Overview

Pumas, wild and up close, with the Torres del Paine as your backdrop

Pumas are secretive survivors, adapting to a tremendously diverse range of environments. Also known as Mountain Lions or Cougars (all are Puma concolor), they sometimes thrive in surprisingly close proximity to humans, but rarely permit themselves to be seen, much less photographed up close and eye-to-eye. So, you might wonder what our secret is to reliably photographing wild pumas up close on this Patagonian expedition.

To find out for yourself, make pictures you never imagined were possible, and learn a great deal about puma behavior in the process, join Justin Black on a huge private ranch, Estancia Laguna Amarga, contiguous with and with panoramic views over one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth: Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. A healthy population of wild pumas roams free there, moving at will between the ranch and park, and we have mastered the art of successfully tracking these apex predators through this landscape of rolling hills beneath the Paine range.

Based out of excellent accommodations at Hotel Las Torres,  we will observe and photograph many of these amazing cats at distances that can be surprisingly close. With the help of our top notch Puma guides, prior Visionary Wild puma groups have enjoyed several close-up encounters, including one individual that calmly approached within thirty feet of the group. We also commonly have sightings of mothers and cubs, two adults interacting, active hunting, and more. The simple fact is that the opportunities here are unrivaled anywhere in the Puma’s expansive range.

Please watch the videos below (made on an iPhone) for a first-hand glimpse of Pumaland:

Though we will use 4WD vehicles to drive into the vicinity of puma sightings, and may sometimes see pumas from our vehicles, venturing out on foot yields the best opportunities. Throughout the itinerary, we expect to walk a total of about one to two miles each day in hilly, uneven terrain, split between two field sessions. We do recommend that you are fit enough to do moderately strenuous but relatively short hikes with gear, including tripods and long telephotos. With advance notice, porters can be made available to assist with carrying equipment (at additional cost); please inquire for further details.

On the way back to Punta Arenas, we are including a special day to visit the private “Cerro Palomares” Condor Roost Cliff where Andean Condors fly. From convenient perches, we will photograph scores of “below-horizon fly-bys” of Andean Condors, the world’s heaviest flying creature. The roost cliff normally has 60-90 Andean Condors on it in the late afternoon as they fly back and forth below the horizon, offering the world’s most spectacular photo opportunities for this impressive bird.

Landscape Extension: This itinerary dovetails well with our Patagonia Classic Expedition, April 2-17, 2024, going on to visit Torres del Paine National Park itself (with two nights in each of three distinct areas of the park, at Hotel Lago Grey, Hosteria Pehoe, and Las Torres), as well as Perito Moreno Glacier and the dramatic Fitz Roy peaks region of Argentina, led by adventure photographer Michael Clark and Justin Black of Visionary Wild. Joining us for both Pumas of Patagonia and Patagonia Classic entitles you to free accommodation at our hotel in Punta Arenas, Chile, for the additional nights of March 30, 31, and April 1 (note that Sunday, March 31 and Monday, April 1 are the Easter holidays).

Throughout the Pumas of Patagonia itinerary, we expect to walk a total of about one to two miles in hilly terrain each day, split between two field sessions. Porters are available (by advance request and at additional cost) to assist with carrying equipment, but for a more pleasant photographic experience, we do recommend that you are fit enough to hike a bit at a decent pace. Though we may sometimes see pumas from our vehicles, venturing out on foot yields the best opportunities. Please feel free to inquire with any questions.

PLEASE NOTE:

• VISA: No visa is required for stays less than 90 days in the case of citizens of the USA and many other developed nations.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: We always strongly recommend arranging travel insurance. Visit squaremouth.com to search for competing quotes.
• FLIGHTS: No flights are included. Please contact us if you would like recommendations regarding flights to and from Punta Arenas, Chile (airport code: PUQ)
• GRATUITIES: Our local guides, driver, and lodging staff work very hard to make our experience in Chile be the best it can be. Guests are encouraged to bring approximately $300 in USD or the equivalent in Chilean Pesos to recognize their attentive service.
• CAMERA EQUIPMENT: Unless a porter is requested and arranged in advance, participants will carry their own camera gear; a tripod is optional.