What are the best day trips to take in Patagonia during December?

December visitors can explore three standout day trips in the region. The Perito Moreno Glacier tour from El Calafate lets you walk along viewing platforms for close-up glacier views. A trek to Laguna de los Tres from El Chaltén provides direct access to Mount Fitz Roy's base. The French Valley in Torres del Paine rounds out the top experiences. Calafate Park Hotel serves as a convenient base for glacier excursions. "The Perito Moreno Glacier tour was absolutely incredible especially with the perfect December weather" notes one TourRadar traveler.

What wildlife can I spot in Patagonia during December?

December's warm weather brings out Patagonia's diverse wildlife. Guanacos graze in open grasslands while Andean condors soar overhead. Flamingos gather at Laguna Amarga and pumas prowl Torres del Paine's valleys. At Bernardo O'Higgins National Park cormorants and sea lions frequent the coastline. According to visitor data "During our December visit to Torres del Paine we were fortunate to spot four pumas which happens to only 15% of the park's 250000 annual visitors."

What are the most popular hiking trails in Patagonia during December?

The region's premier trails reach peak accessibility in December. The W Trek in Torres del Paine and Laguna de los Tres trail to Mount Fitz Roy draw steady crowds. Perito Moreno Glacier's walkways and Los Glaciares National Park's networks offer additional options. Hotel Las Dunas in El Calafate and Hotel Infinito Sur in El Chalten provide strategic locations for hikers. "The trek to Laguna de los Tres was challenging but rewarding with spectacular views of Fitz Roy in December's clear weather" reports one TourRadar visitor.

How crowded are Patagonia's main attractions in December?

December brings peak visitor numbers to key sites like Torres del Paine National Park and Perito Moreno Glacier. Starting activities early helps avoid the largest crowds at popular viewpoints. Accommodations like Hotel Las Dunas and Hosteria El Pilar fill quickly. One traveler shares "Even in December's high season starting the Torres del Paine W Trek early helped us avoid the crowds and enjoy peaceful moments on the trails."

How far in advance should I book my December Patagonia trip?

December trips require planning 6-8 months ahead due to high demand. Premier lodging options including Las Dunas in El Calafate and Hosteria El Pilar reach capacity early. A recent visitor confirms "We booked our December Torres del Paine trek 7 months ahead and were glad we did. Many refugios were fully booked months in advance."

How much should I budget for a December trip to Patagonia?

Daily costs in December range from $300-500 including lodging guided excursions and food. The W Trek averages $280 per day while upscale hotels like Las Dunas start at $500. Park entrance fees run $20-38 with extra charges for activities such as glacier kayaking according to recent visitor reviews.

What is the weather like in Patagonia during December?

December temperatures typically range from 15-20°C (59-68°F) during daylight hours. The month offers up to 17 hours of daily light making it prime time for outdoor activities especially in Torres del Paine and El Calafate. "We had perfect clear weather during our December trek in Torres del Paine with only one day of typical Patagonian winds" reports one visitor. While conditions are generally stable quick weather changes remain possible.

Patagonia Tours in December 2026

Dec '26

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10 best Patagonia tour packages in December

