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Puma Quest Patagonia 9 Days

This 9-day adventure explores the captivating landscapes of Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia. Our quest focuses on the elusive puma, South America's second-largest cat, thriving in this pristine wilderness. With daily sightings nearly guaranteed due to years of conservation efforts and a thriving population of their prey, guanacos, this expedition promises an unparalleled experience.


Wildlife Encounters:

  • Pumas (Mountain Lions): Marvel at these secretive giants, with adult males reaching 8 ft and weighing 120 to 220 lbs.
  • Andean Condor: Witness the majestic flight of one of the largest flying birds.


Activities:

  • Puma Tracking and Condor Watching: Guided by our expert tracking team. Via 4x4 transportation or hiking through rolling hills.


Other Potential Sightings: Besides the principal species mentioned, you may stumble upon Guanaco, Black-chested Eagle, Huemul Deer, Culpeo and Chilla Foxes, Pichi, Geoffroy’s Cat, and Darwin’s Rhea.


Weather and Preparation: Prepare for Patagonia's ever-changing weather, featuring dramatic clouds, sun, wind, rain, and snow. Dress in layers to stay adaptable, ensuring you're equipped for various conditions.  


Expectations: Patience and dedication are key for wildlife enthusiasts. Extended waiting periods may be required to capture unique and compelling wildlife moments. Embrace the unpredictability of nature, as it adds to the artistic and gratifying essence of the expedition.

Dates: TBD - 2025 & 2026 

                (for private groups please contact us)


Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights


Group Size:  8 Max


Expedition Leader: Michael Tweddle


Price:  Contact us for pricing 

               (Special pricing is available for groups)


Ask us about our 6-Day Puma Experience!


Additions:

  • Combine this expedition with Wonders of Machu Picchu
  • Combine this expedition with Jaguar Encounter or Jaguar Experience
  • Visit Iguazu Falls (4 or 5 Days).

Contact Us

Itinerary

Patagonia Sunset

Day 1: Arrival to Punta Arenas

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Punta Arenas. You will be provided with a map of the city's notable landmarks, such as Plaza Muñoz Gamero, the monument to Ferdinand Magellan, and the Nao Victoria Museum. We encourage you to explore the charming streets, and local shops or try a traditional Chilean treat. Punta Arenas is yours for your taking, In the evening you will be joined by your expedition leader at the hotel for dinner.


Overnight at Hotel Dreams del Estrecho (Dinner Included)

Guanaco Herd in Torres del Paine

Day 2: Transfer to Torres del Paine

After a hearty breakfast, it is time for a scenic drive to Puerto Natales (approximately 3 hours), stopping along the way to enjoy the vistas. Once there, we'll enjoy a delicious Chilean lunch. Following lunch, we embark on a 1:30-hour journey to our home for the next few nights, Hotel Estancia El Ovejero. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Dinner will be served at 8:00 pm, and the evening is yours to relax in the living room or opt for an early night's rest in anticipation of the exciting days ahead. 


Overnight at Hotel Estancia El Ovejero (Lunch and Dinner provided).

Puma in Torres del Paine

Day 3-4: Tracking Pumas

Wake-up and breakfast times vary with the season, typically starting at 04:00 in the summer due to abundant daylight hours. We depart by 04:30, taking breakfast with us to enjoy later. Our expert tracker guides us to puma hotspots at first light, maximizing our chances of spotting these magnificent creatures. The mornings are dedicated to observing and photographing pumas against the stunning backdrop of the landscape. After the morning session, there's an opportunity for a short park trip for landscape photography and wildlife viewing. Depending on the season, lunch is either back at the hotel or a "box lunch" on the go.


After a brief rest, we head out for the afternoon session, either revisiting the morning's puma or seeking out a new one. If a morning scenic drive isn't possible, it can be incorporated in the afternoon. As daylight fades, we conclude the day, returning to the hotel for dinner before 21:30, ensuring a hot meal. During the summer, a box dinner might be arranged to stay with the pumas during their peak activity hours.


Overnight at Hotel Estancia El Ovejero (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided).

