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Continent guide

South America travel guide

The Andes, the Amazon and Patagonia's glaciers

12countries
9h 15m–14h 45mflights from London
-3 to -6 htime difference
Novemberbest-value month for most

South America is made for big trips: Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Rio's beaches, the Amazon rainforest, Patagonia's peaks and the wildlife of the Galápagos.

Seasons are reversed from the UK in the south, so Patagonia is best from November to March, while the Andes are driest from May to September.

Map of South America

Tap a country to open its guide. Highlighted: our top picks.

Top destinations in South America

When to go: South America month by month

September and November are the best-value months for the most destinations here: good weather without peak-season crowds or prices.

Jan: 5 countries at their best5JanFeb: 5 countries at their best5FebMar: 6 countries at their best6MarApr: 7 countries at their best7AprMay: 5 countries at their best5MayJun: 2 countries at their best2JunJul: 2 countries at their best2JulAug: 4 countries at their best4AugSep: 9 countries at their best9SepOct: 9 countries at their best9OctNov: 10 countries at their best10NovDec: 3 countries at their best3Dec
How many of South America's 12 destinations are in their best-value season each month.

All 12 destinations in South America