April 21st - 27th, 2026
Best place for photographing pumas. – CNN Travel
Though pumas are well distributed from Canada to the southern Andes, they are seldom seen. These elusive cats, also known as mountain lions, cougars, panthers, or catamounts, are experts at avoiding people. Except here.
Join Natural Exposures on a journey to the Torres del Paine region in southern Chile. Our renowned local guide and tracker know the area and cats and will guide us on a private estancia. Special permits are required.
Autumn is a perfect season to visit Patagonia, not only for the beautiful fall colors and snow-capped mountains but also to photograph pumas. Since the days are shorter, we will track the cats after breakfast throughout the day and return to our lodge at a comfortable hour for dinner. The cooler temps keep the cats more active throughout the day compared to long days of sleeping cats in the hot days of summer. Often the cubs are at a playful age during this time of year, which is always a special sight. And like all our trips, we’ll stay in comfortable lodging and sample some local delicious cuisine. Come enjoy these spectacular cats in Patagonia!
2026 Patagonia Puma Photography Tour III Travel Plans
Tuesday, April 21 (L, D)
Arrive at Puerto Natales Airport (airport code PNT, flight suggestion TBA via Santiago to remain with the group for transfers). Our local guide will meet us at the airport, and we’ll have a group lunch in Puerto Natales. Our luggage will be taken to our lodge, El Ovejero Patagónico, where we will stay for six nights. This afternoon, we will head straight to Torres del Paine National Park to explore before check-in.
Torres del Paine National Park was designated as a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 due to its magnificent natural beauty. The Park boasts breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant turquoise glaciers that blend seamlessly into stunning landscapes. Sunrises and sunsets create a beautiful mix of pink and orange hues, leaving an unforgettable impression and providing perfect opportunities for capturing vivid autumn landscapes.
We’ll gather for dinner and a briefing to be prepared for our upcoming adventure.
Wednesday, April 22 – Sunday, April 26 (B, L, D)
Over the next five days, we will concentrate on puma photography, but you will also be taken in by the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Torres del Paine region.
Keep an eye out for South American gray foxes, guanacos, armadillos, and other wildlife. This schedule is more general and less detailed than most of our tours. We need flexibility to adjust our plans based on weather, recommendations from our local guide, and the findings from our Puma tracker.
Each morning, our expert tracker will be on the lookout for pumas to increase our sighting opportunities. We should be prepared for a variety of viewing possibilities. Every day will be different with activity levels. We may see a cat for only minutes before it’s on the move, and we will follow it by road or by foot. Other sightings might be more relaxed if the cats are taking a nap or possibly feeding on a carcass. We will be on the lookout for Mom and her playful cubs. Midday, we will have a picnic lunch in a nearby area where we can look for other wildlife and enjoy the scenic landscapes and then return in the afternoon to the pumas. We will be in prime Puma territory.
This Estancia (private ranch) is full of rolling, grassy hills, and sporadic rock outcroppings. The pumas like to rest among the rocks, and the surrounding scenery is beautiful.
We hope to have beautiful sunsets in the evenings at around 6:30 pm on our way back to the hotel, where we can take some time to relax, talk about our day together, have dinner, and get a good night’s sleep.
Monday, April 27 (B, L)
After breakfast, we’ll check out and take a little time to explore areas of the Torres del Paine region that we haven’t seen yet and then drive to Puerto Natales for lunch. Depart Puerto Natales (PNT) in the late afternoon or evening for your flight home (flight suggestion TBA via Santiago).
Tour Extensions Available
2026 Easter Island Photography Tour
April 13th - 19th, 2026
Guest Limits
5 Guests Maximum
Trip Cost
12,400 pp, based on DBL occupancy
Single Sup: 1,400
Pricing in US dollars
Deposit
$1500 Per person due at time of booking
Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check acceptedDeposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.
Installments
July 1, 2025: 5000 pp first installment
December 1, 2025: Final payment
Installments are payable by check only. Please make checks payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:
Natural Exposures
810 N. Wallace, Suite E
Bozeman, MT 59715Included
- Private small group travel with professional photographer Daniel J. Cox
- Local professional guide
- Local professional tracker with 4×4
- Accommodations for six nights at El Ovejero Patagónico
- Meals where indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, dinner includes beverages)
- Transfers Puerto Natales-El Ovejero Patagónico-Puerto Natales
- Off-road private vehicle for touring for 5 days on private land for pumas
- Entrance fees for private land touring at Estancia
Not Included
- International/domestic airfare
- Transfers on non-scheduled itinerary days
- Alcoholic drinks, laundry service, and other extras at the hotels/in restaurants
- Any attractions or optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Gratuities
Flights to Book
April 20, 2026
Arrive in Santiago, Chile at SCL airport any time of day. Our local guide suggests flying through Santiago, which is an easy way to get to our final destination of Puerto Natales. We can book you a hotel near the Santiago airport at the Holiday Inn if needed (this is not included in the trip).April 21, 2026
Arrive in Puerto Natales, Chile (PNT). Daytime flights from Santiago are nonstop (3hr, 19m). SCL-PNT flight suggestion TBA to remain with the group for transfers.April 27, 2026
Depart Puerto Natales, Chile (PNT) in the late afternoon or evening and fly home. PNT-SCL flight suggestion TBA to remain with the group for transfers.Travel Insurance
Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is affordable and can be purchased for each trip or an entire year and can even be bundled with your regular travel insurance! We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:
Global Rescue
(use code natexp)Allianz Global Assistance
(use travel agency ID F203564)Terms & Conditions
Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.
