Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Patagonia

What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Patagonia

• What are the most popular Christmas & New Year activities in Patagonia?

  December brings a mix of seasonal festivities and outdoor adventures to Patagonia. Visitors can join special holiday cruises on Lake Argentino where the icebergs float past decorated vessels or enjoy traditional Christmas Eve dinners at working estancias near El Calafate. In Torres del Paine Hotel Lago Grey hosts lively New Year's celebrations. During daylight hours which stretch long into the evening travelers head out for hikes to Mirador Las Torres trek across Perito Moreno Glacier or spot wildlife at Peninsula Valdes. A TourRadar traveler highlighted that "spending Christmas Day hiking in Torres del Paine followed by a traditional Patagonian feast was unforgettable."

• What weather conditions should I expect during Christmas & New Year in Patagonia?

  Summer arrives in Patagonia during the holiday season bringing daytime temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) to El Calafate and Torres del Paine. The region's characteristic winds remain strong and conditions can shift quickly throughout the day. A TourRadar traveler noted "pack layers as the weather varied from warm sunshine to cool winds at Perito Moreno Glacier." With up to 17 hours of daylight visitors can make the most of outdoor activities at spots like Lago Grey and Mount Fitz Roy well into the evening.

• How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour in Patagonia?

  The holiday period marks peak season in Patagonia with most tours and accommodations needing to be secured 6-8 months ahead. Prime locations such as Hotel Las Torres in Torres del Paine and Hosteria El Pedral in Puerto Madryn often reach capacity 8-12 months in advance. Booking data shows December-January accounts for over 40% of annual reservations with lodges operating at maximum capacity. A TourRadar traveler advised: "We booked our Christmas trek to Fitz Roy 9 months ahead and were glad we did - everything was fully booked by September."

• What special holiday meals and celebrations are included in Patagonian Christmas tours?

  Holiday tours feature traditional Patagonian asados (barbecues) at venues like Hotel Las Torres in Torres del Paine and Estancia Cristina near Los Glaciares National Park. Seasonal menus showcase regional specialties including local lamb king crab and wines from the region. One TourRadar traveler shared "the Christmas Eve dinner at our lodge near Perito Moreno Glacier was exceptional combining traditional holiday dishes with Patagonian specialties and amazing views."

• What are the accommodation options for Christmas & New Year in Patagonia?

  The region offers varied lodging choices from upscale properties like Hotel Los Cerros in Ushuaia to intimate settings such as Hosteria El Pilar in El Chalten. Most properties create special holiday packages that include festive meals and seasonal activities. A TourRadar traveler mentioned that "staying at Design Suites Calafate provided the perfect balance of comfort and location for holiday celebrations with views of Lake Argentino and easy access to town festivities."

• How do transportation arrangements work during the holiday period?

  Tours during the festive season include private transfers between major destinations such as El Calafate Torres del Paine and Ushuaia as public transport options become limited. Flights connecting main hubs like Buenos Aires and El Calafate require early booking. As one TourRadar traveler noted "having pre-arranged transfers during the busy holiday period was essential especially for early morning glacier excursions and Christmas Day activities."