PUMAS OF PATAGONIA

Wildlife

Sightseeing

Active

City Life

Culture

Relax

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

This is an immersive tracking mission for photographers who value patience and presence over the standard safari. We move on foot through a private estancia bordering Torres del Paine, accessing remote valleys far from the park’s crowds and restrictions. No fences, no off-road limits—just the silence of the steppe and a 1:5 coaching ratio. Every day is timed for the first light hitting the granite peaks; we track pumas through rugged terrain to capture intimate, ethical encounters in their natural habitat. With Paolo Sartori and expert local trackers by your side, you’ll trade the tourist trails for an elite wildlife mission in the rawest heart of Patagonia.

HIGHLIGHTS

Expert coaching and continuous field guidance from international photographer Paolo Sartori throughout the mission
Exclusive private access to remote valleys bordering Torres del Paine, far from the crowds and park restrictions
5 full days of tracking wild pumas on foot with elite local trackers for intimate, ground-level encounters
Sunrise landscape sessions capturing the first light on the iconic granite peaks and turquoise glacial lakes
Dedicated wildlife tracking focused on pumas, condors, and guanacos in their raw, natural habitat
High-end eco-expedition staying in luxury accommodation, immersed in the wild
Ethical predator photography built on patience and silence, capturing animals on their own terms
Portfolio reviews and 1:1 editing sessions to master post-processing and visual storytelling

DEPARTURE DATES

March 2027 - dates TBA

£9,400.00

5 available

KEY INFORMATION

DAY 1 – Arrival & The Patagonian Steppe

Arrival in Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, followed by a private transfer to our base near Torres del Paine. As we cross the vast Patagonian steppe, keep your eyes sharp for the first sightings of guanacos and snow-capped horizons. Settle into the eco-domes, meet the tracking team, and prepare for the high-stakes mission ahead.

DAY 2 – Icons of Torres del Paine

A full day dedicated to the legendary landscapes of the National Park. We slow down to capture the granite peaks and glacial lakes during the best light. We focus on long exposures, scale, and storytelling, tuning into the elements and preparing our eyes for the subtle movements of the cats we’ll be tracking next.

DAY 3-6 – Tracking the Ghost of the Andes

Four days of intense, on-foot tracking in private puma territory. Each morning starts before dawn as our trackers guide us to active sightings. We hike through remote valleys for intimate, eye-level encounters with wild pumas. Afternoons are for rest or image reviews, always remaining flexible to move whenever the light or the animals dictate.

DAY 7 – Final Sunrise & Departure

One last sunrise session on the steppe, soaking in the silence and scale of the wilderness. After a final field breakfast and a group debrief, we transfer back to the airport. You head home with a refined portfolio of one of the world’s most elusive predators and the skills to match the terrain.

You’ll fly into Puerto Natales (PNT) or Punta Arenas (PUQ), where our private transfer will be waiting to take you to our base. Puerto Natales offers a shorter 3-hour drive, while Punta Arenas is a scenic 6-hour journey through the steppe. If you are arriving on a long-haul international flight, we recommend landing in Santiago a day early or arriving at our base a day prior to ensure you are rested for the early morning tracking sessions. Let us know your flight details and we will handle the logistics and coordinate your seamless arrival into the heart of Patagonia.

Accommodation & Meals

7 nights in high-end, eco-style lodging immersed in nature
All meals included: Full breakfast, packed lunch/box lunch for the field, and dinner from arrival to departure
Shared occupancy (shared dome) as the standard; single supplements are available upon request and subject to availability

Transport & Logistics

All ground transfers via private vehicle from Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas to our base and back
Private access to exclusive tracking areas on private land, ensuring ethical and intimate encounters far from the public eye
Professional trackers: A dedicated local team working year-round to monitor puma movements and behavior
All park entry fees and tourism taxes for Torres del Paine and private reserves

Photography & Support

Expert coaching and continuous field guidance from Paolo Sartori throughout the mission
1:5 coaching ratio ensuring focused, personalized instruction during every sighting
Comprehensive learning: Pre-trip materials, a personal prep video call, and a 1:1 online post-trip editing session
Private community access: Dedicated WhatsApp group for planning, gear support, and image sharing

International & Domestic flights.
Mealtime drinks as soft drinks, wines, and alcoholic beverages
Optional snacks outside of the scheduled expedition meals
Single supplement: optional upgrade for a private dome (subject to availability)
Tips for the expert local trackers, camp staff, and transfer drivers
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and any additional services
Travel Insurance: Mandatory. Your policy must cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation.

Moderate

You should be in reasonable physical condition. Most tracking is done via 4x4, but once a puma is located, we approach on foot. Be prepared to walk up to 2km over uneven terrain with moderate elevation gains (up to 100m). Patagonian weather is unpredictable; you must be comfortable moving through wind, rain, or sun.

Experience Required

Open to photographers of all levels, though a basic understanding of your camera’s manual settings (ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture) is recommended due to the fast-paced nature of wildlife. With a 1:5 coaching ratio and pre-trip learning materials provided, you’ll have the support needed to capture professional-grade predator portraits.

