July 2026 - Winter

Pumas in Patagonia

TORRES DEL PAINE
[CHILE]
50.9423° S, 73.4068° W       
[ OVERVIEW ]

Join THE WILDIST and Fer in winter around Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, one of the most reliable places in the world to observe and photograph wild pumas. The region has become well known among wildlife filmmakers and is a frequent destination for documentary teams from the BBC, National Geographic, and other productions looking to capture puma behavior in the wild

Experience Details

04 - 10 July 2026

Next Dates

Trip Duration

7 days 6 nights

Pricing

$2,590.00 USD

Dates may vary 1-3 Days depending on group preference

Shared accommodation.(single accommodation available upon request + $500 USD)

⤷ Check Expedition Availability

Registration for the 2026 expedition is open until April 30 or until the expedition is full.

2 Spots Available (Exp. 2026).

Expedition Limited to 6 People.

Registration for the 2027 Winter Expedition is now open.

A Day in the Expedition

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A Day in the Expedition ***

Days begin before dawn, and usually with coffee. It’s cold, especially in winter, so something warm in hand before stepping out makes a difference; then a quiet drive toward the park as the sky slowly shifts. By the time we arrive, the landscape is still, and the mountains are just beginning to catch the light, allowing us to take the first photos.

With a certified tracker, we move through different areas inside and outside Torres del Paine National Park, adjusting to what the day gives us: fresh dead prey, subtle movement, and the behavior of guanacos or condors overhead. The plan is never rigid. Wildlife sets the pace.

Midday offers a pause. Lunch in the field or at the park’s welcome center, time to review images, talk through settings, share observations, and reset before heading back out.

As the light softens, we stay with it. The final hours are often the most rewarding. When the day closes, we return to Puerto Natales and gather again over dinner. Local dishes like salmon, centolla, slow-cooked cordero, or a warm bowl of cazuela are some of the delicious Patagonian and Magallanic plates to enjoy after a long day in the cold. Nothing formal, just good food, good company, and a chance to trade stories and look back through the moments we were lucky enough to witness.

Itinerary

Arrival day is unhurried. The group arrives in Puerto Natales and settles into the hotel. In the evening, we gather for introductions, meet our tracker, review the plan for the week, go over field expectations and the photography approach, and answer any questions.

If time and energy allow, we take a relaxed walk through town along the waterfront, stretching our legs and beginning to connect as a group. Dinner is shared locally — fresh Patagonian ingredients, good conversation, and the first of many stories to come.

Day 1

These are full days in the field. We begin before dawn, then drive into Torres del Paine as the mountains catch first light. From the moment we arrive, we scan the landscape for subtle signs. Binoculars are provided to make careful observation easier. Wildlife sets the pace. Different photographic opportunities will also be created during the day.

Midday brings a simple break to warm up, have lunch, and reset before heading back out. Afternoons are spent observing, repositioning when needed, and making the most of Patagonia’s winter light.

Evenings start with a relaxed dinner in Puerto Natales. Back at the hotel, there is time to review images, share editing guidance, and talk through composition and fieldcraft, alongside a great cup of coffee or a shared mate.

Day 2-6

Day 7

Breakfast at the hotel, a final coffee together, and departures home.

Snow-capped Torres del Paine mountains surrounding an icy lake in a mountainous landscape.
A puma - mountain lion walking on a dirt trail in the Patagonian steppe landscape with dry grass and bushes. 
[ ENVIRONMENT ]

In Torres del Paine, the puma moves quietly through the landscape. In winter, tracks hold their shape in the snow, and movement becomes easier to follow across open ground. Pumas are mostly solitary, covering large territories and adjusting constantly to weather, prey, and terrain. Often, you sense their presence before you see them.

In this region, guanacos are their primary prey, which is why many encounters occur in open valleys and along hillsides where visibility is far-reaching. At times, it’s possible to observe mothers with cubs, moments of learning, or slow, deliberate movement across the steppe. Nothing feels staged. Each sighting is simply part of an ongoing cycle.

While the puma draws much of the attention, Torres del Paine is also home to different Patagonian species, such as:

  • Guanacos

  • Culpeo fox and chilla fox

  • Andean condor

  • Black-chested buzzard-eagle

  • Southern Caracara

  • Darwin's Rhea

  • Magellanic Owl

  • Southern Flamingo

Patagonian Puma & Other Wildlife

An Andean Condor flying against a blue sky and air.
Close-up of a guanaco's head and neck, showing furry white and brown fur, with a blurred plain background.
Group of flamingos in water, some with long necks and pink feathers, others with heads dipped in water.
Close-up of a fox's face with alert eyes and pointed ears. 
[THE JOURNEY]

Essential Information

Duration
7 days, 6 nights

Group Size
Small group experience (3-6 people)

Focus
Puma tracking, wildlife observation, and landscape photography

Accompaniment
Certified tracker during all wildlife outings

Terrain
Patagonian steppe, open valleys, ridgelines, and mountainous landscapes

Conditions
Cold temperatures, strong winds, and possible snowy scenes

Physical Level
Medium, short walks and field positioning throughout the day

Photography Support
Field guidance, evening image reviews, and editing discussions.

Optional Experiences (not included) in final price

  • Astrophotography on clear nights

  • Trek to Base Torres, medium to high physical level, weather permitting

 
Snow-covered Torres del Paine peaks against a colorful pink and purple sky.