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Nature & Wildlife
Southern Patagonia: El Calafate, El Chalten & Ushuaia
4.5 (2 reviews)
"The tours themselves were good and the guides were good."
Cari, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
El Calafate, El Chalten, Perito Moreno Glacier, Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
5% Off
From $2,895
US$2,750per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Grand Patagonia Journey: Bariloche, El Calafate & Ushuaia
5.0 (1 review)
"We absolutely loved Argentina. The places, the people and the food!"
Mercedes, traveled in March
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, San Carlos De Bariloche,Nahuel Huapi National Park,Victoria Island,Los Arrayanes National Park,San Martin de los Andes,El Calafate,Perito Moreno Glacier,El Chalten,Los Glaciares National Park,Mount Fitz Roy,Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
5% Off
From
US$3,705per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Patagonia Dreams: From Bariloche to the Icefields of El Calafate
4.3 (3 reviews)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
San Carlos De Bariloche, El Calafate,Perito Moreno Glacier,El Chalten,Mount Fitz Roy+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
5% Off
From
US$1,580per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
6 - Days Self Drive @ Torres del Paine National Park
5.0 (6 reviews)
"Having the car gives you the freedom to know other places and go to your own time touring and visiting the different tourist attractions."
AliceFrayton, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales,Torres del Paine National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Andes MountainsChile AustralPatagoniaTorres del Paine National Park+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Signature DMC
5% Off
From
US$1,140per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
El Calafate & Torres del Paine. Glaciers in Patagonia – 5 Days
4.3 (3 reviews)
"The travel and excursions were organized and seamless. I am happy that I chose HI Travel and would definitely recommend."
MICHELLE, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
El Calafate, Los Glaciares National Park,Perito Moreno Glacier,Cerro Castillo,Torres del Paine National Park,Lake Pehoé,Lago Nordenskjöld,El Chalten+6 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
HI Travel South America
5% Off
From
US$534per person
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1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
5-Day Trip to Ushuaia & El Calafate
4.6 (10 reviews)
"Good trip of Ushuaia and El Calafate (Patagonia) if you intending to extend your Southern America tour."
Vladimir, traveled in January
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, El Calafate
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Signature DMC
5% Off
From
US$1,170per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Mountains and Glaciers: Perito Moreno and Torres del Paine
5.0 (3 reviews)
"The excursions were excellent with knowledgable English speaking guides and hard working drivers."
Graham, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten,Puerto Natales,Torres del Paine National Park,Punta Arenas+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
5% Off
From $2,330
US$2,214per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Wildlife Puerto Madryn
5.0 (1 review)
"Loved the scenery along the way and was overall a good experience."
Richard, traveled in March
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Puerto Madryn, Punta Tombo National Reserve,Valdes Peninsula,Puerto Piramides,Trelew+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Patagonia
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
5% Off
From
US$740per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Full Patagonia Adventure (22 Days)
4.7 (3 reviews)
"I had some questions during the preparation period which were promptly answered by Hi Travel team."
Zoltan, traveled in November
Duration
22 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, Valdes Peninsula,Puerto Piramides,Punta Tombo National Reserve,Rio Gallegos,Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park,El Calafate,Perito Moreno Glacier,Los Glaciares National Park,Cerro Castillo,Torres del Paine National Park,Lake Pehoé,Lago Nordenskjöld,El Chalten,Mount Fitz Roy,Cerro Torre Mountain,San Carlos De Bariloche,Victoria Island,Nahuel Huapi National Park+18 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Patagonia
Operated in
English
Operator
HI Travel South America
5% Off
From
US$3,552per person
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Price based on Shared Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Journeys: Discover Patagonia National Geographic
4.6 (9 reviews)
"The excursions were amazing, and for the most part, the logistics were well planned and executed."
Katherine, traveled in October
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, San Carlos De Bariloche, Puerto Varas,Chiloe Island,Vicente Perez Rosales National Park,Osorno Volcano,Puerto Natales,Torres del Paine National Park,El Calafate,Los Glaciares National Park,Perito Moreno Glacier,Ushuaia,Isla Martillo+10 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures
20% Off
From $8,599
US$6,879per person
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Price based on Shared Room
20 Dec, 2026
1 space left
27 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Full Patagonia Adventure Trip - GROUP TOUR
4.0 (1 review)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
El Calafate, El Chalten, Mount Fitz Roy,Perito Moreno Glacier,Torres del Paine,Lake Pehoé,Puerto Natales,Tierra del Fuego Island,Ushuaia,Lago Fagnano,Isla Martillo+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsMount Fizroy and Cerro TorrePatagonia+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
20% Off
From
US$4,865per person
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Price based on Shared Room
19 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Best of Patagonia: Argentina & Chile 11 Days Tour
5.0 (3 reviews)
"The trip was varied, well-paced and brilliantly organized. Engrossing and stimulating."
Hillary, traveled in May
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, El Calafate,Perito Moreno Glacier,Puerto Natales,Torres del Paine National Park,Balmaceda,Santiago+5 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
20% Off
From
US$7,975per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Torres del Paine - The W Trek
4.2 (13 reviews)
"Fantastic guides and the itinerary."
ARUN, traveled in January
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park,Lago Nordenskjöld,Lake Pehoé+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsChile AustralPatagoniaTorres del Paine National Park+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $2,949
US$2,212per person
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Price based on Shared Room
1 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
5.0 (2 reviews)
"Smazing adventure with am awesome tour leader."
Nisha, traveled in January
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, El Chalten, El Calafate,Perito Moreno Glacier,Cerro Castillo,Torres del Paine National Park,Puerto Natales,Punta Arenas,Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park,Isla Martillo+8 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Andes MountainsMount Fizroy and Cerro TorrePatagonia+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $6,795
US$5,776per person
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Price based on Shared Room
5 Dec, 2026
1 space left
12 Dec, 2026
2 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Exploring Full Patagonia Argentina & Chile
4.8 (2 reviews)
"What a wonderful places!!"
Doris, traveled in February
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park,El Calafate,Perito Moreno Glacier,Puerto Natales,Mylodon Cave Natural Monument,Cerro Castillo,Torres del Paine National Park,Puerto Varas,San Carlos De Bariloche,San Martin de los Andes+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Qwerty Travel Argentina
15% Off
From
US$3,089per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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