Best places to travel to South America and Antartica in September
As we say goodbye to the peak tourist season, we begin to experience the best that South America has to offer - everything is at its best, right now, making September an absolutely ideal month for travel.
Here's a quick summary of trips to South America and Antarctica in September:
- Spring arrives in central South America, bringing with it warmer temperatures in the high Andes, making multi-day excursions even more enjoyable.
- The capitals are now at their best: bursting with colorful flowers and with inhabitants wanting to spend more time outdoors.
- Visit Machu Picchu in September and you'll find much smaller crowds at the site itself and greater hotel availability (and lower prices) in both Machu Picchu Pueblo and Cusco
- In the south, Easter Island begins to dry out from its rainy season, revealing lush nature that makes hiking here an absolute delight. The later in September you visit this fascinating Chilean island, the drier you will find it.
- Some stretches of the Amazon rainforest are now at their driest (especially in Peru), making lodge adventures ideal. The dry season in the Amazon means that land excursions can be extensive and that wildlife comes out of hiding to cool off on river banks, making them easier to see.
- The summer heat and heavy rains take a break in Colombia, so if travel and sightseeing to Cartagena, Bogotá and Medellín are in your plans, this is the perfect month to visit them.
- Everyone is starting to flee Central America because they fear that the big rains will arrive but, in reality, they are still a few weeks away. Traveling in this tropical region during the green season can be exceptional, especially if you have enough time to absorb a few downpours.
- Patagonia welcomes spring slowly but surely. As hotels and hiking trails begin to welcome the year's new guests, you'll find Patagonia's natural treasures at their most pristine.
- In general, if you have an aversion to large crowds and inflated tourist prices, you will find September an ideal month for traveling in South America.
Table
The best city breaks in September
1. Santiago, Chile
Temperatures are starting to rise in the Chilean capital, which is excellent news for those wishing to embark on their South American adventures from here (thanks, Air New Zealand!). With daily averages of around 20 degrees, Santiago is perfect in September, especially since these colder months keep smog at bay. You have to be in the city from the 18th, when the entire country erupts in the week-long celebration of its revered Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias). While there are endless outdoor parties, huge street barbecues, music, dancing and lots of potent wine, it also means the whole country is taking a 'mini-vacation', so everything needs to be booked well in advance.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
South America's most beautiful capital blooms in September, with spring as a backdrop to its colorful foliage. The sweetest season of the year is divine, with still-frosty mornings making shopping and sightseeing easy; Just bring a warm jacket and be thankful you're not visiting during the sweltering summer months, when going outside can be really difficult. However, if you can, plan your visit to Buenos Aires as late as possible in September, to allow for more hours of sunlight during the day.
3. Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia enjoys its second dry season in September, a month that falls right between the two wettest periods of all. Crowds are thin as the northern summer period has ended, and while there may still be a few afternoon showers, they're usually not enough to drown out travel plans. If you visit Cartagena in September, you can score some amazing travel deals, which in our opinion means you can travel for longer. The city enjoys warm temperatures year-round, but September's cloud cover makes it a perfect month for extensive exploration, especially in the mornings. Cartagena is the most precious treasure of the colonial era in Latin America, with an old town that is a perfect postcard. Nearby, you can explore the spectacular Tayrona National Park or hop on a ferry to reach one of the many dreamy islands just a stone's throw from the historic city. Considering the growing popularity of Colombia and Cartagena in particular, it's really great to travel here at this quieter time of year.
The best experiences with nature in September
1. Patagonia – hiking and road trips
September is a magical time to visit Patagonia, especially if you dream of going puma and seeing the most famous national parks with just a handful of tourists. The lack of crowds makes it easy to spot wildlife in Torres del Paine, and when it comes to the spectacular landscapes, you'll be ecstatic to see them almost completely deserted. Most of Patagonia's attractions remain open year-round, but in September you'll find them in full bloom, barely seeing a step on even the most popular trails. Please note that temperatures will still be quite low (the daytime average is around 8ºC), but since the summer winds have died down, it is quite easy to cope with the cold as long as you wear the right clothing.
2. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The great chances of spotting dolphins and whales are what attracts September visitors to the Galapagos, despite it being the second coldest month of the year (after August). However, the "fresh" winds of September keep the humidity at bay, which for many is a very positive thing. Cooler temperatures in wildlife-rich destinations also tend to translate into greater animal activity, and the Galapagos are no exception. The sea lions, Galapagos penguins and fur seals are out as mating season begins in earnest. September is also the nesting season for many of the seabirds that live in the Galapagos, so you will be able to see many blue-footed boobies and Galapagos albatrosses.
3. Atacama Desert, Chile
As temperatures begin to rise slightly in the driest desert on Earth, it is much more pleasant to go hiking and go out at night to contemplate the amazing starry skies. The peak tourist season is still far away (most people come at the end of the year) and, although Atacama is a huge desert and never crowded, its main base, San Pedro de Atacama, can fill up with visitors. This is another reason to enjoy a quieter and cheaper visit in September. If you are lucky enough to have rain during your stay here, keep an eye out for the rare bloom of wildflowers, it is absolutely stunning.
4. Iguazú Falls, Brazil and Argentina
The most impressive waterfalls in all of South America (if not the world) are wonderful to visit at any time of year, as every season offers something unique. To tell the truth, September is quite an underrated month, as many assume that the low water level makes the falls not as impressive. But how wrong they are! First of all, keep in mind that Iguazú is an extraordinary force of nature. Yes, even at the lowest water levels of the year, which, by the way, are still considerable. However, the great thing about a visit in September is that you can see and do so much more, precisely because the island is not flooded and splashes of water do not soak you a mile away. With its labyrinth of hiking trails, its striking fauna reserve and so many corners from which to photograph the falls, it is priceless to get up close to the falls. There's no denying that when they're at their peak, Iguazu Falls is mind-blowing, but we promise the "WOW" factor won't be diluted in the slightest if you visit in September.
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▷ Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.
This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.
Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:
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