Hi There,

I would like to visit SA for the first time and I only have 2/3 weeks max.
What countries would you recommend?
I might be traveling alone so would and organised group be best like Toucan?
Thinking of traveling in January, would the weather be a problem at that time?

I need lots of advise!
Thanks

January tends to be rainy season in the Andes, so hiking and long distance bus travel are more difficult in that part of SA.

I would normally have said Peru or Ecuador where there is a lot of variety ( jungle, mountains coast) in a relatively easily accessible area, however, as mlgb points out, it is not the best time weatherise.

We have met lots of people on our travels, but they have tended to be in couples rather than singles. If you would like company then an organised tour may be the better way. Intrepid have a good reputation.

Argentina or chile are other options, particularly if you head south. Maybe Bariloche, Torres de Paine etc.?

or I could travel in April but Jan is a good time to beat the Winter blues...might look at another destination for that time of the year then.
Yes I would love to travel with someone but no one interested in going.
So I think an organised trip would be a good bet.

Thank you both very much for the feedback !

January is a good time for beach weather in Brazil. The country has become rather expensive in the past few years, though, but there is quite enough (and more) to fill several weeks. You could perhaps think about Rio to the falls inIguacu and on to Buenos Aires if you want to see more than one country, adding another few days in either Brazil or Argentina to see other regions.
Insofar as a tour, Brazil is easy to get around on your own. and considerably cheaper that way. You could consider booking a private ensuite room in a hostel (not limited just to young backpackers) where you might easily find other single travelers to sightsee with. Brazilians themselves are very social, very friendly to foreign visitors, esp. if you try to pick up a little Portuguese before you arrive.

Thank you IsabelaS - some great advise there.