Patagonia Puma Tracking
Starts and ends at Punta Arenas, Chile - 10 days
Embark on an epic adventure with wildlife tracking professionals to track and observe Torres del Paine’s top predator, the Patagonian puma, in its natural habitat.
Paired with star-filled nights at exquisite boutique hotels, and getting up close and personal with spectacular flora and fauna, this trip is a Must for wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike!
This experience does not demand extensive physical activity, other than walking a maximum of two consecutive hours over fairly flat terrain. We stop as many times as necessary depending on the rhythm of the group. All trails visited in the programs are under 1,000m / 3,000ft high so passengers don’t need to worry about altitude. The weather in Patagonia can be difficult at times, so it's best to expect wet and windy weather and if the sun greets us on our trip, all the better!
Highlights
- Go on excursions led by top-class Patagonian wildlife experts
- Watch for possible puma, fox, ñandú and guanaco sightings
- Enjoy stunning natural surroundings
- Spend 5 nights at an incredible luxury eco-lodge immerse in pristine Nature
- Explore with small groups of up to 5 people for optimum personalization
Itinerary
Exploring Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its stunning landscapes of rugged mountains, vibrant blue glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can trek through the famous W Circuit, marvel at the iconic granite towers, and spot diverse wildlife such as guanacos, foxes, and condors. Whether you're an experienced hiker looking for a challenge or simply seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, Torres del Paine has something to offer for everyone. The park's well-maintained trails, comfortable refugios, and breathtaking vistas make it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Be sure to pack accordingly for varying weather conditions and take time to appreciate the raw beauty of this natural wonder. A visit to Torres del Paine National Park promises a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Chile's remarkable landscapes.
Day 1: Arrival - The Patagonian adventure starts.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.
Welcome to the end of the world! We'll start our adventure from the Punta Arenas* airport, taking a transfer to Puerto Natales, where we will meet the tracking team and a hearty lunch awaits us**. The road to your luxury eco-lodge through Laguna Amarga will give you plenty of opportunities to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked horizon. Once you arrive at the eco-lodge, a small talk and briefing along with the tracking team and guides will take place. Afterwards, an observation activity on the Torres del Paine lookouts will take place.
*Flying into Puerto Natales is also an available option.
** Lunch can be either at Puerto Natales or Ecocamp
Days 2, 3, 4 & 5: Wildlife exploration and observation.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.
We’ll start each day early, observing the sunrise from new locations while enjoying hot coffee and breakfast on the go. Our puma tracking team, who will let us know the location of the park's most elusive animals, are already hard at work. Our guide takes us through the different habitats and ecosystems in the area, introducing us to the unique and colorful wildlife of Torres del Paine and teaching us the methodology for responsible wildlife observation. We will make an early excursion, then return for lunch and have some rest at the lodge, and then we will embark on the afternoon excursion. After enjoying the iconic Patagonian sunset over the Paine massif, we’ll return to the lodge for dinner and well-earned rest.
On day 2,3,4 we will focus our tracking activities around Laguna Amarga, on the Eastern edge of the National Park; on day 5 we will stay inside the Park, photographing and learning about its other inhabitants.
Please note: In the event of bad weather, alternative activities will be planned. Example: scenic waterfall Paine Grande or Laguna Azul.
Day 6: Departure.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.
We'll start the day with the sunrise and some incredible photo opportunities in the Laguna Azul & Cascada Paine sector. After that we will head to the lodge to have a hearty breakfast served amongst your fellow travel companions (Box lunch can be taken to the AM excursion too); after that, you'll embark with the group on the last ride together and head to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas Airport.
Adios Patagonia!
Exploring El Calafate
Exploring Puerto Williams
What's included
English-speaking specialist guide with a maximum group size of only 6 travellers.
Accommodation at luxury boutique hotels.
All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary.
Park entrance fees for Torres del Paine National Park.
Meals: 6 Lunches, 5 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners.
Not included
Flight tickets.
Insurance (appropriate insurance is mandatory for this trip).
Voluntary tipping to guides and staff.
Soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at the eco-lodge. Bringing cash to buy extra drinks, snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine National Park is recommended.
Personal items.
Photography equipment and binoculars - please bring your own!
Additional info
Single room supplement: US$ 300 per person
Starting / finishing point
The trip starts and ends in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales. All flights should arrive before 9:30 AM on the first day. All onward flights should leave after 8 PM on the last day.
Physical demands
The easy trip options do not demand extensive physical activity, other than walking a maximum of two consecutive hours over fairly flat terrain. We stop as many times as necessary depending on the rhythm of the group. Travelers doing the active excursions will find them more energetic and to enjoy these more active treks it is essential to be in shape before arriving. All trails visited in the programs are under 1,000m / 3,000ft high so passengers don’t need to worry about altitude.
Itinerary modifications
The weather in Patagonia can be difficult at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate any part of the itinerary according to these considerations.
Transport
In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia, transportation is in minivans that seat from 8 to 14 people. Pick-up/drop-off times shown in the Weekly Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed by our local operations team. An exclusive toll-free emergency number will be available for anyone needing additional support while they are in Chile.
Weather
The Patagonian Andes are exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In addition, the strong marine influence and the Southern Patagonia Icefield make the weather hard to predict.
The temperature in winter ranges between -2ºC (28ºF) and 6ºC (43ºF). June, July, and August are the wettest months in Torres del Paine and sub-zero temperatures are common. Nevertheless, the wind is relatively mild in winter. Just as quickly as the weather turns nasty, it can become lovely and sunny so come prepared for all types of weather!