What is the weather like in South America during December?

South America's December weather varies significantly by region. Buenos Aires sees summer temperatures of 28°C (82°F) while Lima stays mild at 24°C (75°F). The Andean highlands including Cusco offer sunny 20°C (68°F) days perfect for exploring though nights turn quite cool. Pack layers as temperature swings are common especially in mountainous areas. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The weather was perfect for exploring Machu Picchu in December - warm days for hiking but not too hot though we needed layers for the evening."

What special events and festivals happen in South America during December?

December fills South American cities with cultural celebrations and holiday spirit. Buenos Aires hosts the Feria de Mataderos where folk festivals and outdoor tango gatherings take over the streets. In Rio early carnival celebrations begin while the massive Reveillon New Year's party draws crowds to Copacabana Beach. Cusco's Plaza de Armas transforms into the Santuranticuy Christmas market with local artisans displaying traditional crafts. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The December festivals in Cusco were incredible - the mix of Incan and Catholic traditions created such a unique holiday atmosphere."

What are the best places to visit in South America during December?

The continent's most famous sites shine in December. Machu Picchu offers clear views while Rio's beaches come alive with pre-summer energy. The Amazon's wildlife becomes more active and Iguazu Falls reaches peak flow. Quality accommodations range from the centrally located Casa Andina Premium in Cusco to the beachfront Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "Visiting Buenos Aires in December was magical - the jacaranda trees were in full bloom and the city had an amazing festive atmosphere with outdoor markets and tango shows."

What are the advantages of visiting the Galapagos Islands in December?

The Galapagos Islands enter their warm season in December bringing calm seas and clear waters ideal for snorkeling. Water temperatures reach 24°C (75°F) with excellent visibility. Nature enthusiasts can watch green sea turtles nesting and spot newly hatched giant tortoises. Eco-conscious travelers often choose stays at the Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz Island. According to TourRadar travelers: "December in the Galapagos offered perfect weather for both land and water activities plus we got to see baby tortoises hatching!"

How crowded are major tourist sites in South America during December?

December brings peak season crowds to South America's popular destinations. Expect higher visitor numbers at Machu Picchu and busy beaches in Rio's Copacabana and Ipanema neighborhoods. The Lake Titicaca region sees increased tourism with luxury properties like the Titilaka Lodge often reaching capacity. One TourRadar traveler advised: "Book popular sites like Machu Picchu well in advance for December visits - we nearly missed out due to limited availability."

How far in advance should I book a December trip to South America?

Plan to secure December bookings 6-8 months ahead particularly for sought-after accommodations like the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu or Rio's Fasano Hotel. Popular tours activities and premium lodging fill up quickly during this peak season. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "We booked our December tour 8 months ahead and still found some preferred hotels fully booked - early planning is essential."

South America Tours in December 2026

10 best South America trips in December 2026

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Explorer
South America Highlights
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
44 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 15+
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $8,760
US$7,008per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
Real Bolivia to Brazil
Duration
25 days
Destinations
Bolivia Chile Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From $4,650
US$4,185per person
Price based on Private Double Room
23 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
The Scenic Route - Lima to Buenos Aires
4.8 (15 traveler reviews)
"In a short time, we discovered so many famous sights and so many different landscape in South America."
Zoe, traveled in September
Duration
30 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Chile Argentina
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From
US$6,949per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
18 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
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Explorer
South America Discovery: Lima to Rio de Janeiro
Duration
38 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Chile Argentina Brazil
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From
US$9,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
18 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
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Explorer
From Snow-capped Peaks to Pristine Islands: A journey across the Andes, Cloudforest and Galapagos
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Quito, Mindo Valley, Cotopaxi National Park,Baltra Island,Santa Cruz Island,Puerto Ayora+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Authentic Ecuador
10% Off
From
US$3,350per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
Andean Discovery - 18 days
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Chile Bolivia Argentina Brazil
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From
US$8,310per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Explore Bolivia to Brazil
Duration
31 days
Destinations
Bolivia Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $6,760
US$5,746per person
Price based on Private Double Room
25 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
The Grand Southern Experience 20 Days Tour
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Bolivia Chile Argentina Brazil
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
15% Off
From
US$5,825per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Best of South America
Duration
51 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $9,760
US$7,808per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
Bolivia, Peru & Ecuador with Galápagos : The Spirit of the Andes & Islands
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Bolivia Peru Ecuador
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
8% Off
From $9,431
US$8,676per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Bolivia to Brazil: Highlands & Coastlines
4.7 (15 traveler reviews)
"Their local knowledge and expertise made us feel like we got the full experience."
Peter, traveled in July
Duration
31 days
Destinations
Bolivia Chile Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $5,899
US$5,014per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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Explorer
Lima to Buenos Aires: Deserts & Dancing
4.6 (12 traveler reviews)
"It's such an amazing way to travel, suited to absolutely everyone because you can do your own thing when you want."
Roisin, traveled in July
Duration
35 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Chile Argentina
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $5,559
US$4,725per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
20 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
5 Countries: Rio de Janeiro to La Paz (30 Days)
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"Excellent variety of experiences. All accommodation, bus and excursion reservations worked perfectly."
Heather, traveled in March
Duration
30 days
Destinations
Brazil Argentina Uruguay Chile Bolivia
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
HI Travel South America
15% Off
From
US$2,950per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Active
Journey Across South America - 19 Days
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The tour was well organized and covered an extraordinary amount of ground."
BARBARA, traveled in January
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Paraguay Argentina Brazil
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% Off
From
US$6,940per person
Price based on Shared Room
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
15 Days Chile, Bolivia & Peru: Exploring the Highlights
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Chile Bolivia Peru
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
15% Off
From
US$5,900per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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