Costa Rica
December–April is generally drier on the Pacific side; May–November brings greener landscapes and more rain. The Caribbean coast follows a different rainfall pattern.
Planning tip:Choose your coast before your month.
CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA TRAVEL GUIDE
Rainforests. Ruins.
Remarkable Journeys.
From Costa Rica’s wildlife and cloud forests to Peru’s ancient sites and South America’s dramatic landscapes, this region rewards travelers who plan around geography and season.
WHY THIS DESTINATION
The Map Changes the Weather.
Tropical Central America, the Andes, Patagonia and the Galápagos follow very different seasonal patterns. The best time depends on the exact experience—not simply the country.
Costa RicaNature + adventure
PeruCulture + Andes
GalápagosWildlife-focused travel
PatagoniaSeasonal landscapes
WHEN TO VISIT
Choose the Season That Fits Your Trip
Weather, crowds and the experiences available can change throughout the year. These broad windows are a starting point; the exact destination matters.
Peru & the Andes
April–October is a useful starting window for drier Machu Picchu conditions. This guidance does not describe every part of Peru: the coast and Amazon have different climates.
Planning tip:Build the trip around your Andean itinerary.
Galápagos Islands
December–May generally brings warmer water and calmer seas. June–November is cooler, with nutrient-rich water and potentially rougher crossings. Wildlife varies by island and season.
Planning tip:Match the route to wildlife and water activities.
Patagonia
Spring through autumn is the main planning window for southern Patagonia. December–February is popular for summer travel; wind and rapid weather changes still shape each day.
Planning tip:Choose between land exploration and a fjord voyage.
WHICH JOURNEY FITS YOU?
Four Destinations. Four Different Experiences.
Start with what you want to see, then choose the route and travel style.
Costa Rica
Pair the Arenal area with cloud forests or a beach stay. A land itinerary gives you time for nature walks, wildlife and the activities you enjoy.
BEST FOR: NATURE + ADVENTURE
Peru
Connect Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on a guided or custom journey, with a pace that leaves room for travel between stops.
BEST FOR: CULTURE + ANDES
Galápagos
Choose an expedition cruise or an island-based stay with day trips. Compare the actual islands visited, excursions and time on the water.
BEST FOR: WILDLIFE + ISLANDS
Patagonia
Explore mountain scenery on a land journey, or choose a voyage through southern fjords. Hiking-focused days and scenic cruising offer different perspectives.
BEST FOR: MOUNTAINS + FJORDSCHOOSE YOUR TRAVEL STYLE
Cruise, Guided Tour or Custom Land Journey?
The right choice depends on how you want to spend your days.
Guided & Custom Land Travel
A strong fit for Costa Rica’s inland landscapes, Peru’s cities and archaeological sites, or Patagonia’s parks. Compare hotel locations, transfers, walking demands and time at each stop.
Explore Guided & Custom JourneysExpedition & Scenic Cruises
Consider a Galápagos expedition or a Patagonia fjord voyage when time on the water is central to the trip. Compare ship size, landing arrangements, included excursions and the exact route.
Explore Cruise TravelA Carefully Planned Combination
A land stay can complement a cruise, but distances and connections matter. Tell us your priorities so we can assess a realistic combination with room between flights and departures.
Plan My VacationPLACES & EXPERIENCES
Build Around Geography and Altitude
EXPLORE THE REGION
Give Each Destination Enough Time
Travel times, altitude and microclimates matter. A thoughtful itinerary avoids rushing and matches active days with enough time to acclimate and enjoy the destination.
- Costa Rica: rainforests, volcanoes, beaches and wildlife
- Peru: Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
- Galápagos: expedition-style wildlife travel
- Patagonia: dramatic scenery across Chile and Argentina
TRAVEL TIPS
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
01
Match Region to Season
Dry and wet seasons can differ by coast, altitude and country.
02
Respect Altitude
High-elevation destinations may benefit from slower pacing.
03
Plan Wildlife Timing
Whales, turtles and other wildlife follow seasonal patterns.
04
Leave Room for Logistics
Remote regions often require connections, transfers or guided arrangements.
YOUR VACATION. YOUR WAY.
We'll Help You Choose the Right Destination, Timing and Travel Style.
Tell us what you want to experience and we'll help narrow the possibilities.
Plan My Vacation →