Best destinations to visit in November in South America
Best destinations to visit in November in South America
South America heads toward early summer in November, with warmer weather and the first hints of the wet season arriving in several regions.
Andean regions start to see more rain as the month goes on, though trekking routes generally remain accessible into early in the wet season. The Amazon's wet season also begins building, with water levels starting to rise after months of drier conditions. Patagonia's travel season is in full swing by November, with more services open and better weather than the quiet winter months just before. Beach cities further north grow busier too, as travelers look ahead to the region's approaching summer. Wine regions also settle into a key growing stretch as the season progresses toward the harvest months ahead.
The destinations on our list for South America reflect that same shift, from Patagonia's open season to the first signs of summer further north.
Lists by region
Forest
Amazon Rainforest
Lush canopy teeming with untamed wildlife wonders
Dense, humid and full of sound, this forest holds more plant and animal species than almost anywhere on earth. River levels are low by November so sandy beaches and forest trails open up. Guides lead canoe trips to watch pink river dolphins. Birds are active at dawn.
City in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
Jacaranda trees blanket the streets in purple blossoms from late October to November. Highs sit near 75 degrees, which suits long walks. Wander Recoleta Cemetery, with its marble tombs and cats. Then catch a tango show in San Telmo. Spring evenings are mild, so pavement parrillas stay busy.
Country
Uruguay
Cultural richness meets coastal charm
Smaller and calmer than its neighbours, this country slows down for mate. This hot herbal tea is shared from a gourd. November is spring with highs near 24 degrees Celsius. The Rambla promenade in Montevideo runs about 22 kilometres along the water. Cobbled Colonia del Sacramento sits across the river from Buenos Aires.
Waterfall
Iguazu Falls
Breathtaking waterfalls spanning two countries
Spring rains in November keep the water high and the roar loud. These falls sit on the Argentina and Brazil border. Up to 275 separate drops spread across nearly three kilometres. The Devil's Throat is about 80 metres high. Walkways reach the edge so mist soaks every visitor.
City in Chile
Santiago
A vibrant city between mountains
November is spring here with dry sunny days near 26 degrees Celsius. Snow still caps the Andes above the city. A funicular climbs San Cristobal Hill for wide views. Wine estates in the Maipo Valley are less than an hour away and pour reds in the open air.
City in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
Loud, sunny and ringed by granite peaks, this city mixes beaches with jungle covered hills. November is spring with highs near 28 degrees Celsius and warm sea. Christ the Redeemer watches from Corcovado and a cable car climbs Sugarloaf at sunset. Crowds are smaller than during summer holidays.
City in Colombia
Cartagena
Walled city of Caribbean color
On the Caribbean coast of Colombia, this port city is circled by thick stone walls built by Spain. November is hot at about 31 degrees Celsius with short afternoon showers. Cartagena celebrates its independence on 11 November with street parties and parades. Evenings are lively in the old town squares.
Region
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
From mid September to November, southern right whales gather in the bays of Península Valdés. Magellanic penguins sit on nests at Punta Tombo. Both can be seen on the same trip in spring. Inland, snow melts on Mount Fitz Roy. Roads are open and trails dry out.
City in Colombia
Medellín
The City of Eternal Spring
Unlike most tropical cities, this one stays mild all year because it sits high in an Andean valley. November days reach about 25 degrees Celsius. Cable cars carry riders over hillside neighbourhoods. The city also switches on its Christmas lights, called Alumbrados, along the river in late autumn.
Desert in Chile
Atacama Desert
Endless dunes under starlit desert skies
Stretching over a thousand kilometres along northern Chile, this is one of the driest places on earth. November brings clear skies and days near 27 degrees Celsius. At night the stars glow over salt flats and volcanoes. Visitors rise early for El Tatio geysers at 4,300 metres.
City in Argentina
Mendoza
Wine, Andes and Adventure Bliss
At the foot of the Andes in western Argentina, this city sits in dry desert country watered by mountain snowmelt. November is spring with sunny days near 25 degrees Celsius and fresh green vines. Wineries in Lujan de Cuyo pour Malbec on shady terraces. Aconcagua, at 6,961 metres, rises nearby.
City in Argentina
San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina’s Alpine Wonderland
This Patagonian town is the main base for Nahuel Huapi National Park, with lakes and mountains on every side. November falls between ski and summer seasons so trails and roads are quiet. The Circuito Chico loop runs about 60 kilometres past lakes. Chocolate shops on Mitre Street sell hot cocoa.
City in Ecuador
Quito
Andean Charm Meets Colonial Splendor
Spanish builders raised churches here in the 1500s and the old centre became a World Heritage Site in 1978. Walkers pass gold covered altars and busy plazas at 2,850 metres. On 2 November families celebrate Day of the Dead with a thick purple drink called colada morada.
Town in Chile
San Pedro de Atacama
Mars-like Landscapes and Starry Nights
The Valley of the Moon glows pink and orange at sunset, with wind carved ridges and salt crusts. November days are dry and warm, near 82 degrees. Nights are cold. Skies are clear for star tours. Get up early for the Tatio geysers, which steam at sunrise.
City in Chile
Valparaíso
Colorful Hills, Art and Ocean Views
Built on steep hills above a Pacific bay, this port city climbs about 40 hills linked by old funiculars. Colourful murals cover its stairways and walls. November days reach about 20 degrees Celsius with a cool sea breeze. Pablo Neruda's house, La Sebastiana, has views over the rooftops.
National Park in Chile
Torres del Paine National Park
Epic Landscapes and Untamed Wilderness
Hikers in this Chilean park book campsites and mountain huts well ahead, because space is limited. Three granite towers rise to about 2,500 metres over turquoise lakes. November brings long spring days and fewer visitors than January. Wind can be strong so pack layers for the Grey Glacier trail.
Island in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
The Wildlife Paradise of Ecuador
Charles Darwin visited these volcanic islands in 1835 and noticed how species differ from island to island. November is calm and mild. Seas begin to warm. Sea lion pups still play on the beaches. Giant tortoises plod through the highlands. Snorkellers swim beside penguins, turtles and rays.
Town in Argentina
El Chalten
Hiking Capital of Argentina
Windswept and wild, this small Argentine village feels like a base camp from the day you arrive. Trails start right at the edge of town. Spring days are long in November. The weather is milder for the hike to Laguna de los Tres beneath the Fitz Roy peaks.
National Park in Argentina
Los Glaciares National Park
Where glaciers meet towering peaks
Guides lead small groups across the Perito Moreno glacier. Everyone wears steel spikes called crampons. The ice front is about five kilometres wide and chunks crash into the lake with a boom. November is spring so days are longer and boats and walkways run on schedule.
Island in Brazil
Fernando de Noronha
World's Best Beaches and Dolphins
This Brazilian archipelago of 21 islands is a protected marine park. Visitor numbers are limited each day. Sea turtles feed in the clear water at Baia do Sancho. Spinner dolphins gather in the bay each morning. November is dry with calm seas and strong sun.
Island in Chile
Easter Island
Mysterious Moai and Volcanic Landscapes
Polynesian settlers reached this island about a thousand years ago and carved nearly 900 giant stone figures called moai. Ahu Tongariki has 15 of them standing in a row. November is spring with mild days near 23 degrees Celsius. Crowds are small and the grass on the hills is green.
Salt Flat in Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni
World's largest surreal salt mirror
Prehistoric lakes dried up long ago and left this salt flat of about 10,000 square kilometres at 3,650 metres. Jeeps cross the white crust to Incahuasi Island where tall cacti grow. November is late dry season so roads are firm. Early rain can leave a thin mirror of water.
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