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

250+ South America tours

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Nature & Wildlife
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 $3,129
US$2,816per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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City & Culture
Explore Bolivia to Brazil
Duration
31 days
Destinations
Bolivia Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From
US$6,485per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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25 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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City & Culture
Best of South America
Duration
51 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
5% Off
From $10,860
US$10,317per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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5 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
La Paz to Rio via Uyuni and Iguazu (22 Days)
Duration
22 days
Destinations
Bolivia Chile Argentina Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
HI Travel South America
5% Off
From
US$2,508per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
3 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
The Grand Southern Experience: Andes, Patagonia & Rio 20-Day Tour
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Bolivia Chile Argentina Brazil
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
5% Off
From
US$5,825per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Ancient Wonders
Premium Highlights of South America
Duration
24 days
Destinations
Peru Chile Argentina Brazil
Age Range
Ages 15+
River
Amazonian Basin
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
5% Off
From
US$19,335per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Ancient Wonders
Premium Peru, Chile & Argentina
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Peru Chile Argentina
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Andes MountainsAmazonian Basin+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
10% Off
From $13,720
US$12,348per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
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
10% Off
From
US$9,391per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
Explore Peru, Argentina & Brazil
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Peru Argentina Brazil
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From
US$7,205per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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4 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
25 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
Salt flats, sacred valleys, and tropical islands: Bolivia, Peru & Ecuador W/Galápagos
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Bolivia Peru Ecuador
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
10% Off
From
US$8,299per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
11 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
Ultimate South America (With Train To Machu Picchu)
5.0 (50 reviews)
"Easily one of the best tours I've ever done! Very knowledgeable and brought an amazing energy every day."
Ricardo, traveled in May
Duration
24 days
Destinations
Peru Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18-35
River
Amazonian Basin
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $4,350
US$3,915per person
+$1,960 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
5 Countries: Rio de Janeiro to La Paz (30 Days)
4.0 (1 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
10% Off
From
US$3,281per person
Price based on Shared Room
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1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
South America Highlights
3.0 (1 review)
Duration
44 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
5% Off
From $9,731
US$9,245per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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5 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
South American Explorer (With Train To Machu Picchu)
4.5 (2 reviews)
"The tour was well worth the money, there were a lot of travel days but everything we did was worth it."
Jemilla, traveled in August
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Peru Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18-35
River
Amazonian Basin
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
5% Off
From
US$3,550per person
+$1,724 upfront costs
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Ancient Wonders
Lost City of Machu Picchu to Christ the Redeemer: 16-Day South America Icons | 4-Star
4.0 (4 reviews)
"Most of the hotels were great and the day trips we had were with reputable local providers."
Kelvin, traveled in December
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Peru Argentina Brazil
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
5% Off
From
US$5,199per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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