+ Inclusions

  • Certified guide/tracker for 4 Days

  • Accommodation: 5 nights in Puerto Natales (shared room for 2, inquire about a private room)

    • Breakfast

    • Lunch

    • Hot drinks and snacks during field days

  • Round-trip transportation:

    • Punta Arenas ↔ Puerto Natales

  • Daily 4x4 transportation

    • Puerto Natales ↔ Torres del Paine

  • Technical assistance in photography and editing

  • National Park entrance fees

— Exclusions

  • Flights to/from Punta Arenas

  • Dinners

  • Additional drinks

  • Photography equipment

  • Travel/medical insurance

  • Tips for tracker

  • Optional activities

  • Anything not specifically listed under “Inclusions.”

[ FAQ ]

* Common Questions

  • No. This expedition is designed for photographers of all levels, nature lovers, and those looking to explore one of the most inhospitable and wild regions of the planet in winter. The most important things are curiosity, respect for the environment, and the desire to experience the real outdoors.

  • We work in the area with the highest presence of pumas worldwide and are accompanied by a certified tracker, which significantly increases the chances and tips the balance in our favor. That said, wildlife is never guaranteed. The goal is to create the best possible conditions for meaningful encounters, always on the animals’ terms.

  • As close as the puma allows. Our approach is based on patience and respect for the animal. Sometimes that means observing from mid-range with binoculars and long lenses, and other times a puma may move much closer on its own. Every encounter is different. The safety of the animal and ourselves always comes first.

  • Patagonian winter can be cold, windy, and unpredictable. We adapt daily based on conditions. Wildlife often moves in dynamic weather, and dramatic skies can create powerful photographic opportunities. Safety and responsible decision-making always come first.

  • We can provide guidance on flights, transfers, and recommended arrival times. While participants are responsible for booking their own travel, we’re happy to share practical advice to make the journey smooth.

  • A telephoto lens is strongly recommended for wildlife photography. A camera body you’re comfortable using in weather-changing conditions. Cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly, so spare batteries and SD cards are recommended; layered winter clothing and sturdy footwear are essential. + A detailed gear guide will be shared before departure.

  • Group size is about 3-4 people, this is intentionally small. This allows for better positioning in the field, more personalized photography guidance, and a quieter presence around wildlife.

A mountain lion - puma sitting among dry bushes with a blurred background and soft natural lighting.

Reservation Process

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Terms & conditions

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Reservation Process 〰️ Terms & conditions 〰️

Booking Process

  • Space, prices, dates, and final details of the expedition are confirmed (includes / does not include).

  • To secure the reservation, a deposit of 30% of the final price is made. With this payment, the spot is blocked and confirmed.

    Payments are processed through PayPal via invoice, where credit and debit cards are also accepted.

  • The official confirmation and a complete guide with recommendations on equipment, clothing, and preparation for the Patagonian winter are sent, after confirmation.

  • The balance is settled 60 days before the start of the trip, on the previously established date.
    For 2027 Edition is 90 days before the start of the trip.

  • Before the start, a short briefing is held to resolve any doubts and be fully prepared for the field.

The Fine Details

+ VIEW OUR BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY.

Pricing & Payment

Prices for expeditions may vary depending on availability, booking timing, and currency exchange rates. Early reservations generally secure the lowest price. As the expedition date approaches or remaining spots become limited, prices may increase. Once a booking is confirmed and the deposit is received, the agreed price is locked and will not change.

Payments are processed through PayPal via invoice. Credit and debit cards are accepted through this process. Bank transfer is also available for clients with Mexican bank accounts.

Your Host

Fer Richaud

After several trips to Patagonia, on both the Argentinian and Chilean sides, driven by the goal of observing and photographing wild pumas, the early attempts were far from successful.

With time, things started to make more sense. Understanding where to look, how to move across the terrain, and how to read the animals' behavior made a big difference. He is not alone in this experience; we are also supported by local trackers who have spent years working in this environment, making the whole process more grounded and authentic.

Fer will be your host throughout the expedition, with a clear objective: to give you a real opportunity to encounter and photograph pumas in the wild, and return with something meaningful beyond just images.

A puma stalking prey on a gravel road in Patagonia with dry trees and rocks in the background.
A Choique (darwin's rhea) standing on frosty ground with a blurred snowy landscape in the background.
Close-up of a puma-mountain lion's face with piercing yellow eyes, gray fur, and a serious expression.
A multi-tiered waterfall flowing over rocks in a forested area, surrounded by trees with sparse green foliage.
A gray fox standing next to a carcass of a guanaco on a snowy landscape.
A huemul grazing in a grassy, mountainous area near a dirt road.
Snow-capped patagonian mountains in Torres del paine towering over a body of water with grassy land in the foreground under a clear blue sky
A puma mountain lion walking through dry shrubland with sparse bushes and rocks.
Guanacos standing on a rocky hillside with a large snow-covered mountain in the background.
A puma walking through the Patagonian steppe, a dry, grassy landscape with scattered bushes and rocky terrain.
A mountain lion looking back over its shoulder in a natural habitat.
Torres del Paine, snow-covered mountain peaks under a pastel pink and purple sky during sunrise
An austral pygmy owl perched on a bare tree branch against a clear blue sky.
A huemul standing in a grassy, shrub-filled landscape with a hilly, green background.
A green and yellow bird perched on bare tree branches against a bright blue sky.
A buzzard-chested eagle, perched on a bare, twisting branch against a blurred natural background.
A mountain lion or puma walking through a natural habitat.

Request Information

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Book Now

*

Request Information * Book Now *

Some journeys begin with a simple message.

If you’re considering joining the expedition, we’d be happy to hear from you.

You can ask about availability, experience level, gear, or anything you're unsure about.

No commitment, just a conversation.