To plan your perfect off-season trip, this guide focuses on the best South America cities in autumn, detailing culture, weather, and unique seasonal experiences.
Buenos Aires in autumn: Tango, culture and mild weather
In Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, autumn is felt in April and May. The oppressive summer heat diminishes, and the air cools down. Along the city’s wide boulevards and in its parks, the trees turn yellow, and the scenery shifts for those out walking. This period is also a lively time culturally: the International Book Fair and the independent film festival BAFICI take place, while the sound of tango drifts from the cafés. With its European-inspired architecture, Buenos Aires, often called the “Paris of the South,” adopts a nostalgic and inspiring atmosphere in the autumn light. If you wish to experience the calm of autumn here and listen to tango melodies, you can make it a reality by booking your flight to Buenos Aires. To plan your time most effectively in the city, don’t forget to check out our article “1 City, 3 Days: Buenos Aires”.
To capture the spirit of the city: When you think of Buenos Aires, tango and history come to mind, and one of the works that best reflects this is Alan Parker’s film “Evita.” Based on real events, this musical narrates the life story of Eva Perón and portrays the atmosphere of Buenos Aires in the 1940s. Starring Madonna, Evita became unforgettable with the performance of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from the balcony of the Casa Rosada. Through this film, you witness the history of Buenos Aires while also feeling the city’s passionate spirit and the nostalgic aura accompanied by the strains of tango.
Must-try flavors before you go: On autumn evenings, as the weather cools, locals in Buenos Aires fill the parks with mate cups in hand. Mate is a traditional drink made by steeping dried yerba leaves in hot water inside a special gourd. Its distinctive bitter herbal flavor may surprise those unfamiliar at first sip, but you must try it to truly connect with the city’s spirit. Especially in autumn’s cool air, you will see groups of friends sharing mates; this simple ritual symbolizes friendship and culture in Buenos Aires.
Santiago in autumn: Vendimia festivals and Andean views
At the foothills of the Andes, Santiago welcomes visitors with a calm and cool beauty in autumn. As the dry summer ends, the air gently cools, and with the grape harvest season, vineyards near the city are covered in golden leaves. Trees turn yellow and red along the banks of the Mapocho River, while from Cerro San Cristóbal, you can see the city’s green spaces painted in autumn colors. Around April, the vineyard regions host harvest festivals known as “Vendimia”, where locals celebrate with grape-stomping competitions and folkloric dances. By May, the Andean peaks in the city’s background begin to turn white with the first snow, creating a stunning contrast with the orange autumn leaves. For more information about Santiago and its surroundings, see our article, “The Capital and Cities of Chile”.
To capture the spirit of the city: Isabel Allende’s “The House of the Spirits” is an excellent choice for understanding Chile’s spirit and historical atmosphere. Allende’s multigenerational family saga depicts the social realities of 20th-century Chile through magical realism. On an autumn evening, reading this book in a café while sipping your coffee can transport you on an inspiring journey into Santiago’s rich history and culture.
Must-try flavors before you go: Sopaipilla is a round fried pastry made with pumpkin purée and is traditionally Chile’s favorite rainy-day snack. The sweet version, known as sopaipillas pasadas, is prepared by dipping the fried dough into a molasses-based syrup, warming up a cold autumn evening. As you follow the sweet aroma of freshly fried sopaipillas through the streets, you’ll discover a flavor whose soft texture and cinnamon-clove syrup let you truly taste the season.
Montevideo in autumn
On the opposite shore of the Río de la Plata, Montevideo adopts a calm and welcoming atmosphere in autumn. From March to May, Uruguay’s capital leaves behind the lively energy of summer. The streets, along with the city’s famous seaside avenues and parks, become tranquil. Daytime temperatures average around 20°C, and the stifling humidity eases. One of the season’s top pleasures is strolling through Prado Park, with its tree-lined paths covered in yellowing leaves, and enjoying the city’s greenery in the gentle cool breeze. During this time, the Semana Criolla (Gaucho Week) festival takes place during Easter week, celebrating the city’s traditional side. In the Prado neighborhood, gauchos in traditional dress showcase their skills on horseback, while folk music and dance performances bring rural culture to the city’s life. For more information about Montevideo and Uruguay, see our article “The Capital and Cities of Uruguay”.
