Patagonia Puma Tracking, Chile

Duration: 6 Days | 5 Nights
Countries to be visited: Chile
Departure & Return Location: Punta Arenas Airport Torres del Paine NP
Season Dates 2023-2024: Low: Sept 9-Oct 15| Apr 18-May 4 Shoulder: Oct 16-31 | Apr 1-17 High: Nov 1-Dec 14, Jan 21-Mar 31 Peak: Dec 15-Jan 20

The ultimate nature adventure: tracking the king of Torres del Paine, the puma.

Embark on a purr-fectly epic adventure with our wildlife tracking professionals to track and observe Torres del Paine’s top predator, the Patagonian puma, in its natural habitat. Paired with cozy nights at the EcoCamp domes and getting up close and personal with spectacular flora and fauna, this trip is a must for wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike! Tracking the Puma with photographer James Kao! As seen in The Telegraph: Chile: on the trail of the elusive puma!

What to expect
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.

What you need to bring
Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. Essential equipment includes:

One day backpack (30 liters – to carry a camera, glasses, raincoat, etc)
Trekking or hiking boots
Extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet
Waterproof jacket
Two pairs of woolen socks
Fleece jacket or sweater
Shorts or comfortable loose pants
Sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm, and screen) and
Optional Capilene underwear for the upper and lower body
US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP

Day 1: Arrival – The Patagonian Adventure Starts. Torres del Paine NP, Chile
Your day will begin at Punta Arenas Airport.* From the airport, you will be taken to EcoCamp Patagonia, where a hearty lunch will be provided in our Community Domes. The first activity of your Patagonian adventure will then begin at midday with a leisurely tour of the National Park, giving you plenty of opportunities to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon.

Days 2, 3, 4 & 5: Wildlife Exploration and Observation. Torres del Paine NP, Chile
We start off each day early, observing the sunrise from distinct locations while enjoying hot coffee and breakfast on the go. Our puma/cougar tracking team, already hard at work, will be in radio contact to let us know how they’re doing. Throughout the trip, they will be letting us know the location of the park’s most elusive animals including the Andean puma (mountain lion) so that we can head to the sites where they are as soon as they’re spotted. For photography buffs, the wildlife and landscapes we’ll see over the next few days offer prime targets for taking pictures.

We will usually begin our wildlife exploration close to EcoCamp, in the park’s eastern sector, making the most of the beautiful morning light and animal activity. We enjoy around six hours of wildlife observation, studying and taking pictures of the park’s native flora & fauna, before heading back to EcoCamp for lunch and relaxation time.

In the afternoons, after the peak sun hours with little animal movement, we head out again, this time to the park’s western sector where we enjoy all the beautiful landscapes and flora & fauna. We visit landmark places such as Grey Glacier and other striking natural monuments. 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. After enjoying the iconic Patagonian sunset over the Paine massif we return to EcoCamp for dinner and well-earned rest.

N.B. In the event of bad weather alternative activities will be planned, for example to scenic waterfall Paine Grande or Laguna Azul.

Day 6: Departure. Torres del Paine NP, Chile
Your last day will begin just as all your other activity-packed days will begin: with an early, hearty breakfast served amongst your fellow wildlife lovers in our Community Domes. From there, you will embark on a short day of activities before regrouping at EcoCamp for a well-deserved lunch. You will then be taken to Punta Arenas airport, where you will arrive late in the evening.

(Depending on travel conditions, we advise you to make sleeping arrangements for your final day in Punta Arenas)

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.
• Flexible booking terms and conditions are available. Contact us for enquiries

Inclusions:
• English speaking specialist guide with a maximum group size of only 5 travelers
• Accommodation at EcoCamp’s Suite Domes
• 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

Exclusions:
• International airfare
• Travel Insurance (required)
• Airport taxes and charges
• Any Private Expenses.Soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at the EcoCamp. Bringing cash to buy extra drinks, snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine National Park is recommended
• Meals not mentioned
• Personal Incidentals such as Telephone calls, Room Service, Laundry
• Tip to Guide/Driver, Porterage Fee and others which are personal in nature
• Photography equipment and binoculars - please bring your own!

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.