Best South America Tours in February

When Is the Best Month to Travel to South America?

Because the continent stretches from the equator down to Patagonia, the best travel time depends on your destinations.

In general, May through September is great for the Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador) since the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for hiking and sightseeing. December to March is ideal for Patagonia in Chile and Argentina, as this is the warm summer season when trails and roads are open.

For beach lovers, Brazil is warm year-round, but December to February is peak festive season with Carnival in Rio. If you’re chasing wildlife, the Galápagos Islands are worth visiting anytime, but warmer waters for snorkeling are typically from December to May.

Since each country has its own microclimates, many travelers choose shoulder seasons (April, October, November) to balance good weather with fewer crowds.

Top South America Countries and Attractions

South America’s travel destinations are diverse enough to satisfy every type of traveler. Some highlights include:

Peru

Machu Picchu: A bucket-list destination and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The 15th-century Inca citadel is shrouded in mist and mystery, perched high in the Andes mountains.

Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is now the archaeological capital of the Americas. It is known for its impressive Inca engineering and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

Amazon Rainforest: Peru is home to a portion of the Amazon, which offers incredible biodiversity and wildlife-watching opportunities.

Peruvian Gastronomy: A top food destination, Peru is known for its fresh ceviche and world-class restaurants.

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro: Famous for Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, and Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio blends natural beauty with vibrant culture.

Iguaçu Falls: One of the largest and most breathtaking waterfalls in the world, straddling the border of Brazil and Argentina.

Amazon Basin: The Brazilian Amazon is a paradise for eco-tourism, river cruises, and spotting rare wildlife.

Salvador: Known for Afro-Brazilian culture, colorful colonial architecture, and lively music and dance traditions.

Argentina

Buenos Aires: A city of tango, European-inspired architecture, and dynamic nightlife.

Patagonia: Home to dramatic glaciers, rugged mountains, and trekking routes like Fitz Roy and Perito Moreno Glacier.

Mendoza: Argentina’s wine capital, especially famous for Malbec and vineyard tours with the Andes as a backdrop.

Iguazú Falls: Shared with Brazil, but offering unique walkways and views on the Argentine side.

Chile

Atacama Desert: The driest desert in the world, filled with salt flats, geysers, and stargazing opportunities.

Torres del Paine: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Patagonia, renowned for hiking and dramatic mountain landscapes.

Santiago: Chile’s capital city offers a mix of modern culture, nearby vineyards, and views of the Andes.

Chiloé Island: Known for its wooden churches, folklore, and unique island traditions.

Colombia

Cartagena: A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its colorful colonial architecture and Caribbean charm.

Medellín: Once infamous, now celebrated for innovation, art, and surrounding coffee landscapes.

Coffee Region: Known as the “Coffee Triangle,” it’s perfect for visiting plantations and scenic mountains.

Tayrona National Park: Where lush jungle meets white-sand beaches on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Ecuador

Galápagos Islands: World-famous for unique wildlife and natural history, ideal for cruises and eco-adventures.

Quito: A UNESCO-listed capital with preserved colonial architecture and lively plazas.

Avenue of the Volcanoes: A dramatic stretch of snowcapped peaks perfect for trekking and photography.

Otavalo Market: One of South America’s most vibrant markets, known for indigenous crafts and textiles.

Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni: The world’s largest salt flat, creating surreal mirror-like reflections during the rainy season.

La Paz: The world’s highest capital city, with unique cable car views and rich indigenous culture.

Lake Titicaca: Shared with Peru, famous for its floating reed islands and cultural significance.

Sucre: A charming colonial city known as the “White City,” filled with history and museums.

How Long Do You Need for a South America Trip?

South America is vast. A flight from Colombia to Chile takes nearly as long as a flight across the U.S. Ideally, you’ll want at least two to three weeks to explore multiple countries. That said, if you only have one week, you can still enjoy a focused itinerary (for example, Peru’s highlights or Buenos Aires + Iguazú Falls).

For travelers planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, one to three months allows a deeper exploration, including Patagonia treks, Amazon river journeys, and multi-country overland travel.

Where Should I Start My South America Trip?

Your starting point often depends on your chosen itinerary and flight connections.

Common gateways include:

- Lima (Peru): Ideal if you’re heading straight to Machu Picchu or exploring the Andes.

- São Paulo or Rio (Brazil): Best for those beginning in Brazil or flying in from Europe or North America.

- Bogotá (Colombia): Works well if you want to explore northern South America first.

