Brazil Joins Peru, Chile, Colombia and More in South America to Bring You the Ultimate Winter Getaways with Warm Weather, Stunning Landscapes, and Cultural Experiences

Brazil joins Peru, Chile, Colombia, and more in South America to offer the ultimate winter getaways, making it the perfect destination for those seeking an escape from the cold. With their warm weather, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences, these countries provide travelers with a diverse range of options for winter vacations. Whether it’s enjoying Brazil’s beautiful beaches, exploring Peru’s ancient wonders, venturing through Chile’s otherworldly deserts, or immersing in Colombia’s rich culture, South America offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and discovery that makes it an unbeatable winter escape.

South America is a vast and diverse continent, home to 12 countries and several overseas territories. While well-known spots like Rio de Janeiro, Machu Picchu, and the Galápagos Islands often attract the most tourists, there are plenty of lesser-known destinations that offer unique experiences, warmth, and vibrant cultures. Here are five destinations in South America that remain hidden gems and are perfect for escaping the cold.

Medellín, Colombia
Once infamous for its association with drug cartels, Medellín has transformed into one of Colombia’s most dynamic cities, known for its innovative spirit, art, and green spaces. Often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, with temperatures averaging around 77°F, making it an attractive destination during the winter months. Despite its resurgence, Medellín attracts fewer than 1 million international visitors each year, making it a perfect off-the-beaten-path escape.

The city offers a blend of culture and nature. Comuna 13, once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods, has become a vibrant area full of colorful murals and street art. Visitors can explore the Museo de Antioquia to learn about the region’s history, or wander through Plaza Botero, which features 23 statues by the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Medellín’s culinary scene is also worth sampling, especially the local dish, bandeja paisa, a hearty platter of ground beef, pork belly, rice, beans, avocado, and plantains. For stunning city views, take a ride on the Metrocable, Medellín’s cable car system that offers breathtaking panoramas of the city and its mountainous backdrop.

The Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert, located in northern Chile, is one of the driest places on Earth, with some areas receiving no rainfall at all. Stretching nearly 1,000 miles, the desert features surreal landscapes with vivid colors and unique rock formations. Daytime temperatures hover around 80°F, but it cools down significantly at night, so packing warm layers is recommended. The Atacama Desert is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

One of the desert’s highlights is the Valley of the Moon, a dramatic landscape that resembles something from another planet. Another popular spot is Rainbow Valley, known for its colorful rock formations. El Tatio, the highest geyser field in the world at over 14,000 feet above sea level, is another must-visit. Visitors can watch steam rise from over 80 geysers at sunrise, an experience that is truly unforgettable. Despite its remote location, the Atacama Desert sees just over 300,000 visitors annually, making it a relatively undiscovered gem.

Bonito, Brazil
When most people think of Brazil, they picture its iconic beaches, vibrant cities, and lush rainforests. However, Bonito, located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, offers a completely different experience centered around ecotourism. The town is surrounded by pristine rivers, caves, and sinkholes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Snorkelers can explore the crystal-clear waters of the Prata and Sucuri rivers, where vibrant fish and underwater plants are visible.

For adventure seekers, Bonito offers hiking trails, including a trek to Boca da Onça waterfall, the tallest in the state, and a dive into Lagoa Misteriosa, a flooded cave 720 feet deep. Bonito is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with the Buraco das Araras sinkhole home to red-and-green macaws, toucans, and other exotic species. Bonito remains relatively underexplored, with just over 300,000 visitors in 2023, making it the perfect destination for travelers seeking untouched natural beauty and adventure.

San Andrés Island, Colombia
Situated in the Caribbean Sea, 200 miles off the coast of Nicaragua, San Andrés Island is a hidden gem with a unique blend of Colombian and Caribbean cultures. The island is known for its year-round warm weather, with winter temperatures averaging in the low 80s, making it an ideal tropical escape. Most visitors to the island come from mainland Colombia, meaning international tourists are relatively few, making it a more peaceful destination.

San Andrés is famous for its beautiful beaches, with Playa de Spratt Bight being the island’s largest and most accessible beach. For a quieter experience, visitors can take a boat ride to Johnny Cay, a small island known for its pristine beaches and abundant wildlife, including iguanas. The island also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, where visitors can spot an array of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and vibrant fish. San Andrés Island’s tranquil atmosphere and stunning landscapes make it a perfect winter getaway.

Arequipa, Peru
While many travelers head straight to Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Peru’s “White City,” offers an equally captivating experience. The city is known for its stunning colonial architecture, built from white volcanic stone, and its spectacular backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes. Arequipa enjoys a mild climate with 300 days of sunshine each year, and temperatures typically stay in the low 70s, making it a comfortable destination year-round. Despite its charm, Arequipa sees fewer tourists, with only around half a million visitors each year.

The city’s Plaza de Armas is home to the impressive Basilica Cathedral, and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, perfect for wandering through narrow streets lined with beautiful architecture. Arequipa is also an excellent base for exploring the nearby Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, where visitors can see the majestic Andean condor in flight.

Brazil joins Peru, Chile, Colombia, and more in South America to offer the ultimate winter getaways, with warm weather, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences, making it the perfect escape from the cold.

This list of underrated South American destinations for winter was curated based on locations with warm temperatures of at least 70°F during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months. We focused on destinations that receive fewer than 1 million international visitors annually, excluding popular tourist hubs. The selections were made by considering traveler reviews, media coverage, and travel blog recommendations, helping highlight some of South America’s best-kept secrets that offer warmth, culture, and unique experiences.

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