BEST PLACES TO GO IN LATIN AMERICA IN SEPTEMBER
September marks the start of spring in South America – a transitional month as the continent begins to ease out of winter.
The central Andes stay clear and dry but lose the crowds of July and August; the Amazon sees wildlife on the move; and major cities like Rio and Santiago have a lively energy. Further north, parts of Central America are also well-timed, with steady conditions and whales moving along the Caribbean coast.
For those weighing a September trip, we’ve picked out a handful of places that come into their own at this point in the year. Whether you’re drawn to culture, remote wilderness, or time on the coast, our specialists can shape a journey around your interests and how you like to travel.
Chile
September suits Chile well. The country is in a festive mood thanks to Fiestas Patrias around the 18th, when neighbourhood celebrations with traditional asados, cueca dancing and late nights spill into parks and plazas for the better part of a week.
Up north, it’s a great time to visit the Atacama Desert, with wide views, clear roads, and excellent conditions for reaching the high plateaus. Early signs of desert bloom can appear around this time, creating delicate bands of colour across the stark landscapes. In much of Patagonia, ski season is winding down, but certain lodges are just beginning their heli-ski operations, opening up serious backcountry terrain.
Explore Chile
Brazil
Brazil is an ideal choice for September, with a rich mix of culture and wildlife across the country. In Rio, Art Rio draws curators, collectors and artists from across Latin America, giving the city an unmistakable energy.
The Pantanal is outstanding for wildlife: boat safaris, horseback rides, and jaguar tracking along the river systems are especially productive now, with long uninterrupted days in some of South America’s richest ecosystems.
Further north, the Lençóis Maranhenses dunes still hold their pale-blue lagoons in many areas, and can be explored by 4×4, on foot, or from the sky.
Costa Rica
While much of Central America is washed out in September, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is the exception. Its micro-climate delivers a brief, reliable window of clear, warm weather: waterways around Tortuguero and Cahuita are easy to move through, landscapes are lush and green after the rains, and it’s peak green turtle nesting season. Offshore, humpback whales pass through on their southbound migration.
It’s a good fit for travellers who want to see a quieter side of the country – rainforest, mangroves and small beach towns that feel a million miles from the busier Pacific side.
Explore Costa Rica
Paraguay
Paraguay remains one of South America’s most intriguing outliers — and September is an easy time to explore it. The capital, Asunción, has a relaxed energy, with markets, independent galleries and good boutique hotels. There are plenty of small towns and villages dotted around it, each with their own handicraft, which can be explored.
Further south, the Jesuit missions form an absorbing historical circuit, and the surrounding wetlands offer wide horizons and excellent birdlife.
Our journeys are defined by deep knowledge, rare access, and meticulous attention to detail. Speak to our specialists to begin planning your September adventure in Latin America.
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