The Countries of South America and When to Visit

Bolivia

Capital: Sucre

Bolivia is most famous for its photogenic salt flat landscape — the Salar de Uyuni — and for being inexpensive to visit. Expect colorful markets and colonial architecture, and don't miss the sprawling Lake Titicaca. 

When to go: 

• Altiplano - Winter
• Lowlands and rainforest - April to October

Avoid the rainy season in the lowlands between November to March.

Brazil

Capital: Brasilia

When to go:

• Cities - Any time
• Carnaval - In February
• Amazon - Avoid rainy season between November to May

High season is​ from November to April.

Chile

Capital: Santiago ​

When to go:

• Northern Chile - Any time, November is best
• Middle Chile - September to February
• Southern Chile - December to March
• Easter Island and Juan Fernandez - March

High season is January to February and July and August for skiing.

Colombia

Capital: Bogotá 

When to go:

• The dry season in December to March in the mountains
• December to April and July to September on the coast

High season is December to February.

Ecuador

Capital: Quito

When to go:

• Galapagos - January to April is hot and humid; tour boats docked in September and October
• Coast - Avoid rainy season
• Quito and highlands - Any time of year
• Amazon - Avoid rainy season 

Rainy season is December to May. High season is December to February.

Falkland Islands

Capital: Stanley

When to go:

• October to March

French Guiana

Capital: Cayenne 

When to go:

• Rainy season is January to June, heaviest rain in May
• Travel between July to December
• High season is February Carnival

Guyana

Capital: Georgetown

When to go:

• Travel in the interior is best in the dry season

Best time is mid-October to mid-May, after rainy seasons ending in late January and late August.

Paraguay

Capital: Asunción

When to go:

• Rainy season in December to April with frequent flooding in the southeast
• Very hot between October and March
• Dry season travel (June to August) is easier

Peru

Capital: Lima

When to go:

• Lima - Avoid foggy time from June to December
• Coastal desert - Any time of year
• Andes - Avoid rainy periods between October to April
• Rainforest - Hot and humid all year; avoid January to April

High season is from May to September.

Suriname

Capital: Paramaribo

When to go:

• Rainy season is April to July and December through January
• Best times are mid-August to early December

Uruguay

Capital: Montevideo

When to go:

• Best time to visit is mid-October to late March; be prepared for heat and humidity

High season is January and February.

Venezuela

Capital: Caracas

When to go:

• The dry season is December to April but May to October is still nice and prices are lower

High season is Christmas, February Carnival, and Easter.