The Best Places to Visit in South and Central America in Autumn
Content and CRM Executive
Swap the Northern Hemisphere’s fall season and head south for springtime in South and Central America. It’s bursting with culture and natural beauty at this time of year, and these small-group trips will show you exactly why.
When temperatures begin to drop and the days shorten north of the equator, the buds of spring start blooming in South and Central America. Whether you’re in it for endemic wildlife on the Galápagos Islands, palm-fringed beaches in Colombia or volcanic hot springs in Costa Rica, these are the places you should visit in autumn.
Colombia’s Caribbean coast, for beautiful beaches and jungle trekking
If you’re considering an autumn beach getaway, consider heading to the north coast of Colombia for a slice of Caribbean paradise. The walled city of Cartagena is home to some of the country’s most attractive architecture and a carnival atmosphere, while the Rosario Islands are a tranquil, tropical haven, ideally suited to snorkeling among coral reefs and shoals of colorful fish. You’ll visit both on this eight-day tour from Culture Trip, as well as kayaking through mangroves in La Boquilla, trekking through dense jungle in Tayrona National Park and chilling on the white sand beaches of Palomino. Expect the occasional downpour at this time of year, but consistently warm weather and plenty of sun.
From US$1711
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cartagena, Colombia
ENDS AT
Santa Marta, Colombia
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
The Galápagos Islands, for snorkelling with sea turtles and sea lions
The Galápagos Islands deserve a place on any wildlife lover’s bucket list, with a rich variety of extraordinary species on land and at sea, including many not found anywhere else in the world. Autumn coincides with the dry, slightly cooler season, offering prime wildlife-viewing conditions. On this five-day express tour from Culture Trip, you’ll kayak among white-tipped reef sharks in the Itabaca Channel, sleep in a safari tent in the Santa Cruz highlands, surrounded by Galápagos giant tortoises, and swim with sea lions and marine iguanas off the coast of San Cristóbal. Meanwhile, an optional snorkelling or scuba diving trip to Kicker Rock gives you the chance to spot Galápagos sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles and plenty more.
From US$1869
Next available from 6th Jan 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
ENDS AT
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Peru, for Inca ruins and local cuisine
Head to Peru this autumn on our epic nine-day adventure. Starting in Cusco, you’ll take part in a Peruvian cooking class before departing for the Sacred Valley to discover archeological ruins. The highlight of the trip is a visit to Machu Picchu – set high in the Andes, these Inca ruins are one of the seven wonders of the world for good reason. Next, trek through Colca Canyon and spot giant condors flying above, and head to Arequipa, where you’ll tour the city’s amazing picanterias (local lunchtime restaurants).
From US$1824
Next available from 1st Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cusco, Peru
ENDS AT
Arequipa, Peru
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Costa Rica, for cloud forest sloths and volcanic hot springs
Shoulder season in Costa Rica means lower costs and less crowds, so you can enjoy the natural bounties of this Central American paradise without bumping elbows with endless tourists. Our trip starts with a few days exploring Costa Rica’s volcanic region, from coffee grown on the land’s fertile grounds to the geothermal hot springs generated by Arenal volcano. Then we’ll head into the cloud forests of the uplands to spot sloths and learn how to cook authentic local cuisine. We’ll end up in the laid-back surf town of Tamarindo, where you can ride the Pacific waves and opt for a calming yoga session.
From US$2099
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
San Jose, Costa Rica
ENDS AT
Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
17
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Brazil, to avoid the droves of peak season tourists
Our Dazzling Brazil trip starts in one metropolis, Sao Paulo, and ends in another, Rio de Janeiro. Both cities have a joyously energetic spirit, but that can get a little too intense when you’re dealing with tourists too, especially on the beaches of Rio, when you just want to bask in the glorious scenery. That’s why shoulder season is so good here. The weather is still lovely, but the crowds are so much smaller. Join us for a trendy tour of Sao Paulo, a rural retreat in coastal Paraty Bay, and four days of samba learning, sunset sipping and beach-time aplenty in Rio.
From US$2099
Next available from 8th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Sao Paulo, Brazil
ENDS AT
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Ecuador, for natural biodiversity in full springtime bloom
The wonder of Ecuador is its incredible array of landscapes – from Amazon to Andes – within such a small country. September in particular is an amazing time of year to visit and make the most of this rich biodiversity. Our eight-day trip starts and ends in charming Quito, where we’ll get stuck into an Ecuadorian cooking class before heading out horse-riding in Cotopaxi National Park, hiking around Quilotoa crater lake and cycling the stunning Baños Waterfall Route.
From US$1459
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Quito, Ecuador
ENDS AT
Quito, Ecuador
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
This is an updated version of an article originally written by Louis Rabinowitz, with additional words from Maja Proescholdt.
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Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
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I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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