Now is the dry season in the Andes (May-Sep), ideal for trekking and mountaineering. Trails are accessible, unlike the rainy season (Oct-Mar) when roads can become muddy and difficult to navigate. The weather is now clear for outdoor activities such as visiting Machu Picchu or Kuelap, the cultural fortress of Chachapoya in northern Peru, accessible by Peru's only cable car.

Throughout June, the Fiestas de Cusco offere nightly parades, music and dancing in the streets, culminating in the Inti Raymi festival, which we celebrated just last week on 24 June. This grand event celebrates the winter solstice with the re-enactment of an ancient Inca ceremony in honour of the sun god. While Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, hosts the most famous celebrations, other countries such as Ecuador and Bolivia also hold festivals with vibrant processions, traditional music, dance and Inca and pre-Inca rituals to celebrate the harvest and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle and to express gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

For a truly immersive experience, plan a guided tour to Bolivia and Peru next year. First, witness the Bolivian Aymara New Year celebrations at the ancient site of Tiwanaku on 21 June, then travel to Peru for the grand Inti Raymi spectacle in Cusco. More than 800 costumed performers begin their procession at Koricancha, the Temple of Sun, and make their way to the Plaza de Armas, culminating at the Sacsayhuamán fortress.

The Amazon is warm and humid all year round, with two main seasons: May marks the end of the rainy or high water season (Dec-May) and we are now in the dry or low water season (Jun-Nov). During this time, Puerto Maldonado, home to the main jungle lodges, is generally drier due to reduced mountain runoff. In Iquitos, where the Amazon River cruises depart, lower water levels open up jungle trails. Either season offers excellent wildlife viewing, whether from the ground during low water or from a skiff during high water. Other great gateways to the Amazon, especially now in the dry season, are Manaus in Brazil, Coca in Ecuador and Leticia in Colombia.

Beyond the natural attractions, visitors to the Amazon region can experience a cultural highlight every June. Also on 24 June, the jungle communities celebrate the "Fiesta de San Juan" with river baths, parades, dances, food, traditional rituals and even their own tourist week.

Península Valdés is the premier wildlife destination in Patagonia. Now in June, the first Southern Right Whales migrate to Península Valdés to calve and usually stay until Dec. Whale watching is excellent by boat, kayak and even onshore, with Aug to Oct being the best months to see them. Valdés is also one of the few places in the world where orcas deliberately beach other animals while hunting, offering the potential for unique land-based sightings.  

Southern elephant seals, sea lions anddolphins can also be seen throughout the year, while the famous Valdés Magellan penguins only arrive by sea in September.

Salta, known as the "city of eternal spring", enjoys sunny and warm weather throughout the year. While Argentinean Summers (Dec to Feb) can reach 30°C with more rainfall,  winters (Jun to Sep) are dry and pleasant, perfect for a road trip through the Humahuaca Gorge to Purmamarca, or relaxing at a beautiful winery in Cafayate. Adventurers can take a multi-day 4x4 jeep tour across the Puna plateau in the middle of the Andes to Tolar Grande and El Peñón, exploring deserts, canyons and salt lakes.

Visiting the Pantanal at this time of the year is ideal, as the dry season from May to Sep makes it easier to spot animals such as jaguars, capybaras and birds. Located in south-western Brazil, the Pantanal is one of the largest wetlands in the world and is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. At the moment, you can experience maximum sunshine and less rainfall, providing pleasant temperatures similar to the rainy season, but without the heavy downpours that can make roads impassable. The dry conditions attract animals to the remaining waterholes, improving wildlife viewing opportunities on safari. 

Now is the time to travel to Brazil for visitors seeking an authentic and less explored side of the country. A highlight are the Festas Juninas, celebrated throughout Brazil in June/July, which honour the saints Santo Antônio, São João and São Pedro with lively music, traditional dancing, delicious food and colourful costumes. Attending a Festa Junina offers a true taste of Brazilian culture, with quadrilhas (traditional folk dances), bonfires and  traditional games. Caruaru in Pernambuco and Campina Grande in Paraíba are among the most popular destinations.

