South of the Tropic of Capricorn is the southern tip of Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay chart. Differing climates make for different choices. Brazil and Paraguay share the Pantanal the vast marshlands that supports varied wildlife. They also share some of the tropical areas in the Iguzau Falls region.
The rest of Brazil has many climates, many regions. Each has its attractions, from the Amazon in northern Brazil, the savannahs of southwestern Brazil, the coastal resorts along its long coast, the big cities and the way-off-the-beaten-path places. Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife and other large cities are all-season destinations.
Uruguay's beaches, both along the Atlantic and the Rio de la Plata, are vacation destinations known as the "Uruguayan Riviera." Sophisticated Montevideo and the colonial fortress city of Colonia del Sacramento draw visitors. Inland Uruguay is hilly and grassy, gaucho country.
Paraguay is connected to the Atlantic by river, and along the banks are the ruins of Jesuit missions, called reducciones or reductions, and Asunción, the capital. Inland, and away from water, is the vast area known as the Gran Chaco. Largely uninhabited, arid and desolate, this is South America's last frontier. Paraguay is warm to hot most of the year, and rainy from December to April.
For South Americans, the summer months (December to March) are high season, and the beaches and coastal resorts are packed.
Schedule a visit to some of top attractions, such as Iguazu Falls, during the week to avoid the heavy weekend traffic.
Southern Cone Countries
The Southern Cone countries of Chile and Argentina chart have wide ranges of climates and temperatures, The northern regions of Chile encompass the Atacama Desert and the Andes. Travel here is not limited by rainfall, but many travelers find the extremes of temperature in the summer months too daunting. Central Chile, which includes the Metropolitan District of Santiago, the beaches, the fertile agricultural valleys, wineries and the Andes ski resorts, is an all-season destination. The Lake District with snow- capped volcanos and deep blue lakes, fishing, rafting, trekking and ski resorts is another all-season area. The far southern regions of Magallanes and Patagonia are best visited in the summer months when the weather is likely to be more cooperative.
Argentina's climate is equivalent. The Patagonian glaciers, Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia are warm-weather destinations. The resort area around Nahuel Huapi National Park is a year-round destination, as are the wildlife havens of Peninsula Valdes. Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls are good all year around, but the falls vary with the amount of water in the rainy or dry season. The northern Pampas are popular most of the year for wineries, climbing Aconcagua, rafting, trekking, fishing and paragliding. Touring the dinosaur sites in southern Argentina is fun in the warmer months.
The Falkland Islands, also called the Islas Malvinas, due to their geographical location, have a reputation for having rotten weather. The reverse is true. The temperatures are quite mild, rarely going above 75 F (24 C) in summer. Winter freezes do happen, but do not last long. It is always windy. Wildlife viewing is a major attraction.
For South Americans, the summer months (December to March) are high season, and the beaches and coastal resorts are packed.
If you can plan your travels in South America to take advantage of the spring and fall months, you'll find a wide range of areas and activities open to you.
