Photographing Pumas in Patagonia
Trip Highlights
Track and photograph wild pumas in their natural habitat, guided by expert local trackers and photo mentor Michelle Theall.
Gain in-depth field instruction on wildlife photography—composition, camera settings, storytelling, and more.
Explore Torres del Paine National Park during its moody, cinematic winter season—ideal for dramatic landscapes and atmospheric shots.
Deepen your photography skills alongside like-minded women in a supportive, creative environment.
Learn from a professional wildlife photographer and editor-in-chief of Alaska magazine through group instruction, editing sessions, and image reviews.
Locations:
Torres del Paine National Park and surrounding areas in Chilean Patagonia
Dates:
June 18-23, 2026
Limit:
4-5
Trip Details
This women-only winter expedition is designed for photographers, by photographers—whether you’re an aspiring wildlife shooter or seasoned pro looking to sharpen your skills in the field. Led by award-winning photographer Michelle Theall, this immersive experience focuses on hands-on instruction, intentional shooting, and storytelling with the camera in one of the most spectacular and remote places on Earth: Patagonia.
Rather than bouncing between regions, we’re staying local and going deep—spending concentrated time tracking and photographing pumas on private land bordering Torres del Paine National Park, while also exploring the iconic park itself, capturing landscapes, guanacos, foxes, and birdlife. We’ll spend hours in the field to maximize opportunities to get the perfect gallery-worthy image.
This isn’t just about seeing wildlife—it’s about learning to see photographically: light, moment, movement, behavior. You’ll return with more than just breathtaking images—you’ll return with a sharpened eye, stronger skills, and a deeper connection to nature.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Puerto Natales
Accommodations: Hotel Ovejero Patagonico
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 – Torres del Paine National Park
Accommodations: Hotel Ovejero Patagonico
Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner
Days 3-5 – Puma Tracking & Wildlife Photography
Over the next three days, we’ll head out before sunrise to private ranchlands where pumas roam freely. Accompanied by two experienced puma trackers and Michelle, we’ll spend long days in the field photographing these elusive predators and observing a range of natural behaviors. Between puma sightings, we’ll also seek out other winter wildlife and scenic moments. Instruction will be personalized and hands-on, allowing you to build confidence, improve technical skills, and capture compelling images of one of Patagonia’s most iconic species.
Accommodations: Hotel Ovejero Patagonico
Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner
Days 6 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Puerto Natales Airport for your flight home, departing with new skills, new friendships, and a powerful portfolio from one of the wildest corners of the world.
Meals: Breakfast
Your Guide
Michelle Theall
Michelle Theall is an award-winning writer, photographer, and seasoned wildlife photography guide with a passion for helping others capture the world’s most elusive and awe-inspiring animals on camera. As the longtime editor-in-chief of Alaska magazine and a former photo instructor on National Geographic voyages, she brings deep expertise, a sharp eye, and infectious enthusiasm to every adventure. Her work and wanderlust have taken her far beyond the Last Frontier, leading photo expeditions across remote landscapes to document iconic species—from bears in Alaska to pumas in Patagonia. Her wildlife images have been published internationally and are held in private collections around the world. Michelle is dedicated to creating meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences through the lens.
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.
- Off-trail hiking in search of pumas at the estancia in winter conditions across beautiful but sometimes uneven terrain. Trail hiking at Torres del Paine National Park.
- 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. Expect full days in the field.
- Be prepared: Pack your sense of adventure, wonder, flexibility, and humor!
Accommodations
- 5 nights at Hotel Ovejero Patagonico in Cerro Castillo
What's Included
- Lodging for 5 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.
- Expert photographer guide for entire trip + 2 puma tracker-guides on Days 3-5.
- Private ranch access for puma tracking on Days 3-5.
- Meals as listed from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6.
- 6 days of private in-country transportation.
- Activities and entrance fees as listed.
- Gratuities for your 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)
- Alcohol
- Optional activities
- Pre- or post-trip hotels
- Gratuities for hotel staff
- Personal expenses
Cost
$8990 per person for private, single-occupancy accommodations, with a $300 per person discount for two travelers sharing a double occupancy room.
Conservation Impact
Rewilding Chile is a nonprofit 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.