Patagonia National Parks are the epitome of nature: tamed and untamed. It attracts people from all over the world to experience its breathtaking hikes, wildlife, adventures, and scenery. One of the most intense and exciting things Patagonia can offer you is the opportunity to cross paths with pumas in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.
Updated to April 2024
Want to see pumas on the wildlife? This is the important information you need to know before the adventure:
- You should stay calm and don’t run. If you are in the company of children, lift them up so they don’t run.
- Remain firm and face the animal seeking eye contact, never give the sword to the puma, and walk slowly backward.
- Do not sit or bend down
- Do not approach the animal. It’s important to remember that a mother puma is likely to be nearby, and she can be very protective of her young. do not come between a mother and her cub.
- if you are in a vehicle and you come across a puma, do not get out and follow it.
- Give hands-up to the closest park ranger.
We based our “what to do and don’t do” list in case you see a puma from the official National Park website in Argentina and the CONAF (Forestal National Corporation) in Chile (unfortunately, only available in Spanish).
1. Meet the King of Patagonia
In this 5-day travel itinerary to Torres del Paine National Park, you will not only enjoy wonderful landscapes and some of the most recognized hiking trails in South America, but you will also get to see the sleek, majestic pumas in their natural habitat.
When spotting pumas, you see the kings of the land, and you can watch them slink, stalk, hunt, and frolic, all without them even knowing you’re there. If you love adventure, the outdoors, and photography, this trip is for you!
2. Sightsee all the fauna of Torres del Paine
This is an experience that for sure will get your heart thumping, and your adrenaline surging. Your camera will forever love you for it!
This itinerary gives you opportunities to spot pumas as well as the most stunning flora, fox, guanaco sighting, and a boat trip to a spectacular glacier. You’ll be going through Torres del Paine’s famous W Trek, surely to return home with many new stories and adventures you will never forget.
What to expect
Each day will be started early, to take advantage of the day and witness the sunrise with coffee and breakfast on the go. After spending your first night in a beautiful campsite, you’ll head to amazing places such as Base Las Torres or Los Cuernos del Paine, where you can observe and photograph the large variety of flora and plant life. See flowers that only bloom in certain temperatures and Patagonian plants that are unique and special to the area.
3. End of your adventure beside the Pumas
Over the last day of this trip, you will experience a hiking and sailing tour of the incredible Grey Lake, which hosts the Glacier Grey. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a different type of deer, or stags, which meander along in their natural Patagonian habitat—followed by more wildlife, as you’ll head to the Blue Lagoon to observe foxes and guanacos, which look quite similar to llamas.
Seeing these powerful cats and other kinds of animals in person will leave you speechless and turn into a memory you’ll keep for years to come.
This adventurous tour will be available from October to April, but talk to our experts to advise you on which is the best time of the year to spot the King of Patagonia! Don’t miss a chance to make this year one you’ll never forget!
Written by Abby LeCleir
