Best destinations to visit in August in South America
Best destinations to visit in August in South America
August keeps South America split much as it was in July, with winter still firmly in place across the far south.
Andean trekking season remains strong, with dry, stable conditions across the region's mountain routes, though nights at high altitude can turn extremely cold this time of year. Ski resorts in the southern Andes, including parts of Chile and Argentina, stay busy too, with reliable snow continuing through most of the month. The Amazon holds onto its dry season, keeping water levels low and wildlife easier to spot along exposed riverbanks. Patagonia remains largely closed for the winter, with most towns and services still on pause until spring. Beach cities further north stay warm throughout the month, a reliable option while the south stays cold and quiet.
The destinations on our list for South America reflect that same range, from strong mountain trekking to warm coastlines further north.
Lists by region
City in Peru
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
Sacsayhuamán is an Inca fortress above the city with stone blocks that weigh over 100 tons. Qorikancha, the Inca sun temple, lies beneath the Santo Domingo church. Skies stay clear and blue through the dry month of August. Days reach about 67 degrees Fahrenheit and nights fall near freezing.
Country
Ecuador
Compact country, immense biodiversity
The country takes its name from the equator. The line runs just north of Quito, where the Mitad del Mundo monument stands. Dry Andean weather in August keeps volcano views clear. Cotopaxi rises to 5,897 metres south of the capital. Quito's old town earned UNESCO status in 1978.
Archaeological Site in Peru
Machu Picchu
Lost Inca city among clouds
A ridge 2,430 metres above sea level holds the Inca citadel high above the Urubamba River. The site is about 50 miles northwest of Cusco. Mornings are clear in the dry month of August. Entry tickets use timed slots so book early. Huayna Picchu rises behind the ruins for a steep climb.
Valley in Peru
Sacred Valley
Ancient terraces echoing timeless Andean rhythms
The Urubamba River runs through this valley from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, about 40 miles apart. The valley floor is near 9,000 feet and lower than Cusco, which helps visitors adjust to the altitude. Sunny dry days are the norm in August. Pisac has a Sunday market and Ollantaytambo has Inca terraces.
Town in Argentina
Ushuaia
End of the World Adventures
This city is about as far south as Moscow is north. Winter highs in August stay near 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Cerro Castor is a ski resort about 16 miles from town and stays open into early October. Boats cruise the Beagle Channel past sea lions and the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse.
Island in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
The Wildlife Paradise of Ecuador
Sea lions bark on the beaches while cool misty air drifts over the hills. The cool dry season runs through August with water near 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The Humboldt Current brings cold nutrient rich water that feeds penguins and fish. Snorkellers swim beside sea lions and sea turtles.
Ski Resort in Argentina
Cerro Catedral
Alpine wonderland with world‑class slopes
In 1936 the National Parks Directorate hired skier Hans Nöbl to find a site for a winter resort. He chose this mountain. The first drag lifts opened in 1940. Today the resort has 39 lifts and a top elevation of 2,100 metres. It is 12 miles from Bariloche and August is peak ski season.
Ski Resort in Chile
Valle Nevado
Snow‑kissed peaks and alpine serenity
Dry powder snow squeaks underfoot and the air feels thin and crisp at the 3,000 metre base. The resort is 29 miles east of Santiago up a road with many hairpin turns. About 900 hectares of terrain cover the slopes. The season runs from June to October so August is the middle of it.
Salt Flat in Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni
World's largest surreal salt mirror
Isla Incahuasi is a rocky island of giant cacti in the middle of the salt flat. Dry weather keeps the crust firm so four wheel drive tours cross it easily. The mirror effect needs rain so August brings white salt and deep blue skies. Nights drop well below freezing at 3,656 metres.
Ski Resort in Chile
Portillo
Alpine elegance meets Chilean winter wonderland
Guests usually book a full week at the yellow Hotel Portillo, arriving and leaving on Saturdays. The resort is high in the Andes with a base near 2,880 metres. Laguna del Inca lies beside the hotel and often freezes in winter. The ski season runs from about June to early October.
National Park in Brazil
Pantanal Matogrossense National Park
World's largest tropical wetland paradise
August falls in the dry season when water levels drop and animals gather near rivers. Jaguars are seen most often from July to October along the Cuiabá River near Porto Jofre. Boat safaris also pass caimans, giant river otters and capybaras. The Pantanal is among the largest tropical wetlands on Earth.
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