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

250+ Patagonia tours

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Adventure & Adrenaline
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
From
US$534per person
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1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
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Nature & Wildlife
Full Patagonia Adventure (22 Days)
4.7 (3 reviews)
"Every detail felt thoughtfully considered, and we were able to see so many incredible places without ever feeling rushed."
Kelly, traveled in March
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
From
US$3,552per person
Price based on Shared Room
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1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
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Polar
Adventures in Patagonia
4.5 (39 reviews)
"The hotel del Paine cabanas were great, as was the food there."
David, traveled in October
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Isla Martillo,Tierra del Fuego National Park,Punta Arenas,Puerto Natales,Mylodon Cave Natural Monument,Torres del Paine National Park,Cerro Castillo,El Calafate,Los Glaciares National Park,Perito Moreno Glacier,El Chalten,Mount Fitz Roy+11 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
4% Off
From $7,980
US$7,700per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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13 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
16 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Polar
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
4% Off
From
US$2,895per person
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1 Dec, 2026
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2 Dec, 2026
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Polar
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
4% Off
From
US$1,715per person
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1 Dec, 2026
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2 Dec, 2026
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Limited-Time Patagonia Escape: 6 Days Ushuaia & El Calafate
5.0 (1 review)
"Your service is very perpect."
SOONYOUNG, traveled in June
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, El Calafate
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Trip to South America
4% Off
From
US$990per person
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1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
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Nature & Wildlife
The End of the World + El Chalten w/Bus (10 Days)
4.5 (6 reviews)
"Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. We saw a lot of patagonia. The private room in a hostel option was great."
Russell, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
El Chalten, El Calafate, Torres del Paine National Park,Ushuaia+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
HI Travel South America
4% Off
From
US$1,360per person
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1 Dec, 2026
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2 Dec, 2026
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Polar
Journeys: Discover Patagonia National Geographic
4.6 (9 reviews)
"The lake crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Varas is spectacular."
Wendy, traveled in January
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
10% Off
From $7,899
US$7,109per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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6 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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Adventure & Adrenaline
The End of the World. El Calafate and Ushuaia w/bus (8 Days)
5.0 (7 reviews)
"The company had created a very nice itnerary and I could cover all good areas in Patagonia."
Jahnavi, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Cerro Castillo,Torres del Paine National Park,Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
HI Travel South America
10% Off
From
US$1,048per person
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1 Dec, 2026
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2 Dec, 2026
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Adventure & Adrenaline
5-Day Trip to Ushuaia & El Calafate
4.6 (10 reviews)
"I would choose this company once and a thousand times more."
BenjaminOsamerito, traveled in February
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, El Calafate
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Physical Rating
Easy
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Signature DMC
10% Off
From
US$1,170per person
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2 Dec, 2026
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City & Culture
City, Volcanoes and Glaciers in Chile
5.0 (1 review)
"The sites visited were beautiful and guides were well-informed and friendly. The tour company made every effort to accommodate our needs."
Lori, traveled in March
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Santiago, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, Puerto Varas,Llanquihue Lake,Vicente Perez Rosales National Park,Petrohue,Osorno Volcano,Ensenada,Puerto Montt,Puerto Natales,Cerro Castillo,Torres del Paine National Park,Lago Nordenskjöld,Lake Pehoé,Mylodon Cave Natural Monument+12 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
10% Off
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US$2,660per person
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1 Dec, 2026
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2 Dec, 2026
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Polar
Argentina: Ushuaia, Calafate, Bariloche, Puerto Madryn & Buenos Aires - 11 days
4.6 (5 reviews)
"The trip was amazing! Overall great trip and would do it again."
Kristin, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, El Calafate,Perito Moreno Glacier,Los Glaciares National Park,San Carlos De Bariloche,Puerto Madryn,Valdes Peninsula,Puerto Piramides,Punta Tombo National Reserve,Buenos Aires+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Patagonia
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Aborigen Tours
15% Off
From $1,369
US$1,164per person
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1 Dec, 2026
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2 Dec, 2026
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Hiking & Trekking
Torres del Paine - The W Trek
4.2 (13 reviews)
"Great trip! I highly recommend it."
Xiaoyang, traveled in January
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park,Lago Nordenskjöld+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsChile AustralPatagoniaTorres del Paine National Park+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $2,949
US$2,654per person
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1 Dec, 2026
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5 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
5.0 (2 reviews)
"Well designed tour. We saw the maximum in the amount of time we had."
Beatrice, traveled in December
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
10% Off
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US$6,890per person
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5 Dec, 2026
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9 Dec, 2026
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Polar
Exploring Full Patagonia Argentina & Chile
4.8 (2 reviews)
"Great people and gorgeous natural sights!!"
Leslie, traveled in November
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
10% Off
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US$3,089per person
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1 Dec, 2026
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2 Dec, 2026
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