The ultimate Patagonia wildlife trip. This small group nature tour has been designed to watch three iconic species of Patagonian wildlife. We will explore the magnificent landscapes of southern Chile’ Torres del Paine National Park to look for Puma, the ‘Lion of the Andes’. Afterwards, we will continue our quest by exploring the mythic island of Tierra del Fuego to reach the recently established and world’s most accessible colony of the stunning King Penguin. As a grand finale of this unique wildlife expedition, we will explore the Straits of Magellan to visit Carlos III Island and its summer visitors, the gentle and sociable Humpback Whales. This small-group journey has a maximum of 7 participants accompanied by one of our naturalist guides.

Frequently praised by visitors as one of the most beautiful and majestic wild places in the Planet, Torres del Paine National Park is a remote refuge where wildlife is normally quite tame and it’s not rare to see relaxed and inquisitive guanacos, foxes and other animals at close quarters; seeing the lone hunter that dwells in the vast and barren hills, the mighty Puma, is something else. This first section of our three-prong quest has been geared to seek out and contemplate this big and elegant cat in one the wildest places throughout its entire range in the Continent. The King Penguin is the second largest species of penguin after the Emperor and certainly one of the most colourful and attractive members of the group. The second part of our journey takes us to see these magnificent seabirds in their natural habitat. Few places in the world offer good access and chances to see them in the wild like Useless Bay in Tierra del Fuego, making this, the only continental American breeding colony, a very special one indeed. The third and final part of our trip takes us to Carlos III Island, located at the heart of the recently established Francisco Coloane Marine Park in the mythic Straits of Magellan, to find some of its most charismatic and usually elusive inhabitants, Humpback Whales. We will see these imposing creatures and other marine mammals of the sub-Antarctic region at close quarters, as well as a good diversity of seabirds. Also, we will visit remote penguin colonies as well as other seabirds’ rookeries. We will be based two nights at the domes of the research facilities at Carlos III Island, the perfect location to see the Humpbacks and marvel at their social behaviour and feeding techniques.

From 8.998 USD 11 Days / 10 Nights Departure: Walking Grade: Easy

Trip Details

Group Size

7 Travelers Max

Seasonality

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Schedule

Relax

Tour Highlights

Uncover Patagonia’s hidden gems, witnessing pumas and endemic species amidst spectacular scenery
Visit the world’s most accessible and only continental King Penguin Colony in Tierra del Fuego.
Explore Francisco Coloane Marine Park and enjoy watching its gentle visitors, the Humpback whales.
Great opportunities to spot other cetaceans and marine mammals such as Peale’s, Commerson’s and Chilean dolphins, plus sea lions, fur seals, Magellanic penguins and other seabirds.
4-day exploration in Torres del Paine National Park searching for Puma and other wildlife such as Guanaco, Southern Huemul Deer, Andean Condors and many other birds.
Great photographic opportunities on the rich natural history of the southernmost portion of the American continent. ult

What to expect

Lodging: Comfortable
Transportation: High

Tour Type

Scheduled
Shared

Next Departures

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Thematics

Birdwatching
Photography
Wildlife

Itinerary

DAY 1

Torres del Paine National Park

After meeting your guide at your hotel or at the airport, you will be transferred in a private vehicle to Torres del Paine National Park. During our journey to the park, we will try to find guanacos, southern grey foxes,...

B, L, D El Ovejero Patagonico (or similar)

DAY 2

Puma tracking at Estancia Laguna Amarga

We have organized a busy schedule of puma outings. We will explore puma hunting grounds in the eastern flank of the park and Estancia Laguna Amarga, where we have special access. This area, including Sarmiento Lake, Lagu...

B, L, D El Ovejero Patagonico (or similar)

DAY 3

Puma tracking at Estancia Laguna Amarga

B, L, D El Ovejero Patagonico (or similar)

DAY 4

Puma tracking at Estancia Laguna Amarga

B, L, D El Ovejero Patagonico (or similar)

DAY 5

Torres del Paine – Drive to Punta Arenas

During the morning we will continue our exploration in different areas of the park. A sensational vista from Laguna Azul, on the eastern side of the park, will be a superb grand finale to this part of our exciting journe...

