Patagonia Puma Tracking
Tour Introduction
In the company of like-minded enthusiasts, a professional naturalist guide and a team of experienced trackers, discover the fascinating geology, spectacular scenery and impressive flora and fauna of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy moments of intimacy with enchanting wildlife such as the endangered huemul deer, the graceful guanaco and the elusive puma, perhaps the most enigmatic of large felines. Evenings are spent at the award-winning EcoCamp Patagonia, staying in a sustainable geodesic Suite Dome with log burner. Nothing quite matches the thrill of seeing your first puma and nowhere on Earth is there a better chance of a clear and sustained sighting as the magical Torres del Paine.
PLEASE NOTE: This tour can also be undertaken on a Tailor-Made basis – please enquire about cost. The group price is based on a maximum of six in one group.
Full Itinerary
Depart Santiago and fly to Punta Arenas in the far south of Chile. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Hotel Cabo de Hornos. Includes No Meals.
After breakfast transfer (shared) about five hours to your accommodation in Torres del Paine National Park. En route stop for lunch in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of Last Hope Sound. After dinner your guide will give a briefing on the upcoming days and the wildlife that will be seen.
Staying at EcoCamp Patagonia. Includes All Meals.
Start off each day early, photographing the sunrise from distinct locations while enjoying hot coffee and breakfast on the go. The puma tracking team, already hard at work, will be in radio contact to advise of any sightings. The puma tracking takes place beyond the eastern boundary of the park on a private ranch.
Each day there will usually be around four hours of puma tracking in the morning, before heading back to EcoCamp for lunch and a siesta.
In the afternoon head out again to the private ranch for a further four hours of puma tracking, before returning to EcoCamp for dinner and a well-earned rest.
Note: The exact itinerary is flexible and will depend on the weather, the reports from the puma tracking team, and the needs of the group.
Staying at EcoCamp Patagonia. Includes All Meals.
Morning and afternoon excursions to search for puma on a private ranch.
Staying at EcoCamp Patagonia. Includes All Meals.
Morning and afternoon excursions to search for puma on a private ranch.
Staying at EcoCamp Patagonia. Includes All Meals.
Morning and afternoon excursions within Torres del Paine National Park to search for other fauna.
Staying at EcoCamp Patagonia. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy a sunrise activity, return to EcoCamp for breakfast, then transfer by road to Punta Arenas and fly to Santiago.
Staying at Holiday Inn Santiago Airport. Includes Breakfast.
Depart Santiago.
Includes Breakfast.
Download the full details of this itinerary and start planning your trip today.
Download FileTour Accommodation
Hotel Cabo de Hornos
Overview
This hotel is located right on the main square in Punta Arenas. The ensuite rooms have either sea or city views and are equipped with satellite TV and safety deposit box. There is a restaurant, bar, small business centre (four computers!), room service, laundry service and WiFi throughout.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, small business centre, room service, laundry service and WiFi throughout.
EcoCamp Patagonia
Overview
EcoCamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, with a unique view of the majestic granite towers. The region’s first fully sustainable accommodation south of the Amazon and the first of its kind in the Patagonian wilderness, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in geodesic domes inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
The 10 suite domes have comfortable double or twin beds, a modern low-emission wood stove and a private bathroom with a state of the art composting toilet. Guests can gaze at the stars through the ceiling windows while falling asleep each night, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from their private terrace. There are also 13 basic Standard Domes, with shared gender divided facilities. There is no heating or electricity in the standard domes but cameras etc can be charged in the Community Domes. Towels and fleece bedding are provided.
Walkways lead from the domes to a central core dome area which houses the dining room, main lounge and bar, gift shop, and outside terrace. Energy is provided by solar power and a micro-hydro turbine. There is no mobile phone signal at EcoCamp, nor WiFi. A laundry service is available on request.
Local Wildlife
There are 26 species of mammal in Torres del Paine National Park including guanaco, puma, south Andean deer, dwarf armadillo and Patagonian skunk. Bird species number 118 including Chilean flamingo, lesser rhea and Andean condor.
Holiday Inn Santiago – Airport Terminal
Overview
This 306 room hotel is located directly in front of Santiago Airport terminal making it an ideal place to stay for a late arrival/early departure. The comfortable rooms are equipped with cable/satellite TV, air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi and safety deposit box.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Lounge, restaurant and cocktail bar, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, small fitness centre, laundry and room service (1000 – 0500).
Route Map
Departure Dates
Tour Dates
Adult Price
Single Supp
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
The itinerary includes domestic flights only.
Best Visited:
October to April
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
Pre- or post-tour tailor-made extensions can be arranged, for example to visit the king penguin colony on Tierra del Fuego, the Lake District, wine country, San Pedro de Atacama or Easter Island. A visit to Chile can also be combined with Argentina, crossing to Bariloche through the Lake District, to El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park, or cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
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.
