11 Reasons Why Patagonia Should Be on Your Bucket List This Winter

Incredible Patagonia
Incredible Patagonia | © Guglielmo Celata/Flickr
Sorcha O'Higgins

Planning on taking off this winter but unsure of where to go? Perhaps you fancy skiing in the Alps, or browsing the Christmas markets in Germany. Maybe you hadn’t considered South America’s Patagonia, an incredible region of nature and activity in southern Argentina. Here’s why Patagonia should be your top pick for a winter destination.

Winter elsewhere means summer in Patagonia

Winter can be overwhelming in the northern hemisphere – short days, long nights, extreme cold and the panic of wrapping everything up before the year ends and the holidays begin, not to mention Christmas parties and endless boozing! Well, in Patagonia, you will experience the carefree summer of South America, where the days are hot and long and the drinks of the day are ice cold beers to quench your thirst in the searing heat. Patagonia is huge, but whether you are down in the deep south of Ushuaia, up north in El Bolson or out east in Puerto Madryn, you are guaranteed hot, dry days to beat those winter blues.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Summer in Patagonia

Get a much needed break from the city

Patagonia really consists of a few central hubs such as El Calafate or Bariloche, but in between is a vast expanse of nothingness. Many of the cities and towns themselves are rural settlements that are a far cry from the urban madness of Buenos Aires or Cordoba, and as such, Patagonia is the perfect place to come and reconnect with both nature and your inner self when the city begins to take its toll. Stay at an estancia for the real Wild West of the South experience.

Escape the clutches of the holiday season

In Argentina, Christmas really isn’t that big a deal, and even less so in Patagonia. If you’re the kind of person who gets irritated by the onslaught of the holiday season before Halloween is even cold in its grave, Patagonia is the ideal place for you. Gone is the rush of shoppers on Black Friday looking for those early bargains, and there is a notable lack of the decorations and advertising associated with Christmas in the northern hemisphere. So sit back, relax and forget about putting up the tree.

Immerse yourself in nature

Speaking of trees, the closest thing you’ll find to a Christmas tree will be in the swathes of forest that can be found all over Patagonia. Whether you are hiking in the Andes, visiting the Lakes District or following the routes of the adventurers in Ushuaia, natural landscapes abound, and are some of the most well kept and untouched on the planet. Patagonia is a hiker’s paradise, and it’s not for nothing that this is where the world’s most ardent trekkers come to experience some of the best trails and routes on earth.

Patagonian nature

See one of the world’s most famous mountain ranges

One thing in particular these hikers come for are the mountains. It is impossible to mention Patagonia without almost in the same breath referring to the incredible Andes mountain range that runs along the border between Argentina and Chile, effectively becoming the spine of South America. This imposing mountain range is home to some of the world’s most impressive peaks, including Mount Fitz Roy and the Paine Massif. Trekkers delight, for there is no better place to explore the wonder of the Andes than Patagonia.

Visit some of the world’s biggest ice fields

Argentine Patagonia is also home to Glaciers National Park, whose biggest attraction, and one of the major destinations in the country, is the formidable Perito Moreno Glacier. Forming part of the Southern Patagonian Ice field, which is made up of 48 glaciers in total, the Perito Moreno is 30km long. It is also the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water, making it an important natural and geological entity. It is also notable for being one of the only glaciers in the world that is still growing, while many are receding due to climate change.

Perito Moreno Glacier

Make friends with incredible wildlife

Patagonia is the natural habitat of both native flora and fauna, but also of lots of animals that come south to breed in the spring and summer. While in the northern hemisphere the winter months are a time of hibernation for many animals, the fact that the seasons are reversed in the south means that an incredible array of wildlife migrate south to mate in the waters of the Atlantic off the coast of Argentine Patagonia. Head to Puerto Madryn in Chubut until December to see penguins and the Southern Right Whale.

Ditch the turkey and eat some lamb

For many of us, winter is synonymous with Christmas, and Christmas is synonymous with turkey. But how many of us actually enjoy the giant bird? Often is comes out overcooked and dry, so at Christmas in Patagonia, why not try some mouth-watering Patagonian lamb that is cooked in a traditional way over an open fire, “a la cruz”, or on the cross, as they say here. Lamb is a typical Patagonian dish, and it is a challenge to find such a delicious morsel of this meat anywhere else on the planet.

Patagonian lamb

Get fit hiking

Christmas and winter are often a time of over indulgence, of sitting by the fire and eating mince pies and drinking wine until you fall asleep. However, Patagonia in summer is the farthest thing from couch-sitting you can find. Instead of engaging in the battle of the bulge, hit the hiking trails and trekking routes that can be found all over the region. You won’t need to feel guilty about eating a hearty feed afterwards, because you will have earned it. And you’ll head back to work in January feeling amazing, the envy of all your colleagues.

Cleanse the soul

Patagonia is as much a spiritual destination as it is a touristic one, because the energy that vibrates from the mountains and the forest and the rivers can be felt everywhere you go. Coming to Patagonia will give you a new lease of life, wiping the slate clean and leaving you feeling like you can conquer anything that life throws at you on the other side. There are lots of yoga retreats and work away programs for those looking to nurture their spiritual side, especially in places like El Bolson.

Start the New Year as you mean to continue

Forget buying the gym membership and promising to be a better person next year. Most of our New Year’s resolutions only serve as disappointments to us when we don’t fulfill them. But if you spend the season in Patagonia, you are pretty much guaranteed to have a once in a lifetime experience, something that will stay with you forever. There is no better way to start the year than with a summer spent in Patagonia, and you will be ready to face the year ahead with renewed vigour and zeal. Try it, you won’t be sorry.

New Year’s fireworks
culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article