Pumas Photo Tour and Workshop in Chile

PUMAS in CHILE: PHOTO TOUR WORKSHOP 2026

May 10-18, 2026 - 5 SPOTS OPEN

Join us for an unforgettable opportunity to photograph some of the largest pumas in the south of Chile. This area is known for its high puma density, offering excellent chances of photographing them. Pumas, which are also known as mountain lions or cougars, are found throughout Chile. Our workshop finds these kings of Patagonia highly concentrated in Torres del Paine National Park.

Highlights

Some of the highest concentration of pumas in Chile in their natural surroundings.
Remote and beautiful landscapes.
Small group size allows for premium photographic opportunities and personal attention for education.
Great chance of encounters with the following wildlife as well as the puma:
Andean condor (Vultur gryphus)
Guanaco
Black-Chested Eagle
Culpeo (red fox)
Chilla or Pampa fox (grey fox)
Pichi (dwarf armadillo)
Geoffroy’s cat
Darwin’s rhea
Chimango caracara

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PUERTO NATALES, CHILE - South America

May 10th:

Arrive on May 10th in Puerto Natales airport

Overnight Puerto Natales (hotel included) - Dinner included

DAY 2: TRAVEL THROUGH PARK

May 11th:

Pick up at the hotel at 9:30am the 11th with guide and travel through and photograph the Park (Torres Del Paine National Park) to the East side to our hotel for the next 5 nights.

DAY 3 - 7: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

May 12th - May 16th:

5 full days of Pumas with guide and tracker.

DAY 7: GAUCHO

May 17th:

1 day with photographing a traditional Gaucho, his dog and his horses.

DAY 8: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

May 18th:

1 day transfer (and photograph) through Torres Del Paine National Park on the way back to Puerto Natales

Overnight in Puerto Natales Hotel included,- dinner not included

DAY 9: DEPARTURE on MAY 19th

May 19th:

Depart from Puerto Natales airport - head home!

Logistics

Arrive on May 10th in Puerto Natales airport.

Overnight Puerto Natales (hotel included) - Dinner included.

Pick up at the hotel at 9:30am the 11th with guide and travel through and photograph the Park (Torres Del Paine National Park) to the East side to our hotel for the next 5 nights

5 full days of Pumas with guide and tracker

1 day with photographing a traditional Gaucho, his dog and his horses.

1 day transfer (and photograph) through Torres Del Paine National Park on the way back to Puerto Natales

Overnight in Puerto Natales Hotel included - dinner not included

Departure & Return Home on May 19th from Puerto Natales airport.

MEALS

The trip will include everything you see and meals. Snacks, drinks not included.

Note the following:

Gratuities: Suggested Gratuities are: $15 per person/per day - Please provide cash for your tip.

Additional Notes

Participants physical level requirements: Physical intensity can range from moderate to difficult. **Participants need to be able to walk up to a mile uphill on possibly uneven terrain without trouble.

Pricing

$13,295 PER PERSON

Single Supplement Add $1,050

Dates

2026

May 10-18, 2026 - 5 Spots OPEN

Trip Includes:

Ground Transportation during the workshop
Guides during the workshop
Hotel during the workshop
Most meals except where noted in itinerary

Trip Does NOT Include:

Flights or transportation to Puerto Natales, Chile.
Alcoholic beverages
Excessive baggage fees
Gratuities: Suggested Gratuities are: $15 per person/per day - Please provide cash for your tip.
Airline Fees / Insurance / Passports / Personal Expenses
Any additional tours, activities, etc. not expressly mentioned in the workshop.
Laundry
Any emergency services, if necessary.

2026 Dates: NOW BOOKING!!!

May 10 - 18, 2026 - 5 Spots OPEN

$13,295 per person based on Double Occupancy

$1,050 for Single Supplement

$4,000 Non-Refundable Deposit

Balance Due February 10, 2026

Deposits and Balances please pay in cash or check.

CC will incur a 3.5% merchant processing fee.

Some meals & Tips not included!

Recommended Camera Gear

Suggested Photo Gear

1-2 Camera bodies
150-600 lens (you’ll want lenses in the 400-600 range)
Midrange lens for landscapes (24-120, 24-105, etc.)
Extra memory cards
External hard drive / 1TB or 2TB Hard Drive
A few good large memory cards (Test them before leaving home)
2-3 Fully charged Factory batteries for each camera (Test them before leaving home)
Battery Chargers for your camera batteries (Don't forget these)
Memory Card Readers
Small laptop
Rain sleeves
Can't recommend enough that you test your batteries, memory cards, lenses and all of your equipment before leaving home.

Personal Gear List

What Should I Wear?

Layers, layers, LAYERS
Long underwear
Vest or light fleece jacket
Heavy duty jacket or Rain coat
Good fingerless gloves with liners
Waterproof gaiters
Lightweight rain pants
Canvas pants or Ranger pants
Neoprene gloves
Warm hat
The temperature in May in Torres del Paine National Park on average ranges from a high of 39°F (4°C) to a low of 31°F (-1°C). The area is also potentially windy in parts.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

INSURANCE

CANCELLATION POLICY

Join Christopher Balmer

as he hosts this workshop and takes you on a photographic journey photographing

Pumas in Chile. Christopher will also be instructing on how to master your camera throughout the workshop.

Skill Level

Beginner to Pro

Good understanding of manual mode and the exposure triangle is "highly" recommended. We recommend, no matter what your skill level is, that you take Christopher's Beginner/Intermediate and his Creating Efficiency & Consistency (Advanced) courses before attending this workshop.

Details

Important Tips To Remember

Remember to carry all batteries including those for cameras, heated vests, socks, headlamps, etc. with you on the plane. They will be confiscated if checked in your luggage.
There isn't a supply chain for gear where you are going - Double Check to make sure everything you bring is working and batteries and cards are in good working condition.