Patagonia in December
Mid-summer means 18 hours of daylight and you will probably be hiking in shorts and t-shirt. Many Chileans and Argentinians will come down to Patagonia for their Christmas break, so you can expect the National Parks to be busier.
5 reasons to visit in December
- Make the most of your time in Patagonia with longer summer days
- This is a good time to see elephant seals and sea lions on the coast
- If you're out on the trails, you can walk long into the day
- See the national parks at their very best
- Refugios and hotels have a real buzz about them as visitor numbers increase
Hiking in December
4.3 out of 5
El Chaltén Highlights
Explore the famous trails of Los Glaciares on this comprehensive hiking trip in the El Chaltén area. Take in stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre and hike to the remote Loma del Diablo in a private reserve.…
- 5 Days
- $1,530
4.8 out of 5
Chaltén Express: Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre
This classic 2-day guided El Chaltén trek visits the most spectacular landmarks in the Los Glaciares National Park. Hike through forests and across log bridges to reach Laguna de Los Tres and stunning views over Mount Fitz Roy. Camp overnight…
- 2 Days
- $709
3.8 out of 5
South Patagonian Ice Field Expedition
Test yourself in one of the most difficult environments on Earth on this trek across the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Climb up onto the Marconi Glacier and camp overnight in the dramatic frozen landscape of the ice field. Hike across…
- 8 Days
- $3,135
4.7 out of 5
The Huemul Circuit
Explore the forgotten corners of Los Glaciares on this adventurous trek taking in the Viento and Huemul Passes and the vast South Patagonian Ice Field. Wild camp at the Bay of Icebergs on the shore of the sparkling Lake Viedma,…
- 4 Days
- $1,365
4.2 out of 5
9-Day Torres del Paine Circuit
Tackle Patagonia's most iconic circuit trail, fully supported with porters and a local guide. Cross the John Gardner Pass, explore the park's remote northern sections, revel in the stunning French Valley and finish at the Towers viewpoint – this itinerary…
- 9 Days
- $3,199
4.8 out of 5
Dientes de Navarino Trek
A wild and challenging camping trek on Isla Navarino at the southernmost tip of Chilean Patagonia. Hike through lonely beech forests, over a series of snow-covered mountain passes and to the summit of Mt Bettinelli for superb views of the…
- 6 Days
- $4,095
4.6 out of 5
Chaltén Mountain Escape
Trek between four established campsites linking spectacular viewpoints in some of the wildest areas of the park. Hike to Laguna de Los Tres for unrivalled views of Mount Fitz Roy, see Cerro Torre at dawn, climb to the Viento Pass…
- 7 Days
- $2,360
This stunning multi-day trek in LanÃn National Park will take you through ancient, lush forests, up extinct volcanoes, through a variety of landscapes and camping under the stars. Far from the crowds, this guided trek is for the ambitious hiker…
- 6 Days
- $2,000
4.2 out of 5
Paine Circuit Half and Half
A mix of guided and unguided hiking. You walk the tougher northern section with a guide, heading over the John Gardner Pass with the unmatched views of Grey Glacier and the Pingo mountain range that make the full circuit so…
- 8 Days
- $2,620
4.1 out of 5
Paine O Circuit with Oggioni Pass
This trip for experienced hikers crosses the largely unknown Oggioni Pass on a challenging, unmarked wilderness trail that cuts across from the Towers of Torres del Paine into the Dickson Valley. This itinerary takes in iconic locations such as John…
- 7 Days
- $3,195
4.3 out of 5
The Classic Full Circuit
This route is the fastest way to complete the full Torres del Paine circuit at great value. Trek through the isolated northern side of the park, over the infamous John Gardner Pass with the ice field beneath you and back…
- 7 Days
- $2,995
Cruises in December
4 out of 5
Southern Patagonia Glaciers Cruise
Get up close to the extraordinary sights of the Southern Patagonian Icefield on this small ship adventure cruise. You'll visit around fifteen glaciers on the only ship to sail this route, including the beautiful Amalia and Herman glaciers. Set foot…
- 5 Days
- $2,400
4.6 out of 5
Wildlife, Glaciers & Cape Horn Cruise
Voyage south from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia on a small-ship expedition cruise and experience the incredible wildlife, fascinating history and breathtaking scenery of Tierra del Fuego. Sail the famous Strait of Magellan and Glacier Alley in the Beagle Channel. On…
- 5 Days
- $2,387
4.3 out of 5
Northern Patagonia Fjords Cruise
Voyage to the most remote and spectacular corners of the Northern Chilean fjords, stopping at tiny villages and hot springs en-route. Visit Chiloé Island, spot penguins and explore the stunning San Rafael Glacier in solitude. This unique small ship cruise…
- 6 Days
- $1,740
4.1 out of 5
Humpback Whale Watching Adventure
Humpback whales flock to this feeding ground in the Chilean fjords providing you with numerous whale sightings over three days. Based in the remotest of research stations and accompanied by marine biologists who know every whale by name you'll experience…
- 3 Days
- $1,500
Group Tours in December
5 out of 5
Infamous Ruta 40 & Carretera Austral
The epic Ruta 40 and Carretera Austral run alongside the spectacular Patagonian Andes. Your road trip takes in the highlights of this stunning region by expedition truck, with a small group of travellers and your driver/guide. Get truly off the…
- 7 Days
- $1,986
4.4 out of 5
Patagonian Peaks and Plains
Travel in a small group with an expert tour leader from Santiago all the way down through central Chile to Tierra del Fuego and back up to Buenos Aires. Experience some of Patagonia's best trekking in Torres del Paine National…
- 20 Days
- $6,102
4.3 out of 5
Fitz Roy and Paine Hiking Tour
This action-packed small group trekking tour combines the best hikes in Patagonia: Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks. Discover Perito Moreno Glacier on a boat expedition and enter Torres del Paine on a unique hike. Our tour leader…
- 12 Days
- $4,995
An epic, in-depth small group tour travelling the length of Patagonia in a kitted-out truck which will take you to places other tourist don't get to experience. Stay in comfortable hotels, visit wineries, volcanic lake districts, estancias, vast plains and…
- 27 Days
- $10,747

What our customers think of Patagonia in December
Around every corner there was another stunning vista! Just be prepared for the four seasons in one day (even in December!). Its all part of the great experience. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2018
Terri Ellis - Canada
Review:
When to Visit Patagonia
To help you decide when to travel, we've put together a guide for each month, including some facts and figures around the myth and legend of Patagonia's infamous weather.
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