In March, Patagonia begins its transition into autumn, offering some of the most dramatic and unpredictable weather on Earth. The landscape remains vibrant, with the first hints of fall colors beginning to touch the vegetation against the jagged granite peaks. The weather is famously volatile: you can experience four seasons in a single hour. Days are cool and bracing, with temperatures typically ranging between 5 and 18°C (41 to 65°F). As the sun sets, the Patagonian wind often picks up, and early morning tracking sessions can be very cold, occasionally dropping toward freezing.
March provides incredible atmospheric light. The legendary Patagonian winds keep the air pristine and the clouds moving, creating fast-changing lighting conditions and "spotlight" effects on the mountains. While you may encounter rain or even a dusting of snow, these elements add the grit and drama essential for powerful wildlife storytelling. The nights are crisp, and when the wind dies down, the clarity for astrophotography over the Paine Massif is world-class.

Clothing & Footwear

High-quality base layers, a warm fleece, and a heavy down jacket for freezing morning tracking sessions
Waterproof and windproof hardshell jacket to handle the legendary Patagonian winds
Rugged, quick-dry trekking pants; waterproof over-trousers are recommended for rain or snow
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with excellent ankle support for uneven terrain
Comfortable shoes/slippers for the downtime
Warm beanie, neck gaiter (buff), and windproof gloves

Photography Gear

DSLR or Mirrorless camera with fast autofocus and high-ISO capabilities
Lenses:
- Primary Wildlife (200–600mm / 600mm f4): Critical for pumas
- 1.4x teleconverter is highly recommended for extra reach
- Versatile Zoom (70–200mm / 100–400mm)
- Wide Angle (16–35mm / 24–70mm)
Sturdy but lightweight tripod. You’ll be carrying this on foot, carbon fiber is your best friend here
Blower, lens cloth, and a sensor cleaning kit

Digital & Backup

Laptop loaded with Lightroom/CaptureOne
One or more rugged external SSD
Spare batteries (cold weather drains them faster) and a Type C/L power adapter for Chile.

Travel Essentials

30L+ backpack to carry your gear, water, and spare layers
High SPF sunscreen and polarized sunglasses
Reusable 1L+ water bottle
Insurance: Mandatory. Must cover medical evacuation and trip cancellation.

Physical Requirements & Experience

Q: Do I need to be fit to join?
A: You should be in reasonable physical condition. Most tracking is done by 4x4, but once pumas are located, we approach on foot. Be prepared to walk up to 2km over uneven terrain with moderate elevation gains, often in windy or cold conditions.

Q: What level of photography experience is required?
A: This workshop is open to all levels, though it is better suited for those with a basic understanding of camera settings. Since wildlife encounters can happen fast, we provide pre-trip materials and video calls to ensure you arrive ready to shoot.

Photography & Learning

Q: What will I learn?
A: You’ll focus on high-end wildlife storytelling and landscape techniques. We cover everything from optimizing exposure in tricky light to tracking animal behavior, lens selection, and advanced post-production workflows to make the most of your raw files.

Q: Will there be individual attention?
A: Yes. With a maximum of only 5 participants and a 1:5 coaching ratio, you’ll receive personalized guidance in the field, tailored instruction, and a 1:1 online session after the trip to review your portfolio.

Wildlife & Destinations

Q: What kind of wildlife will we see?
A: The main focus is the wild pumas of Patagonia. You can also expect to photograph guanacos, Andean condors, Culpeo foxes, and various bird species. We use expert local trackers to find them, but sightings are always on the animals' terms.

Q: What locations will we visit?
A: We spend five full days in a massive private estancia bordering Torres del Paine National Park, one of the best places on earth for pumas. We also dedicate a full day to the iconic granite peaks and glacial lakes inside the National Park itself.

Accommodation & Logistics

Q: What is the accommodation like?
A: We stay in a high-end, sustainable ecolodge with domes, that keep you fully immersed in the wilderness without sacrificing essential comforts like a real bed and private bathroom.

Q: Will there be Wi-Fi?
A: Wi-Fi is available in the common areas of the lodge, though it can be slow due to our remote location. Once we are out in the private valleys tracking, you will be completely off-grid.

Q: Do I need a visa for Chile?
A: Most nationalities receive a 90-day tourist visa on arrival. Always check the specific requirements for your passport and the latest entry regulations before you travel.

Q: How do I get to the starting point?
A: Fly into Puerto Natales (PNT) or Punta Arenas (PUQ). We’ll pick you up there on Day 1. If your flight arrives late in the day, we recommend landing a day early in Santiago or the south to ensure you’re rested.

Food & Gear

Q: What’s the food like?
A: All meals are included, from hearty breakfasts and box lunches in the field to high-quality dinners at the lodge. We can accommodate most dietary requirements if you let us know in advance.

Q: What photography gear is essential?
A: A camera with manual settings and a long telephoto lens (up to 600mm) is mandatory for puma tracking. You’ll also need a wide-angle lens for landscapes, a sturdy tripod for the wind, and a laptop for daily backups.

Travel With

PAOLO SARTORI

Paolo Sartori

Born in the Italian Alps, Paolo grew up skiing, climbing, and exploring the mountains that would shape his eye for storytelling. Today he’s an award-winning photographer and filmmaker whose work bridges adventure, conservation, and human connection. After years of expeditions around the world, he’s found a deep bond with Africa — a land of raw beauty and endless stories. Whether he’s documenting wildlife in Namibia or leading Esploro’s photo workshops, Paolo brings a filmmaker’s sense of narrative and a photographer’s instinct for light, always focused on one thing: telling stories that matter.

BOOKING & CANCELLATION

A deposit is required to confirm your spot. Remaining balance is due 60 days before departure. If life happens and you need to change plans, cancellations made up to 60 days prior are eligible for a refund, depending on timing and conditions. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and adventure activities is required.
Full details in Terms & Conditions