I’m going to let you in on a little secret in today’s blog. It’s is a well-kept secret so guard it closely: January is the absolute best time of the year to visit Brazil and Argentina.
Okay, there it is. I let the cat out of the bag. And truth be told, since the creation of the internet, maybe this isn’t such as secret any more. I have, after all, had the schedule for our wonderful Argentina and Brazil trip posted here on the Deluxe Kosher Tours website for several months now. You should definitely take a look at the itinerary to see all of the terrific places we will be visiting, and things we will be doing, in South America. You can find the itinerary here: http://www.deluxekoshertours.com/brazil-argentina-itinerary/
The primary reason that Argentina and Brazil are ideal places to visit in January is because you can escape the freezing, wintery temps of North America and escape to a hot, summery climate. Additionally, many residents are away and traveling for the winter holidays, so it tends to be a less crowded and busy time. The hottest and most summery temperatures in Argentina tend to occur right around the beginning of January, whereas the coldest winter temperatures occur from May to July.
Because the southernmost parts of Argentina are so close to the arctic, it makes it near impossible to visit them during the winter- it is just too cold and icy. Many places in Patagonia are closed during the wintertime. However, December and January is a great time to visit. The temperatures at this time of year in Patagonia hover right around 60 to 70 degrees F, so it is very comfortable. Patagonia is home to the utterly breathtaking Glacier Park. There are few places on earth where you can see this type of scenery- it is utterly haunting, majestic, and beautiful all at the same time. Surely, it will offer many sights and experiences that you will not be able to resist photographing and exploring.
Because Argentina has such as varied landscape, you’ll find an enormous variance in the natural attractions and temperatures here. While temperatures in Patagonia will be mild, during our trip to Iguazú Falls, you’ll want to dress lightly and layer on some sunscreen. The temperatures here in January can reach the 90s. It will make for a steamy, sunny summer adventure! And if you haven’t seen Iguazú Falls, before, well, it’s fair to say that you ain’t seen nothing yet! The magnitude of the falls is so great that it dwarfs other waterfalls, even Niagara Falls! You can read more about Iguazú Falls by clicking here: http://www.deluxekoshertours.com/travel-sights/iguazu-falls-argentina/
Now before we visit Argentina, however, we can’t forget about all of the wonderful things we will first get to do and see in Brazil. We’ll immerse ourselves fully into the historic and dynamic Jewish community there, as we take the time to see Rio de Janeiro’s most famous Jewish sites, visit the city’s largest active synagogue, and dine in kosher restaurants. Of course, we can’t forget that January makes it the perfect time to visit the city’s most famous beaches: Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.
I’ll bet that you know of the first two just from the songs that have made them famous, right? Copacabana is one of the main reasons that people tend to fall deeply in love with Brazil. And around New Year’s, it is filled with people who are dancing, singing, and celebrating in colorful bathing suits and flip flops. The white sand is dotted with colorful sun umbrellas, and the warm turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean are filled with swimmers and sunbathers.
Ipanema Beach is adjacent to Copacabana, but most who visit there tend to think that each beach has its own distinct character. Every Sunday, the main roadway is closed to cars, so this is a great time to roller skate, walk, jog, or skateboard along the beach. At Ipanema, you can visit numerous cafes and art galleries, as well as catch a glimpse of the famous Dois Irmãos, or Two Brothers mountains, looming at the west end of the beach. Ipanema is regarded as one of the safest regions of Brazil, and is one of the most expensive places to live, too.
If you prefer a less trendy and more relaxed beach environment, then you will love Leblon. This area of Rio tends to be a bit quieter than Copacabana and Ipanema, although Leblon and Ipanema are technically connected. Check out some photos of Leblon in the summertime here. The Rio skyline against the bright blue January sky is really beautiful:
http://ipanema.com/pictours/leblon.htm
This winter, when all your friends are scraping ice crystals off their windshield and donning two pairs of socks in an attempt to keep their toes warm, make sure to share your secret with them. January is the perfect time to visit Brazil and Argentina, and escape to a wonderful, summery and warm paradise!
