January in Latin America brings summer skies, long horizons, and a season when wildlife and landscapes are at their most abundant.
Patagonia’s rivers run fast, Chile’s Lake District is in bloom, and Brazil’s beaches glow under long, golden days. The tropics bask in Caribbean sunshine; further south, Antarctica is at its peak.
It’s a month when wildlife flourishes, coastlines beckon, and even the world’s most distant frontiers open up to exploration. For those considering where to go in Latin America in January, our specialists highlight destinations that shine this month, from cultural heartlands to extraordinary wilderness.
Chile
In Chile, January means summer at the end of the world. Patagonia is in full swing, but we steer travellers away from the busiest trails into quieter regions like Futaleufú, the Lake District, and the winding Carretera Austral. Here, remote lodges and wild rivers offer extraordinary solitude. Meanwhile, on the island of Chiloé, life revolves around fishing and artisanal traditions: colourful wooden churches, seafood feasts, and a slower pace that feels worlds away from Torres del Paine’s crowds.
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Belize
Belize in January means Caribbean sunshine and lobster season at its peak. On Ambergris Caye, chefs grill the day’s catch beside turquoise waters, best savoured barefoot on the sand or from a private cay. While the main resorts are at their busiest, we guide travellers to quieter stretches of coast and into the Cayo District’s jungle hideaways, where Mayan ruins, limestone caves and nights under a canopy of stars offer a striking contrast to the reefs. Belize combines beautifully with time across the border in Guatemala, or a continuation north into Mexico.
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Brazil
January in Brazil means beach weather at its most glorious. Golden sands from Bahia to Rio are alive with energy, and while Carnaval won’t erupt until February, the lead-up brings rehearsal parades, music, and an infectious sense of anticipation. We know the tucked-away beach towns and pousadas where the scene slows to a luxurious drift – it’s the perfect time to balance coastal downtime with Brazil’s exuberant spirit.
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Antarctica
January is the pinnacle of Antarctica’s short season. Penguin chicks cluster on the shore, whales feed in krill-rich bays, and long daylight hours allow for extended explorations by zodiac and kayak. For those considering the White Continent, it is the most abundant and rewarding time to travel – and pairs perfectly with Patagonia for a journey that spans two of the world’s last great frontiers.
Explore Antarctica
Nicaragua
January brings Nicaragua into its own. Granada’s colonial streets glow in the warm light, while Lake Nicaragua and Ometepe open up for hiking, cycling, and exploring volcanic slopes. With clear skies and little rainfall, it is one of the best moments to experience the country’s rare mix of culture and adventure.
Explore NicaraguaOur journeys are defined by deep knowledge, rare access, and meticulous attention to detail – speak to our specialists to start planning your January adventure in Latin America.
