Best Things To Do in South and Central America – APRIL Guide

If you happen to be reading through all of our month-by-month best of’ guides, you’re probably seeking that sweet spot: that month of the year when everything, or at least the great majority of Latin American destinations, are at their best. Well…consider it found.

Welcome to what we like to call…Awesome April!

April marks the start of autumn in the southern region of Latin America and the start of spring in the northern. It’s that super sweet shoulder-season that spells perfection just about EVERYWHERE. For the next two months, travels through the whole continent will be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. The crowds of the most popular periods are absent, the colder high-Andes will be warming up and stifling Central and Caribbean destinations will be drying up and cooling down.

In the southern region of Latin America, Patagonia, April carries a sensational blanket of warm, earthy hues. ‘Foliage-spotting tours in Patagonia’ are totally a thing, down here, with the visual feast attracting visitors from all over the globe. Luckily, however, there’s SO much more to April Patagonia travels than just pretty leaves!

And yes…Patagonia in April is sooo pruuuddy…

From the frigid south to the exotic north, Latin America offers a bevy of super cool experiences in April. Here are just some of the brilliant experiences you can best enjoy….on the 4^th month of the year.

Amazon Cruises in April

The heart of the rain season in the Amazon Rainforest spells absolute H.E.A.V.E.N. for cruising aficionados. In Peru’s Iquitos, the remote springboard for fabulous Amazon cruising, high-water levels in the Amazon River and all her mighty tributaries mean you can explore further by small ship cruising than at any other time of year.

The flooded plains of the Amazon are resplendent at this time of year and the largest river in the world, will reach an outpour of an eye-watering 32 million gallons of water, every single second. Wildlife abounds at any time of year in the Amazon yet during this ‘flood’ season, as it is known locally, there is a greater variety in animal sightings. This is partly due to the fact that you could literally be sailing half way up the canopy of trees (given the high river levels) but mostly, it is due to the fact that flowers and trees will be blooming, enticing more birds and monkeys to come out from their hiding spots.

If you crave up close and personal animal encounters and are really dreaming of day-long hikes in this thick, luscious wilderness, then April may not be right for you. If, however, you dream of a totally luxurious wilderness watching experience where, say, you’re reclining back on a plush chair on the outer deck of your ship, cocktail in hand, whilst meandering along the banks of the mighty Amazon watching monkeys do cartwheels right in front of your eyes…then yes, April is tailor-made for you.

The BIG Five in April

The BIG Five are the most revered and sought-after highlights in South America, spanning the entire continent and including a most impressive variety of thrills and unforgettable experiences. Only problem? You’d be hard-pressed to find many months of the year when all of them are ripe for the picking, simultaneously. But April is your lucky month!

From the breathtaking heights of Machu Phiccu in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, to the bluest depths of the Galapagos Island in Ecuador, righty by a jaunt in the Amazon Rainforest, a splash at Iguazu Falls and a jolly good time in thrilling Rio de Janeiro: if you’re dreaming of a whirlwind month-long adventure, conquering South America’s Big Five, then NOW is when you should be casting off. From the beginning of April right up until the end of May, you’ll find these Big Five destinations at their very best.

Check out here how our Travel Agent John enjoyed his visit to the Iguazu Falls!

The Andes in April

April marks the start of the dry season in the Andean region of Peru and Bolivia and this is an especially rewarding time to head up those stunning peaks. Ever seen those utterly inspiring photos of Machu Picchu framed by verdant green hills and iconic snow-covered peaks? Yep, they were probably taken in April.

As the Andes and Inca Trail dry up after a refreshing rainy season, you’ll find the mountains regions ideal for hiking, with fewer people, crystal clear skies and fresh temperatures. The most sensational destinations in the Andes include Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, Lake Titicaca and the Bolivian Altiplano, a crossing of which leads you from the mesmerizing Salar Uyuni right up to our next ‘best in April’ destination.

The Atacama Desert in April

Chile’s Atacama Desert is one of the world’s best stargazing meccas yet this is one place that’s as magical by daytime as it is under a fabulous blanket of stars. In April, daytime temps are kept at bay which means more enjoyable tours and treks through the ethereal landscapes. Farther afield in Chile, in perhaps the Atacama’s antipode, Easter Island is also ideal to visit this month, as summer temps in the high 20s will have dwindled down somewhat, making for cooler and more comfortable hiking.

The BIG April caveat: Semana Santa

Easter is a huge travel time for all of Latin America and an even busier spell than Christmas. Now, Easter Sunday itself is actually quiet, almost eerily so, but it’s the week that proceeds it that is a really, REALLY big deal in the Latino world. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a week-athon of incredible festivals held all over the continent. Mexico is a particularly amazing place to visit during this cultural festival. Parades, processions, fireworks, food, music…you name it…they have it. Yet although this cultural experience is not without its merits for discerning foreign tourists, Semana Santa also translates to huge crowds, higher prices and impossible-to-find, last-minute deals. If any of these three make you wince in despair, then do keep the Easter date in mind and plan your travels through Latin America to avoid the preceding week. Otherwise, plan and book well ahead of time and have a sensational experience celebrating with locals, no matter where you go.

April is the start of Latin America’s best travel season and you’ll find more destinations at their prime than you could ever visit in a lifetime. Itching to plan your own Awesome April Adventure?? Call us! We’ll share more of our insider’s tips and help you plan an unforgettable journey through this phenomenal continent.