May pushes South America further into autumn, though conditions for travel actually improve in several parts of the continent this month.
Andean trekking season is in full swing by May, with the region's wet season behind it and trail conditions at their best for hikers heading toward Peru's mountain routes. The Amazon's wet season begins tapering off too, though rivers stay high and travel by boat remains the easiest way to explore. Patagonia's short travel season has largely wound down by this point, with many services closed ahead of the region's cold winter months. Southern Brazil and Argentina cool down noticeably, better suited to travelers who prefer milder days over the heat of summer. Wine regions across the continent also settle into a quieter post harvest stretch.
The destinations on our list for South America reflect that same range, from peak trekking conditions to a quieter, colder south.
