Best destinations to visit in October in South America
Best destinations to visit in October in South America
Spring continues to build across South America in October, with conditions improving steadily in several regions at once.
Andean regions remain largely in their dry season, though the first signs of the coming wet season can start to appear later in the month in some areas. The Amazon holds onto drier conditions too, though water levels begin rising gradually as the wet season approaches. Patagonia's travel season properly gets underway in October, with more towns and services reopening after the quiet winter months. Beach cities further north stay warm and increasingly busy, as travelers look ahead to the region's summer season. Wine regions also head into a key stretch of the growing season as spring takes hold across the vineyards and countryside.
The destinations on our list for South America reflect that same shift, from steady dry season conditions to Patagonia's reopening season.
Lists by region
City in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
Jacaranda trees along Avenida Figueroa Alcorta and in Recoleta fill the sky with purple blooms in October. Spring days are mild at about 22°C. Café tables spill onto the pavements of San Telmo. The Sunday fair there sells antiques and old tango records. Late night shows start after 10 p.m.
Waterfall
Iguazu Falls
Breathtaking waterfalls spanning two countries
This web of 275 falls spreads across nearly three kilometres on the Argentina and Brazil border. It is a World Heritage Site. The Devil's Throat drops about 80 metres. In October the days are warm at about 27 degrees Celsius and lines are shorter than in January. Walkways bring visitors close to the spray.
City in Chile
Santiago
A vibrant city between mountains
October is spring here, with sunny days near 23 degrees Celsius and snow on the Andes in the distance. Locals climb Santa Lucia Hill for a view of the city. The Central Market sells fresh fish and seafood stews. Bars and street art fill the Bellavista neighbourhood. Wine valleys lie within an hour.
City in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
Loud, sunny and set between granite peaks and the sea, this city mixes beach life with music. Spring days in October are about 26 degrees Celsius. Samba bands play in the old arches of Lapa. Cable cars climb Sugarloaf at dusk. Ipanema beach fills with locals at sunset.
City in Peru
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
High in the southeastern Peruvian Andes at 3,400 metres, this old Inca capital sits in a green valley. Stone walls built by the Inca still line its lanes. Plaza de Armas has cafes and arcades. In October the crowds are smaller than in July. Rest on arrival day to adjust to the altitude.
Lake
Lake Titicaca
Crystal waters echo ancient Andean legends
At 3,812 metres on the border of Peru and Bolivia, this lake is among the highest large lakes on earth. October days are sunny at about 17 degrees Celsius and nights are cold. Families live on floating islands made of reeds. Taquile Island is known for hand knitted hats woven by men.
Archaeological Site in Peru
Machu Picchu
Lost Inca city among clouds
Sitting 1,000 metres lower than Cusco, this Inca citadel is easier on the lungs. Stone terraces step down a ridge above the Urubamba River. October is the shoulder season so there are fewer visitors than in July. The Inca Trail is open. Rain showers become more common near the end of the month.
City in Brazil
Manaus
Amazon's gateway to lush rainforest adventures
In the middle of the Brazilian Amazon, this city stands where the dark Rio Negro meets the pale Solimoes River. The two waters run side by side for several kilometres without mixing. River levels are low in October so sandy beaches appear. The Amazon Theatre opened in 1896.
Valley in Peru
Sacred Valley
Ancient terraces echoing timeless Andean rhythms
Green, quiet and dotted with Inca farm terraces, this valley runs along the Urubamba River near Cusco. The circular terraces of Moray were used for crop experiments. The salt pans at Maras hold thousands of small pools. Ollantaytambo has a stone fortress and a train to Machu Picchu. October days are about 20 degrees Celsius.
Desert in Chile
Atacama Desert
Endless dunes under starlit desert skies
The Atacameno people lived in this dry northern Chilean desert long before the Inca arrived. Skies are clear in October and sunsets at Valley of the Moon are sharp. Days are warm at about 27 degrees Celsius and nights are cold. Stargazing tours visit the observatories. Floating in the salt lagoons is a local favourite.
City in Bolivia
La Paz
Where Altitude Meets Adventure and Culture
Locals pour a little drink on the ground for Pachamama, which means Mother Earth, before they drink. Bolivia's seat of government sits at 3,640 metres in a deep canyon. Cable cars called Mi Teleferico link neighbourhoods across the hills. The Witches' Market sells herbs and offerings.
City in Argentina
San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina’s Alpine Wonderland
This town is the main base for Nahuel Huapi National Park in Argentine Patagonia. Spring days are cool at about 15 degrees Celsius and the ski crowds have left. A chairlift climbs Cerro Campanario for views of lakes and islands. The Llao Llao hotel sits on a forested peninsula. Chocolate shops fill the main street.
Town in Argentina
El Calafate
Gateway to Patagonia’s Glaciers
Founded in 1927 as a supply town for sheep farmers, this Patagonian town sits on Lake Argentino. It is the gateway to the Perito Moreno glacier. October is spring with days near 14 degrees Celsius. Walkways face the ice wall and boats cross the lake. Calafate berries are used in jams and ice cream.
Town in Chile
San Pedro de Atacama
Mars-like Landscapes and Starry Nights
Lickanantay communities have farmed these desert oases for centuries. Adobe streets in the village stay cool and dusty. Spring nights are cold and cloudless, which makes October a good month to look at stars. Valle de la Luna turns orange and pink at sunset. Salt lagoons are an easy tour.
National Park in Chile
Torres del Paine National Park
Epic Landscapes and Untamed Wilderness
Compared with the busy summer months, spring in southern Chile has fewer hikers and cooler days near 12 degrees Celsius. Three granite towers rise about 2,500 metres above turquoise lakes. Guanacos graze on the steppe. The Grey Glacier trail is open but some mountain huts open late. Pack warm layers for the wind.
Island in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
The Wildlife Paradise of Ecuador
Wild, quiet and unafraid of people, the animals on these volcanic islands stay close to the trails. In October the sea is cool at about 22 degrees Celsius. Galapagos penguins swim near Isabela. Sea lion pups play on the beaches. Blue footed boobies dive for fish.
Country
Suriname
Pristine rainforests meet colonial charm
In the capital of Paramaribo a mosque and a synagogue stand next to each other. The country has Hindu, Javanese, Maroon and Creole communities. Roti, noodles and peanut soup fill the menus. October is part of a long dry season so jungle trails are easier. More than 90 percent of the land is forest.
Salt Flat in Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni
World's largest surreal salt mirror
High on the Bolivian plateau at 3,656 metres, this white salt flat covers more than 10,000 square kilometres. October is dry so jeep tracks are firm. Trucks and trains rust in the Train Cemetery near the town of Uyuni. Hotels made of salt blocks stand on the edge of the flat.
National Park in Brazil
Pantanal Matogrossense National Park
World's largest tropical wetland paradise
Cattle ranchers have worked this huge wetland in western Brazil for more than two centuries. Many ranches now run lodges. In October the weather is hot and the dry season is ending. Animals gather near the last pools. Jaguars, caimans and capybaras are easy to see along the rivers.
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