Current as of: May 31, 2025 - 10:33

Puma Tracking Extension

Puma Tracking Extension Trip Notes

  • 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 day puma tracking extension in Torres del Paine National Park
  • Price from GBP £4799 per person (shared room and travelling together)

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

Day 1
Adventure Starts in Puerto Natales • To Torres del Paine National Park

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

Days 2 - 4
Three days of wildlife tracking in Torres del Paine National Park

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

Day 5
Transfer to Puerto Natales • Adventure ends in Puerto Natales

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

Puma Tracking Extension

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.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

Seatbelts

All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.