South America builds toward one of its biggest events of the year in February, as Carnival season reaches its peak in several countries.
Rio de Janeiro's Carnival draws huge crowds each year, with parades, music and street parties that take over the city for days at a time. Beach cities elsewhere on the continent stay busy too, since February still falls within the region's peak summer season. Andean regions remain in their wet season, so trail conditions and visibility can vary more than during drier months. Southern parts of the continent continue to enjoy long, warm days, good for road trips, coastal drives and time spent outdoors well into the evening. Many travelers plan trips around Carnival specifically, timing their visit to catch the celebrations firsthand.
The destinations on our list for South America reflect that same mix of Carnival energy and peak summer travel.
