South America has plenty to offer the skier in search of a different experience, whether you're looking for a challenging mountain run or a more relaxed experience. With an abundance of resorts and experiences to choose from, you'll have plenty to choose from.
Winter in Argentina
Although Argentina experiences a large amount of snowfall each year, it lacks ski resorts and other amenities that make it ideal for winter sports. While a great number of people choose to live here during the winter, there are very few places to go skiing or sledding. While the weather in Argentina is generally mild and comfortable during the colder months, it is important to stock up on non-perishable foods and make sure your home is well-insulated. Knowing emergency numbers and making an early plan for power outages are also important.
Argentinian winters are mostly mild, with average temperatures of +26 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) in the foothills of the Andes. However, extreme weather can occur during this time, and the Pampas region is particularly susceptible to severe storms. Grapefruit-sized hail has been known to destroy vineyards.
During the winter months, northern Argentina is a great tourist destination. The cool temperatures in the north mean that it is ideal for sightseeing. While the beaches and resorts are crowded during summer, they are much quieter during winter months. Buenos Aires is especially popular during this time, but you'll want to visit during the cooler months to avoid the crowds.
Another popular winter destination in Argentina is Puerto Madryn, where whales can be seen mating. It is one of the few places in the world where you can see one of these charismatic mammals in its natural habitat. If you're interested in whale watching, you can take a guided boat tour of the coast and see them in action.
While the country has a summer and winter season, autumn is the best time to visit Argentina for the warmest temperatures. The climate remains mild for the first few months of the year, with temperatures ranging from 14 degrees S in the south to a pleasant 22 degrees S in the north. Rainfall is common during this season, so tourists should pack clothing appropriate for a European autumn.
In northern Argentina, the Iguazu Falls are one of the most spectacular attractions. Because they are situated near the equator, the temperature here rarely drops below 10 degrees Celsius. However, you should consider the time of year when you plan to visit the falls. The Iguazu Falls are especially beautiful during spring.
Winter in Chile
If you're planning a vacation to South America this summer, you might be wondering whether it's worth going to Chile during the winter or the summer. Both times offer spectacular scenery and fewer crowds. Winter temperatures are generally mild at around 10 degrees Celsius. However, the south coast can get foggy and rainy for long periods of time.
The best time to go to Chile is between November and February. The 4,000-mile-long country offers a variety of landscapes and climatic zones. From the Atacama Desert to windswept Cape Horn, Chile's climate is diverse and varied. While the Atacama Desert has a desert feel, Santiago and other cities in the country enjoy long, sunny days in the summer. In addition, the snow-capped Andes dominate the skyline.
Chile's climate is quite different from the climate of Britain and North America. The summer months are warm and dry, with highs in the mid-80s F. The dry Atacama Desert is drier than the rest of the world. The Andes Mountains block much of the moisture that reaches the region.
The climate in Chile is influenced by the Andes, a 25,000-mile line of tectonic plates that separates the country from the rest of South America. This line gives rise to the vast majority of world's volcanoes and earthquakes. In 1960, Chile was the site of the largest earthquake in modern history - a magnitude 9.5 on the Richter scale that sent a tsunami rolling across the country. However, most earthquakes are small and occur infrequently.
If you are going to Chile in the summer, it is important to remember that you might have to pack clothes for all seasons. While summer is an ideal time to enjoy the beaches and other natural beauty of the country, you should also pack warm clothes for skiing. Many skiing resorts will rent you ski equipment if you don't have your own equipment.
Autumn shares many of the benefits of spring. There are less crowds during this time, and temperatures can remain comfortable. Autumn is also the shoulder season in South America. The shoulder season is in between December and March, with temperatures ranging from -15C/5F. It is also the driest season, making it ideal for skiing.