There aren’t many gifts you could discover under the tree that would be as welcome as a holiday. Forget perfume, pyjamas or the dreaded socks. Give us plane tickets and two weeks away any day. If you feel the same, maybe it’s time to plan a festive break in a far-flung land. Somewhere you can still find sunshine in December. Where the natural wonders are as memorable as the wines. Should you need convincing, here are five reasons to visit Argentina at Christmas. Hola, holiday season to remember…
- ‘Tis the summer season
- Patagonia perfection
- Iconic Iguazu Falls
- A slice of local life
- Raise a world-class glass
1.
‘Tis the summer season
Christmas cards conjure up snowy scenes of ice skating and carolling in the crisp air. But we all know that the festive forecast in the UK is typically more grey than glittering snow. If you want to forgo the layers and log fires this year, Argentina at Christmas is an alluring alternative. The festivities fall in the middle of summer in the southern hemisphere, with average daytime temperatures of 28 degrees. This can vary by region, but you should generally find the forecast to be suitably summery. It’s cooler in Patagonia in December, with highs of 15 to 20 degrees. Still a welcome change from winter in the UK, it’s the perfect condition for a few long hikes.
2.
Patagonia perfection
Speaking of Patagonia – the natural wonderland shared by Argentina and Chile on the southernmost tip of South America – December is a divine time to plan a visit in Argentina. Patagonia is paradise for the outdoorsy ones; a staggering 400,000 square miles of glaciers, fjords, granite peaks, lakes, rainforests, rivers and coastline. Hikers, trekkers and adrenaline-seekers travel here for once-in-a-lifetime adventures. And the weather means you can enjoy most activities in a T-shirt and shorts –always a disorientating delight in December. The holidays can be crowded, as nature-loving locals arrive here to make the most of the Christmas break. But if you don’t mind sharing, you could have a Christmas like no other in a place like no other, complete with 18 hours of daylight to fill with festive fun.
3.
Iconic Iguazu Falls
The Iguazu Falls are a jaw-on-the-floor sight at any time of year. But by December, after heavy rainfall, the volume of water plummeting over the falls is at its height, making for an even more spectacular scene. This UNESCO-listed chain of waterfalls extends almost 1.85 miles and, at 1.7 miles wide, are wider than both Niagara and Victoria Falls. With waterproofs on, we recommend taking the walkway to the Garganta del Diablo or Devil’s Throat. This spectacular viewpoint overlooks the deafening cascade of powerful, plunging water, rightly regarded as one of the most impressive landscapes in Argentina. Spectators should expect to be soaked by spray, but getting a little soggy is worth it for the views.
4.
A slice of local life
The festive season is synonymous with food. So, what will you be eating in Argentina at Christmas? The main family meal is enjoyed on Christmas Eve, with dishes like vitel toné (veal with tuna sauce) piononos (savoury Swiss rolls) and traditional Argentine asado (barbecue). You can also sample pan dulce, a type of panettone. Like many Spanish-speaking countries, Argentina continues its festivities into the New Year. The country celebrates Día de Reyes or the Day of Kings on 6th January, marking the visit of the Three Wise Men to the Baby Jesus. Before bedtime, local children leave out their shoes, alongside water and hay for the kings’ camels. Overnight, the kings visit and fill the empty shoes with sweets and small gifts, before the day itself is celebrated with Rosca de Reyes; a crown-shaped cake decorated with candied fruit in jewel-like colours.
5.
Raise a world-class glass
Argentina is the fifth-largest wine producer in the world. So, you won’t be short of delicious tipples to toast the festive season or see in the New Year. More than 60% of Argentina’s wine is produced in the Mendoza province, a world-class wine region in the foothills of the Andes. The climate and altitude here are conducive to excellent grapes, which are transformed into firm favourites like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. The region might be best known for its reds, but there are Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs to savour too. For a vintage holiday, it’s hard to beat Argentina at Christmas. Include a winery tour or two in your itinerary and say salud to a very merry Christmas.