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Pumas of Patagonia
Down in the south, as far south as man can walk on this earth. To the end of the world, where the mighty Andes descend into the ocean. There is a place of wind & of ice – a place of Pumas.
Introduction
This expedition is not for the faint of heart. You will have to face the tempestuous weather of the Patagonian region, gale force winds and dramatic weather changes. The landscape is equally impressive, flanked by the Atlantic and Pacific oceans with vast grassy plains, rolling foothills, vivid blue glacial lakes, rugged mountains and glacial fields to create the spectacle that is Patagonia.
Not dissuade?
Are you ready to to take on the rugged and rocky terrain? Brave the tough Patagonian vegetation that wants to rip holes in all your clothes not to mention you? Tackle that hill with all your photographic equipment on your back? And at the end of it all – are you ready to come face to face with a puma?
If your answer is yes – then you are ready to join us on an Untamed Pumas of Patagonia Expedition.
Welcome
We are now offering an opportunity to sign up to an open invite, fixed departure, photography expedition to experience what it’s like to walk on the wild side – with pumas.
This 7 days / 6 nights expedition is a package deal. Whisking you away on your arrival to Punta Arenas, the southernmost city on the mainland, five hours northward to where the magic happens.
The expedition will be focused on getting you in the right place at the right time to photograph wild pumas in their natural habitat. No need to be an experienced photographer to join us, but just the photographer’s drive to go that extra mile, get up that hour earlier, brave that wind just a little bit longer, for a chance to capture those shots you are proud to take home.
We are allowing just six photographers to sign up to each trip. A small group size allows us to mobilise more easily, and reduce the impact of our presence on the behaviour of the pumas. It also creates a better environment for each photographer to find their unique angle without getting in each other’s way.
You will be accompanied by a top quality guide, fluent in English and Spanish. They are experienced in tracking and understanding the behaviour of the pumas, and a keen photographer themselves. This means they have the know how to anticipate opportunities and get you and the group into the best position to capture the action.
Helping the guide will be a dedicated puma tracker – doing the leg work of searching the landscape for clues and signs of pumas and tracking them down. Using radios to keep in constant communication and 4×4 vehicles to traverse the rugged terrain, we take you directly to the action once a puma has been found. Yet once we are close, we descend from the vehicles and approach on foot. This gives us the mobility to follow pumas where ever they go, to be ready to move into the right position and photograph as soon as the moment occurs, and get angles that wouldn’t be possible when confined to a vehicle.
What To Expect
1. Transport
Private transport in 4×4 vehicles for the duration of the expedition. Three guests per vehicle plus a driver giving ample room for photographic equipment. Fuel included.
2. Food and lodging
All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7. This is sheep country and the traditional dish is “Cordero Patagonico” – lamb slow roasted over an open fire. There may also be the opportunity to try guanaco at some restaurants, and being flanked by two oceans there are also a large number of sea dishes to try.
Alcoholic beverages are not included.
All six nights will be at a comfortable hotel, rustic in its Patagonian ranch style – wood, leather, sheepskin throws and crackling fires. Electricity, hot water and wifi are available at all times.
3. Guide & Tracker
The dedicated Puma Tracker goes ahead of the group to do the leg work. Searching the landscape for tracks and signs of puma presence, checking the favourite resting spots and scouring the area.
The guide remains with the guests, checking the nearby vicinity to assist the tracker in the work, or finding other wildlife to observe and photograph while we wait. Once a puma has been found, the tracker and guide coordinate via radio the best approach, getting as close as possible by 4×4 vehicle and then the final approach on foot.
The guide directs the group, looking for the best photographic opportunities, anticipating the behaviour and movements of the puma, as well as considering the landscape, setting and light. The guide is also in charge of monitoring the behaviour of the pumas, ensuring they are not being overly disturbed by our presence, indicating when the group can get closer, or when we need to back off.
4. Day to Day
Day 1 is arrival to Punta Arenas (PUQ) and collection from the airport, or your hotel if you arrived before hand.
Transport in private 4×4 vehicles on an approximately 5 hour journey north to site. On route we will pass through the town of Puerto Natales where we can break for lunch and photograph some of the marine birds that can be found there.
Otherwise we will head on through, stopping for any wildlife we might see on the way, otherwise arriving in time to settle in, eat well and prepare for the coming days.
Days 2 – 6 are dedicated to puma tracking and wildlife photography. Pumas are predominantly crepuscular, and as photographers we need a certain level of light. We want to be in the field ready and waiting in that crucial time period during the early mornings and late afternoons.
During the summer months we take a packed breakfast and making the 45 minute drive to the area where the best puma action occurs, we aim to be on site ready for when the sun provides enough light to photograph by. Returning for lunch midday to rest just as the pumas do, returning to the field in the afternoon. During the short austral winter days, we make the most of the light by staying out all day, taking lunch and everything else we need with us to the field.
Spring (Sep-Nov)
Sunrise: 08:30-05:30am
Sunset from 19:20-21:45pm
Summer (Dec-Feb)
Sunrise: 05:30-07:20am
Sunset from 20:50-22:10pm
Autumn (Mar-May)
Sunrise: 07:20-09:45am
Sunset from 20:45-18:00pm
Winter (June-Aug)
Sunrise: 10:00-08:30am
Sunset from 17:50-19:15pm
The austral morning light creates incredible light shows not to be missed.
Day 7 is when we have to pack up our gear and retrace our steps back to Puerto Natales, and on to Punta Arenas to end our Untamed Pumas of Patagonia Expedition.
Saying goodbye to new friends and an amazing experience. Boarding the plane home with a hard drive full of memories.
While it spells the end for this adventure – it means that your next one can begin.
5. Weather
Temperatures: This expedition occurs during the astral winter (May-August), where temperatures range on average from 10 to -5°C (50 – 23°F).
Wind: Patagonia is famous for being windy, and Torres del Paine is no exception. This is due to its geographical location within extreme wind belts of the Southern Hemisphere. Various factors play their part including the lack of land mass to slow them down. Records of 100mph have been registered, but the extreme winds usually occur in the summer months. Winter months tend to be calmer. Expect average highs of 15mph but COLD.
Precipitation: April to July are the months with highest average precipitation. We are always hoping this comes in the form of snow to make for beautiful pictures of pumas in a winter wonderland. However, climate change is making it unpredictable.
UV: It might not be the first thing on your mind when you think about Patagonia, but southern regions were affected by the hole in the ozone layer. While most days it is cloudy, weather is unpredictable, and having sun protection on hand is advised.
Untamed Pumas of Patagonia Expedition
Fixed Departures
2023
Date: 04 – 10 October 2023
Spaces available: 6 guests