By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY
Accommodations for 2026 Patagonia Puma Photography Tour III
April 21-26, 6 nights
El Ovejero Patagónico
Ovejero Patagónico Hotel is a charming retreat located in the heart of Patagonia, offering guests an authentic experience of Argentina’s southern landscapes. Inspired by the region’s heritage and the hardworking spirit of the Patagonian Sheepdog (Ovejero Patagónico), the hotel blends modern comfort with traditional designs. Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Torres del Paine National Park, it provides a perfect base for puma-watching. Ovejero Patagónico Hotel promises a warm, welcoming atmosphere with personalized service and a true taste of Patagonia’s rustic elegance.Helpful Information for 2026 Patagonia Puma Photography Tour III
Physical Activity / Mobility Needed for This Tour
We will track the pumas by road in vehicles within the private Estancia. The roads are mainly gravel and guanaco trails. There are a variety of possibilities on how we will view the cats. They could be stationary for a long time next to a kill near a trail or resting. Sometimes we might have to walk for 5-15 minutes – mildly easy through open fields and rolling hills. Some areas have short, brushy terrain. We might have to do more walking if the puma is on the move. Often these could be the best photography opportunities, having the puma walking towards the camera, etc. We would keep following the puma by foot or possibly by vehicle if this is the case.
If you have limited mobility, our guide suggests you may want to have flexible, lighter camera gear. For instance, carrying a 600mm lens and tripod might be difficult for some people who have mobility challenges. We also need to stay together as much as possible in a group. We will have an extra guide available if some people are behind in walking or need to go back to the vehicle.
Each encounter will be different and we will adjust the best that we can with everyone’s abilities. We decided to use two 4×4 safari vehicles (instead of a van) along with a tracker vehicle to give us more flexibility with guests’ needs in the field.
Passport and Visa
US citizens must carry a valid US passport when traveling to Chile, and it must be valid for the duration of their stay. One blank passport page minimum is required for the immigration entry stamp. A visa is not required for stays of 90 days or less.
Please visit the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs for the most up-to-date entry, exit, and visa requirements.
Vaccinations
It’s always best to make sure you’re up to date with routine vaccinations and to check in with your doctor or a medical professional ideally 4-6 weeks before travel. Please visit the CDC for the latest requirements/recommendations for travel to Chile.
Weather
Fall is a fantastic season to explore Patagonia! During this time, the average daytime temperature is around 40-50°F, and overnight lows range from 30°F. Similar to autumn in the United States, you can expect cooler temperatures during the day and night. However, the weather patterns in Patagonia are influenced by the Andes Mountains, winds from Antarctica, ocean currents, and the Southern Patagonia Ice Fields. As a result, it’s best to be prepared for various weather conditions such as sun, rain, snow, and wind (a regular occurrence in Patagonia).
Language
Spanish is the official language used in Chile for administration and other purposes. Over time, the traditional Spanish language has evolved and transformed into various unique dialects of Chilean Spanish. Although some Chileans may speak English, especially in larger cities, hotels, restaurants, and major tourist attractions, it is always best to avoid any assumptions, particularly in the case of rural areas.
Currency
The legal currency of Chile is the Chilean peso (CLP).
Electricity
In Chile, the power plug sockets are Type C (also works with plugs E and F) and Type L (also works with plug C). The standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Camera Gear
Dan will phone each guest closer to trip time to discuss camera gear, and we’ll also send each guest a list of suggested items to bring.
Typical Food
Meat is the primary food source in Patagonia, and you can expect a wide variety of options. It’s not uncommon to witness a whole lamb or pig roasting over an open fire. Split roast lamb is an iconic dish in the region. As you travel further south, you’ll notice more seafood and fish dishes, particularly crab dishes. Patagonian mushrooms, avocadoes, and beans are common vegetables consumed in the region. Lamb empanadas, chimichurri (Patagonian pesto), and the Calafete berry, which is used to create cocktails, liquors, sauces, jams, cakes, tarts, and gelato, are among the local delicacies.
Note:Dan will be leading this tour along with our local photographer, guide, and tracker will be with you throughout your stay.
Have a question?
Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.
Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers
"Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."
Linda Henry, Oregon
"I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."
Sue Wolfe, Texas
"Tanya/Dan are a dynamic duo! There are not enough adjectives in the dictionary to cover the entire breath of their combined strengths. Fair, attention to detail, supportive of everyone’s needs, ability to get things done, did I mention down right good people, and on and on. We hope there will be a trip in the future that we could take advantage of."
Corbett Alley, Arizona
"If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"
Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts
