When is the best time to visit Latin America?

February 20 • 2024

Travel Differently month by month

When is the best time to visit Latin America? Do you know when to travel but not where? Latin America generally offers year-round holidays. Some months are better for wildlife, some months are dryer, some months avoid the crowds, and certain places can be enjoyed every month. From remote hikes in Peru, to the best boats in the Galapagos, to taking your time and spotting Jaguars in Brazil. If your time off or annual leave is fixed, here are our top tips for favourite places and best holidays to consider each month. Lets take a look at the best time to visit Latin America….

Antarctica; one of those once in a lifetime destinations

January – March

Costa Rica

Experience the famous biodiversity in the dry season. January – March are altogether great months to visit Costa Rica; perfect for wildlife spotting, outdoor activities and high-octane experiences. Keep in mind Costa Rica also has different coasts to consider for different times of the year. The Caribbean Coast is beautiful and sunny from May to November whereas the Pacific Coast is basically best enjoyed for winter sun from December – April.

Antarctica

A vast and untouched icy wilderness as magnificent as it gets. See Humpback Whales, penguin colonies and sheer scale. There are a few ways to properly do Antarctica, for example a fly in and out shorter trip, or a lengthier stay onboard a boat where every day you will see amazing wildlife and wilderness and very few humans. January especially is a fantastic time to visit Antarctica, but book ahead as the best and most environmentally conscious boats get booked up way ahead of travel.

Mexico is a dream for foodies and beach lovers alike

April – June

Ecuador and The Galapagos

Ecuador and Galapagos are basically great year-round holiday destinations but April to June are especially great months for diving, rich vegetation and active wildlife. First of all, if you have specific wildlife or birds on your wish-list, its best to speak to a Galapagos travel specialist who will know what month and what island they can be found on. You will also often find fantastic deals on the best Galapagos boats this time of year.

Mexico

Avoid the crowds and enjoy long sunny dry days. Furthermore you may be able to catch the end of whale watching season, and start to see sea turtles hatch. A great time for calm seas and getting away from the tourist masses. For foodie lovers head to Mexico city for fine dining gastronomy, meanwhile for street food delights and vibrant markets, Merida really hits the mark.

Discover Andean cultures in Peru, as well as amazing and often challenging treks

July – September

Brazil

July – September in Brazil, its all about the wildlife! The best time of year for Jaguar spotting in the Pantanal. The drier conditions and receding floods give you higher chances of seeing these magnificent creatures. Secondly, this time of year gives way to cooler temperatures for exploring the beaches and jungle. That said, you can visit Iguassu Falls and Rio year round. In fact Brazil is so vast it can be enjoyed in part all year- round and we’ve come up with a top 10 list of our travel differently highlights of this incredible country.

Peru

Similarly, Peru can be a great choice great for a holiday all year round. UK summer time is perfect for trekking the Inca Trail, Macchu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, but if you can sneak outside of school holiday time you will have less crowds to enjoy sunny days and big blue Andean skies. There are so many treks to choose from, but if you are set to this time of year as us about which walking routes work best weather wise to see the best of the scenery but avoid the crowds.

The Salta region of Argentina. You wont see another tourist for days on end

October – December

Chile

Get your walking boots on, as this is the best time for hiking in Chile. Unmatched treks on untouched snow of Torres del Paine, scenery to take your breathe away and kayaking in glacial lakes. If you need some warmth after your outdoor adventures, head to the Atacama Desert and lap up some luxury pool time with incredible food and hospitality. Go star gazing, horse riding, and enjoy a spot of al fresco private dining up above red rocks and lagoons. One of our favourite hotels to stay at in the Atacama, is the stunning and boutique Alto Atacama.

Argentina

Our favourite time of year to visit Argentina. Do it differently and take a multi- day private guided 4×4 drive through the remote and luna landscapes of Salta, where you wont see another tourist for days. Genuinely the rewards are some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world. The Lake District comes alive with wildflowers, and Patagonia is spellbinding. What an amazing way to end your year with a holiday to Argentina.

Summary

So when is the best time to travel to Latin America? As you can see here, many countries in Latin America are great to travel to all year round, depending on your interests and wish list. If you want to speak to us about doing it all a bit differently, away from tourists but not missing your highlights, speak to one of our team. We can work on a bespoke holiday to South America on a time of year that works for you.

Finally, take a look and explore our range of example holidays to Latin America