Things to Do in South America in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in South America

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season begins in most regions - rainfall drops 40-60% compared to September, making hiking and outdoor activities reliable with only 8-12 rainy days instead of 15-20
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 25-40% less than June-August peak season, with better availability and fewer crowds at major attractions like Machu Picchu and Iguazu Falls
Ideal wildlife viewing conditions - migrating whales arrive off Pacific coasts, Pantanal waters recede exposing wildlife, and Patagonian spring brings active marine life with 14+ hours of daylight
Perfect temperatures for altitude activities - Andean regions reach comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F) during day, reducing altitude sickness risk and making high-altitude trekking more pleasant than summer heat

Considerations

Patagonian winds intensify - October brings 40-60 km/h (25-37 mph) consistent winds making boat trips choppy and outdoor activities challenging, with gusts reaching 80+ km/h (50+ mph)
Tourist infrastructure awakening - some seasonal lodges and tour operators in remote areas like Torres del Paine just reopening after winter closures, meaning limited availability and higher prices for early bookings
Unpredictable transition weather - while generally dry, sudden weather changes between seasons can bring unexpected cold snaps or heat waves lasting 3-5 days, requiring flexible itinerary planning

Best Activities in October

Patagonia Hiking and Wildlife Tours

October marks the beginning of Patagonia's spring season with 13-14 hours of daylight and wildflowers blooming. Temperatures reach 15-20°C (59-68°F) during the day, perfect for multi-day treks. Marine wildlife becomes active with penguin colonies establishing and whales migrating through the straits. However, expect strong winds averaging 45 km/h (28 mph).

Booking Tip: Book 6-8 weeks ahead as October is when seasonal lodges reopen with limited capacity. Tours typically cost $180-320 USD per day. Look for operators that provide wind-resistant gear and flexible itineraries for weather changes. Many offer early-bird discounts for October bookings.

Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley Trekking

Dry season begins with less than 50mm (2 inches) of rain for the month and clear mountain views. Daytime temperatures reach comfortable 22-25°C (72-77°F) at Sacred Valley elevations, dropping to 8-12°C (46-54°F) at night. October offers 70% fewer crowds than June-August while maintaining excellent weather conditions.

Booking Tip: Inca Trail permits still sell out 2-3 months ahead even in shoulder season. Alternative treks like Salkantay or Choquequirao have better availability. Trek prices range $280-450 USD for 4-day packages. Book through operators with high-altitude experience and good safety records.

Pantanal Wildlife Photography Safaris

Water levels drop in October exposing mudflats and concentrating wildlife around remaining water sources. This creates exceptional conditions for spotting jaguars, giant otters, and hundreds of bird species. Temperatures average 28-32°C (82-90°F) with humidity dropping to 60%, making dawn and dusk game drives comfortable.

Booking Tip: October is peak wildlife season so book lodges 3-4 months ahead. All-inclusive packages range $200-400 USD per night. Choose operators with naturalist guides and boats suitable for shallow waters. Many offer photography workshops specifically for October wildlife concentrations.

Chilean Wine Harvest Experiences

October is late harvest season in Chilean wine regions with perfect weather - sunny days reaching 24-26°C (75-79°F) and cool nights dropping to 10-12°C (50-54°F). Participate in actual harvest activities, enjoy new vintage tastings, and experience harvest festivals that locals celebrate. The landscape is golden and beautiful for vineyard tours.

Booking Tip: Harvest season experiences book quickly - reserve 6-10 weeks ahead. Day tours cost $80-150 USD including tastings and meals. Multi-day harvest packages range $200-400 USD per night. Look for family-owned wineries offering hands-on harvest participation rather than just standard tastings.

Amazon River Navigation and Canopy Tours

Water levels begin rising in October making river navigation easier while maintaining clear weather with only 120-140mm (4.7-5.5 inches) of rain. Temperatures stay consistent at 26-30°C (79-86°F) with morning mists clearing by 8-9am, perfect for early wildlife spotting and canopy walks when animals are most active.

Booking Tip: October offers good availability before peak season prices hit in November. River cruises cost $150-280 USD per night, lodge stays $100-200 USD. Book operators with experienced local guides and small group sizes (8-12 people maximum) for better wildlife encounters.

Iguazu Falls Photography and Nature Walks

October brings moderate water levels - not the flood stage of summer but fuller than winter months, creating ideal photographic conditions. Morning temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) with afternoon peaks of 26-28°C (79-82°F) make walking trails comfortable. Rainbow formations are frequent due to optimal mist and sun angles.

Booking Tip: Shoulder season means 30% fewer crowds than peak months while maintaining excellent viewing conditions. Entry fees are fixed but tour prices drop to $40-80 USD for full-day packages. Book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead for better rates. Consider staying Argentine side for sunset photography.

October Events & Festivals

October 12

Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) Celebrations

October 12th is celebrated across South America with indigenous cultural festivals, traditional music performances, and artisan markets. In Peru and Bolivia, expect traditional costume parades and folk dance competitions. Ecuador holds particularly vibrant celebrations with street festivals lasting 2-3 days.

Throughout October

Chilean Wine Harvest Festivals

Throughout October, Chilean wine regions celebrate harvest season with local festivals featuring grape stomping, traditional folk music, and new vintage tastings. The most authentic experiences happen in smaller family wineries rather than commercial tours, often including traditional barbecues and dancing.

Mid October

Spring Flower Festivals in Patagonia

October marks wildflower blooming season in Patagonian regions with local communities celebrating spring arrival through outdoor festivals. Expect guided botanical walks, photography workshops, and local food festivals featuring spring ingredients. Timing varies by latitude but peaks mid-October.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures vary 15-20°C (27-36°F) between day and night, pack merino wool base layers and lightweight fleece for altitude regions

Wind-resistant jacket - Patagonian winds reach 60+ km/h (37+ mph) in October, standard windbreakers won't suffice, invest in mountaineering-grade wind protection

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm - UV index reaches 8-10 at altitude with thin air providing less protection, reapply every 2 hours during outdoor activities

Waterproof hiking boots - trails can be muddy from recent rains and morning dew is heavy, ankle support essential for uneven Andean terrain

Quick-dry pants and shirts - humidity averages 70% and afternoon showers still occur 8-12 days per month, synthetic or merino wool materials dry faster than cotton

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - mosquitoes and sandflies are active in Amazon and Pantanal regions, especially during dawn and dusk wildlife viewing

Portable rain poncho - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, packable ponchos work better than umbrellas in windy conditions

Warm hat and gloves - nighttime temperatures drop to 8-12°C (46-54°F) in highland areas, essential for early morning activities and high-altitude locations

Sturdy daypack with rain cover - daily hikes range 5-15 km (3-9 miles), need space for water (3+ liters), snacks, and weather protection gear

Altitude sickness medication - consult doctor about acetazolamide if visiting areas above 3,000m (9,840 ft), October's mild temperatures help but preparation is crucial

Insider Knowledge

October is when locals begin their summer vacation planning - book accommodations early as domestic tourists start making reservations for December-February, especially in coastal areas

Exchange money before reaching remote areas like Patagonia or Amazon - ATMs are scarce and credit cards often not accepted, US dollars are widely accepted but bring small denominations

Pack for altitude changes of 3,000m+ (9,840ft+) within single days - flying from Lima (150m/492ft) to Cusco (3,400m/11,155ft) requires immediate acclimatization gear regardless of weather

October marks the beginning of 'temporada alta' pricing in many regions - book flights and accommodations by early September to avoid 30-50% price increases that take effect mid-October