagonian landscapes are enjoyed from the saddle of a bike or horse. Continuing south, families may kayak to the marble caves on Lago Carrera or raft on the Baker River, before swapping paddles for crampons to walk on the Exploradores Glacier.

There are also opportunities to walk on fossil beds, share an asado around an open fire and discover Patagonia National Park, home to vast grasslands and desert landscapes.

Travelling is also part of the fun: expect to drive alongside gauchos riding their horses and weave around the cows that quite often wander into the road. Patagonia is at its weather-best between October and April and would fit snugly into the Christmas or Easter holidays.

Price: from £3,880pp based on a family of 4 travelling, including 13 nights’ B&B accommodation, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, 4x4 hire, private airport transfers, internal flights and guided activities (3 full-days and 6 half-days). Flights to Santiago extra.

NEW Mountains to the Med: Northern Spain Family Adventure

From the peaks of the high Pyrenees to the coves of the Costa Brava, this active fortnight ticks all the boxes for a family holiday to remember. The trip begins in the foothills of the Pyrenees in the Ordesa National Park, an adventure playground offering a flexible menu of land and water sports. Adrenaline-packed days feature hiking, biking, canoeing, horse-riding, hydrospeeding and negotiating via ferrata. There is also the opportunity to spend the day with a naturalist guide to learn about the mountain wildlife and specifically the conservation efforts to protect the magnificent bearded vulture that makes its home here.

The next instalment swaps the mountains for the sea. Based on the Costa Brava, families have the freedom to visit the Dalí Museum or the artist’s home at Port Lligat, snorkel in the clear waters of the Cap de Creus, enjoy a sea kayak or SUP lesson, or spend a day exploring the medieval city of Girona. There is also plenty of time to relax on the beach or hike the pretty coastal paths. The finale is a private sunset boat ride from Cadaques.

Price: from £2,200pp based on a family of 4 travelling, including 14 nights’ B&B accommodation, car hire, walking notes and 8 x private guided activities. Available May to October

For further information on Pura Aventura’s family friendly itineraries, please visit pura-aventura.com or call 01273 676712.