For beautiful beaches, bays, islands, dunes, lagoons and reefs, Brazil's northeast coast is the place to be - from the baroque city of Salvador de Bahia to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park near São Luís. The park's stunning dunes are best visited from Jun to Sep, when the lagoons are still filled with water from the previous rainy season and rainfall is minimal, allowing for enjoyable outdoor activities. The so-called "Route of Emotions" along the northeast coast from São Luís to Jericoacoara involves exploring the Lençóis Maranhenses by boat and 4x4 jeep, showcasing its diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Known as the "most beautiful river in the world" or the "liquid rainbow", the Caño Cristales in Colombia's Serranía de la Macarena National Park is a dazzling display of vibrant colours from Jun to Nov. The river's unique hues - red, yellow, green, blue and black - come from the endemic aquatic plant Macarenia clavigera. Visit from Jul to Oct to see the river at its peak. Start from La Macarena, Meta, in Colombia's Eastern Plains, and canoe down the Guayabero River to reach the park. The area itself is a biodiversity hotspot, where the Andes meet the Amazon and Orinoco basins - and is home to many endemic species.

Colombia's rough and unexplored Pacific coast is a hidden gem of biodiversity. The highlight of any visit is watching the humpback whales around Nuquí and Bahía Solano. Every year from Jul to the end of Sep they come to give birth. It's a breathtaking experience to see these majestic creatures up close from a boat or even your hotel balcony.
In addition to whale watching, the region offers diving, surfing and swimming with dolphins and turtles. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful beaches, hot springs, mangrove tours in Coquí, river tours and bird watching.

Visiting Patagonia in local winter requires a spirit of adventure and an appreciation of the unique beauty that the current season brings to this rugged region. Chile's Torres del Paine National Park is open all year round, with 4 weekly flights to Puerto Natales in winter. Wildlife, including pumas, is easier to spot against the snowy backdrop as animals descend into the valleys in search of food.

The 5-day Winter W Trek* from Puerto Natales through Grey Glacier, French Valley and Towers Viewpoint offers experienced hikers some of Patagonia's most beautiful trails without the usual crowds. Explore nearly empty trails, beautiful winter scenery, and overnight stays in mountain refugios and cosy cabins. Don't miss the Punta Arenas Winter Carnival & Fireworks in July, this year from 21-22 July.

Tip: The Australis expedition cruise starts its new season in September, sailing around Cape Horn between Punta Arenas & Ushuaia, with special discounts of up to 50% on the first departures.

*Important: Winter conditions are dry and cold, with temperatures between -10ºC and 10ºC. Snow or ice may cover trails, so appropriate equipment is essential.

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is a year-round destination, with the current season offering a quieter, less crowded experience compared to the high season from Oct to May. The local winter brings colder temperatures, especially at night, which can drop to -20°C, causing some lagoons to freeze over and potentially limiting wildlife sightings. In the arid desert, however, rain is rare and the skies are consistently clear, ideal for stargazing. Our colleague Maylig recently returned from Atacama and highly recommends a visit during the low season. All the highlights can be visited, with the only precaution being high-altitude activities such as visiting the Tatio Geysers, where the extreme cold at 4,800m can affect the experience.

Winter transforms Chile's landscapes, with snow-capped Andes and top ski resorts such as Valle Nevado, Portillo, La Parva and El Colorado in Santiago. Further south, Nevados de Chillan in the Bio Bio region offers skiing and natural hot springs for post-ski relaxation. Chile's ski season typically runs from late Jun to Aug, sometimes extending into Sep. With 18 ski resorts, Chile offers a variety of experiences, from challenging slopes for advanced skiers, such as El Colorado/Farellones with 50 km of slopes, to family-friendly resorts, making it a prime winter sports destination.

From Jun to Sep, Ecuador's Pacific coast isn't ideal for beach holidays due to cooler temperatures and occasional cloud cover, but it's a perfect time for wildlife enthusiasts. Humpback whales have just started migrating from Antarctica to mate and give birth, and boat trips from Puerto López to Isla de la Plata or Isla Salango in Machalilla National Park offer up-close encounters with the giants and their calves.

