On this expedition, you will put your photography knowledge into practice and learn new techniques. Chilean Patagonia is a photographer’s paradise, as it’s home to ancient forests, glaciers, Patagonian pampas, the southern ice field, turquoise lakes, the Patagonian Andes, and oceanic islands. You will also have the chance to spot some native wildlife, such as South Andean deer, South American gray foxes, guanacos, penguins, southern birds, and – we hope – pumas.
The program is aimed at lovers of photography who would like the chance to explore, share, and photograph places, animals, and events throughout this trip to one of the most remote and visually stunning regions of Chilean Patagonia.
Renowned for its beautiful and stark scenery, diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and isolation. Chilean Patagonia, which is found in the south of Chile, has become a haven for photography aficionados such as ourselves. Here, we’ll find our inspiration over the course of this 8-day program, during which we’ll get to know the spectacles of nature in Torres del Paine National Park, which was voted the eighth wonder of the world. Here, amongst the park’s mountains, glaciers, and grassy plains, we’ll work with local trackers and expert guides in search of the elusive puma, before turning to the sea and sailing to Magdalena Island in the Strait of Magellan to see the Magellanic penguin colony that calls the island home.
After landing in Punta Arenas, a representative will meet you and transport you to your hotel in Punta Arenas, where you will spend your first night. After checking in, you’ll go to one of the hotel’s meeting rooms to meet a professional photographer and local guide who will both accompany you throughout your stay in Patagonia. They will inform you about the program and answer any questions you may have while you sip a delicious welcome cocktail, mingle with other guests, and sample local products.
Then you’ll have free time to eat and explore this beautiful city, which includes attractions like the Punta Arenas cemetery, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world, the Plaza Muoz Gamero, a local landmark, and the Sara Braun Palace, a historic monument.
Meals: Welcome Drink & Meeting.
Hotel Cabo de Hornos – Punta Arenas
After breakfast, a van will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the pier, where you will begin your spectacular sailing trip to the islands of Magdalena and Marta, both of which have valuable ecosystems. On the former, you will disembark to visit the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, which is home to over 150,000 Magellanic penguins. Then you’ll continue on to Marta Island, where you’ll stop to see a large colony of over a thousand sea lions and other native birds. Getting back to your hotel at around midday.
During the afternoon, a private van will drive you to Puerto Natales, where you will have the evening free to prepare for the exciting following days.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel Vendaval – Puerto Natales.
We start this adventure together from Puerto Natales and travel straight to the land of the pumas, a 90-minute journey. We will leave early to start our first adventure to the Base of the Torres (Towers), for which the park is named. This is a strenuous 9-hour trek that requires a high level of fitness, but it’s well worth it!
You will stop along the way to photograph the incredible landscape of rivers, forests, native wildlife, lakes, and mountains, depending on the size of your group and your level of interest.
After crossing the Ascencio River and heading towards the Paso de Los Vientos, your ascent will begin (480 meters / 1575 feet above sea level). There are panoramic views of the pampa, lakes, and valley from there. Then you’ll descend towards the Chilean Camp, and the terrain will become more difficult as you climb a moraine via a steep path to the viewpoint. You will be able to take photographs, admire the incredible Torres and Cuernos del Paine rock formations, enjoy a breathtaking view, and relax with a packed lunch once you arrive. Your return will be a 5-hour journey back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast – Box Lunch – Dinner
Hotel Las Torres – Torres del Paine
We will begin this adventure early, near dawn, as this is the best time to track pumas. We will spend the entire day in the field, searching for pumas. With our tracker, we will divide the search into different areas of the ranch to cover more ground and thus be able to spot a puma wandering its habitat.
We will have constant communication with our Puma Tracker to know where a Puma has been spotted. Our guide/tracker will give us tips and indications while always keeping an eye on nature so that we can spot the magnificent Pumas of Patagonia in different scenarios and observe different individuals.
We take a break around noon to eat and drink something hot before continuing the tracking. When the light starts to fade around 5 p.m., we’ll return to our lodging to recharge batteries, backup photos, share dinner, and rest.
Meals: Breakfast – Box Lunch – Dinner
*Photographs: @Victor Vega
Hotel Las Torres – Torres del Paine
The Puma tracking adventure continues today! We’ll get up early, eat a light breakfast, and then head out to the ranch to begin tracking at first light.
We will be prepared, as we were the day before, to spend the entire day in the field. We will be able to observe its habitat and find more individuals of these wonderful felines with a sharper eye and the tips provided by our guide. We return to our lodging at the end of the day for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast – Box Lunch – Dinner
*Photographs: @Victor Vega
Hotel Las Torres – Torres del Paine
Today is our final tracking day. After breakfast, we will resume our search as we did the previous days. At the end of the day, we finish the experience with the last rays of sunlight before returning to our lodging.
Meals: Breakfast – Box Lunch – Dinner
*Photographs: @Victor Vega
Hotel Las Torres – Torres del Paine
Starting from the Salto Grande, a waterfall connecting two lakes, the day will begin with a full-day excursion to the Cuernos and Condor viewpoints. There, you will walk along a path with spectacular panoramic views of the Cuernos del Paine. Your tour guide will make several photo stops along the way, advising you on some techniques to try. The sheer variety of colors will take your breath away. Your journey will continue to the Condor viewpoint, where you will be treated to even more breathtaking views and may even spot some condors and eagles.
Then we’ll return to Puerto Natales, where you’ll spend your final night. After checking in, you’ll have time to go out to eat or explore a little more before the day concludes with a closing talk at the hotel at a pre-arranged time. You’ll be able to exchange photographs and ask questions about photography techniques there.
Meals: Breakfast – Box Lunch.
Hotel Vendaval – Puerto Natales.
Our transportation will take you to the airport in Puerto Natales, at an agreed-upon time, with unforgettable memories of this incredible experience!
Meals: Breakfast
2023 – 2024 SEASON RATES
Price per person
>> USD 5,560 (Based on a group of 6 people)
*This group tour requires a minimum of 6 people to confirm departure.
** For smaller group size, feel free to send us an email to info@ecochile.travel.
Small-group guaranteed.
Program includes
Meals
Not included
Why is this trip sustainable?
Our Health and Safety Promise
As the world continues to adapt to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we understand that travelers, while eager to once again get out and explore the world, also want to be careful and only travel where and when it’s safe to do so. Just as you take your health and safety seriously, as well as the health and safety of the destinations and communities we visit, so do we. That’s why, in compliance with national and international health and safety regulations and recommendations, we’ve optimized our operations and tour itineraries to provide you with the safest itinerary possible.
This tour was specifically designed with social distancing in mind, avoiding overly crowded places without sacrificing the experience of discovering the destination. We only partner with hotels and tour operators that are similarly committed to putting their clients’ health first, frequently using cleaning and sanitizing services, and only offering tours and excursions when it’s fully safe to do so. All this and more are just some of the ways we’re innovating travel itineraries for a healthier, safer future.
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding the health and safety procedures of this and other EcoChile tours, please let us know so we can answer your question or accommodate your request. Your safety is our top priority.
* This listed price is based on two people sharing a double room. The price may vary due to the time of year you travel, the size of your group, accommodation availability and not counting special dates.
** Solo travelers or guests staying in single rooms must pay a single supplement. Otherwise, the rates would be readjusted upon request.
*** If the mentioned hotels are not available, alternative hotels will be provided of a similar standard.
