Winter in Patagonia

In May, June, July or August, you'll experience shorter days and colder temperatures in Torres del Paine, but surprisingly the wind really drops and you are more likely to see clear skies and fantastic autumn colours. Services in and around the park are reduced in winter, which means each season local guides and operators revise their winter programmes, taking into account the likelihood of snow and ice on the ground and the cold (temperatures can drop to minus 2 during the day). Our programmes allow you to hike and explore with confidence knowing that you won't get caught out in bad weather.

This vast national park is home to more glaciers than any other region of Patagonia, and boasts Patagonia's two most famous peaks: Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Certain trails and glaciers are still accessible in winter, from the mountain town of El Chalten. You can also try out a chair lift ride to the Calafate balcony, skiing and snow shoeing in the Calafate Mountain Park, snow biking or tubing!

Find out about Los Glaciares national park, and read our guide to visiting.

Tierra del Fuego now attracts visitors all year-round, particularly in and around the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, which is home to an ever improving winter sports scene.

Activities available include skiing in the southernmost ski resort in the world, Ice Skating on natural ice, snow shoe hiking, 4x4 Snow Adventures, ice climbing on frozen waterfalls, huskie sledding, and snowmobile trips.

Please enquire for more details.

The Atacama Desert is considered the driest place on earth - some areas have had zero precipitation since records began. Among the many unusual attractions accessible in winter are: the Geysers del Tatio at 4,200m above sea level, the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), sand boarding in the Valle de la Muerte and the Laguna Cejar at the tip of the Atacama salt pan. There are also a number of archaeological sites and museums, and unrivalled views of the stars and distant galaxies.

Further north, on the shoreline of the Valdes Peninsula, an abundance of Wildlife can be witnessed throughout the winter months, including huge colonies of Elephant Seals, Sea Lions & Penguins, the Southern Right Whales who arrive in midwinter to breed (June-November), the unique phenomenon of Killer Whales swimming up to the beach at high tide to attack newborn sea lion cubs (March - April), and horse riding across the Patagonian Steppe, where you may spot Armadillo, Grey Foxes and Guanaco.

Please enquire for more details.

The city of Bariloche on Lake Nahuel Huapi is a fantastic destination for a range of snow sports and activities including back-country ski-touring, volcano skiing, hiking and snow-shoeing, as well as kayaking, horse riding, and relaxation breaks.

There's also the option of heli-skiing in some undiscovered and remote areas if staying at Río Palena Lodge.