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Torres del Paine

Puma Tracking

If you are not already aware, Torres del Paine is the natural home to the Puma. Therefore, many people ask us about Torres del Paine Puma Tracking and how they can see Pumas. In reality it is very difficult to “see a Puma”, namely because they are so well camouflaged, but also because they keep to themselves and feed during the early dawn.

However, we have two options for you below. One, is a privately arranged Puma tracking excursion, with a knowledgeable guide, and the other is a fully-arranged several days itinerary, where there will be a group of people, again, with an expert guide.

All Puma photos are courtesy of Eco Camp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Torres del Paine

Puma Tracking

Introduction to Torres del Paine Puma Tracking

Here at Experience Chile we offer two options to see the Patagonian Puma in Torres del Paine. One is a privately arranged excursion with an educated Puma guide, and the other is that we book you on a special Puma Tracking 5 Night / 6 Day itinerary. Naturally, such an activity appeals not only to nature lovers, but also photographers. Therefore, please note the suggested photographic equipment to bring with you.

With regards to clothes, please refer to our suggested clothes to pack for Patagonia.

NOTE:

It is important to note that the Puma is a wild animal and like most wild animals it likes to be evasive. Therefore, although all efforts are taken to identify the likely location of where a Puma or Puma’s will be, this cannot be guaranteed. In addition, these excursions begin at a very early hour, usually from 04:00hrs AM.

 

Recommended Photographic Equipment to Bring

  • Minimum Focal Length: 400mm – Better: 600 / 500mm
  • Lens: 70-200 f:2.8 suggested with multiplier.
  • For landscapes: 14-24mm / 15-35mm lens.
  • Tripod.
  • Binoculars.
  • Extra memory cards.
  • Extra batteries.

 

Direct Hotel Request Email: request@experiencechile.org

Q. What Clothes Should I Bring for Patagonia?

Suggestions on What to Pack in Your Patagonian Luggage 

Most important is what we aim to do here is advise you on what to pack in your suitcase (or backpack) and bring with you when coming to any part of Patagonia, be it land or sea. Moreover, the weather here has one constant, which is change! It is often windy, and it can rain or offer beautiful sunshine within the space of an hour. Therefore, please bring the right clothing to keep yourself dry and warm. Further below there is a graphic detailing what you should, ideally, bring with you.

Layered Clothing is the Answer

At least try to bring LAYERS of breathable clothes that can be taken off or put on easily to adapt to any change in weather and as you heat up and cool down on a trek. For example, cotton undershirts are NOT recommended – see below.

Above all, travel light. For example, take a day backpack for the trek days.

Suggested Clothes to Wear

As an illustration, please see our dedicated “Clothes to Bring” illustration below (scroll down).

On Your Feet

To begin with you need “hiking boots”. In other words, boots that are durable, but strong and especially WATERPROOF. In addition, if you have gaiters also bring these. Above all break-in any new boots well before arrival.

Also, a pair of flip flops for indoors. It should be noted that the refugios demand that you take off outdoor footwear when you enter the building.

By the same token, bring socks that are for hiking use, that fit well within your hiking boots, and maybe 3 pairs. These socks should be a little thicker than your normal socks.

Over Your Legs

For the purpose of practicality, hiking pants as well as a waterproof outer shell to go over your hiking pants if it rains are the best option. In addition, optional underwear such as synthetic leggings to go under your trekking pants are also useful if it gets cold.

For Your Upper Body

Most important, here you need to have “layered” clothing. This is because you get hot when trekking, therefore you need to be able to take layers off as well as put them on when you cool down.

Ideally, you will need a long sleeved under vest. This should be in a synthetic material. Why? Because you will sweat when you trek, and the synthetic material will dry more quickly than cotton material. If you are trekking in the summer and it is hot, you may not need to wear this undervest, but take one anyway in case the weather changes to be cold.

In addition, over the under vest, you will need a shirt, long sleeved ideally. Therefore, this can be considered to be a second layer.

Covering your second layer you need a fleece or similar, ideally with a front zipper so you can undo it or close it up with ease.

Finally, to cover everything you will need an outer jacket with a hood, and this needs to be waterproof and if is not, take another outer shell which is waterproof.

Around Your Neck

It should be noted that even if the rest of your body is covered and snug, bring a scarf or neck muff – this is very useful if it is cold, and easily taken off if it is hot.

Covering Your Hands

Most important, don’t forget your gloves! These are required specifically for when you are close to ice, like Glacier Grey or even at the Torres Base, where the air is cold. Again, waterproof is the way to go.

On Top of Your Head

Bring a head band to cover the ears – because they can get very cold. In addition, try to bring a hat like a woollen “beanie”.

Protection from the Sun

Most important: Pack the sunscreen cream.

For When you are Thirsty

Also, bring a water Bottle.

To Protect Your Eyes

Equally important, pack a pair of sunglasses. The light reflection from glaciers, snow and just brightly lit days can be strong.

Other Useful Items to Include in Your Luggage

Must be remembered: Portable USB Charger

Of course, a Travel Towel

Also, to help with sleeping when in a shared accommodation environment: ear Plugs, eye mask and maybe sleeping pills.

By all means bring both Cash and a Credit Card

Most important: Passport for check-in and TOURIST ENTRY VISA – given to you when you pass through Chile immigration.

32 A Torres del Paine Puma Tracking

Torres del Paine Puma Tracking

Private Excursion

Important to note is that we do NOT offer this as a standalone activity. In other words, Experience Chile will need to be handling other parts of your itinerary for us to then include this option.

