From sunshine and stillness to wild landscapes and samba beats — here’s where we take our travelers when they’re craving a season that feels like a reset.

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Hi, I’m Clara — in love with South America and co-founder of Across South America. And here’s one thing I know for sure: travel feels completely different when you choose to escape winter the right way

You don’t just go somewhere warm.

You remember what it’s like to wake up excited. To not check your phone first thing. To linger over slow meals. To feel awe again.

That’s why summer in South America — our summer — is one of my favorite times of year to welcome travelers.

If you’re not sure where to go ( just yet!), this guide is for you. Inside, I’ll walk you through the destinations we personally recommend between January and March — depending on what kind of experience you’re craving.

Let’s dream it up together….

☀️ So… what’s summer like in South America?

First things first: the seasons down here are reversed.

While the Northern Hemisphere is bundling up in coats and lighting fireplaces, we’re stepping into sandals, chasing sunsets, and filling our calendars with open-air festivals and slow, sunny afternoons.

Summer in South America runs from December through March, and it’s when the continent feels most alive.

For us, it’s more than just “good weather.”

It’s the long daylight hours in Patagonia that stretch into golden evenings. It’s the warm air in Rio de Janeiro, the kind that carries music through the streets and makes you want to stay out just a little longer. It’s barefoot walks on Uruguayan beaches and starry skies over the salt flats in the desert. It’s that feeling — the one where life suddenly feels expansive again.

Many of the places we love most are at their very best in the summer. The far south of Patagonia finally becomes accessible, after months of being snowed in. The Galapagos flourish with wildlife activity. The cities sparkle with energy and celebration, especially around New Year’s and Carnival. Even the most remote regions seem to say, “Now is the time.”

Yes, it’s high season. Yes, it can get busy — especially in hotspots like Brazil’s beaches or New Year’s Eve in big cities.

But here’s what we always tell our travelers:
The secret isn’t avoiding high season — it’s knowing how to move around it.

That’s where we come in.

We help you explore the magic without the noise — through quiet mornings, hidden trails, and intimate stays in places most tourists don’t even know exist.

Because summer here isn’t just about the weather.
It’s about the energy — the feeling that life is expanding, warming, and inviting you to come along.

So if you’ve been wondering when to come — this might just be your moment.

Let’s explore where this season could take you.

🏔️ Patagonia: Where wild beauty humbles you

For: nature lovers, hikers, soul-searchers, and slow adventurers

Picture this:

You’re walking along a winding trail, surrounded by peaks so jagged they look sculpted by another world. The air is crisp. The silence is deep — but not empty. Somewhere in the distance, a glacier cracks and groans, and you realize you’re witnessing something ancient, alive.

This is Patagonia in the summer.

And the thing is, no photo ever quite prepares you for it. The Torres del Paine, the blue ice of Perito Moreno, the raw trails of El Chaltén — they don’t just impress you. They reset you.

Days are long, light stretches into the evening, and the weather is kind — especially if you’ve just left winter behind. You hike. You breathe deeply. You sleep in cozy estancias and boutique mountain lodges that feel like a secret you’re lucky to know about.

Sometimes our travelers come here thinking they’ll “tick off a bucket list spot.”
They leave remembering what it feels like to feel tiny in the best possible way.

☀️ Why Patagonia in the Summer?

Because this is when it truly opens up.

Summer in Patagonia (January to March) is the season of long daylight, clear trails, and crisp air that makes every view feel like it was made just for you. It’s when the snow has melted enough to make the most remote landscapes accessible — but the mountains are still dusted with white, and the lakes glow with impossible blues.

Hiking is easier. Roads are open. Wildlife is active. And the sky? It goes on forever.

Yes, it’s high season — but that doesn’t mean chaos or crowds. Patagonia is vast, wild, and sparsely populated. With the right planning, you’ll feel like you have entire valleys to yourself.

We know the quiet corners. The family-run estancias. The boutique eco-lodges nestled deep into the landscape. The local guides who take you off the beaten path — not just physically, but emotionally.

“We hiked for hours without seeing another person. It felt like the land was letting us in.” – J.M., US

🧭 Our Top Picks in Patagonia

Here are some of the places we love to include in custom summer trips:

🇦🇷 El Chaltén – Argentina’s trekking capital

Nestled beneath Mount Fitz Roy, El Chaltén is a dream for hikers. From short day hikes to full-day adventures, you’ll be rewarded with glaciers, lagoons, and panoramic vistas.

