Trip Report: The Pumas of Patagonia
The thrill of tracking pumas in one of South America’s most breath-taking landscapes.
The thrill of tracking pumas in one of South America’s most breath-taking landscapes.
Conveniently located just a 5 minute walk from San Pedro de Atacama’s main street
A beautiful property perched right on the water’s edge, in Chile’s Patagonian fjords
Just outside the eastern entrance of Torres del Paine National Park with magnificent views across Sarmiento Lake
The archipelago of Tierra del Fuego is found off the southernmost tip of South America. The Land of Fire is so-called because the first European visitors saw that the indigenous people lit fires on their boats to keep warm. The main island, Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, is divided between Chile and Argentina and … Continued
The narrow plain of the Central Valley stretches for over 300 miles southwards from Santiago to the Biobio River, sandwiched between the Andes to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. River valleys bisect the Central Valley producing some of the most fertile land in Chile and giving rise to Chile’s most … Continued
A chic boutique hotel in Santiago’s cultural district, offering stylish rooms and a rooftop pool with stunning city views.
Located across the Dalcahue Channel on the Rilan Peninsula, this 21 ensuite room hotel is set in a 10 hectare forest park.
Located in the Catarpe Valley, just over a mile from San Pedro de Atacama’s main square
Timber log cabins in a secluded location, on the edge of Lago General Carrera
The 39,225-hectare Alerce Andino National Park of lush temperate rainforest is located one hour southeast of Puerto Montt and stretches from the Reconclavi Estuary to the south and east and the Chapo River to the north. Alerce Andino National Park was established to protect the last stands of one of the oldest living conifer species … Continued
A stylish boutique hotel in Santiago’s artsy Lastarria district, offering rooftop pool, park views, and modern design.
A warm and welcoming hotel with a personal feel, in the centre of Coyhaique
With such variety, Chile is without doubt one of South America’s greatest destinations
Chile’s Lake District stretches over 200 miles from Temuco in the north to Puerto Montt in the south, and spills over the border into Argentina to the east. It is a region of 12 great lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, dense forests, and rich farmland. Up until the 1880s the landscape was dominated by thick forests of … Continued
Award winning hotel, great for families, with a substantial range of facilities and excursions available
Small hostel with warm and inviting communal areas, in the pretty little town of Rio Tranquilo along the Carretera Austral
Collection of wooden cabins with modern, comfortable interiors, in an excellent location
An article on our Puma Tracking Tour by journalist Viv Creegor For Mail On Sunday
A cornucopia of new sights, sounds and experiences
Perched on Valparaiso’s hills with spectacular views over the bay
On the banks of the Salto Chico waterfall with commanding views across the turquoise waters of Pehoe Lake to the Paine Massif and granite towers.
Located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, with a unique view of the majestic granite towers
Part of the Explora Hotels group, this five star accommodation provides comfort and luxury, surrounded by the true Atacama experience
A lakeside hotel in Puerto Varas offering an indoor pool, spa, gym, restaurant, and panoramic views.
The Atacama plateau, an extreme environment considered the world’s driest hot desert, is a mixture of salt lakes, geysers, felsic lava flows and an enormous expanse of sand that follows Chile’s northern Pacific coastline for 600 miles. Over 500 plant species have adapted to the harsh desert conditions, mostly occurring along the slightly greener coastal … Continued
Chiloe Island lies off Chile’s Lake District and is separated from the mainland by the Chacao Channel. The main Island is 112 miles long but only 31 miles wide and consists mostly of farmland, temperate moss covered rainforest, rugged coastlines and picturesque fishing villages. The main centres of population are Ancud, Castro and Quellon It … Continued
The 242,000-hectare Torres del Paine National Park was created in 1959, and named in 1970 after its three distinctive granite monoliths, or towers (paine being an indigenous word for the colour blue and not the name of an explorer). In 1978 Torres del Paine National Park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve because of its … Continued
Stylish boutique hotel conveniently located in the Providencia district of Santiago
A small, family-run retreat overlooking Lake Rupanco, offering cosy rooms, cabins and panoramic views in Chile’s Lake District.