To capture the spirit of the city: To feel Montevideo’s melancholic yet gentle soul, 25 Watts by Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll is an ideal choice. This Uruguayan film follows three young men spending a Saturday wandering the streets of Montevideo. By capturing the humor and silence hidden in ordinary moments, it portrays the city’s daily life through the lens of youthful searching. When you visit Montevideo, you can experience the city not only through cinema but also through the lively rhythm of its streets, as it hosts one of the world’s longest carnivals. From late January to mid-March, the carnival lasts about 40–50 days, turning the city into an almost nonstop festival ground.
Must-try flavors before you go: The pride of Uruguayan cuisine, chivito, is a flavor you must not miss in Montevideo. This hearty sandwich is made with thin slices of steak layered inside soft bread along with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, olives, and a hard-boiled egg. Rich in ingredients, the chivito virtually represents Uruguay’s passion for meat and its culture of hospitality.
Rio de Janeiro in autumn: Best weather for beaches and hikes
In Rio de Janeiro, autumn is a relatively cool and pleasant period when the intense heat of summer subsides. During these months, temperatures stay around 25–30°C, but humidity and rainfall drop significantly, freeing the city from the oppressive summer air. Although the carnival crowds of March have gone, Rio’s energy continues throughout the year. In April and May, the beaches and tourist spots are quieter, and prices start to fall compared to the busy summer season.An autumn walk around the Lagoa or in the Jardim Botânico is calming, with gentle breezes and tropical flowers in bloom. Toward sunset, climbing Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) or the hilltop crowned by Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado reveals the city bathed in golden light. By May, as rainfall decreases in the mountains, hiking trails and waterfalls in the Tijuca Forest also become appealing options. In autumn, Rio de Janeiro shows both its vibrant and more relaxed sides, blending samba rhythms with sea breezes. For more information on places to visit, local experiences, and recommendations in Rio de Janeiro, see our article “1 City, 3 Days: Rio de Janeiro”.
To capture the spirit of the city: If one were to capture Rio de Janeiro’s colorful and musical atmosphere in a film, the Oscar-winning “Black Orpheus” would be an excellent choice. This classic by French director Marcel Camus transposes the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice into the heart of Rio’s 1950s Carnival. While Black Orpheus reflects the exuberance of the Carnival, it also portrays the spirit and tragedy of Rio during that time through stunning cinematography. As you watch, a captivating love story unfolding among the carnival crowds allows you to feel both the joyful and melancholic souls of Rio de Janeiro.
Must-try flavors before you go: A trip to Rio won’t be complete without tasting Brazil’s national dish, feijoada. Traditionally served on Saturday afternoons in many restaurants, this hearty stew is made by slow-cooking black beans with a variety of meats. Accompanied by rice, orange slices, toasted manioc flour, and collard greens, feijoada represents a rich heritage with roots tracing back to Africa.
La Paz in autumn: Clear skies and El Gran Poder festival
One of the highest capitals in the world, La Paz offers a refreshing experience with crisp mountain air in autumn. By late March, the rainy season ends, and the skies clear to a bright blue in April and May. At an elevation of 3,600 meters, days in La Paz are mild, but nights are quite cold, so it is common to see people wrapped in traditional ponchos on the streets. Autumn is also the time for one of La Paz’s most significant cultural events, the El Gran Poder festival, held in late May or early June. During this spectacular street carnival, more than 30,000 dancers and musicians, wearing colorful masks and embroidered costumes, fill the city streets with hours of lively performances. With fewer tourists in autumn, you can walk more peacefully through the Witches’ Market and ride the cable cars without queues to enjoy bird’s-eye views of the city. Meanwhile, the snow settling on Mount Illimani by May creates a stunning backdrop to La Paz’s autumn landscape.
To capture the spirit of the city: La Paz is an extraordinary capital that has attracted attention from both cinema and literature. American Visa (2005), adapted from Juan de Recacoechea’s novel, brought the city’s streets and complex atmosphere to the big screen. More recently, Kiro Russo’s The Great Movement (2021) depicted daily life in La Paz with a poetic touch of magical realism. In both works, La Paz appears not just as a background but as a unique urban setting where characters and stories develop.
