Pumas in the Wild: How to Book a Safe and Ethical Wildlife Tour in Patagonia

August 14, 2025

Adult puma in the Patagonian steppe during a wildlife watching tour in Torres del Paine

Spotting a puma in its natural habitat is one of the most powerful experiences you can have in Patagonia. But doing it respectfully — without disturbing wildlife or the environment — is essential.

At Booking Patagonia, we promote responsible tourism experiences that connect travelers with nature without disrupting it. That’s why we offer safe, ethical puma tracking tours led by certified local guides, in the surroundings of Torres del Paine National Park and the Patagonian Steppe.

The Great Feline of Patagonia

The Puma concolor, also known as the mountain lion or “nahuel” by indigenous peoples, is the top land predator of southern Chile. Its silent presence and wild elegance have captivated naturalists, photographers, and travelers from all over the world.

Although naturally elusive, pumas have become more visible in certain Patagonian areas thanks to effective conservation and a growing culture of respect for wildlife.

Is it possible to see pumas in the wild?

Yes — but only when done the right way:

In areas where they live naturally
With guides who understand their behavior
From a safe distance, without interfering with their routine
With full respect for wildlife and the environment

The puma tracking tours offered by Booking Patagonia follow all of these principles. They are led by certified local operators, with expert guides who know the terrain and share deep knowledge about the local ecology.

Best areas for sightings

The best chances to see pumas in the wild are in areas near:

Estancia Laguna Amarga
Eastern Steppe of Torres del Paine
Canyons in the Baguales range
Private lands with special access permits

All of these routes are easily accessible from Puerto Natales, the main hub for tourism in the region.

See available tours

An ethical tour goes beyond sightings

A truly responsible puma tour is not just about “seeing the animal,” but also about understanding its role in the ecosystem. It includes learning to track footprints, reading the landscape, and walking silently for hours — to witness the wild, without interrupting it.

This kind of experience changes the way you see nature. And that’s exactly what we seek at Booking Patagonia: authentic, transformative journeys.

Wildlife photographers welcome

We also offer specialized photo tracking tours, with extended hours, access to exclusive areas, and technical support.

You’ll have the chance to work with professional equipment — always with animal welfare in mind.

Request a custom photo tour

Responsible tourism is our priority

At Booking Patagonia, we believe that tourism should protect what it offers — not destroy it. That’s why we only work with providers who are committed to animal welfare, land stewardship, and local community development.

And as an integration platform, we don’t operate the tours directly, but we verify the ethics, safety, and quality of every experience you can book through us.