South America tours discovery guide

Our South America travel packages take you on guided tours of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay.

South America’s countries vary greatly in altitude, climate, and terrain. Depending on your particular itinerary and the time of year you visit, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. Comfortable, casual clothing, a lightweight jacket, rain gear, and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are a must for sightseeing. Remember that the temperature can change with elevation.
• Waterproof shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, and sunscreen are recommended for beachside days, as well as a sunhat and sunglasses.
• Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and insect repellent are recommended for some activities, especially in the Amazon region.
• In the fall and winter, the weather in Patagonia is prone to extreme variance. Snow and strong winds are not uncommon.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It’s preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single-use plastic waste.
• Binoculars are handy for taking a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
• Travelers who experience motion sickness should take the proper precautions if their tour includes a cruise or time on a boat.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.

The best time to take a trip to South America varies from from country to country and even city to city. Generally, the season in South America will be the reverse of the season in North America: When it’s winter in the United States and Canada, it’s summer below the equator in South America.

While some regions of South America remain comfortable and temperate year-round, others experience a rainy season. Don’t let the damp weather deter you: “Green season” puts some of South America’s vivid vegetation on full display.

The weather in South America can vary dramatically from country to country, region to region, and even city to city depending on the time of year and elevation.

To prepare for your trip, consult the average temperature and precipitation for your destination country or countries and review our packing tips.

South American culture is diverse, and that includes its cuisine. From region to region, local specialties vary, but some staples found across South American food include rice, beans, corn, and salsas. African, Asian, European, and indigenous influences can be found in many South American recipes.

On any of our South America guided tours, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the region’s iconic eats. That’s because our experts handpick experiences that get you closer to culture, and all of our tours to South America include meals that highlight the local cuisine.

In addition to Spanish and Portuguese, you may come across many indigenous languages in South America—including Quechua, which is spoken in parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Aymara, spoken in Peru and the Bolivian Andes, is another language that’s unique to South America.