A mountain lion walking on rocky terrain with sparse vegetation under a clear sky.

Icons of Patagonia: Pumas & Condors

From:

US$ 14.924 per person sharing

US$ 15.856 per single room

Group size:

6 guests

Destinations:

Torres del Paine national park, Patagonia, Chile

Safari dates:

12-21 March, 2028

Overview:

Join us for an adventure of a life time to Patagonia in Chile. Her at the end of the world we’ll be walking in the precense of wild pumas with one of the most picturesque landscapes in the world as a back-drop. We’ll also come close up to Andean condors, the world’s heaviest flying bird. Perfect for nature lovers and wildlife photographers as we’ll be surrounded by breathtaking nature and wildlife adapted to one of the most remote places on Earth.

For this epic adventure we’ll also explore the Magdalena islands and the western section of Torres del Paine for landscape photography. Patagonia stands out as one of our planet’s most remote places, yet one of the most spectacular and visually stunning places anywhere else on Earth. This very end at the bottom of South America offers unrivaled natural experiences as explorers have a chance of getting up close and personal with the pumas of the Andes. To be tolerated by one of the most elusive cats on our planet in a wilderness as rugged and wind-swept as Patagonia is a wildlife experience that can’t be rightfully described. It’s a nature experience unlike anything else, and will be life-changing and rewarding for those that choose to travel all the way down to this corner of the world. This journey will show you world the foremost wildlife icon of the Andean mountain chain.

A close-up of an Andean condor in flight, with its wings spread wide and detailed feathers visible. Colombia birding expedition with Wild Selection Tours.
A mountain lion, also known as a cougar or puma, standing outdoors with a blurred green and gray background. Torres del Pane, Patagonia.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrival in Punta Arenas:

Welcome to Patagonia! This epic adventure starts once we land in Punta Arenas, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia. We’ll be picked up at the airport and transported to our accommodation. Here we’ll meet the rest of the group and our local guide. Tonight we’ll enjoy a welcoming dinner together and look forward to the adventure that awaits us. We’ll be staying at Hotel Almasur.

Day 2 - Boat trip Magdalena Island:

After breakfast we’ll embark on a morning boat trip to Magdalena Island to photographing Magellanic penguins. Magdalena Island, located in the Strait of Magellan, is home to one of the largest breeding colonies of Magellanic penguins in Chile. The boat trip will last us about 5 hours, which gives us chances of photographing these flightless seabirds.

Once back on mainland we’ll head towards Torres del Paine national park. We’ll have our lunch break on our way, and once we’ve entered into the park we’ll head towards our accommodation, Hosteria Pehoé. Built on an island in a turquoise-blue lake, the settings and scenery is breathtaking as we’ll be based in the heart of Torres del Paine. The rest of the day is to relax and settle in, or to explore the surroundings. Dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 3 - Landscape photography in Torres del Paine:

Today is dedicated to landscape photography. We’ll start early to catch the sunrise at the three horns of Paine before exploring the rest of the park’s western sector. Torres del Paine is one of South America’s most stunning places. We’ll be surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, lakes, waterfalls and forests, so there’s no lack of photographic opportunities. March is Autumn in Patagonia as the landscapes will be colored in red, orange and yellow.

We’ll be flexible in terms of our schedule and where we explore, but we try to stay out in the field the whole day. For this we bring lunch with us, and return back to our lodge in the evening for dinner.

Day 4 - Andean Condor Photography:

Today we’ll aim for another sunrise at the three horns of Paine. After breakfast we’ll drive towards Cerro Castillo to photograph the iconic Andean condor, the world’s largest flying bird. These emblematic birds often roost the cliffs and rocky sloops. From here we’ll photograph them as they soar near the jagged, snow-capped peaks. These are heavy birds riding the strong winds, and it’s a majestic experience watching them soaring high above the steps and plains of Patagonia.

This will be a full day out in the field. Lunch will be served outside as we aim to spend as much time as we can here before returning our base for the coming days, Hotel El Ovejero Patagónico. Dinner will be served once we’ve settled in here in the afternoon.

Day 5-8 - Puma Tracking:

We have four days of Puma tracking on a privat ranch bordering Torres del Paine national park. After an early breakfast we head into the field before sunrise. Our puma tackers will locate the big cats for us which gives us the advantage of getting to the right location much quicker. Once we’ve found our pumas we will photograph them with the dramatic and jaw-dropping scenery as our backdrop.

We have both a morning and afternoon session of spending time in their presence, and between we’ll explore the surrounding landscape For this we’ll bring lunch with us as we aim to spend the whole day outside. These will be four epic days of a unique wildlife experiences her at the very end of the Andes. In the late afternoon we’ll head back to our hotel for a dinner.

Day 9 - Andean Condor Photography:

After breakfast we’ll leave Hotel Elizabeth Ovejero Patagónico. Today we’ll drive towards the Olga Terese Ranch for an evening photographic session on Andean condors. Here we’ll be located inside a designed low-level hide where we’ll be hoping to get great condor images from a completely and unusual perspective. Lunch will be provided.

In the late afternoon we’ll drive back to Hotel Almasur where we’ll have our last dinner together.

Day 10 - Departure Home:

Today is our last day in Patagonia. After an Harty breakfast we’ll be transported to the airport of Punta Arenas. This will mark the end of our epic Patagonia expedition as we make our way home.

Enquire about the safari
Enquire about the safari

The Puma is the world’s fourth largest big cat. Chile’s Torres Del Paine contains one of the densest puma populations in the entire Americas, and will offer an adrenalin-pumping experience like no other.