- Santiago (Chile) or Buenos Aires (Argentina): Perfect gateways for Patagonia and Southern Cone adventures.

Many travelers combine flights with overland buses or trains to maximize efficiency while experiencing more local life.

Sample South America Travel Itineraries

Because South America is so vast, itineraries depend on how much time you have. Below are some sample South America travel itineraries for one, two, and three weeks that cover highlights.

7-Day Itinerary: Peru Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Peru’s capital. Explore the historic center, Miraflores, and enjoy fresh ceviche by the Pacific coast.

Day 2: Fly to Cusco. Spend the day acclimating to the altitude while exploring the Plaza de Armas and nearby Inca ruins like Sacsayhuaman.

Day 3: Visit the Sacred Valley (Pisac market, Ollantaytambo fortress). Stay overnight in the valley.

Day 4: Take the train to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon for fewer crowds.

Day 5: Return to Cusco, with time to explore San Pedro Market or take a short hike to surrounding ruins.

Day 6: Day trip to Rainbow Mountain or Moray and the salt mines of Maras.

Day 7: Fly back to Lima for departure.

10-Day Itinerary: Argentina & Brazil

Day 1-3: Buenos Aires. Visit San Telmo, La Boca, Recoleta Cemetery, and enjoy tango in the evenings. Take a day trip to Tigre or Colonia (Uruguay).

Day 4-5: Fly to Mendoza. Tour vineyards, enjoy Malbec tastings, and take a day trip into the Andes to see Aconcagua.

Day 6-7: Fly north to Iguazú Falls. Spend one day exploring the Argentine side (walkways, Devil’s Throat) and the next day the Brazilian side for panoramic views.

Day 8-10: Fly to Rio de Janeiro. Visit Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, and Ipanema. If time allows, take a day trip to nearby beaches or Tijuca National Park.

14-Day Itinerary: Multi-Country Adventure

Day 1-2: Colombia (Cartagena) - Explore the walled city, colorful streets, and nearby beaches.

Day 3-5: Peru (Cusco & Machu Picchu) - Fly to Cusco, spend a day acclimating, then visit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Day 6-7: Bolivia (Uyuni Salt Flats) - Fly to La Paz, connect to Uyuni. Take a 2-3 day jeep tour across salt flats, colored lagoons, and desert landscapes.

Day 8-10: Chile (Atacama Desert) - Cross into Chile, base in San Pedro de Atacama. Visit Valle de la Luna, geysers, and high-altitude lagoons.

Day 11-14: Argentina (Patagonia) - Fly to El Calafate. Explore Perito Moreno Glacier, then take a side trip to El Chaltén for hiking trails around Mount Fitz Roy.

3-Week Itinerary: South America Highlights Loop

Week 1: Start in Lima (1-2 days), then move on to Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu (4-5 days). End with a Lake Titicaca visit before heading to Bolivia.

Week 2: Explore La Paz and Uyuni Salt Flats (3 days). Cross into Chile for San Pedro de Atacama (3 days). Fly to Santiago and spend a day in the city with a winery tour nearby.

Week 3: Fly to Buenos Aires (3 days) and then head to Iguazú Falls (2 days). Conclude in Rio de Janeiro (3-4 days) with beach time, Christ the Redeemer, and nightlife before flying home.

These itineraries are just a framework, you can swap countries or extend your trip depending on your pace and interests.

South America Travel Advisory

Most countries in South America are safe to visit with standard precautions. Big cities like Rio de Janeiro, Bogotá, and Lima have neighborhoods where tourists should be cautious, especially at night. Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is the most common risk. Always use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps, and avoid carrying valuables in crowded areas.

Travelers should also stay updated on local entry requirements, visas, and health advisories. For example, yellow fever vaccination may be required when entering countries from certain areas. Always check the official government websites of the countries you’re visiting.

Pro Tips for Traveling South America

Getting around: Domestic flights are common due to long distances. Overnight buses are a budget-friendly option in countries like Argentina and Chile, often with reclining seats.

Budget: Costs vary widely. Brazil and Chile can be more expensive, while Bolivia and Peru offer better value. Expect to budget $40-80 USD per day as a mid-range traveler.

Planning: Book popular experiences like Machu Picchu entrance tickets or Galápagos cruises well in advance. For flexible overland routes, leave room for spontaneous stops.

With the right planning, a South America trip can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences - whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking ancient trails, or tasting wines at the source. Use this guide as a foundation, and adapt it to your style of travel.