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
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.
Close up of a Torres del Paine Puma
Two Pumas on the Run
Camouflaged Puma
Principal Food Source
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.
Torres del Paine
Info
Accommodation Locations & Descriptions
Torres del Paine
Itineraries
Classic Sef-Guided W Trek with Puerto Natales
Classic Self-Guided W Trek with El Calafate
PREMIUM
Torres del Paine Tierra Patagonia Hotel
Torres del Paine Explora Salto Chico Hotel
Full Circuit Trek:
W Trekking Route:
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