Most of South America is south of the equator which means that a good portion of it has significantly warm or hot climate. This is the kind of climate that makes it such a perfect destination for any South America vacation, with its countless sparkling beaches, cozy prairies, and striking deserts. However, there are also places of extreme cold in the continent for those who want to experience not necessarily ice and cold, but certainly another temperate extreme. Here are some of South America’s chilliest but most beautiful destinations. Cusco, Peru – The ancient Inca city sits at an altitude of more than 11,500 feet above sea level, requiring most travelers to acclimate to the height for at least 1 or 2 days before continuing on to explore Machu Picchu or embark on the Inca Trail.
High up in the Andes, cold is always present in Cusco, although the afternoon sun provides some reprieve. Be sure to warm up with a hot cup of coca tea, which also helps tremendously with the altitude, or warp up in a few layers of alpaca sweaters and scarves so characteristic of this traditional corner of Peru. As well, bundle up in the morning trip to Machu Picchu where the pre-sunrise fog and mist don’t yet allow the sunrays to heat you up. Ushuaia, Argentina – Ushuaia proudly calls itself the southernmost city on earth, and the magnificent landscapes so far from everything else is a testament to its extreme location. Sitting in the very depths of Patagonia, the city is a great addition to any Argentina holidays especially for travelers seeking something entirely different. If the chill of Ushuaia doesn’t do it for you, consider taking an Argentina to Antarctica cruise where you can experience the world’s most elusive 7th continent.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia – The world’s largest salt lake is not a place for those who get cold easily. Some points are as high as 4,300 meters above sea level, and the nights can get truly freezing, so bring a great sleeping bag and coat to ward off nature’s wrath. During a Salar de Uyuni tour, visitors will get to see some spectacular natural landscapes such as wide expanses of glistening white flatness, and if lucky enough to venture to the salt lake after a rain, the entire place turns into the world’s largest natural mirror. Views like that make the climate worth the effort.