🇦🇷 El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier

A must-see. This living glacier creaks, groans, and occasionally sends thunderous blocks of ice crashing into the lake below. You can watch from a boardwalk, or hike on the ice itself.

🇨🇱 Torres del Paine National Park – Chile’s crown jewel

This iconic park offers some of the most stunning treks in South America — with towering granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and condors soaring overhead.

🇦🇷 Peninsula Valdés & Ushuaia – For wildlife and sea

Perfect for spotting penguins, sea lions, whales, and dramatic coastlines. And Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is also your gateway to Antarctica.

Our Custom trip recommendations for the summertime in Patagonia:

If Patagonia is calling you, here are two of our most-loved ways to explore it — each one built to immerse you in the landscapes, not just pass through them.

🧭 The Classic Wild South – 10 Days

This journey blends adventure with soul: trekking near Mount Fitz Roy, walking the ice fields of Perito Moreno, and crossing into Torres del Paine for those jaw-dropping granite peaks. You’ll sleep in beautiful eco-lodges, enjoy slow meals with views, and end each day full — in all the best ways.

🚢 Patagonia & the Water’s Edge – 11 Days with Expedition Cruise

Want to go further? This version adds an Australis Expedition Cruise, where you navigate remote fjords, spot sea lions, and sail all the way to Cape Horn. Perfect for travelers who crave the wild — with a touch of warmth and wine onboard.

Each of these trips is fully customizable — we’ll craft it around your pace, your rhythm, your dream. You just need to show up. Patagonia will do the rest.

READ MORE: 10 Days Patagonia — Our two most charming itineraries

❄️ Antarctica: Where silence becomes part of you

Some places make you feel small in the best way.
Antarctica takes that even further — it invites you to disappear into the vastness.

This isn’t a destination you “do.”
It’s one you surrender to.

After exploring the southern tip of Patagonia, your journey begins in Ushuaia, the last city before the end of the world. From there, you board a small expedition ship and sail into the Southern Ocean. For many of our travelers, the moment the Drake Passage gives way to the first icebergs is when it truly begins: the letting go.

What you find in Antarctica is not chaos or drama.
You find stillness. Scale. Majesty.
You find a rhythm of life that doesn’t care what time it is or where your phone is or what’s waiting in your inbox.

You might spend the morning cruising past towering blue ice formations, the kind that look sculpted by hand. Or stepping onto shore to watch penguins waddle past, so unbothered by you that you almost forget you’re the outsider here. You see whales surfacing, seabirds gliding, and colonies of seals sleeping in the sun. Everything feels deeply ancient.

And then there are the moments in between — wrapped in a blanket on the observation deck, sipping tea as the ship moves through still water, the sound of nothing but the creak of the ice and your own breath.

Some of our travelers are drawn to Antarctica for the adventure. But most leave with something they didn’t expect: a deep, soul-level calm.

Because there are few places left on Earth that feel untouched, sacred, and timeless — and even fewer that invite you to feel that way too.

We love pairing Antarctica with Patagonia, allowing the energy to shift from wild and rugged to quiet and introspective. You begin with mountains and trail dust. You end with silence and snow.

And through it all, you’re held — by the landscape, by the rhythm, and by the care we put into every step of the journey.

☀️ Why travel to Antarctica in the summer?

Because it’s the only time the White Continent lets you in.

Between late November and early March, Antarctica briefly becomes accessible — as if the ice steps aside for a few precious weeks and says, “Okay. Come see me now.”

In these summer months, the sea ice breaks just enough to allow ships through the Southern Ocean. The weather softens (relatively), and the days stretch into endless light — giving you hours and hours to explore, reflect, and just… be.

But what makes summer here so special isn’t just the access — it’s the life.

This is when penguins are nesting and hatching. When humpback whales glide alongside your ship. When fur seals nap on the ice. When the sky turns soft and silver, and the icebergs seem to glow from within.

Each month of the Antarctic summer has its own magic:
December brings baby penguins and pristine white landscapes.
January offers the warmest days and peak wildlife sightings.
February–March is for whale watching and rich marine activity.

There’s no “best” week — only what speaks to your rhythm.

And while you’ll still need layers, you won’t need to brace yourself for brutal cold. The summer temperatures are mild by polar standards, especially aboard a warm, cozy expedition ship where your days end with wine, wool socks, and windows full of light.

This is the season of quiet drama — the closest most of us will ever come to visiting another planet, without leaving Earth.

