Things to Do in South America in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in South America

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather in Patagonia and southern Argentina/Chile with 14-16 hours of daylight and temperatures 15-25°C (59-77°F) - ideal for Torres del Paine and glacial trekking without summer crowds
Lupine blooms peak across Patagonian landscapes in late November, creating spectacular purple carpets that only last 3-4 weeks - photographer's dream without the December-February tourist hordes
Shoulder season pricing in most destinations except Patagonia - accommodation costs 30-40% less than June-August peak winter season in northern regions like Colombia and Ecuador
Baby penguin season in Peninsula Valdés (Argentina) - thousands of Magellanic penguin chicks are visible November-December before they fledge, plus whale watching season overlaps with southern right whales still present

Considerations

Peak rainy season in Amazon basin with 200-300mm (7.9-11.8 inches) rainfall and 85% humidity making jungle treks muddy, uncomfortable, and many remote lodges temporarily inaccessible
High season pricing kicks in for Patagonia accommodations and tours - expect 50-80% markup on lodging in El Calafate and Torres del Paine, with popular treks booking out 4-6 months ahead
Unpredictable weather transitions in Andean regions create challenging conditions - Lima averages 18°C (64°F) with persistent coastal fog, while Cusco swings between 20°C (68°F) days and 5°C (41°F) nights with afternoon thunderstorms

Best Activities in November

Patagonian Glacier and Wildlife Tours

November is peak season for Patagonia with perfect weather for glacier viewing at Perito Moreno and wildlife spotting at Peninsula Valdés. Temperatures reach 20-25°C (68-77°F) with minimal precipitation. Penguin colonies are most active with chicks, and lupine flowers create stunning photography opportunities. Wind speeds are manageable at 20-30 km/h (12-19 mph) compared to summer's 50+ km/h (31+ mph) gusts.

Booking Tip: Book Patagonia tours 3-4 months ahead as November-March fills quickly. Glacier boat tours typically cost $80-120 USD, full-day Peninsula Valdés wildlife tours $100-150 USD. Look for operators including entrance fees and transportation from El Calafate or Puerto Madryn. See current tour options in booking section below.

Sacred Valley Multi-Day Treks

Dry season begins in the Andes making November ideal for Inca Trail alternatives before December crowds arrive. Daytime temperatures reach 18-22°C (64-72°F) with clear mountain views. Rain likelihood drops to 30% compared to 70% in March-April. Perfect conditions for acclimatization hikes before attempting higher altitude routes in December.

Booking Tip: Book alternative treks like Salkantay or Choquequirao 6-8 weeks ahead - they're less restricted than Inca Trail but still fill up. Multi-day treks typically cost $280-450 USD including guides, meals, and camping equipment. Verify operators include proper altitude acclimatization schedules. Current trek options available in booking section below.

Brazilian Beach and Coastal Exploration

November marks the start of summer in Brazil with temperatures reaching 28-32°C (82-90°F) and reduced rainfall compared to January-March. Ocean temperatures hit comfortable 24-26°C (75-79°F). Avoid December-February peak season crowds while still enjoying perfect beach weather. Sea turtle nesting season begins on northeastern beaches.

Booking Tip: Book coastal accommodations 4-6 weeks ahead as December-January books solid. Beach resort day passes typically cost $30-60 USD, catamaran tours $50-80 USD. November offers 20-30% savings over peak December rates. Look for operators with marine biology guides during turtle season. Check current coastal tours in booking section below.

Colombian Coffee Region and Valley Tours

Dry season in coffee triangle with temperatures 22-28°C (72-82°F) and minimal rainfall. November is optimal for coffee farm visits during harvest season - see the full bean-to-cup process with freshly picked cherries. Morning mist clears by 9 AM revealing valley views obscured during rainy months. Comfortable hiking weather for Valle de Cocora palm forests.

Booking Tip: Coffee farm tours typically cost $25-45 USD for half-day including tastings and transportation. Book 2-3 weeks ahead during harvest season. Valle de Cocora hikes cost $15-25 USD - start early (7 AM) to avoid afternoon clouds. Look for small-group tours (8 people maximum) for authentic farm experiences. Current options in booking section below.

