Pumas and Penguins in Southern Patagonia
Trip Highlights
Explore the thrill of tracking pumas at a private estancia bordering Torres del Paine National Park, where expert guides lead you to elusive sightings of these majestic predators in their natural habitat.
See penguins up close as you visit two vibrant colonies, including the King Penguin (the second-largest penguin on Earth) and the charming Magellanic Penguin.
Marvel at soaring condors at a prime roosting site near Punta Arenas while learning about the region’s rich history and how the Andes support these magnificent birds.
Hike through Torres del Paine National Park, soaking in the vibrant wildflower bloom and abundant wildlife, while uncovering the unique ecosystems that thrive in this remote region.
Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Southern Patagonia, connecting with like-minded women as you journey through one of the last great frontiers of the American continent.
Locations:
Punta Arenas, Tierra del Fuego, Torres del Paine National Park
Dates:
December 11-18, 2025
Limit:
6
Trip Details
Embark on an exclusive women’s wildlife adventure through the breathtaking beauty of Chile’s Southern Patagonia, from the southernmost reaches of Tierra del Fuego to the iconic peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. Led by a team of expert female naturalist guides and puma trackers, you’ll journey through one of the most untamed corners of the world.
Over the course of this adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to spot an incredible array of wildlife, from unique bird species to elusive mammals. Explore the only colony of charismatic King Penguins near mainland South America, watch condors soar overhead, and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of this pristine region.
The trip’s highlight? Three thrilling days of tracking pumas, the majestic feline stars of Patagonia. With their numbers on the rise, pumas thrive in and around the dramatic landscape of Torres del Paine, where jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and vast grasslands create ideal hunting grounds for these elusive predators. Along the way, with any luck, you’ll also encounter guanacos, foxes, and a host of other fascinating wildlife.
This is more than just a wildlife expedition—it’s an invitation to connect with nature and share those awe-inspiring moments with a group of like-minded women. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the wild, this trip offers a meaningful, empowering experience in one of the most beautiful and remote regions of the world. Ready to embrace the adventure of a lifetime? Patagonia is waiting!
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival to Punta Arenas
Welcome to Chile! Upon your afternoon arrival in Punta Arenas, you’ll be warmly greeted by your guides to kick off your Patagonian adventure. We’ll take advantage of the long daylight hours during this time of year with a street art walking tour before enjoying a welcome dinner prepared by a local female chef. This evening is all about connecting with your fellow travelers and getting acquainted with the region, setting the stage for the exciting week ahead!
Accommodations: Hotel Cabo de Hornos
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – But First, Penguins
On your first full day in Chile, we’re diving right in with a morning flight to Tierra del Fuego, where we’ll explore the southernmost corner of the American continent. Here, we’ll meet the King Penguin, the second-largest penguin in the world! While these amazing birds are typically found on remote islands, a thriving colony has made its home at Useless Bay. Thanks to recent conservation efforts, the colony is growing stronger each year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to observe these charismatic penguins up close and learn about the incredible women working to protect and preserve this unique species. We’ll return to our hotel in Punta Arenas for the night.
Accommodations: Hotel Cabo de Hornos
Meals: Breakfast and Boxed Lunch
Day 3 - Another Penguin Colony Before We Head North
We’ll kick off the day with an early ferry ride across the Strait of Magellan, where we’ll get the chance to see thousands of Magellanic Penguins. After lunch, we’ll head north to our next home base, making a few stops along the way to soak in the breathtaking landscapes. As we get closer to the mountains, we’ll likely spot our first herds of guanacos. Once we arrive at Cerro Castillo, we’ll settle into our accommodations for the next several nights, ready to embrace the beauty of the region.
Accommodations: Hotel Ovejero Patagonico
Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner
Days 4-6 – Puma Tracking (and More!)
It’s time to turn things up a notch. Each day, we’ll leave the hotel before dawn to make the most of the early hours when pumas are most active. Our expert puma tracker-guides, with deep knowledge of the resident pumas, will lead us to various hunting grounds. We’ll spend full days in the field, maximizing our chances to observe a range of behaviors and spot multiple individuals. When puma prime time winds down, we’ll shift gears and search for other fascinating species, accompanied by naturalist guides.
