Pricing:
$8,950 per person sharing
Single supplement $1,000
Trip Dates:
October 13-20, 2026
Trip Length:
7 nights / 8 days
Trip Details:
The puma/mountain lion/cougar (Puma concolor) is the Americas’ ultimate cat, ranging from the Yukon in the North all the way down to the Southern Andes near the end of the South American continent. Seldom seen in most of its range, this cat is known for its ghost-like qualities.
Uniquely, far down in the Patagonia region of Chile where the great cat is known as a puma, there is a large population that has become highly visible. Hunting was banned here and the puma found sanctuary in the stunning Torres del Paine National Park. Over generations, sightings increased until reaching a point of becoming very reliable. There can be no guarantee of finding such wide-ranging and elusive cats, but a small handful of expert trackers have mastered the craft and are now finding puma almost daily. A flourishing prey base of guanaco, a llama-like creature, draw puma into visible areas across the open steppe environment. Not only do guanaco attract pumas, but they also call them out, with distinctive alarm calls that are easily picked up by the alert trackers who can then guide us in to view pumas – one of the most exceptional and surprising wildlife viewing opportunities on the planet. The thrill is heightened by the fact that most viewing takes place on foot, delivering an unfiltered observation, which is respectfully conducted to the point where the individual cats are completely comfortable with us in their domain.
Beyond puma and guanaco, some other wonderful species are also sometimes seen and very relaxed, including Patagonia hog-nosed skunk, hairy armadillo, Culepo fox, huemul (a rare deer species), Andean condor and Astral pygmy owl.
Participant Activity Note
This is an active itinerary, but not overly demanding. The physical requirements of this trip are notably higher than an African safari. Participants must be able to traverse across uneven terrain while carrying their own gear, and walk up and down hills, some of which may be steep. We do not have any mountain treks planned, but hiking 2 to 3 miles of distance at a time is required. The base of the Torres del Paine is low in elevation, so altitude sickness should not be of issue. Staying hydrated, however, is an important factor in having a successful Patagonian adventure.