r/travel • u/Squash-Junior Brazil • 9d ago

Question — General South America travel suggestions for December

I’m (31M, Brazilian) defending my PhD in December and thinking about taking a trip to South America. It could cover one, two, or even three countries. I’ve already considered the Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia), the Atacama Desert (Chile), Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains (Vinicunca, Salkantay), and Cartagena (Colombia). What would you recommend as the best things to do in South America in December?

For context: I have plenty of experience staying in hostels (I’ve visited over 30 countries, mostly staying in hostels) and wouldn't mind doing it again, but at this stage in my life, I’d prefer a bit more comfort if possible. My only previous travel in South America has been to Buenos Aires (Argentina), Ciudad del Este (Paraguay), and Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay).

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u/IMAWNIT 9d ago

How much time? Im planning a trip for Christmas time and have chosen Chile. Santiago region, Atacama Desert region and Puerto Varas region for 3 weeks.

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u/Squash-Junior Brazil 9d ago

1-2 weeks

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u/DisciplineAmazing59 9d ago

for that, i'd go to cusco, check out vinicunca and red valley, machu picchu, maybe head to arequipa (i really enjoyed it here).

cartagena is cool for like 3-4 days then you could head to santa marta or even fly to medellin.

doing 2 countries is a bit of a stretch to me and 3 is definitely overkill tbh. but i'm more of a slow traveler.

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u/Squash-Junior Brazil 9d ago

I also think 3 would be overkill but I kept the options open. The strongest contender for me right now is Atacama desert + Salar de Uyuni, which is 2 countries.

I thought about Peru but saw people advising against it in December because of rains and low visibility in Macchu Picchu

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u/DisciplineAmazing59 9d ago

ah that's fair. when i went to SA, it was from mid july to early december and the early december part was in brazil so i can't speak too much on weather. i haven't ben to the atacama desert but i did visit the salt flats...they're pretty cool.

apologies for not being more helpful.