For a more in-depth exploration of the coastal region, the boutique expedition cruise M/Y Kontiki Wayra operates from Jun to Sep, following a cultural route from Manta. The cruise includes daily guided visits to small towns, historical sites, local communities, pristine beaches, forests, wetlands and ecological reserves.

The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, with the best time to visit depending on climate and wildlife preferences. From Dec to May, despite the rainy season, warm temperatures make it ideal for swimming, diving and snorkelling. Jun to Aug marks the transition to cooler weather, but it's also the peak tourist season with higher prices due to the tourists' summer holidays. This is the time for the bigger fish, with the chance of seeing humpback whales and whale sharks on a cruise. Sep to Nov is less crowded and quieter, although the seas are rougher, which can be a challenge for those prone to seasickness. Consider more stable cruise ships or island hopping during this time.

Tip: ESAV Airlines offers new daily inter-island flights between San Cristóbal, Isabela and Baltra-Santa Cruz for those who don't want to cross by speedboat.

At this time of year, Uruguay's mild winter climate is perfect for exploring the cities and countryside. With 6-7 hours of sunshine a day and rare prolonged rainfall, winter offers tranquillity and fewer tourists, allowing for an authentic Uruguayan experience.

Known as the Tuscany of Uruguay, Carmelo is easily accessible from Uruguays capital, Montevideo or from Buenos Aires, Argentina by a 1 hour Buquebus ferry ride to Colonia del Sacramento, one of Uruguay's oldest towns, followed by a short drive to Carmelo.

Carmelo Resort & Spa, set in 45 hectares of lush forest on the banks of the La Plata River, with its own vineyards and an exclusive private beach on the river, is one of the top resorts in South America. Winter days can be spent on horseback riding through the forest and along the beach, visiting the spa with treatments, dry sauna, heated indoor pool and yoga classes in the riverside yoga studio, followed by evenings by the fire in your bungalow or suite. It's also a great time to visit wineries away from the crowds, such as Bodega Narbona, renowned for its excellent wines. A must is the sunset cruise through the islands of the Uruguayan and Argentine littoral near the Rio de la Plata on a classic 1930s boat, with cheese, charcuterie and wine on board.

Glamping Selva Iguazu, 8km from Puerto Iguazu and 20km from Argentina's Iguazú Falls, offers a unique glamping experience with 10 dome-style units and modern amenities nestled in the jungle of Selva Misionera. Packages include transfers, accommodation, all meals and excursions such as canopy tours, jungle walks and tours to the falls.

The newly opened eco-friendly Ohana Rapa Nui Boutique Hotel on Easter Island is located just 1km from Mataveri International Airport and a 25-minute walk from the town centre. Designed with a stylish Pacific aesthetic, the hotel offers modern, spacious rooms with balconies, surrounded by tropical gardens with a pool.

The Legend Paracas Resort

The Legend Paracas Resort (formerly DoubleTree by Hilton Paracas) will join the prestigious Destination by Hyatt brand in June 2024. Located on Peru's Paracas Bay, the family-friendly resort is undergoing a phased renovation that will feature 124 upgraded suites, an ocean-view pool, spa & fitness centre, new dining options and public spaces.

Lufthansa resumes non-stop flights from Munich (MUC) to São Paulo (GRU) on 9 Dec, offering a total of 15 weekly flights to Brazil. The route will be operated 3 times a week on Mon, Wed & Fri: MUC - GRU at 11:45 - 20:15 and GRU - MUC at 22:05 - 13:40 (+1).

Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) is launching a new direct route between Lima (LIM) and La Paz (LBP) in July. This route will replace some flights from Santa Cruz and will operate 3 times a week: LIM - LPB on Wed, Fri & Sun at 19:20 - 20:00 and LPB - LIM on Wed, Sat & Sun at 01:30 - 04:10.

GOL, the Brazilian low-cost airline, will be the first airline to fly non-stop from Brazil to Costa Rica, starting on 12 Nov. There will be 3 weekly flights between Sao Paulo (GRU) and San José (SJO) on Tue, Thu & Sat: GRU - SJO at 13:55 - 18:25 and SJO - GRU at 20:40 - 07:10 (+1).