Mar 12, 2011
|Last updated on March 29th, 2021 at 10:45 am
Best Destinations for Spring Break in South America
Wondering where to go on your South America Spring Break? Late March and April are prime months for a South America vacation! You can go surfing near the equator, hiking in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, dancing in Buenos Aires, or traipsing around Brazil after the dust has settled from Carnival and prices have plummeted. For those travelers lucky enough to have a spring break, here are some fail-safe spring break trip ideas to South America.
Spring Break in Peru
Idea #1: Peru’s Gringo Trail
The geography and climate of Peru vary widely, but you can hit all the main stops along the Gringo Trail in Peru during late March and April. The capital of Peru, Lima, is located on the coast and is tucked into Peru’s southern coastal desert region. Lima’s temperature stays around 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit throughout this time, and a thick cloud of fog will begin to roll over the city. You won’t need to worry about packing much more than a pair of jeans and a sweater while you explore the fascinating City of Kings.
Hop on a plane from Lima to Cusco to get a taste of the rich historical and cultural importance of the capital of the Inca Empire. Cusco is in the highlands of the Andes. During March and April, it can rain sporadically and get chilly at night. If you are planning on a trek, make sure to pack cold-weather gear. The famous Inca Trail is the most popular way to trek to Machu Picchu, but it gets booked up months in advance.
Contact a travel consultant to make a reservation for the Inca Trail, or ask about alternative treks that are just as beautiful and challenging, and can still complement your trip to Machu Picchu.
Leave yourself at least a couple of days to explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. But if you have more to spare, consider adding on a trip into the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest or the beautiful Lake Titicaca. These are both just a short flight away.
Spring Break in Ecuador
Idea #2: Mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
March and April are great months for a Galapagos Islands Cruise since the islands can get crowded during the peak seasons of June-September and December-January. The islands are located right on the equator (hence Ecuador’s clever name). So the weather stays balmy and beautiful all year long. Although you’ll likely get some rain showers during your stay.
There are lots of options for Galapagos Island cruises, from the size of the boat, the level of luxury, the length of stay, and the size and type of the cabin. Ask your travel consultant to give you some different options. Then consider what most appeals to you. Double cabins are the most cost-effective, and children often get discounts.
If you are traveling to Ecuador to see the Galapagos Islands, don’t miss out on the beauty and adventure of mainland Ecuador. Quito was the second most important city during the Inca Empire and early on during the colonial era. The city boasts architectural treasures as well as a cultural heritage that seems to hearken back to days of old. There’s no better place to hunt for bargains and local goods than at the Otavalo Market.
Spring Break in Brazil and Argentina
Idea #3: The Coast of Brazil and Argentina
It’s the shoulder season on South America’s coast of Brazil and Argentina, so the prices of hotels and tours are lower, and it’s not as crowded. Fly into Rio de Janeiro, hang out on the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, take a day trip to Buzios or Ilha Grande, and make sure to bring some sunblock.
Next, you’ll want to take a short flight from Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls. Iguacu is one of the world’s largest set of waterfalls, and surrounding it are sprawling rainforests, so make sure to leave yourself a couple of days to walk around and enjoy the sights.
Fly down to Buenos Aires and get caught up in the romance of this very European city. Dine out, go bike riding, or learn to tango. It’s a much quieter city during these months. You can wander through the San Telmo Market searching for old photographs all on your lonesome.
To finish off your spring break South America vacation, consider a weekend trip down Argentina’s coast to Puerto Madryn. Here, you can check into a seaside hotel and might catch sight of whales from your hotel window.
Puerto Madryn is located on the Valdez Peninsula, home to an incredible variety of marine life. It is also known as the scuba diving capital of the world. If you are up for the plunge, sign up for scuba lessons and go fishing for coral reefs, shipwrecked flotsam, and jetsam, and of course, hundreds of species of fish.
Are you ready for your next
Spring Break in South America?
Check out more of our Spring Break destinations in South America today! Contact a Travel Consultant and start planning your trip now.
