Puma, Torres del Paine

Puma Photo Safari in Torres del Paine

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The rolling hills in and around Torres del Paine are perhaps the best place in the world to observe Pumas in their habitats; lounging, stalking, hunting, and caring for their young. This vast landscape is home to large herds of Guanaco, their main prey, and the world-famous massif of the Torres del Paine are an absolutely stunning backdrop for days out in the field. The opportunities of capturing spectacular images during our Puma Photo Safari are second to none. We’ll be aided by professional Puma trackers that know the local population and their habits.

Trips can be organizes throughout the year. In the winter the parks sees less traffic and allows for photos of the Pumas contrasted to the snowy landscape. While spring may be a better time to happen upon Puma on the hunt for young Guanacos. In any case, these big cats are a true spectacle and an absolute joy to photograph regardless of the time of year.

Additionally, you can extend this itinerary to include a day trip to the King Penguin colony on Tierra del Fuego, Magellanic Plover and steppe birdingCoastal and Forest Birding South of Punta Arenas, or the Magellanic Penguin colony on Isla Magdalena.

 

Private trips can be organized year around as requested

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  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
  • Activity Level Wildlife Photography

ITINERARY SUMMARY:

Day 1: Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine

Day 2 – 5: Full Days of Puma photography

Day 6: Morning of Puma photography and return to Punta Arenas

 

Highlights

  • Pumas in their natural habitat
  • Stunning Patagonian landscape photography
  • Plenty of other Patagonian wildlife

 

Pace

  • Relaxed pace. Early starts and days stretching until dusk out in the field, but during midday there will time to relax and rest. However, the itinerary is flexible, so it can accommodate those that wish for a more intensive pace.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR?
  • Internal flights Santiago – Punta Arenas – Santiago
  • 5 nights of accommodation in a comfortable hotel near the park
  • Transport: SUV for 1-3 people; minivan for 4-6 people
  • 2 english speaking guides
  • Puma tracker
  • Snacks (fruit, nuts, cereal bars, water)
  • All meals
  • Park entrance fees

Next Departure

June 16 to 21, 2023

Additional information

Group Size

  • This tour is limited to a group of 6 participants, with two tour leader.
  1. DAY 1 - PUNTA ARENAS TO TORRES DEL PAINE

    Starting from Punta Arenas we’ll drive north towards Torres del Paine National Park, where we’ll be immersed in some of the most spectacular scenery in the country and arguably the best place in the world to see and photograph Pumas. We’ll break up the drive (~4 hrs) with an early lunch in the pleasant town of Puerto Natales, nestled on the edge of the fjords. Arriving at the park we’ll get to know and familiarize ourselves with the areas in the park and adjoining ranches where Pumas are regularly seen. This will be our first introduction to the landscape and the wildlife inhabiting the scrubby steppe and small lagoons. Nearing dusk we’ll have our first chance at spotting Pumas. As nigh falls we’ll head back to our accommodation in the steppe for dinner and have the chance to discuss our plan for the next few days. Night in Cerro Castillo.

  2. DAYS 2 to 5 - FULL DAYS OF PUMA PHOTOGRAPHY

    Dawn and dusk are the most active times for Pumas, also giving us the best light for photography. We’ll concentrate our efforts at these times of the day. With help from professional Puma trackers, we’ll scour the hills in search of Pumas, and relocate when one of the trackers spots them. The trackers will radio-in with the whereabouts of an individual or group, and give us instructions on the best way to approach so as to be at the optimal spot for photographing. Always at a safe distance and ensuring no disturbance. The photo opportunities are absolutely fantastic here as multiple families live in the area. Depending on the time of year, females can be seen with their cubs and stalking prey, or males prowling the hills.

    During the ‘slower’ hours of the day we are free to explore other areas of the park, in search of interesting birds or other mammals. Birds of special note are: Andean Condor, Cinnamon-bellied Ground-Tyrant, Patagonian Mockingbird, Magellanic Woodpecker, and the recently re-discovered Austral Rail. Other mammals include: Southern Andean Deer (Huemul), Guanaco, Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk, Gray Fox, and Patagonian Haired Armadillo. Of course there are ample opportunities for fantastic landscape photography throughout the stay. Nights in Cerro Castillo.

  3. DAY 6 - MORNING OF PUMA PHOTOGRAPHY AND RETRUN TO PUNTA ARENAS

    On the last morning we’ll have one opportunity to photograph Pumas in and around the park. Then we’ll head back towards Puerto Natales for a nice end-of-tour lunch and an afternoon arrival in Punta Arenas.

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