South America is set to dazzle travelers and industry professionals in the second half of 2025 with a dynamic lineup of tourism events and cultural festivals. From August to December, the continent’s top destinations—Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia—will spotlight their rich heritage, natural beauty, and sustainable travel vision through regional expos, international conferences, and beloved local traditions. These events underscore South America’s rising global profile as a tourism powerhouse while promoting eco-conscious and community-centered travel.
August 2025: National Tourism Expo and Fair – São Paulo, Brazil
Kicking off the season is the National Tourism Expo and Tourism Fair in São Paulo, Brazil, from August 21–23, 2025. As one of the largest tourism events in Latin America, the expo gathers hoteliers, destination marketers, travel agents, and technology innovators from across the continent.
Hosted at São Paulo Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, the event focuses on showcasing Brazil’s diverse tourism assets—ranging from urban escapes in Rio and São Paulo to natural marvels like Iguaçu Falls, the Amazon Rainforest, and Pantanal wetlands. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism, the fair aims to promote sustainable development and regional economic growth, with panels on eco-tourism, digital nomad destinations, and inclusive tourism.
Key highlights include B2B matchmaking, cultural exhibitions, and immersive VR travel experiences. The event also aligns with Visit Brasil’s 2025 international campaign to position Brazil as a year-round tourism destination.
September 2025: Women in Sustainability Week – Tecate, Mexico
From September 27 to October 4, Tecate’s Rancho La Puerta will host Women in Sustainability Week, uniting global female leaders in sustainable tourism. While technically outside South America, the event resonates with the regional focus on sustainability and innovation in travel.
Workshops on regenerative tourism, environmental certifications, and indigenous community tourism will anchor the event. As highlighted by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), female-led innovation is a growing trend in Latin America’s tourism sector. The retreat’s peaceful, nature-immersed setting complements the event’s vision of fostering resilient and inclusive tourism.
October 2025: 7th South America Gathering – Cusco, Peru
In Cusco, Peru, the 7th South America Gathering will run from October 23–26, 2025, celebrating the region’s cultural identity and heritage conservation. Set against the backdrop of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, the summit will bring together policymakers, tourism entrepreneurs, and indigenous leaders to explore strategies for community-based and sustainable tourism.
Supported by PromPerú and UNESCO, the gathering’s agenda includes rural tourism initiatives, responsible hiking tours, and digital storytelling to promote lesser-known sites. Attendees can engage with Quechua-speaking communities and learn how tourism can empower cultural preservation and provide equitable economic opportunities.
November 2025: Bradt’s Latin America Travel Festival – London, UK
For those based in Europe, Bradt’s Latin America Travel Festival on November 8 at London’s Royal Geographical Society will offer a deep dive into the continent’s untapped travel potential. Organized by Bradt Guides, renowned for curating off-the-beaten-path experiences, the festival will feature expert talks, music, food tastings, and cultural showcases from across Latin America.
Travelers will gain insight into lesser-visited gems such as Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, Chile’s Atacama Desert, Ecuador’s Cloud Forests, and Argentina’s remote Patagonia. The event will also promote eco-conscious travel, helping visitors explore Latin America responsibly. For tour operators, it presents an excellent opportunity to connect with UK-based travelers planning 2026 trips.
December 2025: Día de las Velitas – Colombia
Capping off the year is Colombia’s cherished Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles), celebrated on December 7. This cultural festival lights up streets and homes across Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, signaling the start of Colombia’s Christmas season with thousands of candles illuminating public spaces.
According to ProColombia, the country’s tourism board, the event attracts a growing number of international tourists each year, drawn by the spectacle of lights, local music, parades, and community gatherings. The celebration reflects Colombia’s deep-rooted Catholic traditions while offering a warm and welcoming introduction to the country’s festive hospitality.
Beyond the visual magic, Día de las Velitas provides a powerful lens into Colombian cultural identity, with public plazas transformed into family gathering spaces. Tourists are encouraged to participate, blending cultural immersion with respectful observation.
A Unified Vision for South American Tourism
South America’s tourism industry is experiencing a significant post-pandemic revival. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects strong growth for the region in 2025, bolstered by increased air connectivity, improved digital infrastructure, and robust government support for cultural tourism.
Events like Brazil’s Expo and Peru’s Gathering exemplify how countries are prioritizing sustainable models that support local economies, protect the environment, and enhance traveler experiences. Colombia’s Día de las Velitas and global showcases like Bradt’s festival further illustrate how South America is marketing its cultural richness to international audiences.
As countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia prepare to announce more tourism investments and campaigns for 2026, the latter half of 2025 sets a vibrant tone for what lies ahead. Travelers, tour operators, and hospitality stakeholders would do well to look south for their next big opportunity.
Final Thought
From candle-lit celebrations in Colombia to strategic tourism expos in Brazil and cultural exchanges in Peru, South America is stepping into the global spotlight. With sustainability and inclusivity at the core, the continent promises a deeply enriching journey for every traveler—and a resilient, community-focused future for its tourism sector.
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