Best destinations to visit in January in South America
Best destinations to visit in January in South America
South America hits peak summer in January, and much of the continent's most popular travel happens during exactly this stretch of the year.
Beach cities see some of their busiest weeks of the year, with warm water and long summer days drawing both local and international travelers at once. Andean regions offer a cooler alternative, though January falls within the wet season in parts of the mountains, so trail conditions and visibility can vary more than during drier months. Carnival season is still weeks away in most countries, but the buildup often starts well before the main celebrations in February or March. Southern parts of the continent enjoy long, warm days too, which suit road trips, coastal drives and time spent outdoors well into the evening.
The destinations on our list for South America reflect that same peak season energy found across the continent.
Lists by region
City in Colombia
Cartagena
Walled city of Caribbean color
Colourful, walled and romantic, this Caribbean port city has streets full of balconies and flowers. January is dry season with breezy days near 30 degrees Celsius. Murals cover the lanes of Getsemani. Boats leave for the Rosario Islands. The old city walls are good for a stroll at sunset.
Region
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
Vast, windy and thinly settled, this southern region of Argentina has glaciers, steppe and sea cliffs. In January the days are long, which suits trekking near El Chalten. Magellanic penguin chicks fill the nesting colony at Punta Tombo. Boats cross the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia to see sea lions.
City in Brazil
Florianopolis
Beaches, lagoons and island adventure
January is peak summer on this island city in southern Brazil, with days near 29 degrees Celsius. The island has more than 40 beaches. Sand boarders slide down the dunes at Joaquina. Fresh oysters are served in the Azorean style fishing village of Ribeirao da Ilha.
City in Argentina
San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina’s Alpine Wonderland
Summer days in January are warm at about 22 degrees Celsius and daylight lasts late. This Patagonian lake town sits on the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Hikers climb to mountain huts above the tree line. The Circuito Chico loop passes lakes and viewpoints. Chocolate shops fill the main street.
City in Uruguay
Punta del Este
Glamour, Beaches and Endless Sunsets
A small port at the tip of a peninsula began to grow into a resort here in the early 1900s. Calm bay beaches face one side and big ocean waves the other. January is the busiest month with beach parties and warm days near 27 degrees Celsius. Casapueblo is known for sunset views.
City in Argentina
Salta
Colonial Charm and Andean Landscapes
With more than half a million people, this is the main city of northwest Argentina. Its pink cathedral and colonial plazas fill the centre. Folk music clubs called penas serve empanadas and wine. January is warm with afternoon storms. Day trips go to the red rock canyons near Cafayate.
City in Argentina
San Martin de los Andes
Patagonian Paradise by Lake Lácar
Smoked trout and wild boar are local favourites in this small Patagonian town on Lake Lacar. Mapuche people have lived in the area for centuries. The Lanin volcano rises to 3,776 metres in a nearby national park. The road of the Seven Lakes runs 110 kilometres to Villa la Angostura.
Town in Argentina
Villa la Angostura
Patagonia's Hidden Gem
This lakeside village in the Argentine Andes grew around a small port on Lake Nahuel Huapi in the early 1900s. A wooden walkway leads into the Los Arrayanes forest of cinnamon coloured trees. January days are warm and good for lake boating. A chairlift climbs Cerro Bayo for views.
Town in Brazil
Paraty
Colonial Charm and Tropical Beauty
Smaller and calmer than Rio de Janeiro, this colonial Brazilian town has cobbled streets closed to cars. The old centre became a World Heritage Site in 2019. In January the days are humid and about 30 degrees Celsius. Schooners sail to green islands with good snorkelling. Local distilleries make cachaca.
Town in Chile
Pucon
Volcano Views and Adventure Bliss
In the Chilean lake district beside Lake Villarrica, this adventure town sits below an active volcano of 2,847 metres. January days are warm at about 24 degrees Celsius. Guides lead climbs to the crater. Rafting trips run on the Trancura River. Hot springs are close to town.
Town in Colombia
Villa de Leyva
Timeless Cobblestones and Andean Skies
High in the Andes of central Colombia at 2,149 metres, this colonial town has whitewashed houses and red tile roofs. Its Plaza Mayor is one of the largest cobbled squares in the country. January is dry with sunny days and cool nights. A nearby museum shows a 120 million year old marine fossil.
City in Peru
Arequipa
White city with volcanic views
In southern Peru at 2,335 metres, this city is ringed by volcanoes such as El Misti at 5,822 metres. Its old centre is built from white volcanic stone. The Santa Catalina Monastery dates to 1579. In January afternoon showers are common but mornings are usually clear. Colca Canyon is a day trip away.
National Park in Colombia
Tayrona National Park
Where Jungle Meets Turquoise Caribbean
Compared with Caribbean resort beaches, these coves are reached on foot through rainforest. Hikers walk about 90 minutes to Cabo San Juan. January is part of the dry season so trails are firmer. The park usually closes for part of February so Indigenous communities can hold rituals. Howler monkeys call from the trees.
Island in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
The Wildlife Paradise of Ecuador
Visitors to these islands follow strict park rules. Each group walks with a certified guide and stays two metres from animals. January is the warm season with calm seas and sea temperatures near 25 degrees Celsius. Marine iguanas, sea lions and giant tortoises live beside the trails.
Island in Brazil
Fernando de Noronha
World's Best Beaches and Dolphins
Only about 3,000 people live on this Brazilian island group, which is a protected marine park. It sits about 350 kilometres off the northeast coast. January is dry with warm clear water for snorkelling. Spinner dolphins gather in the bay each morning. Sea turtles nest on the beaches.
Village in Argentina
Purmamarca
Rainbow Hills and Andean Traditions
Tiny, dusty and colourful, this village in northern Argentina sits below the Hill of Seven Colors. Adobe houses surround a plaza where artisans sell wool and weavings. The Quebrada de Humahuaca valley is a World Heritage Site. Afternoon storms are common in January. The Salinas Grandes salt flat is a short drive away.
State/Prefecture in Brazil
Bahia
Vibrant coastlines and Afro‑Brazilian rhythms
Portuguese settlers founded Salvador in 1549 and enslaved Africans shaped the music and food of this Brazilian state. The old centre of Pelourinho is a World Heritage Site. January is summer with sea temperatures near 27 degrees Celsius. Street cooks sell acaraje, a fried bean cake. Beaches near Itacare have surf.
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