Fall Forecast: South America’s spring is ambiguous, blending indecisive rains and fluctuating temperatures with little consistency. Nevertheless, the Brazilian Amazon beckons to those who like their rain forests drier than usual, and Chilean skiers savor their final runs as diminishing winter snows give way to Patagonian hiking bliss. Avoid Central America travel, with the rainy and hurricane season well underway.

24. ARGENTINA
Home to tango, gauchos, and fútbol aficionados galore, Argentina rewards travelers to the Southern Cone with stunning scenery, sophisticated cities, and epicurean delights, all at surprising values. A sexy Latin vibe permeates the architecturally handsome Buenos Aires, South America's answer to Paris.

Why Go In Fall: Fall is a lovely time to visit larger cities like the flourishing Argentine capital at Buenos Aires, with reasonable hotel rates all across the city. In seasonal tourism areas, expect fewer crowds due to diminished opportunities for activities like skiing.

Fall 2011 Events: Buenos Aires Art Week (Buenos Aires, Sept. 25–Oct. 1; www.lasemanadelarte.com.ar); Day of the Gaucho (San Antonio de Areco; Nov. 10); Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival (Buenos Aires; Nov. 1– 6; www.buenosairesjazz.gob.ar); Cambalache Festival (Buenos Aires; Dec. 5–11; www.festivalcambalache.com.ar)

25. BRAZIL
Boasting wonders as diverse as the Amazonian rainforest, Iguazu Falls (on the border with Argentina), the beaches of Bahia, and sultry Rio, Brazil is both geographically stunning and culturally fascinating. This melting pot of European and African immigrants and indigenous South Americans is the birthplace of Bossa Nova, caipirinhas, and the samba, not to mention the world’s wildest Carnaval celebration.

Why Go In Fall: October and November bring temperate spring weather and fewer tourists in the cities. In the Amazon, the best time for fishing is during the last months of the dry season, generally September and October, when water levels are lower. Expect thinner crowds and temperatures in the 70s and 80s at Iguazu Falls.

Fall 2011 Events: Festival do Rio (Rio; Oct. 6 – 18; www.festivaldorio.com.br); Círio De Nazaré (Belém; Oct. 4–11; www.ciriodenazare.com.br); National Samba Day (Rio; Dec. 2)

26. CHILE
This skinny slice of South America will surprise the unsuspecting with its flourishing capital at Santiago, quaint villages, and striking geographic extremes – deserts, rainforests, glacial peaks – full of natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities (including the tail end of the ski season).

Why Go In Fall: Fall in North America means spring in South America, and in Chile that adds up to great values and mild temperatures in the northern deserts, new leaves in storied wine country, and fine skiing in the Andes (through October). Mountain retreats offer few price breaks but are among the only places to ski this time of year. Note that November is the start of high season across the country.

Fall 2011 Events: Chilean Independence Day (Sept. 18); Chilean Wine Fair (Santiago; Sept. 28–30; www.feriadevinos.cl); Virgen de lo Vasquez pilgrimage (Valparaiso, Santiago; Dec. 8)

27. ECUADOR
Ecuador’s fascinating interior has long been overshadowed by the Galápagos Islands, with their attention-hogging archipelago. While package tours there threaten Darwin’s muses, the mainland has been humbly readying itself for the ball. With the revitalized colonial capital of Quito and distinctive retreats in the Amazon and the Andes, not to mention the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, it promises not to stay under the radar for long.

Why Go In Fall: In between the worst of the rainy season and the crowds of the dry season, you’ll find reasonable weather and great deals in Quito, the highlands, and along the coast (note the Galapagos, however, are best visited in May and June).

Fall 2011 Events: Ecuadorian Coat of Arms Day (Quito; Oct. 31); Nocturnal Flamenco Bullfighting Festival (Quito; Nov. dates TBD)