B, L, D Hotel Diego de Almagro (or similar)

Zino's Petrel - Madeira Island - Wild Expedition

DAY 6

Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – King Penguin Reserve

We will start with a private transfer from your hotel to the ferry docks in northern Punta Arenas. At 9 am, we’ll begin our 2.5-hour crossing of the Straits of Magellan, rich in exploration history by sailors like Magell...

B, L, D Hotel Barlovento (or similar)

DAY 7

Magellan Straits – Back to Punta Arenas

We will enjoy a leisure morning while exploring the surroundings of Porvenir to photograph and learn about the particular wildlife and history of this remote corner of Patagonia. We will visit its alkaline pools where th...

B, L, D Hotel Diego de Almagro (or similar)

Humpback Whale or Yubarta (Megaptera novaeangliae)

DAY 8

Boat trip to Carlos III Island in the Magellan Straits

Early in the morning we will board the motor yacht Tanu and start our navigation towards Francisco Coloane Marine Park, which protects the marine biodiversity of the western branch of the Straits of Magellan. This magnif...

B, L, D Eco-camp Carlos III (or similar)

DAY 9

Whale watching at Francisco Coloane Marine Park

This morning we will have another whale-watching session aboard the zodiac boats and if we are lucky, we may see the endemic and scarce Chilean Dolphin while sailing these waters. We will also visit large breeding coloni...

B, L, D Eco-camp Carlos III (or similar)

DAY 10

Boat ride back to Punta Arenas

After enjoying the diversity of marine mammals and seabirds of this park, we will make our journey back to San Isidro Lodge. Along the route we will discover the rich seabird diversity of these seaways; we will see Black...

B, L, D Hotel Diego de Almagro (or similar)

DAY 11

End of the trip

After breakfast, transfer to Punta Arenas airport where the trip ends. (Breakfast)

B, L, D

Hotels

Eco-camp Carlos III

| $$$

Eco-camp Carlos III

El Ovejero Patagonico

| $$$

El Ovejero Patagonico

Restaurant WiFi Bar

Hotel Barlovento

| $$$

Finding the ideal romantic small hotel in Porvenir doesn't have to be difficult. Welcome to Barlovento Hotel, a fantastic choice for travelers like you. Rooms at Barlovento Hotel include a minibar and a desk for added comfort, and guests can stay connected with free Wi-Fi. A 24-hour reception is just one of the amenities offered at this small hotel. The on-site restaurant will also help make your stay even more special. If you're driving to Barlovento Hotel, free parking is available.

Restaurant WiFi Bar

Gallery

Humpback Whale - Wild Expedition - @mateobohringer

Puma - Wild Expedition - @mateobohringer

Chile Patagonia Wildlife ©ClaudioVidal Wild Expedition

Rey Pinguin @MateoBohringer - Wild Expedition

Condor Patagonia Chile ©MateoBohringer - Wild Expedition

Claudio Vidal Chile Patagonia Wild Expedition

Price Details

Included

Accommodation in first class hotels
Meals indicated in the program
Transportation in comfortable vehicles
Tour leader and English speaking guide
Local guides specialized in the region
Entrance Fees

Not Included

International flights
Domestic flights
Additional drinks and meals
Tips
Medical insurance
Expenses not specified in the program

Price Base

Price from 3 to 4 people: 8.995 USD
Price from 5 to 6 people: 8.998 USD
Price from 7 to 8 people: 8.998 USD

* Price is indicated per person

Terms & Conditions

The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information.

Recommendations

We recommend arriving in Punta Arenas one day before the trip, in order to have an early start towards Torres del Paine National Park on Day 1. The Ultimate Patagonia Wildlife Trip

Spotted Species

Here is a non-exhaustive list of Animal Species you can spot during this tour

Humpback Whale

Humpback whales are remarkable creatures, admired for their grace, intelligence, and the vital role they...

Discover

Puma

The puma, also known as the cougar, mountain lion, or panther, is a large, solitary...

Discover

Andean Condor

The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) has black plumage with a white collar of feathers around...

Discover

Your Tour Guide

Claudio Vidal

Nationality: Chile

Languages: English, Spanish

Guiding since: 1997

Specialties: Birdwatching, Wildlife Photography, Sea Birds, Puma Tracking

Learn More about Claudio Vidal