Pumas of
Patagonia
Pumas of
Patagonia
The Untamed Pumas of Patagonia Expedition takes you to the very end of the South American continent in search of one of the continents two large felines.
Despite its size and range spanning from Canada to the southern tip of the Americas, this expedition takes you to one of the few places where you can reliably observe them.
And not just any observation, but an up close and personal experience with these beautiful cats that you wouldn’t believe possible, but with us it is!
Here, pumas are found in the highest density recorded anywhere, likely due to a high density of food – their favourite prey are guanacos, but they consume large numbers of the introduced European Hare.
Predominantly crepuscular and nocturnal creatures, the best chance of seeing and photographing them is in the early mornings and late afternoons. For this reason expect early mornings and long days if you want to make the most of your trip!
This expedition is for big cat lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers. Not only will these cats mesmerise you with their enigmatic personality, but they live in one of the most stunning places in the world – the Torres del Paine National Park is a backdrop of soaring Andean peaks, glacial fields and stunning blue glacial lakes.
It’s also inhabited by a special collection of plants and animals that call Patagonia their home, many of them extremely photogenic in their natural habitat.
*Minimum expedition length to ensure Puma sightings is 3 full days (5d/4n), and for photographers 5 full days (7d/6n).
*Minimum age for this expedition is 18 years old
Unrivaled opportunities to observe and photograph wild pumas in their natural habitat
Phenomenal Patagonian landscapes with Torres del Paine National Park as a backdrop
Other Patagonian wildlife such as guanacos, foxes, armadillos, skunks, deer, birds and flora
Access to privately owned land dedicated to protecting Pumas, accessed only by select guides and trackers
Support locals earn a sustainable living through eco-tourism, maintaining the habitat for local fauna, and offering a refuge to wild pumas
Guided by a fluent, English speaking guide with extensive experience working with the pumas in this private reserve
An experienced tracker help find, follow, and guide guests to Puma sightings
Private transport and 4×4 vehicles to get around the patagonian landscape and minimise walking to reach puma sightings
Small groups, allow a more intimate experience with the Puma with minimal impact
A custom made itinerary based on your preferences to create the perfect expedition for you.
All our expeditions are customisable to suit you. We take into account all your preferences and create the ideal itinerary, but here is a 7 day itinerary as an example:
Day 1: Arrive to Punta Arenas, the southernmost city on the mainland of South America. 3hrs of travel north to Punta Arenas, last stop for a break, supplies or some photography of birds along the shoreline, before 1.5hrs more to reach the area of Torres del Paine. Accommodation can range from camping and staying in Domes, to the luxury hotels such as Tierra Patagonia and Explora.
Days 2-4/5/6+: Full on Puma tracking, we suggest starting each day early, before sunrise, to get on site as the light becomes perfect for photography. Touching base with our tracker who will hopefully be hot on the trail of a Puma, if not with one ready and waiting for you.
Communicating by radio, your guide and tracker will coordinate to bring you to the ideal position to see and photograph the puma(s). Returning to your hotel for lunch, and returning in the afternoon to catch the pumas as they become active in the evenings.
When Puma activity is low, there is are a host of other wildlife to photograph – guanacos, foxes, rheas, armadillos, skunks, flamingos. If you are lucky, or determined, we can go in search of the endangered huemul deer, or the Magellanic Woodpecker.
And the landscapes – every day brings a new and stunning spectacle.
Last Day: A morning of Puma searching or heading straight out back to Punta Arenas, or include an extension to an Andean Condor Roost, King Penguin colony, or continue on your own to visit glaciers, lakes, hike trails, visit Argentina or more.
Send Us An Email
Get in contact with us about your next wildlife photography trip to South America. Whether you have simple queries, or want to make a booking, we look forward to hearing from you.
Use the contact form to get in touch and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Please bear in mind that we may be travelling in some remote parts of South America. As such, it may be day or two (or more) before we are able to get back to you!