What is the weather like in South America during January?

Across South America January brings classic summer conditions. Rio de Janeiro sees temperatures of 82°F (28°C) while Buenos Aires reaches 85°F (29°C). Peru's Sacred Valley stays milder at around 68°F (20°C) with periodic rain showers. Guests at places like the Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort in Mendoza can expect clear sunny days that are perfect for outdoor activities. As one TourRadar traveler notes "The weather was perfect for exploring both the Amazon and Andes regions."

What are the top tours and destinations to visit in South America during January?

The continent's prime destinations shine in January. Rio's beaches come alive with pre-Carnival energy while Iguazu Falls reaches its most powerful flow. Buenos Aires fills with outdoor concerts and cultural events. The Amazon's wildlife becomes more active with guests at properties like the Ecopark Jungle Lodge getting frequent animal sightings. Even with some rain Machu Picchu draws visitors. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Even with occasional showers January was perfect for seeing diverse landscapes from Copacabana Beach to the Amazon to Machu Picchu's mystical ruins."

Are there any special festivals or events in South America during January?

The month kicks off a season of celebrations across the continent. Rio's streets pulse with samba school rehearsals as Carnival approaches. Buenos Aires hosts open-air tango performances in San Telmo and La Boca. Peru celebrates the "Fiestas de Trujillo" with local music and dance traditions. One TourRadar reviewer noted: "The pre-Carnival atmosphere in Rio was electric - seeing the samba schools practice was a highlight of our January visit."

What wildlife encounters are possible in South America during January?

The wet season brings increased wildlife activity to the Amazon Basin especially for birds and primates. Visitors to Iguazu Falls often spot toucans coatis and butterflies. Brazil's coastline offers marine life viewing while the Pantanal wetlands showcase its diverse ecosystem. A TourRadar traveler reports: "Our January Amazon stay at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge provided amazing wildlife encounters - we saw several monkey species exotic birds and even pink river dolphins."

What kind of accommodation options are available in January?

The peak season means booking ahead is essential. Rio's beachfront properties such as Sofitel Copacabana and Arena Leme Hotel fill quickly. Buenos Aires offers luxury stays at the Faena Hotel while smaller towns like Paraty feature boutique options such as Pousada do Sandi. As one TourRadar traveler advises "booking well ahead for January especially in beach destinations." Expect higher rates during this popular period.

What are the best beach destinations in South America for January?

Beach weather reaches its peak in January. Rio's famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches maintain temperatures around 85°F (29°C). Those seeking quieter spots head to Brazil's Ilha Grande or Peru's Paracas coast. A TourRadar traveler shares "The combination of beach time at Copacabana and cultural experiences made January ideal for visiting Rio."

South America Tours in January 2027

10 best South America trips in January 2027

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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
From
US$19,335per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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2 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
23 Jan, 2027
4 spaces left
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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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6 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
7 Jan, 2027
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
10% Off
From
US$5,825per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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City & Culture
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$10,199per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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15 Jan, 2027
1 space left
22 Jan, 2027
1 space 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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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$9,446per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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20 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
22 Jan, 2027
10 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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20 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
29 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
Rio de Janeiro to Santiago de Chile - 17 Days
4.9 (9 reviews)
"Excellent value for money and perfect for people who do not want to be stuck in a 'tour group' for long period of time."
Hui, traveled in December
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Brazil Argentina Chile
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
HI Travel South America
10% Off
From
US$2,130per person
Price based on Shared Room
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6 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
7 Jan, 2027
6 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
10% Off
From
US$2,508per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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City & Culture
La Paz to Rio
Duration
30 days
Destinations
Bolivia Chile Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From
US$3,960per person
+$450 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
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21 Jan, 2027
7 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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4 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
5 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
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City & Culture
Real Bolivia to Brazil
Duration
25 days
Destinations
Bolivia Chile Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $5,190
US$4,152per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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6 Jan, 2027
9 spaces left
13 Jan, 2027
7 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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2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Lima to Buenos Aires: Deserts & Dancing
4.6 (12 reviews)
"Loved the whole experience."
Stefan, 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
20% Off
From $5,559
US$4,447per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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3 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
8 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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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)
"They planned a wonderful tour from start to finish and very carefully took care of the details every day."
Customer, traveled in September
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Peru Argentina Brazil
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
20% Off
From
US$5,199per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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