The Torres del Paine Puma Tracking Private excursion involves our guide meeting you the previous day or night to discuss the following day with you. Here, you will meet him, he will explain what to expect and you can also present any questions you have.

Early morning, at 04:00hrs, your private transport will arrive to collect you, along with the guide. You will then be driven to Torres del Paine, or maybe just outside, depending on where the Pumas are likely to be.

Upon locating the Pumas, the guide will give to explicit instructions as to what to do and then you can hopefully view these wild creatures from a safe distance.

Ideally you should consider booking a minimum of two days for this excursion in case you do not get to see Puma’s at the first attempt, you will then have a second, back-up day.

Advantage

The clear advantage to this itinerary is that it is only going to be for you and whoever is with you. It will be a much more intimate experience.

Included:

Transfer from your hotel.

Puma Guide.

Box Lunch.

Transfer back to your hotel.

 

Rate (based upon two people, supplement if a single person)

Price on Application, but the guide rate is USD950 a day, plus required transport of USD500 private, for two people, for example.

Optional extra full day Torres del Paine to see other wildlife USD850 (for two).

 

 

Direct Request Email: request@experiencechile.org

Torres del Paine Puma Tracking

Group Excursion

As it says in the subheading, this Puma Tracking itinerary is a group program, meaning that there will be other people also part of your group. The actual itinerary is laid out below.

Day 1 – Pick-up from the Eco camp office based in Puerto Natales and transfer to Eco Camp in Torres del Paine. Night at Eco Camp.

Day 2 – Early start, before the dawn, with a “to go breakfast” the transfer will take you where the Pumas are expected to be. The stay here will be for around 3 to 4hrs, after which you will return to Eco Camp. Then, later in the day you will go back to the same, or another location to try to see Pumas for another 3 to 4hrs before returning back to Eco camo for the night. Night Eco Camp.

Day 3 – Today will, effectively, be a repeat of the previous day. The idea being, to get to locations where it is expected to find Pumas. Night Eco Camp.

Day 4 – Also, a day as the previous two days. Night Eco Camp.

Day 5 – Today is a Full Day Torres del Paine sightseeing excursion, departing after breakfast. Night Eco Camp.

Day 6 – This is the final day. You will be able to choose to do a half-day hike, maybe take sunrise photos. Around midday your transfer will take you back to Puerto Natales and drop you at the Eco Camp office. END

Advantage

The key advantage to this Puma Tracking option is that there are three, full days, allocated to Puma watching. Therefore, in the event that on day one, or even day two, it doesn’t work out, there is a third day in which to see Pumas. In addition, this time period allows for photographic opportunities as well as appreciate other wildlife in Torres del Paine.  Also, the method involved in trying to locate Pumas is educational and all part of the experience.

 

Rate (based upon two people, supplement if a single person)

Per Person, from the highest rate min 2 people. The rate below will reduce if there are more people in your group.

USD7,690 PER PERSON, ACCOMMODATION IN ECO CAMP SUITE DOME

START AND END DATES FOR ITINERARY

01 OCT TO 06 OCT / 11 NOV TO 16 NOV / 16 DEC TO 21 DEC

13 JAN TO 18 JAN / 19 FEB TO 24 FEB / 20 MAR TO 25 MAR

Included

  • 5 Nights’ Accommodation at Eco Camp Torres del Paine
  • Breakfast each day, lunches and dinners.
  • English-speaking specialist wildlife guide.
  • Transport.
  • Transfer in and out from Puerto Natales to Eco Camp.

 

ECO Camp Accommodation

Please see link below to get to the Eco Camp accommodation options information.

Direct Request Email: request@experiencechile.org

Close up of a Torres del Paine Puma

32 A Torres del Paine Puma Tracking

Two Pumas on the Run

32 A Torres del Paine Puma Tracking

Camouflaged Puma

32 A Torres del Paine Puma Tracking

Principal Food Source

32 A Torres del Paine Puma Tracking

 

What ExperienceChile.Org says about Torres del Paine Puma Tracking

To be in Patagonia, and in particular Torres del Paine National Park, is for most people, a once in a lifetime opportunity. And, apart from the outstanding trekking trails, the jaw-dropping geographical scenery, and the abundance of fauna, the “king” so to speak, of Torres del Pane is the Puma. This is “his” home. Therefore, if you have the extra time, or if you are a wildlife enthusiast, and / or a keen photographer, and you like the idea of seeing a strong, beautiful wild cat in its natural habitat, roaming free, then one of the above Puma Tracking excursions should not be missed.

 

Send Your Enquiry to here: request@experiencechile.org

Please Send Us Your Enquiry

For the best service please supply us with as much information as you can. For example, where you want to go, what you want to do, what you want to experience and how much money you want to spend (or do not want to spend!).  How many people, what type of beds (matrimonial, twin, single etc.)

VIP

In the event that you are a VIP in any of the fields such as celebrity and/or political and/or business, and you need “special attention”. For example, privacy and/or security for your trip please use an alias in the enquiry but mention that you are VIP and one of the directors will handle your request and keep your real name and details confidential.

OFFER

Ask us to handle ALL of your South America, or Chile trip and we WILL include some items for free or at special lower-than-public rates. How much we can offer you depends on how much we can arrange and book for you. REQUEST@EXPERIENCECHILE.ORG

Remember, our specialty is to create a travel itinerary custom-built to your needs.

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