Pumas of Patagonia

Detail

Trip Dates: Oct 15 – 22, 2028

(5 seats available)

 

“Pumas of Patagonia” provides the opportunity to observe and capture the lives of pumas like nowhere else. The protection afforded by Torres del Paine National Park and the private ranch bordering the park, where our tracking activities take place, along with the abundant prey, has resulted in the highest known puma density. The open habitat, combined with this, makes for a unique viewing experience.

 

With our expert trackers and guides, who are experienced in the habits and favorite places of the local cats, they rarely go a day without seeing a puma, and their current record stands at 7 individuals in one morning!

 

Pumas will be our priority. On the private ranch the wildlife we mostly see are – pumas, guanacos, foxes, rheas and birds.

Skunks and armadillos we are generally more successful in other areas, which we can drive through on the way to Torres del Paine, or one afternoon if clients are willing to finish early with pumas (usually after they have had a number of good sightings) we can go to an area to search specifically for them. Huemul are an endangered species of deer, and are more in the forested habitats of which there is almost none on the private ranch, but more in the western part of the park. We usually only see them if clients are staying at one of the hotels in the western area, and even then only with a bit of luck!

Along lake shores you may find flocks of brightly colored Chilean Flamingos, swans, geese and ducks, and finches, meadowlarks and more in the valleys.

 

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Oct 15, 2027): Arrival at Punta Arenas, Chile. Overnight in Punta Arenas

 

Day 2 (Oct 16, 2027): Transfer to Cerro Castillo. We will drive through the Rio Verde area, searching for birds and other wildlife like Rhea, Culpeo Fox, Gray fox, skunk, armadillo, etc.

 

Day 3-7 (Oct 17-21, 2028): Five full days of Pumas and wildlife photography.

 

Day 8 (Oct 12, 2028): Photography landscapes outside of Torres del Paine NP (a.m.) and then transfer back to Punta Arenas (p.m.).  Entrance fees to Torres del Paine have not been included, as we will focus our time on the private ranch and outside of the park.  Depart Punta Arenas to fly home for flights after 6 p.m.  Or elect to spend an extra night in Punta Arenas and fly out the next day.  You may want to consider extending your trip before or after.

 

Prices must be updated for 2028 – – – Cost of tour in 2027: $9,250 per person (double occupancy), $750 (single supplement).  A $2,500 deposit is required at the time of enrollment.  Balance must be paid 3 months before trip.  Deposit may be mailed or paid via PayPal (plus 3% fees).  Register and get mailing address via the Contact Form.

Limit:  5 participants

Physical Level: Moderate to Difficult

  • We will get ourselves as close as possible to the cats.  The rest of the way we will hike.  We will hike at a slow rate to accommodate everyone.  Participants must be able to hike in hilly terrain carrying their photo gear in temperatures ranging approximately from 28-50 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 to 11 C) in October.

 

This price includes:

  1. Accommodation from night 1 to night 7
  2. Food from lunch on day 2 to breakfast on day 8
  3. Guide and 4×4 vehicle from day 2 to day 8
  4. Puma tracker for 5 days
  5. Full days at private puma ranch (5 full days)
  6. Drinking water, tea, coffee, and snacks in the field

 

This does not include.

  1. International or domestic flights
  2. Airport-hotel transfer, any meals or guide on day 1 (just hotel in PUQ)
  3. Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park
  4. Gratuities or extra expenses
  5. Travel insurance
  6. Soft drinks or alcoholic beverages (drinks with meals at the hotel are put on the client’s personal tab to be paid at the end of stay)
  7. Access to private lands for condor roost area (optional).

 

Deposits & Cancellation Policy:

  • Deposit and tuition fees are non-refundable.

  • If the photo workshop is full and someone from the waiting list can take your spot, your tuition is fully refundable minus a 15% cancellation fee.

  • We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.

  • No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after the photo workshop begins.

  • We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

Start Date
Sun, October 15