Best destinations to visit in April in South America
Best destinations to visit in April in South America
South America moves further into autumn in April, with cooler weather settling in across much of the continent.
The Amazon remains deep in its wet season, with rivers running high, which actually makes some areas easier to explore by boat than during drier months. Andean regions begin their dry season around this time, improving trail conditions for hikers heading toward Peru's classic mountain routes. Patagonia's short travel season starts winding down in April, with many services scaling back ahead of the region's cold winter months. Beach cities further north stay pleasant, with fewer crowds than the busy summer stretch just before. Wine regions across parts of the continent also wrap up their harvest around this same time of year, drawing visitors to the countryside.
The destinations on our list for South America reflect that same shift, from improving mountain trails to a quieter, cooler south.
Lists by region
Country
Peru
Ancient wonders meet diverse landscapes
Holy Week brings processions to many Peruvian cities. April also marks the start of the Andean dry season, when trails dry out and the hills stay green. Arequipa has pleasant weather and good odds of spotting condors at Colca Canyon. Lima is about 23 degrees Celsius with almost no rain.
Waterfall
Iguazu Falls
Breathtaking waterfalls spanning two countries
Mist and a steady roar rise from the Devil's Throat, a U-shaped chasm where the river drops. April starts the dry season, so days are warm at around 29 degrees Celsius. River flow is lower than in summer and the catwalks are less slippery. Crowds thin out except during Easter week.
City in Peru
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
The Lord of Earthquakes is an image carried from Cusco Cathedral on Holy Monday. The tradition dates to a quake in 1650. Crowds toss red ñucchu petals, flowers tied to both Catholic and Andean customs. About 80,000 people attend. Holy Week falls in March or April, so check the date.
Archaeological Site in Peru
Machu Picchu
Lost Inca city among clouds
High above the Urubamba River at about 2,400 metres, the ruins are still green from the rains. The month marks the shift from wet to dry season. Highs are 19 to 23 degrees Celsius and morning mist often clears by midday. Crowds are lighter than in June to August but rise in Holy Week.
Valley in Peru
Sacred Valley
Ancient terraces echoing timeless Andean rhythms
Pisac and Ollantaytambo feel fresher and less dusty in April, after the rains. The hills and terraces are still green. Moray has circular Inca terraces dug into the ground. Pisac's big market runs on Sundays. This is shoulder season, so prices are usually lower than in June to August.
City in Argentina
Mendoza
Wine, Andes and Adventure Bliss
Grape harvest runs from late February into April. Later red grapes from high Uco Valley vineyards are often picked in March and April. Vineyards and tree-lined city streets turn gold and red. Low autumn light falls on the snow-dusted Andes. The Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia is held in early March.
Island in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
The Wildlife Paradise of Ecuador
Charles Darwin visited in 1835. April is a fine time to follow him. Waved albatrosses return to Española Island around late March and begin courting. Seas are calm to moderate and the water is about 25 degrees Celsius. Green sea turtle hatchlings head to the sea at night.
Salt Flat in Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni
World's largest surreal salt mirror
At about 3,656 metres the salt flat is higher than Cusco. April ends the rainy season. The mirror effect is still possible in the early weeks of the month, then weakens as the water dries. Days are 6 to 16 degrees Celsius and nights can fall to freezing. Wet roads can slow trips.
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