I'm in the very early stages of thinking about my travel options for July 2014, and my mind is wandering towards South America. I'm keen on visiting Peru, more specifically Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. In addition, I want to visit another country and do not mind flying.

The first options that come to mind are Iguazu Falls and either Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro (if I decide on Rio, I would aim for the end of July or even the very first week of August so that I wouldn't be there during the World Cup and the expense that comes with it). Other places that floated through my head include Chile, Ecuador, and Colombia.

My interests are history, culture, architecture, and nature / hiking, but am also looking for variety and something different than Peru. What would make sense weather-wise in July? I do not necessarily need it to be warm, but prefer it on the drier side.

Thanks.

July is mid-winter in Argentina, so it certainly will NOT be warm.

How much time do you have? Peru has a huge variety. If you are interested in historical architecture I would add Arequipa. My last visit I went to the Chachapoyas region of northern Peru which I also enjoyed. It is rather difficult to reach but July being dry season is a good time to go. You can fly to either Chiclayo or Tarapoto and then need to take long overnight bus on a mostly paved road. The major sight in the area is Kuelap but there is also good hiking, such as the day hike to Gocta Falls.

If you will be in Peru the end of July there is a scheduled train to Huancayo. For culture the area of the Mantaro Valley is very interesting.

https://www.ferrocarrilcentral.com.pe/cronograma.html

I also recommend Bolivia: La Paz, Salar de Uyuni, Sucre, Potosi.
You can reach La Paz by flying from Cusco, or take the bus first to Puno and then along the shores of L. Titicaca to La Paz. Many travelers that I met said that Bolivia is their favorite S/A country (that it is inexpensive helps).

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...e-nov-2011.cfm

Mlgb, thank you for all the information you're providing me. I had not thought about the other areas of Peru and Bolivia wasn't on my radar screen. I just read your trip report and Uyuni seems very interesting. Adding your suggestions to my research list. Thank you again.