CHILEAN PATAGONIA
WILDLIFE TOUR
Pumas + Conservation + Photography
Sample itinerary – Punta Arenas + Torres del Paine
Chile is located along the western coast of the southern cone of South America, and Patagonia is at the end of that cone.
South Patagonia is the last frontier of the American continent. This pristine and unspoiled region is the land of wind, wilderness, and stunning landscapes. During this complete and comprehensive naturalist and wildlife focus journey we will have the chance to explore an impressive array of ecosystems: from the Magellan Straight waters, condor’s cliffs, the vastness of the Patagonian steppe, wetlands, Sub-Antarctic forests and breath-taking mountains and rock formations.
The focus of this Patagonia Wildlife Adventure will be the Puma, the largest mammal of the Andes. We will concentrate our efforts on its search while we also look for other mammals and birds that inhabit this remote location, surviving in one of the most extremes landscapes on earth. Be ready for an epic journey and a truly remarkable experience of connection with nature.
Contact us for more info – info@finisterra.ca
Day 1 – PUNTA ARENAS + THE STRAIGHT OF MAGELLAN
After landing in the picturesque and historical port of Punta Arenas at the shore of the legendary Straight of Magellan we will start driving toward the northeast of this vast region to reach the south of Torres del Paine Park. Our base for the next days will be the village of Cerro Castillo, strategically located at the gate of the Pumas territory.
After a briefing of the next day’s activities, we will enjoy dinner with stunning views of the Patagonian steppe.
Box Lunch and dinner included.
Overnight in Puerto Natales or Cerro Castillo
Day 2 – PUMAS + WILDLIFE AT TORRES DEL PAINE PARK
We will leave the lodge in the dark in order to be among the first visitors to get into the Park Torres del Paine and take advantage of the first hours of light when Pumas are more active. Our Puma tracker guide will be in charge to lead us to different spots where Pumas usually hunt. We will spend the whole day in the field hopefully having as a reward the first Puma encounters.
Breakfast, Box Lunch and dinner included.
Overnight in Puerto Natales or Cerro Castillo * Naturalist Guide + Puma Tracker included
Day 3 – PUMAS AND WILDLIFE AT TORRES DEL PAINE PARK
Early morning quest for Pumas in Torres del Paine National Park and Laguna Amarga area. We will scan different hotspots for Pumas and their hunting territory in the section known as Laguna Amarga. With a little bit of luck we will have some great possibilities to photograph Pumas and their interaction with their favorite prey, the Patagonian camel known as Guanaco. Our exhaustive observation of the steppe will also give us chances to find mammals such as the Grey Fox, the Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk, and the Patagonian Armadillo
Breakfast, Box Lunch and dinner included.
Overnight at Puerto Natales or Cerro Castillo
* Naturalist Guide + Puma Tracker
Day 4 – PUMAS AND WILDLIFE AT TORRES DEL PAINE PARK
Our last day at the Torres del Paine area will be dedicated to the search through canyons and shore of wetlands near the entrance of Lago Sarmiento and Laguna Amarga at the edge of the park. We will have the last chance to spot Pumas near the park. During the night we will have a nocturnal exploration to see if we can find Pumas in action during the dark hours plus the search of nocturnal raptors such as the Austral Pigmy-Owl, Barn Owl (Southern race), and Magellanic Horned Owl.
Breakfast, Box Lunch, and dinner included.
Overnight at Puerto Natales or Cerro Castillo
* Naturalist Guide + Puma Tracker
Day 5 – CONDOR CLIFFS + RETURN TO PUNTA ARENAS
Early departure to leave the area of Torres del Paine and start the return to Punta Arenas. Along the road, we will stop by a spectacular Andean condor hotspot. The largest terrestrial flying bird in the world uses the mountain area around Rio Verde as a roosting spot. From the peak of cliffs hundred of Condors, among adults and juveniles, take advantage of the thermal currents to take off and explore the surrounding looking for carcasses. The view from the edge of the canyon is quite amazing.
After the time in the field, we will have lunch at the local estancia and share a great moment with local farmers that transform this sheep ranch into a real wildlife hotspot, collaborating also in different research focus on the study of the life of these birds at this extreme latitude. End of the adventure in Punta Arenas
Breakfast and lunch included
Tour Exclusions
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out in our Booking Terms & Conditions prior to booking a trip with Finisterra Travel LTD. We strongly recommend that you also read the Country Information relating to your trip prior to booking, and ensure that you understand the itinerary and the active style of the trip you are undertaking.
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Morocco, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
AIR TRAVEL: Flights are not included in the tour price. DO NOT purchase any airline tickets until the trip is confirmed to take place. Pre and post-tours can be arranged through available at an additional charge.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: (responsibility of the traveller)
PROGRAM COSTS: Program costs are based on a minimum number of participants and are subject to change without notice. Single supplement will apply to single travelers (unless a participant opts in for room share and a roommate is found. this cannot be guaranteed).
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Since 2009 our partner has committed to delivering the highest standards available to guarantee a real sustainable and responsible experience. The positive impact that they build with our partners is measurable and traceable through our sustainability reports and the certification of prestigious third parts that help them to monitor our operations. Since 2016 they’ve had a zero plastic policy and they made it to recycle almost 100% of our waste, including the organic. In 2020 their team delivered over 600 hours of volunteer work, donated funds to different organizations, and support initiatives of regeneration of the biodiversity and the cooperation with projects of local communities
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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