South America Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips!

Bustling streets and crowded attractions across Argentina enter into a period of hibernation during the winter months, making this an ideal time for those who wish to discover Buenos Aires, Salta, and other cities or explore the warmer north while avoiding long queues and massive hordes — staples of the high season. As for ski enthusiasts, the party has just begun, with ski resorts across Patagonia becoming increasingly active during this time of the year.

July falls in the middle of the winter season in Argentina. This is when most attractions see all-time-low crowds except for the ski resorts across the country that are bustling with visitors. Take advantage of less-crowded trails to discover the northwestern part of the country and enjoy an affordable stay in larger cities, where hotels vie for your attention and offer discounts.

April is the start of the low season in Chile, which means that attractions will be quieter with fewer tourists around. As you might expect, the weather is not quite as nice as at other times of year in the low season, but there are still plenty of reasons for visiting Chile in April as it offers plenty of places to visit and things to do. The weather in Chile’s north is mostly pleasant and hiking trails in Patagonia are still open. This is also a great time to go on a road trip through the country.

August in Argentina offers a unique experience, as it's the heart of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. This is the perfect time to explore the snowy peaks of Patagonia or enjoy the crisp air in the Argentine Andes. Whether you're skiing in the world-renowned resorts of Mendoza or experiencing the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires, a trip to Argentina in August combines winter adventures with urban excitement. From breathtaking landscapes to cultural experiences, August is an ideal time to discover all that this diverse country has to offer.

November in Peru is the beginning of the rainy season. However, even though some places like Machu Picchu experience lots of rain, others, such as Lima, are quite dry. This means that if you know where to go, November can be an ideal month to enjoy a vacation in Peru and avoid crowds. Discover the dunes around Huacachina or surf the northerly swells of Chicama. Listen to birdsongs in the Peruvian Amazon or be part of the Puno Week on Lake Titicaca’s shores.

May in Costa Rica is the time when nature comes to life with lush greenery. It is when animals rejoice as the rainy season kicks in. Despite the country making a gradual transition to the wet season during this time of year, you still have plenty of sunny days to explore this tropical paradise. Go whitewater rafting in the thundering San Juan River and explore the coastal areas of Guanacaste. Take part in numerous local festivities and join food fiestas in San Jose. Enjoy a trip to Costa Rica in May and indulge in a soothing getaway like no other.

August lies smack in the middle of the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere, where Peru is located. However, despite winter, this is also the peak tourist season in the country, since most of the days during this month are warm and pleasant (although the mercury falls down at night). In addition to this, August is also a dry month, which means you are in for clear blue skies while hiking in the Andes.

As the vibrant fall foliage blankets the Argentine terrain, the cool April weather makes traveling to Argentina all the more inviting. There is a gradual rise in crowds around this time looking to immerse in the activities in the country. Whether it’s cultural events, outdoor activities, or a relaxing vacation you’re after — Argentina has something for anyone in April.

The rainy season comes to an end in Peru in May. It is when the countryside is green and monuments, cleansed of their dirt and grime, look better. Since the crowds are slim in highlights across the country, you have most of the landmarks for yourself during this time of year. Be it visiting Machu Picchu, exploring Lima, or hiking through the Inca Trails, there is no shortage of activities that can be carried out this month.

June is the start of Peru’s dry season. This is when peak-season crowds are yet to settle in, which means that it will only be you and a few others exploring the Andean highlands, gazing at the iconic Machu Picchu, and wandering down the streets of Cusco. Clear skies and moderate temperatures during this month make city sightseeing tours in Peru a pleasant experience. Even the Peruvian Amazon, which stays warm and humid through much of the year, sees less rainfall during June, making it ideal for wildlife spotting.

June marks the beginning of winter in Chile. This is when the Andes are clad in white with the first snowfall of the season. However, weather conditions vary across the county, with the country’s south experiencing a colder climate than the north. Having said that, this is one of the best months to go for a skiing vacation in Chile and a great time to visit the country if you are into winter sports. However, some hotels shut down during this time of year, so make sure you plan ahead when choosing where to go on your trip to Chile in June.

Whether it is unraveling the conquistador history of Valparaiso or tracking pumas in Torres del Paine National Park, your trip to Chile in January is sure to be packed with thrills that are unique to this land. January falls in the middle of the high tourist season in Chile, and the weather during this time is a sweet tale of warm temperatures and nearly no rainfall. The cherry on top of this already delicious cake is long summer days promising a tempting series of seemingly unending outdoor adventures. Safe to say, there are plenty of things to do in Chile if you are planning on visiting the country in January.

Warm November weather in most parts of Argentina encourages a spike in tourist activities. Several top destinations are easily accessible and activities are abundant throughout the country. While visiting Argentina, travelers can embark on trips to UNESCO heritage sites like Iguazu Falls or laze out on the famous beaches in Bariloche. As the last month of shoulder season, Argentina in November offers something for every type of traveler.

July is an ideal time to visit both the highlands and the Amazon region of Peru. The weather during this time of year is dry, which means ample opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities, be it hiking in the Andes or enjoying sightseeing tours around Lima and Cusco. For the more adventurous crowd, there is the Peruvian Amazon, home to unique bird and animal species, and many more places to visit in Peru.

From the cosmopolitan capital of Buenos Aires to national parks in Patagonia, peak-season crowds gradually start decreasing in March. However, the early autumn month is still warm and conditions are favorable for venturing out to a variety of destinations across Argentina. Walk with the Penguins in Punta Tombo, visit Iguaza Falls, or go glacier trekking in Patagonia; a trip to Argentina in March ensures a great time for those looking for a calmer travel experience.