Pumas of Patagonia

Destinations visited on this trip: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Overview

Misted by the Southern Ocean and covered in ice for much of the year, the rugged landscape of Patagonia is one of the planet’s final frontiers. Truly a wild place, massive granite outcrops tower over turquoise glacial lakes while groups of guanacos graze. Here, an avian behemoth reigns supreme among the clouds - the mighty Andean Condor. Smaller birds such as the Grey-hooded Sierra Finch, Austral Parakeet, and Magellanic Woodpecker abound and decorate the vegetation at every turn, bodies of water are bountiful for Upland Geese and Chilean Flamingos. Lesser Rheas trot across the Southern Andean Steppe, but all remain vigilant as Torres del Paine is also famous for its healthy population of Puma. This remains one of the best places on earth to view these magnificent cats in their natural habitat, very often they can be seen stalking, chasing, and even taking down the massive guanacos. Puma populations are dense in this park and in surrounding ranches, and within one of these ranches we shall spend a few days with an experienced Puma tracker, enjoying close encounters with the world’s most adaptable big cat.

This tour has been specifically designed with photographers in mind. Highlights and potential species include Upland Goose, Ashy-headed Goose, Austral Parakeet, Austral Pygmy-Owl, Spectacled Duck, Black-faced Ibis, Flying Steamer-Duck, White-throated Caracara, Lesser Rhea, Magellanic Oystercatcher, Magellanic Tapaculo, Dark-bellied Cinclodes, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Rufous-tailed Plantcutter, Fire-eyed Diucon, Patagonian Mockingbird, Austral Thrush, Black-chinned Siskin, Austral Blackbird, Patagonian Sierra-finch, Yellow-bridled Finch, Magellanic Horned Owl, Magellanic Woodpecker, Chilean Flicker, Striped Woodpecker, Chilean flamingo, Torrent duck, Long-tailed Meadowlark among many others endemic to South America. Also some interesting ones with wider distribution range such as Andean Condor, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle and Chilean Hawk. Mammals include Puma, Guanaco, Hairy Armadillo, Grey Fox, Molina’s Hog-nosed Skunk, South Andean Deer, and many others.

Photos L to R: Andean Condor; Austral Parakeet; Guanaco; Upland Goose; Hairy Armadillo; Hog-nosed Skunk; Pampas Fox - photos courtesy of Argentina Wild Expeditions

Upcoming Tour Dates

2025

• 19 - 25 September: To register your interest in this tour, please contact us here.

Tour Price

From US$6225 per person - for detailed pricing please scroll to the bottom of this page.

Day 1: Arrival 

At your advised arrival time, you will be picked up at Punta Arenas Airport, after which you shall be transferred to your hotel in Puerto Natales. Night in Puerto Natales

Day 2: Torres del Paine National Park

Full day touring and hiking through the famed Torres del Paine National Park with an experienced Puma tracker. Here we shall be photographing the landscape as well as the many birds on show as we track the majestic Pumas through the National Park. Night in Puerto Natales

Day 3: Torres del Paine National Park

We check out of our hotel and head to the national park to spend another full day touring the park as before. Night at Cerro Castillo

Days 4, 5 & 6: Laguna Amarga Private Ranch

For these three days, we shall spend at this privately owned and operated estate, home to a significant population of wild Puma. Nights at Cerro Castillo

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast we shall check out of our hotel, and transfer back to the airport at Punta Arenas, marking the end of our tour. 

Tour Pricing

2025

Tour Price: USD$6225 per person (based on double occupancy rates and a maximum number of clients per tour). Single Supplement, i.e. if you would prefer to have a single room for the duration of your tour, there is an additional charge of: USD$890.

Included in tour price: airport transfers from Punta Arenas airport, private ground transportation, English-speaking guide and Puma tracker, all entrance fees, meals and accommodation. Cost also includes photographic instruction and guidance throughout the tour, as well as assistance with post-processing as needed. 

Not included in tour price: alcoholic drinks, items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities, flights.