2026 Pumas in Patagonia Exclusive!
Dates: June 18-24, 2026
Location: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Focus: Pumas, landscapes, fox, bird species, guanacos, southern lights
Limit: 5 persons
Capturing a photo of a puma in snow is the shot of a lifetime. In fact, it’s easier to see and photograph snow leopards than this elusive wild cat. Plus, the experience of being in Torres del Paine in Patagonia in the winter offers stunning landscapes and bragging rights for the ultimate adventure. In partnership with Reefs to Rockies, the site where we stay is unique, rare, and different…a remote lodge bringing us into close proximity with a family of pumas, habituated to the sight of our guides and trackers.
What We’ll Do: Trek in search of pumas and other wildlife including guanacos, fox, and condors amid the stunning backdrop of Torres del Paine in Patagonia, Chile AND watch for possible southern lights at night.
Rather than bouncing between regions, we stay local and go deep—spending concentrated time tracking and photographing wild pumas on private land bordering Torres del Paine National Park, and exploring the iconic park itself, capturing landscapes, guanacos, foxes, and birdlife. We spend hours in the field to maximize opportunities to get the perfect gallery-worthy image.
You’ll return with more than just breathtaking photos—you’ll return with a sharpened eye, stronger skills, and a deeper connection to nature.
Cost: $8,990 per person for private, single-occupancy accommodations, with a $300 per person discount for two travelers sharing a double occupancy room.
What’s Included
- Lodging for 5 nights as listed. A private room is included in the trip cost. If you’d like to share a room with a travel companion, double-occupancy pricing is available.
- Expert photographer guide for entire trip + 2 puma tracker-guides on Days 3-5.
- Special estancia access for wild puma tracking on Days 3-5.
- Meals as listed from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6.
- 6 days of private in-country transportation.
- Activities and entrance fees as listed.
- Conservation donation to Rewilding Chile.
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Passport/visa fees
- Travel insurance (quotes available)
- Alcohol
- Optional activities
- Pre- or post-trip hotels
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Personal expenses
PHOTO INSTRUCTION / GUIDING
Join Michelle Theall, an award-winning professional wildlife and nature photographer with more than 32 magazine cover credits and images in National Geographic, Sierra, Backpacker, Outside, Alaska. Featured in Oprah Magazine, on the “Today Show,” Travel Channel, and Fox Sports, Theall has made a living capturing elusive animals in their remote natural habitats across the globe. She believes in her clients having fun while making sure they get the “money shot.” Whether you’re a beginner or expert, or just planning on using your iPhone, you’ll leave with bragging rights and breathtaking images.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival in Puerto Natales
Arrive at Puerto Natales Airport (PNT) and transfer to our hotel, where you’ll settle in and meet your fellow travelers over a welcome meal. There will be time to get acquainted, ask questions, and ease into the pace and photographic focus of the trip. We’ll go over settings and composition to get inspired for tomorrow.
Accommodations: Hotel Ovejero Patagonico
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 – Torres del Paine National Park
We’ll spend our first full day exploring the dramatic winter landscapes of Torres del Paine, photographing wildlife like guanacos and foxes, and capturing the interplay of light and shadow across rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and windswept grasslands. Michelle will offer field instruction throughout the day, helping you fine-tune your camera settings, composition, and creative vision.
Accommodations: Hotel Ovejero Patagonico
Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner
Days 3-5 – Puma Tracking & Wildlife Photography
Over the next three days, we’ll head out before sunrise to private ranchlands where wild pumas roam freely. Accompanied by two experienced puma trackers, we’ll spend long days in the field photographing these elusive predators and observing a range of natural behaviors. Between puma sightings, we’ll also seek out other winter wildlife and scenic moments. Instruction will be personalized and hands-on, allowing you to build confidence, improve technical skills, and capture compelling images of one of Patagonia’s most iconic species. In the evenings, we’ll review and edit images. Michelle believes that editing is an art unto itself and as individual as a fingerprint.
Accommodations: Hotel Ovejero Patagonico
Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner
In the evenings we’ll gather for dinner and talk about images and shooting challenges we encountered. Individual time will be allocated for one-on-one help with photography or post-processing questions.
Days 6 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Puerto Natales Airport for your flight home, departing with new skills, new friendships, and a powerful portfolio from one of the wildest corners of the world.
This Patagonia expedition involves:
- Road transfers of up to 2-3 hours on curvy roads.
- Off-trail hiking in search of pumas at the estancia in winter conditions across beautiful but sometimes uneven terrain. Trail hiking at Torres del Paine National Park.
- Variable and unpredictable weather conditions. Be prepared for the possibility of cold temperatures and strong winds.
- Early morning activities on most days, starting before dawn, to maximize our chances for amazing wildlife encounters. Expect full days in the field.
- Be prepared: Pack your sense of adventure, wonder, flexibility, and humor! You don’t have to be a photographer to join the trip, but you do have to want to spend extended time in the field with these amazing animals.
Click here: Join us! Space is limited. Secure your spot today. Payment is processed through WeTravel and Reefs to Rockies. Your confirmation will be sent accordingly!
2026 Pumas in Patagonia Exclusive!
Your Guides
We understand animals, but we also know what it takes to make photographers and wildlife-lovers happy. A couple decades in the field working with humans and critters allow us to make your trip easy, fun, and awe-inspiring. And while you’ll see amazing creatures, it’s also what you won’t see that will make your trip successful. Our team’s exceptional planning, logistics, and nimble problem solving skills create worry-free travel for our clients.
Michelle Theall