Must-try flavors before you go: One of the most beloved street foods in Bolivian cuisine, the “salteña,” is something you will often come across in the mornings on the streets of La Paz. A type of baked empanada filled with a juicy meat stew, what makes it special is the rich broth inside and its slightly sweet dough. Usually eaten before 11 a.m., this snack is carefully consumed with a salteña in one hand and a napkin in the other, since the delicious sauce tends to spill out with the first bite. Beef or chicken cooked with potatoes, carrots, peas, and spices, sometimes with an olive or a slice of hard-boiled egg, creates the unique filling of the salteña. Stopping by a bakery mid-morning for a hot salteña accompanied by a cup of sweet “api” (a warm drink made from purple corn) is the perfect way to start the day like a local.
San Carlos de Bariloche in autumn: Patagonia’s peak colors and chocolate festival
The fairytale mountain town of Bariloche, in northern Patagonia, transforms the landscape into a true riot of color in autumn. The season of falling leaves begins in late March and peaks in April. Beech, poplar, and birch trees display every shade from yellow to orange, red to brown, turning the forests into a living painting. Along the lakeside trails, the reflection of crimson leaves on the calm blue waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi is breathtaking. By mid-April, the city hosts the country’s National Chocolate Festival. Coinciding with Easter week, this event fills the streets of Bariloche with a sweet buzz of activity. The world-famous Bariloche chocolates are celebrated, the world’s longest chocolate bar is created, chocolate sculptures are displayed, and free tastings are available on every corner. During this time, as you stroll down the city’s main street, Mitre, the air is filled with the irresistible aroma of cocoa.
To capture the spirit of the city: The Netflix production “Almost Family” (2025) is a lighthearted family comedy about a Brazilian father coming to terms with his daughter marrying an Argentine. Directed by Felipe Joffily, the film humorously explores cultural differences while also showcasing the enchanting landscapes of Bariloche. Nestled in the heart of Patagonia, the city, with its snowcapped mountains, lakes, and warm atmosphere, adds both visual richness and emotional depth to the story.
Must-try flavors before you go: Bariloche is one of the top destinations for chocolate lovers. The chocolatiers in the city center are famous for their delicious homemade creations. Especially around Easter in autumn, shop windows are filled with giant decorated chocolate eggs and rabbit figures. Be sure to visit boutique chocolatiers like Mamuschka, Rapa Nui, and Tante Frida to sample pralines with various fillings and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
Valparaíso in autumn
The bohemian port city of Valparaíso on Chile’s Pacific coast continues to shine with vibrant colors in autumn. The hundreds of brightly painted houses rising along Valparaíso’s maze-like hills appear even more vivid under the red and orange glow of the autumn sun. While the city’s climate means there is no substantial fall of leaves, in April and May, the light morning fog and drizzling rain give Valparaíso a romantic atmosphere. During this season, tourist crowds are fewer than in the summer months, making it easier to enjoy the murals hidden in side streets and to travel between the hills on the city’s historic elevators. Valparaíso also maintains its cultural and artistic scene alive in autumn, with frequent exhibitions in small galleries, poetry readings, and alternative music performances. The home of renowned poet Pablo Neruda, known as “La Sebastiana” and now a museum, remains a must-see for art lovers visiting the city.
To capture the city’s soul: One of the best ways to understand Valparaíso is to refer to Pablo Neruda’s poem “Ode to Valparaíso.” In it, Neruda depicts the city as a living being, giving voice to its chaotic charm, steep hills filled with colorful houses, and free-spirited character.
Must-try flavors before you go: Valparaíso is the birthplace of the famous chorrillana, a dish that originated in student hangouts and spread across Chile. Served on a generous platter, it layers crispy fries with strips of sautéed onion and pieces of beef, topped with fried eggs. It’s a hearty, authentic meal right here in the city.
