Hi, I’m Clara—co-founder of Across South America. If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re not someone who just wants to snap a photo of Patagonia and move on. You want to feel it. To be there when the wind cuts through the silence and the landscape opens up around you. I know that feeling well.

Like I shared in our Antarctica in December blog post there’s a certain kind of magic in traveling to the edge of the world as the year comes to a close. Patagonia in December has that same magic—alive, wild, and full of possibility.

While many travelers associate this legendary region with icy peaks and rugged terrain, few realize that December marks the beginning of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a time when Patagonia softens slightly—the days stretch long and golden, wildlife is active, and the landscapes feel more alive than ever.

If you go to Patagonia in December, you’ll find fewer crowds than in January, milder weather, and that unmistakable sense that you’re in a place that’s still beautifully untamed.

In this blog, I’ll share two thoughtfully crafted journeys through Argentine and Chilean Patagonia that we recommend if you travel to Patagonia in December. If you’re planning to visit South America for New Year’s Eve, both include the option to celebrate in deeply memorable ways—whether barefoot on a Brazilian beach or under southern stars in the quiet of Patagonia.

Let’s take a look to this two itineraries you can do in December in Patagonia.

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Why Visit Patagonia in December

The Weather in December

Patagonia weather in December is famously unpredictable, but generally more inviting than at any other time of year. As summer begins in the Southern Hemisphere, average temperatures in places like El Calafate, Puerto Natales, and Torres del Paine range from 45ºF to 65ºF (7ºC to 18ºC).

You can expect:

👉Long daylight hours (up to 17 hours in some regions)

👉Warmer weather than the winter months, yet still cool enough for layering

👉Strong winds, particularly in open areas

👉Occasional rain or clouds, but also brilliant clear skies

This is the perfect time of year for hiking, glacier treks, boat excursions, and enjoying remote locations with excellent trail conditions and fewer crowds compared to peak season.

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Read more in our blog: Best time to visit Patagonia

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Is December a Good Time to Visit Patagonia?

In short? Yes—December is an excellent time to travel to Patagonia.

Visiting Patagonia in december falls just before the absolute peak season (January and February), meaning you still benefit from ideal conditions without the largest crowds. The warmer weather makes it more comfortable for outdoor activities like the W Trek, horseback riding in Torres del Paine National Park, or ice trekking on the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.

Plus, with so many hours of daylight, you’ll have plenty of time each day to enjoy Patagonia’s main attractions, from the granite spires of Mt. Fitz Roy to the sea lions of the Beagle Channel.

Why Spend New Year’s Eve in Patagonia

There’s something beautifully symbolic about ending the year in one of the world’s last wild places. New Year’s Eve in Patagonia invites a slower, more meaningful kind of celebration—one rooted in nature, stillness, and the company of those you love.

Whether you’re toasting under the stars near El Chaltén, sailing through the fjords of Tierra del Fuego on an Australis expedition cruise, or simply enjoying a glass of Argentine Malbec beside a quiet lake in Bariloche, Patagonia gives you space to reflect on the year behind you—and dream into the one ahead.

Many of our travelers tell us this isn’t just a trip. It’s a reset.

Read More in the Blog: 5 Reasons to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Ushuaia, The End of the World

Our Suggested Itineraries for Patagonia in December

Let’s take a look at two beautiful journeys you can enjoy in Patagonia in December. One is perfect for families looking to connect through nature and celebration, while the other invites deeper immersion in Patagonia’s raw beauty—just you, the wind, and the wide open south.

Whichever speaks to you, know that every itinerary we create is just a starting point. You can customize the pace, focus, and flow to suit your own rhythm and what you’re hoping to feel along the way.

Trip 1: Southern Patagonia Discovery

This trip was designed for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the southernmost reaches of the continent—where landscapes are vast, skies endless, and every moment on the trail or deck invites you to breathe more deeply. It’s a slower, wilder Patagonia that reveals itself fully in December. And on this itinerary, you’ll also have the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime New Year’s Eve aboard an Australis expedition cruise, sailing through glacier-lined fjords at the edge of the world.

Day 1–6: Into the Fjords – Ushuaia & Australis Cruise

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city in the world. Take some time to explore the charming port town, known as the gateway to Tierra del Fuego.

Board the Australis expedition cruise and settle into your cabin as the ship begins its navigation through the legendary Beagle Channel.

Over the next few days, sail past glaciers, fjords, and dramatic coastlines. Daily Zodiac landings and expert-led excursions reveal the hidden stories of Tierra del Fuego. Enjoy guided lectures, cozy lounges, and panoramic decks with views of the end of the world.

Explore Cape Horn (weather permitting), walk among Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island, and enjoy guided hikes in remote, wind-swept corners of the southern hemisphere.

If you are visiting for New Year’s Eve: Welcome the new year aboard the ship with a festive dinner and champagne toast under Patagonia’s starlit skies—one of the most unique ways to mark the occasion.

Day 6–9: Wilderness & Wonder – Torres del Paine National Park

• Disembark in Punta Arenas and transfer to a secluded lodge in Torres del Paine.
• Choose from soft day hikes or short sections of the iconic W Trek.
• Marvel at Grey Glacier, Laguna Amarga, and wildlife-rich valleys.
• Soak in outdoor hot tubs with views of the Paine Massif.

