With summer on its way in the Northern Hemisphere, many travelers are dreaming of relaxing vacations in tropical landscapes. While Central America offers amazing beach resorts this time of year, it’s actually wintertime in South America. Both are worth visiting this time of year though.

Whether you want to have fun in the sun, see awe-inspiring natural attractions or explore the rich culture of Latin America, you’ll find a variety of unforgettable experiences now through September. Relax on one of Mexico’s many white sand beaches. Discover unique wildlife with a cruise around the Galapagos Islands. Experience the world’s largest complex of waterfalls in Brazil. Journey to the ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru. Or, trek through Costa Rica’s lush and diverse rain forests. Below are some of the top destinations in Latin America that are well worth a visit this season.

Mexico & Central America

If you’re looking for a warm beach vacation this season, this region is your best bet. Even better, you’ll find great deals on a variety of tours and vacation packages. While Mexico is considered part of North America, the seven countries south of it comprise Central America. These include Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Panama—all of which offer a variety of unique worlds to uncover.

Mexico

Renowned for its stunning beaches, Mexico is one of the best countries to visit in summer. While you might expect massive crowds in summer, it’s relatively quiet compared to Spring Break or Christmas/New Years. Discover beachside resorts in Cancun and Los Cabos, enchanting wilderness along the Yucatan, rich culture in Merida and Mexico City, and Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza.

Mexico also offers stunning wildlife encounters, especially in the Yucatan. If you’re staying in Cancun, you’ll have the chance to spot whale sharks off the coast. Many of its popular beach resorts feature the opportunity to go swimming with dolphins. Summer is also nesting season for sea turtles, and most hotels offer turtle rescue programs where visitors can help protect the eggs from harm and release the hatchlings into the sea.

Costa Rica

Though Costa Rica will be in its wet season, this time of year is generally called the green season for the lush vegetation and vistas. You may not get your suntan with a beachside summer vacation on the Caribbean coast, but you’ll save a ton on hotel prices and activities. Additionally, the rainfall breathes life into the landscape, making it one of the best times to explore the countryside, which is the real reason you’re heading to Costa Rica. (You can also dodge the rain for a brief period in July and August.)

Try a six-day tour that will take you on a boat tour of the Tortuguero Canals, hike up close to waterfalls, see the cloud forest of Poas Volcano, go tropical birdwatching in Arenal Volcano National Park and more. Thrill seekers will love flying over the rain forest on a zipline or going on a guided whitewater rafting adventure on the Pacuare River. No visit to Costa Rica would be complete without a tour of one of its renowned coffee plantations.

South America

Further south, the temperatures are a mixed bag this time of year, as Argentina, Chile, and the parts of southern Peru and Brazil become cold. South America destinations closest to the equator will be warmer.

Brazil

Northern Brazil is pristine in summer, especially along its coast. Spend time in the lesser known cities such as Salvador, Maceio or Fortaleza, which offer a variety of memorable Brazil day trips to the beaches and lower hotel rates. Rio de Janeiro is also lovely, but hosts cooler temperatures near 70F/22C.

That being said, you can simply enjoy the day at Copacabana with a good dip in what the locals call the Princesinha do Mar. It is one of the most touristy places in Rio but retains the charm that makes it unique. If you get tired of being in the sun, venture into the bohemian streets of the neighborhood to enjoy a refreshment or taste the Brazilian gastronomy in one of its many restaurants. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Iguazu Falls

Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu Falls is a must for any visit to South America, rain or shine. That being said, April to June is the dry season, which means you can enjoy the stunning cascades with clear blue skies. Iguazu is made up of dozens of cascades, and even at its lowest water levels, it easily dwarfs Niagara.

Experience it from either Foz do Iguazu on the Brazilian-side or Puerto Iguazu from Argentina. Which ever you choose make sure to get a VISA for both countries to truly experience the majesty of the falls.

Argentina

With how massive Argentina is you can bet each region will have its own climate. If you don’t want to feel the cold of winter, the general rule is to avoid the south and stick to the northern cities, which also include Buenos Aires, the capital of Tango. However, if you don’t mind the cold, Patagonia is equally as beautiful during Argentina’s winter.

Try a vacation in Salta, an inland city that offers day trips to Jujuy, Salinas Grandes Salt Fields, Purmamarca (shadowed by the Hill of Seven Colors), and Cafayate.

Bolivia

Bolivia’s high season runs from June to September, when there’s less rainfall, dryer days and colder nights. The highlands get the brunt of the latter, making nights in June and July freezing, however the lowlands stay relatively pleasant.

The real question is Salar de Uyuni, that massive sky mirror in Potosi. The largest salt flat in the world, this stunning landscape is a must for travelers to South America, and creates a great contrast to Iguazu. July to October is the prime time to visit, with plenty of sunshine and little to no rain, letting you visit the famous Incahuasi Island.

Ecuador

Ecuador’s peak and low seasons correspond to vacation times in North America and Europe – so, summer and winter vacation basically. During summer hotel and cruise prices will go up, so you’ll want to book well in advance. This also corresponds to the dry season, running from May to September, when rainfall drops.

The Galapagos is by far the most popular part of the country this time of year as tourists join cruises between the islands while on vacation. You’ll find higher prices for accommodation and activities, but it’s well worth it to see the rich biodiversity.

The highlands experience the driest, most balanced weather compared to the other regions. Take advantage of this chance to visit Quito, the capital, and enjoy the local culture without getting poured on. Here you can see the Equator Monument, which marks the line between the hemispheres, and snap a pic of yourself hopping across the line.

Peru

Peru’s dry season runs from May to October, offering the most pleasant weather to visit Machu Picchu and trek the Inca Trail. However, it is also the most popular time to visit meaning there will be crowds. The Inca Trail will be also most likely be fully booked for the summer. (Generally, it is always booked 5 months out from when you want to purchase and you’ll want to plan well in advanced.)

However, if you planning a round-about trip through Latin America and don’t want to miss Peru, then you’ll still have the chance to join one of the alternative routes to Machu Picchu, such as the Salkantay Trek, Lares Valley Trek, or the 2-day Inca Trail Trek.

This is just a few of the wonders to experience in Latin America this season. If you’re looking for more summer travel ideas, click here.