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🚢 Want to experience Antarctica in comfort?

We’ve put together a full guide to the best luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica, including ships we trust, routes we love, and tips for choosing the experience that fits your style.

👉 Read our curated guide to the best luxury Antarctica Cruises

Whether you dream of kayaking near icebergs, walking among penguins, or simply watching the white world drift by from your private cabin, there’s an experience waiting for you.

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🌵 Atacama & Uyuni: Where Earth reflects the sky

If you’re dreaming of something surreal, something that truly takes you out of the ordinary — this might be your place.

The Atacama Desert in Chile and the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia make up one of the most breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes in South America. And summer (January to March) is when something magical happens.

It’s the rainy season in this part of the world — and that’s exactly why you want to go now.

When rainwater pools gently on the Uyuni salt flats, the surface transforms into the world’s largest natural mirror. The horizon disappears. The sky reflects beneath your feet. You feel suspended in space — walking through clouds, surrounded by stillness.

It’s one of the most photographed phenomena on Earth, but no photo truly prepares you for what it feels like to stand inside that silence.

And while Atacama doesn’t flood the same way, the rainy season brings out unexpected beauty: flowering cactus blooms, dramatic skies, and even more life in the hidden corners of the desert.

Yes — it’s a popular time. But when you plan it right, as we do, you’ll experience the quiet corners and wide open spaces that make this region feel like another planet entirely.

Why go to Atacama & Uyuni in the summer?

Because this is when the contrast is at its peak. Rain and salt. Sky and stone. Heat and storm. It’s not a gentle landscape — and that’s part of its beauty.

In the summer months:

You’ll see the mirror effect in Uyuni — rare, fleeting, unforgettable

You’ll witness desert colors shift with the light

You’ll have a better chance of seeing wildlife, water, and lushness that’s not present the rest of the year

You’ll feel like you’re walking through a dream

Want to go deeper into Atacama? We wrote a full guide to help you imagine what it’s like to explore the driest desert in the world, and why it’s so much more than just sand and salt.

👉 Read our full Atacama Desert guide

✨ Our Suggested Journey: 14 Days Adventure in Atacama & Argentina

If you’re looking for a journey that blends surreal landscapes, cultural depth, and family-friendly pacing, this is one of our favorites.

Over 14 days and 13 nights, you’ll start with the vibrant energy of Buenos Aires, move through the colorful hills and traditions of Salta, immerse yourself in the otherworldly beauty of the Atacama Desert, and end your journey in the charming city of Santiago, Chile.

This trip is designed for travelers who want to experience:

Unforgettable landscapes and moments of awe in nature

Local flavors — from high-altitude wines to Northern Argentine cuisine

Experiences for all ages — think gentle hikes, thermal springs, stargazing, and magical desert towns.

👉 Explore the full itinerary here: Atacama & Argentina Salt Flats: Family Adventure

🌿 Galapagos: A Living, Breathing Wonder

There are places on Earth that feel almost unreal — and the Galapagos Islands are one of them.

This is where sea lions nap beside you on the sand, giant tortoises lumber slowly through green highlands, and blue-footed boobies dance in their clumsy, endearing way. It’s nature not just on display, but alive, unfolding right before your eyes — as if evolution forgot to close the curtain.

☀️ Why the Galapagos in Summer?

The islands are a year-round destination, but from December through May, they feel especially magical. Warm, calm waters make this the perfect season for snorkeling and diving — swimming alongside playful sea lions, rays, penguins, and tropical fish. Brief rain showers leave the islands green and vibrant, while the wildlife is active everywhere you look.

This is when the Galapagos feel most alive. You’ll see courtship rituals, nesting birds, and flourishing marine life — the kind of moments that remind you why this archipelago is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

🧭 Our Suggested Journey

If you’re dreaming of experiencing the Galapagos, we love creating private itineraries that pair wild encounters with the right balance of comfort. One of our favorites is a journey that combines island-hopping by yacht with time on land to connect with local culture.

👉 We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you choose the best Galapagos itinerary for your style of travel: Explore our Galapagos Itinerary Guide

Whether you want to travel with family, in a small group, or on a luxury yacht, we’ll help you design the version that feels just right for you.

The Galapagos aren’t just a trip. They’re a reminder of what the world looked like before us — and what it still can be, when left wild and free.

