Things to Do in South America in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in South America

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Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer season means longer daylight hours (14+ hours) for sightseeing, with sunrise at 5:30am and sunset around 8pm across most of the continent
Patagonia hiking season is at its absolute best - Torres del Paine trails are fully accessible with wildflowers in bloom and 18+ hours of daylight
Amazon region enters its drier period with lower river levels, making wildlife spotting easier as animals concentrate around remaining water sources
Andean festivals are in full swing, including Inti Raymi celebrations and numerous local patron saint festivals with authentic cultural experiences

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular attractions like Machu Picchu require booking 3-4 months in advance
Daily afternoon thunderstorms (3-6pm) are common across most regions, often intense but brief, requiring flexible scheduling for outdoor activities
High altitude destinations like La Paz (3,500m/11,480ft) and Cusco (3,400m/11,150ft) have intense UV radiation - sunburn can occur in under 15 minutes

Best Activities in December

Patagonia Trekking Expeditions

December is the start of peak trekking season when all major trails are snow-free and accessible. Torres del Paine's famous W trek and El Calafate's glacier walks offer 18+ hours of daylight for extended hiking days. Wildflowers bloom across the steppes and temperatures reach comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F) during the day.

Booking Tip: Reserve trekking permits and refugios 4-6 months ahead as December fills up fastest. Multi-day treks typically cost $150-300 per day including meals and accommodation. Look for operators with glacier safety certification and proper group size limits (max 12 people).

Amazon Wildlife Viewing Tours

December's drier conditions mean rivers are lower and wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, making animal spotting significantly easier. Temperatures stay consistent at 26-30°C (79-86°F) with less rainfall than other months. Bird activity peaks during early morning hours when temperatures are coolest.

Booking Tip: Book jungle lodges 6-8 weeks ahead for December availability. 3-4 day packages range from $200-500 per person. Choose lodges with naturalist guides who speak your language and have radio communication for safety.

Andean Cultural Festival Tours

December coincides with numerous indigenous festivals celebrating the summer solstice and agricultural cycles. Cusco region hosts authentic Inti Raymi preparations, while highland communities celebrate patron saints with traditional music, textiles, and food. Morning temperatures of 5-10°C (41-50°F) warm to comfortable 20°C (68°F) by midday.

Booking Tip: Cultural immersion tours cost $80-150 per day and should include community visits, not just observation. Book through operators that share revenue with local communities and provide cultural context, not just photography opportunities.

Coastal Desert Archaeological Sites

December's clear skies and minimal rainfall make this ideal for visiting coastal archaeological sites like Nazca Lines and northern Peru's adobe pyramids. Temperatures reach 28-32°C (82-90°F) but humidity stays low, making desert exploration comfortable with proper protection. UV levels are extreme due to clear skies and altitude.

Booking Tip: Flight tours over Nazca Lines should be booked 2-3 weeks ahead, costing $80-120 per person for 30-minute flights. Choose operators with newer aircraft and morning flights (8-10am) when air is calmest and visibility best.

Galápagos Island Expeditions

December marks the beginning of warm season when marine iguanas nest and sea lion pups are born. Water temperatures reach 24-26°C (75-79°F), perfect for snorkeling without thick wetsuits. Trade winds are calmer, reducing seasickness on boat transfers between islands.

Booking Tip: 8-day cruise packages range from $2,500-6,000 per person depending on boat category. Book 6+ months ahead for December departures. Choose boats with naturalist guides certified by Galápagos National Park and small group sizes (16 passengers maximum).

High Altitude Photography Tours

December's clear summer skies provide exceptional visibility for photographing Andean peaks and high-altitude landscapes. Snow-capped mountains contrast dramatically with green valleys below. Early morning shoots (5-7am) capture best light before afternoon clouds develop.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours cost $120-200 per day and should include transportation to remote viewpoints and local guide knowledge of best shooting locations. Look for operators providing altitude acclimatization advice and oxygen supplements above 4,000m (13,120ft).

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Inti Raymi Festival Preparations

Throughout December, Cusco region communities prepare for the June solstice celebration with traditional weaving demonstrations, music practice sessions, and ceremonial preparations. Visitors can witness authentic cultural practices in highland villages around Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

December 20-22

Summer Solstice Celebrations

December 21st marks the summer solstice across South America, celebrated with indigenous ceremonies in Andean communities. Traditional music, dance, and agricultural rituals welcome the season of abundance. Most authentic celebrations occur in small highland villages rather than tourist centers.

Throughout December

Festa Junina Preparations

Brazilian communities begin preparing for mid-year winter festivals with traditional food preparation, decoration making, and dance rehearsals. While the main celebrations are in June, December preparation activities offer insight into rural Brazilian culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick for nose/lips - UV index reaches 11+ at altitude and reflects off snow/water, causing burns in under 10 minutes

Lightweight rain jacket with full zipper - afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly and can drop temperatures by 10°C (18°F) in minutes

Moisture-wicking base layers in merino wool - temperature swings from 5°C (41°F) at dawn to 25°C (77°F) at midday require layering system

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - strong Andean winds can reach 40+ km/h (25+ mph) and UV reflection off surfaces is intense

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - Amazon regions have peak mosquito activity during evening hours despite drier conditions

Quick-dry hiking pants - wet season means muddy trails and river crossings, plus protection from altitude sun exposure

Waterproof daypack cover - afternoon rains can soak through regular fabric in 5-10 minutes of heavy downpour

Electrolyte supplements - high altitude, intense sun, and physical activity cause rapid dehydration even in experienced hikers

Portable altitude sickness medication - many destinations exceed 3,000m (9,840ft) and symptoms can develop within 6-12 hours of arrival

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots rated for rocky terrain - Patagonia and Andean trails include loose scree and stream crossings

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights within South America for early morning departures - afternoon thunderstorms frequently cause 2-4 hour delays between December and March

Carry cash in small bills (US dollars or local currency) - many authentic cultural experiences and mountain refugios don't accept cards, and ATMs are scarce above 3,000m (9,840ft) elevation

Arrive in high-altitude destinations 2-3 days before planned activities - acclimatization takes 48-72 hours and rushing into strenuous activities causes altitude sickness in 60% of visitors

Schedule outdoor activities for 6am-11am window - afternoon storms typically begin around 2-3pm and last until 6pm, while mornings offer clearest skies and calmest conditions