July is a great time to visit South America. While people in the northern part of the world are in the midst of summer, many places in South America experience cool, dry weather, which is great for traveling. This is one of the best months to see the mountains, deserts, lakes, and cities without dealing with heavy rain or extreme heat.
You can hike to famous sites like Machu Picchu, stargaze in the Atacama Desert, explore the salt flats in Bolivia, or even go skiing in Patagonia. The skies stay clear, the roads are easier to travel, and nature looks its best.
To help you choose where to go, we’ve put together this list of the 10 best places to visit in South America in July. These destinations are at their peak this time of year, with great weather, exciting things to do, and fewer travel problems.
Key Takeaways
- Travel in July to enjoy the best weather for hiking, sightseeing, and safe movement across the Andes and deserts.
- Book your Galápagos trip early, as July is the peak season for wildlife and tours sell out fast.
- Add variety to your trip by including city stops like Santiago or Rio and winter fun in Bariloche or Pucón.
1. La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz is the world’s highest capital city, sitting at 3,640 meters above sea level. July is the best time to visit because it’s the driest month of the year, with daytime temperatures around 15°C. The clear skies and dry roads make it safe to travel in and out of the city.
La Paz is full of interesting sights. You can visit the Witches’ Market for traditional herbs and spiritual items, or go to the Coca Museum to learn about coca leaf history. The city’s cable car system, Mi Teleférico, gives great views over the valley. July is also the safest time for road trips, especially because many roads outside the city are not paved and can become hard to use during the rainy season.
2. Salar de Uyuni and the Altiplano, Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world. In July, it’s completely dry, which makes it safe for long 4×4 trips across the salt crust. You won’t see the famous mirror effect from the rainy season, but you will see endless white salt stretching to the horizon.
The surrounding Altiplano is filled with bright red and green lagoons, geysers, and unusual rock formations shaped by wind. These areas are part of the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. Many travelers go on a multi-day trip starting from Uyuni and crossing all the way to Chile’s Atacama Desert.
In this region, you can even stay in salt hotels—hotels built almost entirely out of salt—which makes it one of the most unique things to do in South America.
3. Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia
Lake Titicaca is shared by Peru and Bolivia. It’s the world’s highest navigable lake, sitting at 3,812 meters. In July, the skies are almost always cloudless, and the dry weather makes boat trips smoother.
From Bolivia, travelers go to Copacabana and then take a boat to Sun Island, which is said to be the birthplace of the Inca sun god. From Peru, the main base is the city of Puno. From there, you can visit the Uros Floating Islands, made from totora reeds, and also Taquile Island, where locals still follow ancient customs.
July is the perfect time to enjoy the lake and the views of the Andes. You can also add cities like Sucre and Potosí to make your Bolivian trip more complete.
4. Machu Picchu and the Andes, Peru
Machu Picchu, one of the most famous sites in the world, is in Peru. July is the most popular time to visit because it’s also the driest, which means no rain, clear mountain views, and safe trails. The only downside is that the popular Inca Trail gets booked up months in advance.
If the Inca Trail is full, there are other great options like the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or Inca Jungle Trail. All these routes go through forests, valleys, and high mountain passes before reaching the lost city of Machu Picchu.
You can also explore Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo on your way. Start from Cusco and travel through the Sacred Valley. Even with bigger crowds, July has the best conditions for hiking and sightseeing in the Andes.
5. Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert is the driest desert in the world. In July, the days are cooler, and the skies are perfectly clear, to the point it is one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. This is the top month for astronomy tours and visits to world-class observatories.
The town of San Pedro de Atacama is your base. From there, you can visit geysers, flamingo lagoons, salt flats, and Moon Valley. The landscape is full of red rocks, dry valleys, and salt-covered ground that looks like Mars.
July’s cooler temperatures also make hiking easier compared to the hot summer months. Many travelers stay in desert lodges that offer night sky tours. If you’re into astronomy or just want to see something truly different, this is the best time to go.
6. Santiago, Chile
Santiago is the capital of Chile, and in July, it has mild winter weather with temperatures around 16°C. The city is surrounded by snow-covered mountains, and this time of year also brings the lowest levels of air pollution, so the views are sharp and clear.
The city has museums, theaters, and great food. You can visit vineyards and thermal springs within just an hour of the city. July is also ski season, and nearby resorts like Valle Nevado offer good slopes. Since it’s winter, the city is quieter and mostly visited by travelers from Europe and North America.
With its clean air, winter fun, and cultural attractions, Santiago is a place where you can enjoy both city life and outdoor adventure in one trip.
7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In July, Rio is warm but not hot, with temperatures in the low 20s°C, which makes it ideal for walking tours and sightseeing without the high heat and humidity of summer.
You can still enjoy Copacabana Beach for a few hours in the middle of the day. The cooler weather also means it’s more comfortable to explore Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the trails in Tijuca Forest.
July is outside the busy festival season, so the city feels more relaxed. It’s the best time to explore Rio’s natural and cultural sites without big crowds.
8. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands are one of the top wildlife destinations in the world. In July, the weather is cooler, with average daytime temperatures in the mid-20s°C. The sea can be rougher and there may be light rain, but most time is spent on land or in calm bays, so trips are not affected much.
This month is one of the best times for wildlife. You can see humpback whales, blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, sea lions, and marine iguanas. Many animals are in their mating or nesting seasons, so they’re active and easy to observe.
While it’s one of the more expensive places to visit, July is well worth the cost if you want to see nature at its best.
9. Salta and Jujuy, Argentina
Salta and Jujuy are in northwest Argentina. This area is full of valleys, colored mountains, and quiet villages. If you go here in July, the weather is dry, and roads are open, which is important because the area is often hit by floods during the rainy season.
Salta is a pretty colonial city where you can start your trip. From there, you can go to the Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca, the Salinas Grandes salt flats, and the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a scenic valley listed as a UNESCO site.
These places are far from the usual tourist trail, so they’re perfect for a quiet adventure. July is the best month to visit because everything is open, dry, and easy to reach.
10. Bariloche and Pucón, Patagonia
Saving arguably the most magical places to visit in South America for last: Bariloche (Argentina) and Pucón (Chile). Snow sports lovers will find themselves in paradise; in July, this is the middle of winter in the southern hemisphere, so it’s perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and relaxing by a fire.
Bariloche looks like a European village, with chocolate shops, lakes, and snowy forests. Pucón has hot springs, volcano views, and fun winter activities without the crowds.
These towns are good choices for travelers from the Northern Hemisphere who want a ski trip while it’s summer back home.
Don’t Miss the Best Season to Travel
You really don’t have to miss this. Don’t tell me you’re going to push it off and “plan it next year” again. How many times have you said that before? We’re already heading into July. So stop overthinking, stop with the what-ifs, and just go.
This is the best time to see South America at its finest. The skies are clear, trails are dry, wildlife is out, and the cities are alive.
Trips like this don’t wait—and they don’t happen by accident. You make them happen.
Book the flight. Pack your bag. Make this July one to remember.