Asunción in autumn
Asunción, the capital of Paraguay and one of South America’s lesser-known areas, breathes easier in autumn after the hot summer days. The intense heat gives way to milder, drier weather in March and April. Afternoons average around 25–28°C, humidity decreases, and evenings feel pleasantly cool. The quiet streets are filled with the scent of citrus and jacaranda trees. Semana Santa (Holy Week), which usually falls in late March or April, holds deep cultural significance in Paraguay. During this period, life in Asunción adopts a different rhythm. Walking through the city in autumn, you’ll notice a blend of contrasts: modern cafés and art galleries opening, while age-old traditions stay rooted in the city’s spirit. Strolling along Paraguarí Street under the shade of historic buildings, and watching the sunset over the Paraguay River, is one of the most beautiful ways to experience Asunción’s modest yet warm autumn charm. For more about the capital and the country, see our guide, “Paraguay: Its capital and other cities.”
Catch the spirit of the city: Asunción is a capital that occasionally appears in Latin American cinema, yet it remains largely undiscovered. Its warm colors, lively streets, and busy markets often attract independent filmmakers eager to showcase everyday Paraguayan life. In films like Los Buscadores (2017), the city’s historic neighborhoods and downtown emerge not just as a backdrop but as elements that influence the story’s pace and the characters’ search.
Must-try flavors before you go: At the top of the list is chipa, often considered Paraguay’s national dish and especially popular during Easter in Asunción. This ring-shaped bread, made with cornmeal, starch, Paraguayan cheese, eggs, and milk, is baked in wood-fired ovens until its crust becomes slightly firm while the inside stays soft and richly cheesy. Visit neighborhoods like Capiatá, known for their traditional bakeries, and you might still catch a glimpse of the old-fashioned preparation methods in use.
Cusco in autumn: Ideal weather for Machu Picchu trekking
The historic capital of the Inca Empire, often called the “navel of the world,” Cusco is a mesmerizing city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level. Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, it takes on a calmer, gentler atmosphere during the autumn months. By late March, the rains subside, and through April and May, the skies clear, bringing mild days. This season makes it easier to explore the city, wandering its narrow stone streets and historic squares. The mountains, tinged with shades of green, the delicate morning mists, and the cool evenings add a magical depth to Cusco’s natural beauty. The Plaza de Armas at the city’s heart, along with the artisan-focused San Blas neighborhood, are ideal for strolling, shopping at local markets, and discovering traditional crafts. As sunlight spreads across the cobblestones, Cusco’s past and present seem to merge into one.
During this season, the train journey to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites, is an experience in itself. Known as the Lost City, Machu Picchu has captured not only travelers but also the imagination of the entire world since its discovery in 1911, inspiring adventurous explorers like Indiana Jones. As the rains recede, the valleys and terraces reveal their full splendor, while the Temple of the Sun and the intricately carved stone structures change color with the shifting light, becoming a living canvas.
For more on Cusco and its enchanting surroundings, be sure to check out our article, “Chile: The capital and other cities.”
To capture the city’s spirit: The Motorcycle Diaries, which tells the story of Ernesto Che Guevara’s youthful journey through South America, is an excellent choice. The chapters set in Peru and the Cusco region unfold as inspiring moments where the traveler confronts the area’s complex history and cultural richness.
Must-try flavors before you go: At 3,400 meters above sea level, Cusco’s altitude makes hearty Andean soups the perfect warming comfort on cool autumn evenings. One of the most traditional and popular dishes is Chairo Cusqueño, whose name in Quechua means “a type of food.” Historically, this soup was prepared for farmers who walked long hours, using durable ingredients like dried potatoes, beef, lamb, peas, and beans. For something lighter, you can choose Sopa de Quinua, a traditional quinoa soup that is highly nutritious and easy to digest.
In autumn, South America reveals its many faces. Each of the cities mentioned above brings the season to life with its own rhythm, scents, and colors. From the cool air of the Andes to warm evenings by the ocean, from busy markets to peaceful squares, every stop reflects the hues of autumn in a unique way. This variety captures the spirit of South America, constantly changing with the seasons, yet always vibrant. If you enjoyed exploring South America in autumn, be sure to check out our features on the cities of Europe painted in autumn colors.