This small triangle of volcanic rock, just 7.5 miles at its widest point, is considered by many to be the world’s most remote inhabited island. It is 2,236 miles west from the nearest point on the American continent – the coast of Chile – and the nearest habitation is on Pitcairn Island, 1,243 miles to … Continued
Chilean Patagonia is generally considered to cover all of southern Chile south of Puerto Montt and was originally inhabited by Tehuelche hunter-gatherers and the seafaring Kaweskar. The Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to discover the area as he sailed through the straits that today bear his name. To the west are a … Continued
Stylish hotel close to the rustic village of San Pedro de Atacama
With beautiful views of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes
Situated about 100 miles northeast of Arica, Chile’s northernmost city, this 358,312-hectare UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is rich in wildlife and comprises three protected areas – Lauca National Park, Las Vicuñas National Reserve, and Salar de Surire National Monument. The landscape is one of beautiful altiplano (high plain) scenery, meadows, lakes, rushing mountain rivers and streams, … Continued
A boutique hotel perched in Valparaíso’s Cerro Alegre, offering sea-view rooms and a garden terrace.
First settled in 1542, Valparaiso is a centuries old port city spread over 42 sprawling hills which descend to the sea. Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal (1914), the Port of Valparaiso was the most important in the South Pacific as ships from around the world called here once they crossed Cape Horn … Continued
Combine these three South American gems for a true Andean experience packed with culture, history and incredible natural landscapes.
From October to April, the MV Skorpios III departs from Puerto Natales, gateway to southern Patagonia, on an unforgettable voyage into the heart of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Following the historic Kaweskar route, the ship sails over 500 miles through a dramatic landscape of fjords and channels to reveal the greatest concentration of glaciers … Continued
A contemporary lakeside hotel near Puerto Varas with panoramic views, luxury amenities, and tailored excursions.
In the centre of San Pedro de Atacama on the corner of the main street
Located on the outskirts of Easter Island’s main town, Hanga Roa, with easy access to key archaeological sites, beaches, and local amenities.
Incorporating practically all the prime wildlife habitats of Chile, this comprehensive yet well-paced itinerary provides plenty of time to enjoy each location, uses exceptional naturalist guides throughout and features accommodation of a very good standard. The beautiful, desolate north is complemented perfectly by the verdant Lake District. Observe a king penguin colony, spot vicunas on … Continued
Sail past glaciers, hike through verdant forests, watch elephant seals and Magellanic penguins
A refined stay in the heart of Santiago’s cultural district, combining elegant design, exceptional service, and an inspired dining experience.
70‑metre, ice‑class expedition vessel offering cruises through the fjords and glaciers of Chilean Patagonia.
Beautiful lodge with a rustic, homely feel, situated in the charismatic village of Caleta Tortel
Charming, Luxury lodge from the Explora portfolio. An intimate base from which to explore the rugged surroundings
Comfortable lodge-style hostel for an overnight stop in Hornopiren, along the Carretera Austral.
Comfortable three storey hotel in a converted house dating back to the 1870s
Desert lodge just outside of San Pedro, offering spacious rooms, pools, a spa, and guided 4WD excursions to key Atacama sites.
Comfortable 3* hotel occupying a central location in Hanga Roa with beautiful tropical gardens
This magnificent, self-drive tour takes you south along Chile’s famous Carretera Austral, a 770 mile long road that runs down through the Andean spine of Patagonia. Imposing mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes and expansive forests make up the majority of the landscape here, with fascinating communities that continue to carve out an existence in this most … Continued
Comfortable B & B in the town of Porvenir on Tierra del Fuego
Reef & Rainforest has designed this itinerary to showcase the diverse attributes which make Chile such an exciting country to visit, without compromising on authentic Chilean comfort and style. From a luxurious desert lodge and spa in the Atacama Desert to the highest quality accommodation available within Torres del Paine National Park. From a sophisticated … Continued
This varied and exciting tour uses excellent accommodation and perfectly showcases the diversity of Chile in one comprehensive, breathtaking itinerary. Begin by exploring the fascinating history of Easter Island, visiting a variety of ahus (ceremonial sites) to see the famous moai (statues) and their red scoria pukaos (topknots). Returning to mainland Chile, head north into … Continued
On the shores of Lake Llanquihue overlooking the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes
Santiago is situated in the wide Central Valley at an altitude of 520 metres set against the magnificent backdrop of the Andes to the east. The city was founded in 1541 and is now the political, economic and financial capital of Chile with almost 40% of the country’s population living in and around the city. … Continued
Explore a good deal of Chile’s highlights in this well-priced tour full of contrasts. From the Moon Valley watch the beautiful fading light as the sun sets over the vast Atacama desert, and visit the famous El Tatio Glaciers, at 4,300 metres the highest geothermal field in the world. Fly to Chile’s beautiful Lake District, … Continued
A chance to explore the unique wildlife of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park in search of the elusive Puma.