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Where to Stay : Our Handpicked Hotels

Where you stay in Patagonia matters. The lodges, estancias, and boutique hotels we choose are not just places to rest—they are an essential part of the journey. Picture waking up in a cozy room with wide windows that frame snow-dusted peaks. Or gathering around a fire at night to share a glass of wine with fellow travelers, as the wind rustles outside.

In Torres del Paine, we love remote lodges with hot tubs and views that make you stop mid-sentence. In El Chaltén and El Calafate, our go-to hotels blend rustic charm with quiet luxury. Every place we select is thoughtfully chosen for its location, atmosphere, and sense of soul.

Here are a few of our favorite stays, and why we love them:

Each of these places is chosen for how they complement the surrounding landscapes—and how they make you feel while you’re there: grounded, inspired, and quietly taken care of.

Arakur Ushuaia – Perched high above the Beagle Channel, Arakur is known for its sweeping views, sustainable design, and peaceful setting. After exploring Tierra del Fuego or before boarding the Australis cruise, this is the perfect place to unwind with a spa treatment or a soak in their outdoor heated infinity pool.

Awasi Patagonia – This exclusive lodge in Torres del Paine offers private villas with personal guides and 4WD vehicles, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The views are jaw-dropping, the service is deeply personalized, and the silence? Utterly luxurious.

Eolo Patagonia’s Spirit, El Calafate – Tucked into a vast private reserve, Eolo offers a sense of seclusion and space that mirrors the surrounding steppe. We love it for its understated elegance, panoramic windows, and its connection to Patagonia’s ranching heritage.

Casa Lucía, Buenos Aires – A stylish new favorite in the heart of the city. Casa Lucía blends modern Argentine design with warm hospitality. It’s our go-to spot for travelers who want to feel the rhythm of Buenos Aires from a place that feels like a calm, elegant retreat.

Janeiro Hotel, Rio de Janeiro – Facing the beach in leafy Leblon, Janeiro is relaxed luxury with an eco-conscious heart. It’s perfect for recharging after a multi-stop journey—and ideally located for a beachfront New Year’s Eve celebration.

The Ideal Expedition Cruise in Patagonia Australis Cruise – More than accommodation, this is a moving immersion in Patagonia’s most remote corners. The cabins are cozy, the atmosphere is casual yet refined, and every day brings new discoveries—penguin colonies, ancient glaciers, and fjords unreachable by road.

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Read more in the blog: 5 Top Luxury Patagonia Hotels in a One-of-a-Kind Location

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The Food & Wines You Can’t Miss in Patagonia

Food in Patagonia is about comfort, quality, and connection to the land. Think slow-cooked lamb over open fire at a traditional estancia. Crisp white wines from northern Patagonia. Fresh trout, handmade empanadas, and creamy calafate berry desserts.

Wine lovers will appreciate how Argentine and Chilean varietals show up in unexpected places—from elegant lodge dining rooms to casual fireside tastings. And don’t be surprised if a simple home-cooked meal shared with a local becomes one of your most treasured memories

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Read more Traditional Argentine Dishes Every Foodie Should Try

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Featured Podcast: Stories Across South America

Episode #3 PATAGONIA: Like You’ve Never Seen it!

Want to hear more about what it’s like to explore Patagonia’s remote waterways? Tune into our latest episode of Stories Across South America, where we talk with the team from Australis Cruises—the boutique expedition cruise featured in Trip 2.

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this journey so unique: the pristine fjords, the silent stretches of water, the rare wildlife encounters, and the deep sense of presence that comes from sailing through one of the last true wildernesses.

Listen to the full Episode Here 👇

Why Book With Us: The Across South America Experience

If you’ve made it this far, you probably already feel the pull of Patagonia. And I truly believe December is a great time to go. The landscapes open up, the light stretches longer, and something about being at the end of the world at the end of the year invites you to reflect, to reconnect, and to begin again.

At Across South America, every trip we design is personal. We don’t offer templates or off-the-shelf tours. Instead, we craft every journey from scratch—starting with a conversation about what matters most to you. Do you want more hiking or more stillness? More time with locals or more time alone in nature? Every detail is intentional, every experience tailored.

When you travel with us, you’ll receive:

👉A fully customized itinerary, built just for you

👉 Our concierge service. We will support you before, during, and after your journey

👉Access to our handpicked network of local guides, properties, and special experiences

👉A few signature touches, like a curated welcome gift and personalized keepsake delivered after your trip

Read more about our services and how we work here

We’re a small, female-founded company, and we know South America intimately—not just as travel professionals, but as locals and as explorers. We design trips the way we’d plan them for our closest friends.

If Patagonia in December is calling to you, we’d be honored to help you answer. that go beyond the expected.

—Clara

📩 Get in touch to plan your exclusive South America Trip.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode: Patagonia like you have Never Seen it!

📥 Download our South America Travel Guide

🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast for more behind-the-scenes stories

✨Watch on YouTube 👇

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Your Patagonia in December Travel Questions, Answered

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Maria and Clara