Photographing Puma Family in Patagonia

Day 5-6: Puma Experience

Morning and breakfast times adapt to the season. Departure is around 04:30, with breakfast packed for later enjoyment. Our skilled tracker leads us to prime puma spots, capitalizing on early light for optimal sightings. Mornings focuses on observing and capturing pumas amid the picturesque landscape. After the morning session, a short park trip offers chances for landscape and wildlife photography. Lunch, based on the season, is either at the hotel or a convenient "box lunch."


Following a brief break, the afternoon session begins, revisiting morning locations or exploring new ones. If a scenic morning drive isn't possible, it's seamlessly integrated into the afternoon. As daylight wanes, we conclude the day, returning to the hotel for dinner before 18:30, ensuring a hearty meal. In winter, a box dinner may be arranged to align with the pumas' heightened activity in the evenings.


Overnight at Hotel Estancia El Ovejero (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided).

Puma Eating a Guanaco

Day 7: Puma Interaction

During different seasons wake-up and breakfast times vary, usually commencing at 04:00 in the summer due to extended daylight. Departure is at 04:30, with breakfast taken along for later enjoyment. Guided by expert trackers, we explore puma hotspots at first light, enhancing chances of sighting these magnificent creatures. Mornings are dedicated to observing and photographing pumas against the stunning backdrop. After the morning session, a short park trip allows for landscape photography and wildlife viewing. Lunch, depending on the season, is either back at the hotel or a convenient "box lunch" on the go.


After a brief rest, the afternoon session begins, either revisiting the morning's puma or seeking out a new one. If a morning scenic drive isn't possible, it can be incorporated in the afternoon. As daylight fades, we conclude the day, returning to the hotel for dinner before 21:30, ensuring a hot meal. During the summer, a box dinner might be arranged to stay with the pumas during their peak activity hours.


Overnight at Hotel Estancia El Ovejero (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided).

Condor Flying

Day 8: Condor Hill and Return to Punta Arenas

Pass over a picturesque route just 60 minutes from Punta Arenas to Estancia Olga Teresa, where Condor Hill promises a captivating excursion. Guided by our professionals, utilize telescopes and binoculars to witness the majestic condors in their natural habitat. The optimal visit time, starting from 2:00 p.m., ensures a higher concentration of these magnificent birds, with a colony boasting around 200, among the largest in South America. Opt for a 4-hour tour, featuring a moderately challenging hike at 100 meters elevation or a swift 25-minute 4X4 ride to the nearest viewpoint, offering a unique opportunity for remarkable photos. Don't miss this chance at Estancia Olga Teresa before the scenic return to Punta Arenas.


Overnight at Hotel Dreams del Estrecho (Breakfast and Lunch Provided).

Patagonia, Chile

Day 9: Farewell

Relax and enjoy your last breakfast in the magical land that is Patagonia. After which, you will be transferred to the Punta Arenas Airport for a final goodbye.


Transfer to the airport and end of services (Breakfast Included).

Gallery

    Map

    Services

    Included

    • All meals are provided from the start to the end of the tour (breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, each accompanied by one non-alcoholic beverage).
    • Accommodations at Hotel Estancia El Ovejero (or similar) during the Torres del Paine stay. 
    • Two experienced trackers/guides throughout the tour. Three 4x4 vehicles for transportation. All required gasoline for the vehicles. Lodging and meals for the guides are covered.
    • Inclusive of any fees associated with the use of ranch land during the tour.
    • Transportation is provided to and from Punta Arenas for a seamless journey.
    • Park entrance fees are covered if the decision is made to enter the park for scenic photography.
    • Entrance fees for access to the Olga Teresa Condor Roost are included in the package.
    • One EpicTerra Expedition Leader.

    Not Included

    • Travel Insurance (highly recommended to avoid inconveniences).
    • Cost of obtaining a visa (if there is any)
    • Communication costs, such as phone calls and faxes
    • Inoculations, excess baggage charges, personal insurance. 
    • Alcoholic beverages or liqueurs (unless stated otherwise); soft drinks & bottled water with meals.
    • Gratuities for local guides and drivers.
    • Air tickets to/from Punta Arenas or other destinations within Chile.
    • Airport taxes for domestic flights (included in the cost of your domestic flights) or for international flights (please check if they are included in the cost of international flights).
    • Any other service not mentioned.

    Expedition Leader

    Michael Tweddle

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    Photography by Jorge Cardenas and Beat Germann

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