Our comprehensive off-the-beaten-track itinerary offers a diverse mix of activity and wildlife in three of Chile’s most dramatic regions: the Atacama Desert, the Lake District and southern Patagonia. From Santiago, fly north to San Pedro de Atacama. Explore the vast desert landscape by van, foot, and bike, enjoying sunset scenes over Moon Valley and early … Continued
Follow in the footsteps of early explorers and navigate through the legendary maritime channels of the Magellan Straits and Beagle Channel
On the southern edge of Torres del Paine National Park on the banks of the Serrano River
Luxurious boutique accommodation in Chile’s premier wine growing region
This wide-ranging journey takes in a southern cruise and three iconic Patagonian national parks: Chile’s Torres del Paine, and Argentina’s Los Glaciares and Tierra del Fuego. Explore Santiago before flying to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city, then head north into Torres del Paine National Park. After three nights enjoying the park’s spectacular landscapes and varied … Continued
Our first day of puma tracking was definitely the highlight. The weather was good and we saw distant pumas in the morning and a group of six around a guanaco kill in the afternoon. Spending 2.5 hours watching the interactions between the different individuals was fascinating.
In the Providencia district of Santiago close to a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars
A refined retreat on the edge of Puerto Natales, the southern gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.
Raices B&B is a cosy guesthouse in the heart of Coyhaique, offering homemade breakfasts and warm local charm.
Located directly in front of Santiago airport terminal making it an ideal place to stay for a late arrival/early departure
A ‘glamping’ style accommodation option, staying in luxury yurts complete with their own en suite bathroom.
Centrally located on the main square in Punta Arenas
The volcanic archipelago is located in the Pacific Ocean 400 miles west of Valparaiso. It is named after Juan Fernandez, the first European to visit in 1574, and two of the islands – Alexander Selkirk and Robinson Crusoe – are named after the real life shipwrecked Scottish sailor and his fictional alter ego created by … Continued
Located in front of Playa Chinchorro with direct access to the beach
Probably the finest accommodation to be found on the island, this lodge is well situated to base yourself while on Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
A comfortable accommodation option in San Pedro de Atacama, within reach of Valle de la Luna and Los Flamencos National Reserve.
Exceptional puma sightings and king penguins in Patagonia.
Private reserve within the Austral Andes Temperate Moist Forest Biosphere Reserve
A well run, small hotel built in the traditional architectural style for the region. A great option for Pucón and the north of the Chilean lake district
Set at the base of the Torres del Paine massif, Hotel Las Torres offers unbeatable access to Patagonia’s most iconic trails and landscapes.
So good to be able to have the holiday organised for us and to be collected/guided by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides. Nice for the majority of the accommodation to be all inclusive. Met all our expectations. Nice to be able to review and select our hotels.
Charmingly rustic cabins, picturesquely set on the shore of a stunning fjord
A cosy, informal hotel offering a relaxed familial atmosphere with friendly, helpful service
A truly unforgettable tour which combines the two of South America’s most impressive destinations
The Carretera Austral, or Southern Highway, has been described as Chile’s “ultimate road trip”. It is the name given to Chile’s route 7 which begins where the Lake District ends, running 720 miles north to south through sparsely populated Northern Patagonia from Puerto Montt to Via O’Higgins. The spectacular landscape is one of dense forests, … Continued