BEST PLACES TO GO IN LATIN AMERICA IN DECEMBER
December marks the start of summer in the southern hemisphere – bringing long days, festive energy and the opening of Antarctica’s expedition season.
For those travelling over Christmas and New Year, we have an unrivalled little black book of private properties – from island buy-outs and remote nature reserves to working haciendas and polar camps – allowing families and private groups to experience extraordinary places entirely on their own terms.
Here, our specialists have hand-picked a few destinations to inspire your December travels in Latin America.
Argentina
Come December, summer is in full swing in Argentina, and the country truly comes into its own.
In Buenos Aires, the Argentine Open Polo Championship final brings the world’s top players to Palermo for the biggest event on the polo calendar. The capital is warm and lively, with long evenings, open-air dining and a packed cultural calendar.
Further south, it’s prime time for exploring Patagonia, with long, warm days ideal for exploring national parks, kayaking glacial lakes and ice trekking. Keen riders can set out with gauchos over the mountains, spending nights at working estancias and pop-up fly camps; Jakotango’s northern Patagonian ride is a firm PSA favourite.
Explore Argentina
Cuba
December in Cuba sees the country fully reawaken, with cultural life back in full flow. In Havana, we can arrange insider access to private artists’ studios, independent galleries, and the National Ballet. Trinidad offers pastel-coloured streets and Spanish colonial architecture, flanked by the Escambray mountains, while Santiago de Cuba is a cultural counterpoint to the capital – the birthplace of salsa and Bacardi rum. Round off your trip with a few days basking on the pale sand beaches of Cuba’s Caribbean coast.
Explore Cuba
Mexico
December is a wonderful month for Mexico. Start in Mexico City with food and art – once the home of Frida Kahlo, Diego Riveras and Luis Barragán. From there, set out through the colonial towns of Mexico’s central highlands, or make for Oaxaca for markets, mezcal distilleries and Zapotec ruins, paired with a few days on the Pacific coast at Puerto Escondido. To the east, the Yucatán offers private haciendas, ancient archaeological sites and secluded cenotes for swimming and diving away from the crowds.
Explore Mexico
Panama
December in Panama is dry and sunny – an ideal time to visit. Most journeys begin in Panama City, combining time in Casco Viejo with a visit to the Panama Canal before heading west or south into the country’s wilder corners.
On the Pacific, the Islas Secas archipelago is a favourite, with space, seclusion and warm seas suited to boating, diving and quiet beach days. Further inland, journeys might include time with the Emberá indigenous community, reached by river and dugout canoe. We also have a handful of exceptional properties available for full buy-out on the Panamaes Nature Reserve, which work especially well for multi-generational trips; our favourites get snapped up early, so best to plan ahead.
Explore Panama
Antarctica
December brings a return to Antarctica. With the breakup of winter ice, landing sites become accessible once more, and 24-hour daylight allows for extended exploration across glaciers, islands and vast coastal wilderness. Early in the season, penguins begin their nesting cycle, while seals and whales gradually return to Antarctic waters.
Journeys by expedition yacht or polar vessel allow for zodiac landings, glacier walks and encounters with some of the planet’s most elemental landscapes. Those choosing a land-based experience can stay at luxury eco-camps and take part in activities such as ice-climbing, kayaking, abseiling and guided exploration with experienced polar teams.
Explore AntarcticaOur journeys are defined by deep knowledge, rare access, and meticulous attention to detail – speak to our specialists to begin planning your December adventure in Latin America.
Looking for more inspiration?
Where to Travel in January
Where to Travel in February
Where to Travel in March
