Some of the most popular destinations, such as Machu Picchu, Angel Falls, Amazonia, Patagonia and the Andes do have seasonal variations as far as temperature, rain or snowfall, and climate, and visitors should be well aware of them. Many visitors to South America travel during the Northern Hermisphere's summer months, when it is winter south of the Equator, and this is the tourist high season.
For South Americans, the summer months (December to March) are high season, and the beaches and coastal resorts are packed.
If you can plan your travels in South America to take advantage of the spring and fall months, you'll find a wide range of areas and activities open to you.
Caribbean Countries
Beginning with the Caribbean countries chart you'll find any-season destinations and some of the most popular destinations.
The three countries of Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname are not on the most-often visited list, but are a prime destination for birders and wildlife viewers. Brownsberg Nature Reserve in Suriname and Iwokrama Forest Reserve in Guyana are excellent viewing locations, as various places in Venezuela. French Guiana is a territory of France, so you'll find a mixture of French and indigenous cultures here. Prime attractions are the Space Center at Kourou and the former penal colony of Devil's Island, one of the three Îles de Salut off the coast near Cayenne.
Venezuela offers beaches, the vast plains called llanos, accessible-only-by-plane Angel Falls, big cities and mountain climbing and trekking in the Andes.
Colombia has beautiful places to entice any traveler, but at the moment, is on the danger list for travelers. When the situation improves, visit Medellín for the Flower Festival in spring; Popayán and Mompós for Semana Santa; Barranquilla for Carnival, and the many national parks in season.
Andean Countries
The spine of the Andes cuts through Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, chart dividing the countries into different climactic zones. In Ecuador and Peru, there is the Pacific coastline to the west of the Andes, and the tropical rain forest to the east. In Bolivia, the only coastline is around Lake Titicaca in the high altiplano, but to the east of the Andes, there is also a tropical rainforest.
Among the peaks and valleys of the Andes grew the Inca empire, now the location of many prime destination spots. Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca draw throngs every year to Peru and Bolivia. In Ecuador, Quito, Otavalo and Volcano Alley are popular destinations.
The Galapagos Archipelago, though miles offshore from mainland Ecuador, is a must-see for travelers interested in wildlife.
Bolivia's has two capitals, one in Sucre, the other in La Paz. Both are worth a visit, as is the silver city of Potosí.
Visitors to Bolivia are often taken by the distinct climate regions within the country. The rainforest areas of the Yungas, and the Amazonian basin are a world away from the high, barren peaks of the altiplano.
Among the peaks and valleys of the Andes grew the Inca empire, now the location of many prime destination spots. Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca draw throngs every year to Peru and Bolivia. In Ecuador, Quito, Otavalo and Volcano Alley are popular destinations.
The Galapagos Archipelago, though miles offshore from mainland Ecuador, is a must-see for travelers interested in wildlife.
Bolivia's has two capitals, one in Sucre, the other in La Paz. Both are worth a visit, as is the silver city of Potosí.
Visitors to Bolivia are often taken by the distinct climate regions within the country. The rainforest areas of the Yungas, and the Amazonian basin are a world away from the high, barren peaks of the altiplano.
Use the linked charts for any-season planning. Note: Only the most popular destinations are listed.
