Beyond the towering mountains & turquoise lakes, catching a glimpse of a puma is undoubtedly one of Patagonia’s most awe-inspiring sights.
Famously difficult to spot, your chances of witnessing these stealthy felines in the wild are greatly increased on a puma tracking adventure, led by an expert guide with a deep knowledge & understanding of this untamed terrain.
Here, we’ve hand-picked some of our favourite properties in Patagonia which offer exceptional puma tracking expeditions with world-class guides, as well as exceptional luxury & comfort.
Puma Spotting Advice
Tracking these elusive big cats need not mean disturbing them. In fact, the whereabouts of a puma is often given away by the movements of other creatures in this region.
Guanacos (tawny-coloured relatives of the llama) make a satisfying meal for puma. They also noisily sound the alarm if they sense a predator nearby. Pinpoint where herds of guanacos graze on lichen and shrubs and listen carefully for a warning call. With any luck, you’ll encounter a puma on the hunt.
Similarly, a swirl of condors will often gather and swoop over a fresh kill. Spot them circling in the skies and you may well be close to a puma feasting on its prey.
Where to Stay for Puma Sightings
1. AWASI PATAGONIA
Awasi, set within a private reserve on the edge of Torres del Paine, offers privileged access to prime puma territory. The lodge’s conservation credentials are impressive: The Awasi Puma Foundation works with scientists to track native species using hidden camera traps, uncovering vital insights into their behaviour.
Every guest is paired with a private guide and 4×4, allowing for complete flexibility to track wherever the signs lead. Lodgings are in private wood-clad villas, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the wilderness beyond; after days spent in Patagonia’s wilds, retreat to a private hot tub and a roaring fire.
2. EXPLORA TORRES DEL PAINE
Explora sits amidst the open grasslands of Patagonia National Park. This stunning conservation area encompasses rivers, wetlands, glaciers & native lenga forests. The lodge’s sleek, understated architecture is designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding natural landscapes.
Guests here can combine puma tracking with explorations of the region’s dramatic landscapes. Its guides know the park’s terrain intimately and can lead you into some of its most remote corners.
3. TIERRA PATAGONIA
On the shores of Lake Sarmiento, positioned on the eastern boundary of Torres Del Paine National park, Tierra Patagonia combines adventure with a commitment to conservation. The lodge has access to both national parkland and private reserves where pumas roam freely.
Sustainability is central to Tierra’s ethos. Wildlife encounters are carefully managed to ensure minimal disturbance, reinforcing the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Puma Conservation Efforts
Patagonia’s puma population has rebounded thanks to decades of conservation work, much of it led by Tompkins Conservation. Founded by Doug and Kris Tompkins, the organisation has helped transform private land into protected national parks, creating vital wildlife corridors that allow pumas to hunt and breed undisturbed.
Once hunted as threats to livestock, pumas are now recognised as essential to the region’s biodiversity. Some estancias, such as Cerro Guido, have transitioned from sheep farming to wildlife conservation, embracing puma tourism as a sustainable alternative.
However, challenges remain. Conflict with ranchers persists, and conservationists continue to advocate for coexistence through non-lethal deterrents like livestock guardian dogs and improved fencing. Research into puma behaviour is ongoing, shaping strategies to protect Patagonia’s top predator for generations to come.
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Inspired to visit Patagonia? Speak to our specialists today.
Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
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