Puma Tracking Extension

Puma Tracking Extension Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Destination: Chile
Programmes: Trip Extensions
Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: XTNPUMAS

Trip Overview

Join expert trackers to search for the elusive puma in Patagonia

Extend your adventure by five unforgettable days tracking pumas and other wildlife through the dramatic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Widely considered to be the best destination for observing pumas in the wild, this iconic Patagonian reserve offers a rare glimpse into the world of one of South America’s most elusive predators. The park’s sweeping grasslands, rocky crags and dense thickets provide the perfect habitat. With a thriving population of guanacos (one of the puma’s primary prey) this region supports one of the highest densities of pumas anywhere, offering the opportunity for encounters in an untamed setting.

At a Glance

5 days / 4 nights
Price from £4799 (per person, shared room and travelling together)
Single room supplement available from £1500

Highlights

Search for pumas in Torres del Paine alongside an expert tracking guide
Dawn excursions to increase sightings, with dramatic sunrises against the parks granite
Search for condor and birds of prey as well as other wildlife

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 1

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Puerto Natales
End City: Puerto Natales

Land Only Itinerary

Our adventure starts in Puerto Natales with a transfer from the airport straight to Torres del Paine National Park. We aim to have some photography stops and tracking opportunities this afternoon, following the advice of local trackers and the known locations of puma. In the early evening we reach our hotel and have time to settle in before dinner.

Accommodation: Pampa Lodge (or similar)

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Over the next three days, our itinerary will follow a similar rhythm. Accompanied by an expert wildlife tracker, we discover various sectors of Torres del Paine National Park in search of pumas and other wildlife such as condors or birds of prey. Our days begin early, as dawn is when pumas are most active, offering soft morning light and the opportunity to witness sunrise from different viewpoints within the park.

The excursions will combine vehicle travel and time on foot, as we cover different areas of the park using scopes to scan the terrain for signs of pumas. We’ll take a leisurely break of around two and a half hours over lunchtime at various park locations, before resuming our activities in the afternoon. Typically, we return to the hotel around 6pm to unwind after a day of adventure.

Accommodation: Pampa Lodge (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a great few days in the wilderness of Torres del Paine National Park, we transfer back to Puerto Natales where this adventure comes to an end.

Meals included: Breakfast

Food & Drink

Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet-style. Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements. Vegetarians are catered for throughout the trip, but please ensure that you advise us before you travel so that we can make the necessary arrangements on your behalf.

Joining Instructions

Upon arrival in Puerto Natales you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel in Torres del Paine National Park. If you are making your own flight arrangements, please supply your flight details in advance.

On the last day of the extension you will be transferred back to Puerto Natales airport to catch your departure flight.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Puerto Natales
Location end: Puerto Natales

Transfer Details

Transfers to and from the airport are included.

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Sturdy waterproof shoes or walking boots
Warm clothes including windbreaker, jacket and waterproofs
Layers to deal with changing temperatures
Sun hat with brim and a warm hat
Sunscreen
Gloves (waterproof or water resistant)
Strong UV-protection sunglasses
Backpack for walks and sightseeing (minimum 20 litres)
Hand sanitiser
Reusable water bottle/water bladder

Practical Information

Visa

Chile

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Chile. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Please note, a PDI tourist card will be given to you by migration at Santiago airport, upon arrival to Chile, and asked for upon departure from Chile (please retain this important slip of paper). The PDI certifies that you are a visitor and must be given back to migration upon departure from Chile.

Vaccinations and Health

Chile

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid.

Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Local Time

Chile's time zone: America/Santiago (UTC -04:00)

Electricity

Chile's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and L (three round pins in a row) – 220V, 50Hz

Money

Chile's currency: Chilean peso (CLP)

Tipping

Gratuities are not something we can include in the tour cost and are of course totally at your discretion. We recommend approximately USD 10 per day for the local guide.

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.