top of page
YCS_NEW_Logo_2022_Logo_2022.png

PUMAS

Updated: Apr 21


PUMAS in CHILE: PHOTO TOUR WORKSHOP 2026

JUNE 4-12, 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

June 4th:

Arrive on June 4th in Puerto Natales airport 

Overnight  Puerto Natales (hotel included) - Dinner included

 

DAY 2: TRAVEL THROUGH PARK

June 5th:

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

June 6th - June 10th:

5 full days of Pumas with guide and tracker.


DAY 8: GAUCHO

June 11th:

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


DAY 9: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

June 12th:

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 10: DEPARTURE on June 13th

June 13th:

Depart from Puerto Natales airport - head home!


Logistics

Arrive on June 4th 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 June 13th from Puerto Natales airport.

Note: Dates of Workshop are June 4-12th - however, departure date back home is June 13th.


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

$12,495 PER PERSON

Single Supplement Add $1,050

Dates

2026

June 4-12, 2026 - 5 Spots OPEN

  • Fly In June 4th, 2026 / Fly Out June 13th, 2026




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!!!


June 4-12, 2026 - 5 Spots OPEN


$12,4295 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.






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.




NEED MORE INFO?

CONTACT US!

208-523-6789




The Pumas photo tour is limited to only 5 participants.



Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page