Pumas of Torres del Paine

A wild a puma, standing next to a carcass with exposed flesh and bones in a grassy, open landscape. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
A puma walking through dry grass in a natural environment. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
A puma walking through a grassy field with rocks. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
A puma carrying a quail in its mouth in a desert landscape. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.

Our accommodations

Scenic view of snow-capped mountains, a lake, and a small building with boats on the water. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
A cozy bedroom with wood-paneled walls, a bed with red pillows and a quilt, two plaid armchairs near a large window with red curtains, sunlight coming through, and a wooden door. Hosteria Pehoe. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
A red house with white trim by a lake, with snow-capped mountains in the background during sunset or sunrise. Hosteria Pehoe. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
A house with a red and white exterior, a stone pathway, large trees, a streetlamp, and a sign with mountains and the word 'PEHO.' Hosteria Pehoe. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.

Hosteria Pehoe

A rustic bar with wooden accents, featuring four saddles draped with blankets and gear on stools in front. There is a sign that reads 'CANTINA' above the bar, with wine glasses hanging upside down above the counter. The bar includes a refrigerated drink cooler and various bottles and jars on the countertop.
Interior of a cozy lounge or restaurant with leather and fabric armchairs, wooden tables, and rustic decor. A stone fireplace is visible on the left, and a bar area labeled 'CANTINA' is on the right. The space has wooden flooring, patterned curtains, and pendant lights hanging from the ceiling.
A cozy bedroom with a large bed, two pillows with decorative pillowcases, and neatly folded towels on top. There are wooden side tables with lamps on each side of the bed. A framed landscape photograph hangs on the white wall, and a wooden console table with a vase of colorful flowers is positioned against the right wall. The room has a warm wooden floor.
A cozy dining area with wooden walls and floors, decorated with fur-covered chairs, flower arrangements, large windows with floral curtains, and vintage decor including an old-fashioned scale on a side table. Hotel El Ovejero Patagónico. Patagonia.

Hotel El Ovejero Patagónico

Exterior view of a multi-story building with a mix of stone and Tudor-style wood framing, set against a partly cloudy sky. Hotel Almasur.
Hotel reception area with a stone front desk, a man standing behind it, wooden ceiling beams, and a yellow wall with artwork. A welcome mat with 'ALMASUR' and 'Hotel Punta Arenas' is in the foreground. Hotel Almasur.
A hotel room featuring two double beds, a green accent wall, a window with sheer curtains, a desk with a chair and lamp, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. Hotel Almasur.
A cozy hotel lounge with large windows, leather sofas, a stone fireplace, a wall-mounted television, and a bar area with high chairs in the background. Hotel Almasur.

Hotel Almasur

Tour highlights:

  • Walking with wild Andean pumas and photographing them.

  • Two sessions of photographing Andean condors.

  • Landscape photography in Torres del Paine.

  • Boat tour to the Magdalena islands.

  • Experiencing one of the most remote and dramatic places on Earth, Patagonia.

  • Staying at authentic accommodations.

Included:

  • All accommodations.

  • All meals.

  • Local guides and puma trackers.

  • All transportations during the tour.

  • Boat trip to Magdalena Island.

  • Park entrance fees.

Excluded:

  • International and domestic flights.

  • Tipping.

  • Travel insurance.

  • Visas and vaccines.

  • Excess baggage charges.

  • Drinks.

  • Laundry.

  • Telephone calls.

  • Anything else of a purely personal nature.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate. We’re not gone do any mountain hikking, but we’ll be exploring Torres del Paine on foot. For the puma tracking we’ll get around with a privat vehicle, but a certain amount of fitness is necessary to enjoy the experience, especially when we need to follow the cats around. For the Andean condor photography, we’ll be stationed at a lookout point and in a photo hide.

A puma walking through snow near some bushes. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
Snow-capped mountain range during sunset reflected in a calm lake. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
A bird of prey, with black and white feathers, perched on a rock. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
An Andean condor, portrait of a male. Torres del paine, Patagonia..
Group of llamas standing and sitting on snow-covered ground with mountain peaks in the background. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
Three pumas sitting on rocky terrain near water, with one puma in the foreground and two others in the background. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
Sunlight shines through mountain peaks at sunset or sunrise, creating a dramatic silhouette with a warm glow in the sky. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
A group of people dressed in outdoor gear, some with backpacks and camera equipment, standing on a grassy hillside at sunset, observing the colorful sky with pink, orange, and blue clouds. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
Two mountain lions interacting in a rocky, desert-like environment with large rocks in the background. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
A scenic landscape of a cascading waterfall flowing over rocks, with autumn-colored trees on a hillside, snow-covered mountains in the background, and a partly cloudy sky. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
A close-up of an Andean condor in flight, showing its wings, tail feathers, and partially visible face with a white neck ring and intricate markings. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
Group of tourists wearing orange life jackets on a boat, observing glaciers and iceberg formations in a fjord surrounded by mountains with snow-capped peaks. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
A puma carrying a dead coyote in its mouth in a dry, brushy landscape. Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
Close-up of a Magellanic penguin's head and upper body, showing black and white feathers, a pink eye, and a black beak. Patagonia.

Do you wanna experience Patagonia and its pumas?

Patagonia offers an experience no other place can offer. To walk in one of the world´s most dramatic and breathtaking places, along with wild pumas, is a wildlife experience that you´ll treasure for a life-time to come. Don´t hessitate to join us here at the very end of South America. Fill out the form below to be part of an epic adventure.