Chilean Wine Valley Cycling and Tastings

Perfect spring weather in Central Chile with temperatures 20-26°C (68-79°F) and virtually no rainfall. Vines are in full bloom creating beautiful landscapes without intense summer heat above 35°C (95°F). November offers ideal cycling conditions through Casablanca and Colchagua valleys with 12+ hours of daylight and minimal wind.

Booking Tip: Wine tour cycles typically cost $60-90 USD including bike rental, 3-4 tastings, and gourmet lunch. Book 3-4 weeks ahead as November-December is peak spring season. Half-day options $40-60 USD focus on single valleys. Look for tours including premium boutique wineries rather than mass production facilities. Current wine valley tours in booking section below.

Ecuadorian Cloud Forest and Volcanic Thermal Springs

Transitional season offers some of Ecuador's best weather with reduced rainfall in cloud forests around Mindo and Baños. Temperatures stable at 18-24°C (64-75°F) with 40% less precipitation than peak rainy months. Thermal springs are most enjoyable with cooler air temperatures. Bird watching peaks as many species are active during mating season.

Booking Tip: Cloud forest lodge packages typically cost $80-140 USD per day including meals and guided hikes. Thermal spring day trips $20-35 USD from Baños. Book mountain lodges 4-6 weeks ahead as November weather attracts many visitors. Choose operators with certified naturalist guides for wildlife spotting. Current Ecuador tours in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Fiesta de la Tradición (Argentina)

Massive gaucho festival in San Antonio de Areco celebrating traditional horseback culture with folk music, traditional asado, and authentic gaucho demonstrations. One of Argentina's most important cultural celebrations outside Buenos Aires tourist circuit.

Early to Mid November

Festival de Música Clásica (Cartagena, Colombia)

International classical music festival transforms colonial plazas into concert venues with world-class orchestras and local musicians. Free outdoor performances complement ticketed indoor concerts in historic churches and theaters.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system for extreme climate variation - bring base layers for 5°C (41°F) Andean nights and breathable shirts for 32°C (90°F) tropical days, as you may experience both in a single day

High SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 11+ at altitude and equatorial locations, causing burns in under 15 minutes even on cloudy days

Waterproof day pack cover and dry bags - essential for Amazon regions receiving 200-300mm (7.9-11.8 inches) November rainfall, plus afternoon thunderstorms in mountain regions

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots rated for 1,500m+ (4,921 ft+) altitude changes - you'll encounter everything from beach sand to glacial moraine often within the same trip

Lightweight down jacket compressible to backpack size - temperature swings of 15-20°C (27-36°F) between day and night are common throughout the Andes

Quick-dry synthetic pants and shirts - avoid cotton in humid Amazon conditions where 70%+ humidity means clothes never fully dry

Altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide) if visiting areas above 3,000m (9,843 ft) - many popular destinations like Cusco, La Paz, and Quito require acclimatization

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum for Amazon regions - November's wet conditions create peak mosquito breeding, increasing yellow fever and dengue risk

Portable phone charger and universal adapter - South American outlets vary by country (Type A, C, I) and power outages are common in remote areas during rainy season

Insider Knowledge

Book Patagonia accommodations by August - November's perfect weather and lupine blooms create the region's busiest month, with premium lodges in Torres del Paine booking 6+ months ahead at 80% markup over shoulder season

Avoid Amazon destinations November-December unless you're experienced in tropical conditions - 85% humidity, daily thunderstorms, and muddy trails make this the most challenging time, though wildlife viewing can be exceptional for prepared travelers

Time domestic flights carefully around afternoon thunderstorms - Andean cities like Cusco, Quito, and La Paz experience 2-4 PM storm windows that regularly delay flights, affecting tight connection schedules

November hotel rates in northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador) are 30-40% below June-August peak winter tourist season - excellent value before December crowds arrive from North America and Europe