South America Tours in January 2026
4.5 stars on(8,231 reviews)- Choose from 1,600+ South America tours
- 8,400+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best South America trips in January 2026
Compiled by
NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Bolivia to Brazil: Highlands & Coastlines
- Real Argentina to Brazil
- Best of Peru, Argentina & Brazil (18 destinations)
- Ultimate South America with Arequipa & Colca Canyon
- Galapagos Cruise & Peru’s Land of the Incas (Grand Daphne)
- Highlights of South America - 21 days
- Majestic Peru & Galapagos Cruise (Grand Queen Beatriz)
- Peru, Bolivia & Argentina Adventure
- Southern Divide
- South America Discovery: Lima to Rio de Janiero
Bolivia to Brazil: Highlands & Coastlines
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great local CEOs. All the best bits covered.”
Emma, traveled in July
Duration 31 days Destinations Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures January departure dates
See All Departure Dates5 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 9 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left From $5,799
25% Off- US$4,349You save $1,449
Duration 14 days Destinations Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 18 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,785
10% Off- US$2,507You save $278
Duration 21 days Destinations Peru, Argentina, Brazil Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates10 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 24 Jan, 2026 1 space left From $9,320
20% Off- US$7,456You save $1,864
Duration 23 days Destinations Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Cosmos January departure dates
30 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left From
20% Off- US$4,589+$1,666 upfront costs
Duration 21 days Destinations Ecuador, Portugal, Peru, Mexico Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
20 Jan, 2026 8 spaces left From $9,090
19% Off- US$7,334+$220 local paymentsYou save $1,756
Duration 21 days Destinations Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours January departure dates
5 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
19% Off- US$8,735
Duration 20 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Mexico, Ecuador Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
3 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left From $9,405
5% Off- US$8,935+$220 local paymentsYou save $470
Duration 35 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Argentina Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
3 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $5,655
20% Off- US$4,524You save $1,131
Southern Divide
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was the first time leaving my home country and Eddy just made everything so easy.”
William, traveled in September
Duration 21 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Chile Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 9 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
20% Off- US$4,499
Duration 38 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 6 spaces left 23 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left From
20% Off- US$9,499
What people love about South America Tours in January
- Southern Divide
I love travelling with G Adventures. This was my second trip with them (first was Delhi to Kathmandu). I loved my CEO Percy, he is a Peruvian and very knowledgeable and great to spend time with. I absolutely loved the Peru part to this trip, Machu Picchu was everything I wanted (I recommend the 1 day hike even though it's a pricey add-on). Spent a lot of time in Cusco as you need time to get used to the altitude - it's serious stuff. I got migraines and was on altitude sickness tablets. But aside from this, Cusco is a fun place! Standard of accom was okay, nothing too fancy but managed to get decent sleep most places. Percy was great with recommendations for restaurants etc. Bolivia was probably my least favourite part of the trip (Potosi wasn't great), but we did still do some amazing things like Rock Climbing in Sucre, Death Road in La Paz (although I skipped that and did the city tour) and the Salt Flats (so cold!). Chile was like a nice return to civilization after the Salt Flats (very basic accom and food), I liked the town of San Pedro De Atacama and then finishing off in Santiago was great. If I had the chance again I would continue onto Argentina, the trip merges with another tour and some of my new friends did it and it looked absolutely stunning. All in all I loved it, even the bad towns/bad times make for a fun story later. I have new lifelong friends and memories that I will cherish forever.
What our customers ask about South America Tours in January 2026
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."