Travel to South America in December

December ushers in summer across much of South America, bringing long days, vibrant festivals, and diverse conditions from one region to the next.

In Patagonia, this is the start of the high season for trekking and glacier exploration, with blooming wildflowers and wildlife such as guanacos and foxes visible along the trails. In the Atacama Desert, warm days and clear nights offer ideal conditions for stargazing and desert adventures. High summer in Antarctica offers long days, accessible landing sites, and peak wildlife encounters, from penguin chicks to seal pups on the ice.

In Peru’s Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, the early rainy season paints the landscapes vivid green, with quieter trails and dramatic afternoon skies, while Bolivia’s highlands experience similar lush conditions around Lake Titicaca and the Uyuni Salt Flats.

In the Galápagos, the warm, wet season begins — seas are calm, skies are mostly sunny, and underwater visibility remains excellent for snorkeling with sea lions, green sea turtles, and reef fish. Sea turtle nesting begins on certain islands, and marine iguanas start turning bright colors in preparation for breeding.

In the Amazon, rising river levels allow boats to reach deep into flooded forests alive with bird calls and pink river dolphins. Brazil’s beaches are lively as summer begins, from the urban sands of Rio de Janeiro to the remote coves of the Bahian coast. Colombia’s Caribbean enjoys sunshine through much of the month, making it perfect for combining cultural escapes with time on the islands, while Ecuador’s highlands see warm, clear mornings and lush scenery ahead of the festive season.