Accommodations: Hotel Ovejero Patagonico
Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7 - Full Day at Torres del Paine National Park
Spend the day exploring Torres del Paine with our expert naturalist guides. In December, the park is alive with wildflowers in bloom and abundant wildlife. Throughout the day, your guides will share fascinating insights about the park’s flora, fauna, and ecosystems, all while we take in the stunning landscapes of this Patagonian paradise.
Accommodations: Lago Grey
Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8 - Condors and Return to Punta Arenas
We’ll head out early for Punta Arenas, stopping enroute at a prime Andean Condor roosting site. We’ll drive side-by-sides up to the top for an incredible view as adult and juvenile condors soar on thermal currents. While there, we’ll learn about the area’s changing ranching practices, why condor viewing is now permitted, and the history of pisco production in the region. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local estancia, reflecting on the highlights of our week.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Your Guide
Sheridan Samano
Sheridan Samano is a wildlife enthusiast, guide, and co-founder of Her Wild Life Expeditions. Her passion for animals began as a child, flipping through National Geographic magazines, and has only grown since then. Sheridan holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science and a master’s in biology. Her guiding journey began when she launched a study abroad program focused on sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. In the field, Sheridan’s ability to spot a break in the pattern and quickly adapt leads to plenty of “wows” from the guests in her groups. When she’s not traveling, you’ll find her along a trail in Colorado with her family, searching for something feathered or furred, or enjoying a local craft beer after a day in the field. Her favorite animal? The cheetah.
What to Expect
Every Her Wild Life expedition is designed to offer full, active days for women traveling together seeking authentic, immersive wildlife experiences. This often means being active when wildlife is most active. The trips are carefully planned to put you in the right place at the right time, while acknowledging that unforgettable wildlife encounters require both a bit of luck and the expertise of your guide team.
This Patagonia expedition involves:
- Road transfers of up to 2-3 hours on curvy roads.
- Hiking for up to 2-3 hours a day, with occasional 4-5 hour days, across beautiful but sometimes uneven terrain.
- Variable and unpredictable weather conditions. Be prepared for the possibility of cold temperatures and strong winds.
- Early morning activities on most days, starting before dawn, to maximize our chances for amazing wildlife encounters.
- Be prepared: Pack your sense of adventure, wonder, flexibility, and humor!
Accommodations
- 2 nights at Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas
- 4 nights at Hotel Ovejero Patagonico in Cerro Castillo
- 1 night at Hotel Lago Grey in Torres del Paine
What's Included
- Lodging for 7 nights as listed. A private room is included in the trip cost. If you’d like to share a room with a travel companion, double-occupancy pricing is available.
- 2 expert naturalist guides for entire trip + puma tracker-guides on Days 4-6.
- Private ranch accessfor puma tracking on Days 4-6.
- Meals as listed: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners.
- 8 days of private in-country transportation.
- Activities and entrance fees as listed.
- Gratuities for your guides, puma trackers, driver, and restaurant staff for included meals.
- Conservation donation to Rewilding Chile.
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Passport/visa fees
- Travel insurance (quotes available)
- Meals not listed in daily schedule
- Alcohol
- Optional activities
- Pre- or post-trip hotels
- Room upgrades
- Gratuities for hotel staff
- Personal expenses
Cost
$10,615 per person for private, single-occupancy accommodations, with a $855 discount for travelers sharing a room.
Conservation Impact
Rewilding Chile is a nonprofit foundation committed to the conservation and restoration of Chilean Patagonia’s ecosystems. Building on the legacy of Douglas and Kristine Tompkins, the organization works to protect biodiversity, combat climate change, and support thriving wild landscapes. Since the early 1990s, Rewilding Chile has focused on rewilding initiatives, the creation of national and marine parks, and community-based conservation efforts along the Route of Parks. A conservation donation to support Rewilding Chile’s mission will be made on behalf of all trip participants.