🗿 Easter Island : Mystery in the Middle of the Pacific

There are places in the world that feel like they belong to another time — and Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is one of them.
Set in the middle of the Pacific, over 3,500 kilometers from the Chilean coast, it’s one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth. What makes it so extraordinary isn’t just its distance, but the blend of myth, mystery, and living Polynesian culture that you encounter the moment you arrive.

Here, the legendary moai statues stand silent against the horizon, volcanic craters open into vast skies, and traditions passed down through centuries are still alive in daily life.

☀️ Why Easter Island in Summer?

Summer — from December to March — is when Easter Island reveals its most inviting side. Warm, dry days make it perfect for exploring archaeological sites, hiking volcanic trails, or swimming in the turquoise waters of Anakena Beach. The nights bring skies so clear that stargazing feels like an ancient ritual in itself.

It’s also the island’s most vibrant season culturally. If you visit in February, you can experience the Tapati Rapa Nui Festival — a celebration of dance, music, traditional sports, and storytelling that connects you directly with the island’s Polynesian roots.

🧭 Our Suggested Journey: Easter Island & Chile Highlights

One of our favorite ways to experience Easter Island is to pair it with mainland Chile. Begin in Santiago, tasting world-class wines in the Maipo Valley and wandering the colorful, bohemian streets of Valparaíso. Then fly to Rapa Nui, where you’ll spend days walking among the moai, listening to the island’s stories, and soaking in sunsets that paint the Pacific in fire and gold.

🌊 Uruguay’s Chic Summer Escape: José Ignacio

If you want to get closer to the culture and daily rhythm of South America — while still soaking in the sun on some of its most beautiful beaches — look no further than José Ignacio, Uruguay.

Once a sleepy fishing village, José Ignacio has quietly transformed into one of South America’s most stylish summer destinations. Think of it as the Hamptons meets the French Riviera, but with a distinctly Latin soul. Sunset tastings at Playa Vik, long lunches that stretch into the afternoon, and boutique art galleries tucked into sandy streets make it both glamorous and deeply relaxed.

☀️ Why Uruguay in the Summer?

Because this is when the coast truly comes alive. From December to March, Uruguay’s beaches are at their best: warm days, golden light, and a cosmopolitan yet laid-back vibe as travelers from across South America (and the world) gather here. The ocean is at its most inviting, beach clubs hum with energy, and evenings spill over with music and conversation.

What makes José Ignacio special is its balance — you can spend the morning strolling barefoot along a quiet beach, the afternoon enjoying world-class cuisine, and the evening wandering through chic galleries or simply watching the sun melt into the Atlantic.

It’s not just a beach trip. It’s a lifestyle, even if only for a few days.

🧭 Our Suggested Journey: Buenos Aires & José Ignacio

One of our favorite ways to experience Uruguay in the summer is to pair it with Buenos Aires. Begin with the vibrant culture, tango-filled nights, and foodie energy of Argentina’s capital — then cross the river into Uruguay for days of barefoot luxury and ocean breezes.

You’ll explore José Ignacio at your own rhythm, with quiet mornings by the sea, afternoons discovering boutique galleries and wineries, and evenings that stretch out with unforgettable sunsets. Add in a touch of Punta del Este for its energy and nightlife, and you’ve got the perfect mix of calm and chic.

👉 Want to know more? We’ll help you design a custom summer escape to Uruguay, with the balance of culture, style, and beach life that feels just right for you

🌞 So… which are the best summer destinations in South America?

The truth is, there isn’t just one answer.

These are only a few of the places we love most for the season — from Patagonia’s wild beauty to the mirror-like deserts of Uyuni, the living wonder of the Galapagos, the barefoot chic of José Ignacio, and the joy of Rio. But they’re only some of the possibilities.

South America in the summer is vast, diverse, and endlessly surprising. You could come back year after year and still discover something new: a hidden beach, a remote vineyard, a trail you hadn’t walked yet, a small town that steals your heart.

What matters most is finding the version of summer that feels right for you — adventure, rest, connection, or maybe a little bit of all three.

Since 2007, we’ve been designing custom journeys through South America, built from scratch around each traveler’s style, rhythm, and dreams. When you’re ready, we’d love to do the same for you.

📞 Book your consultation call with us, and let’s begin imagining what your summer in South America could look like.

We can’t wait to dream this up with you.

Warmly,
Clara & María ✨
Co-founders, Across South America

P.S. Want to see what it’s really like to travel with us? Take a look at what our travelers have to say.

FAQ for the Best Summer vacation in South America