Puma watching in Chile: Why we are the “Hollywood” for this big cat

Puma watching in Chile has become one of the country’s greatest nature attractions. In the majestic Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is one of the few places in the world where the iconic puma can be observed in the wild. A unique and unforgettable experience.

Torres del Paine has earned the title of the “Hollywood” of the puma: photographers, documentary filmmakers, and travelers from all over the world arrive to record this great feline.

Amidst the trails and steppes, it is possible to see pumas crossing roads, mothers with their cubs, or even chasing groups of guanacos. Scenes that capture the authentic wildlife of Patagonia.

Why is Torres del Paine the best place to see pumas

Photography: @fotosafaritorresdelpaine

Torres del Paine has one of the highest densities of pumas in South America. Its open valleys, rocky slopes, and natural caves create an ideal setting for the cat to live and move freely. The great abundance of guanacos, its main prey, along with responsible tourism management, allows sightings to be part of the daily landscape.

The role of local trackers is key: years of experience reading footprints, hunting remains, and routes have made it possible to identify the sectors where pumas move most frequently.

Although it is a cautious feline, the puma has become an icon of Chilean Patagonia, the protagonist of documentaries and photographic expeditions that go around the world.

The Puma, the True Star of Torres del Paine

The appearances of the Patagonian puma in international productions have brought its image to audiences worldwide, showcasing its life in the iconic landscapes of Patagonia.

Documentaries such as the BBC’s Dynasties II, National Geographic’s Pumas: Legends of the Ice Mountains, Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory, and Netflix’s Predators have captured unique moments of this elusive cat.

Adding to this visibility is the work of photographers and creators like @wildframeschile, @etpic, @gastonbarrf, and @ninadefilla, whose expeditions and records have contributed to positioning the puma as a symbol of wildlife in Chile.

How to See Pumas in Torres del Paine?

Photography: @gastonbarrf

Puma watching in Torres del Paine is conducted through safaris guided by certified trackers, who teach tracking techniques, footprint interpretation, and the feline’s habits. These experiences include:

• Walks at sunrise and sunset, the moments of highest puma activity.

• Photographic puma safaris, ranging from one day to 3–5 day programs.

• Vehicle transfers between different sectors of the park.

• Use of binoculars and telephoto lenses to view the cats without interfering with their behavior.

During the expeditions, you will also be able to enjoy the Patagonian steppe, home to guanacos, foxes, and mountainous landscapes ideal for photography.

Price: Full-day excursions start at approximately US$400 per person.

Guidelines for Responsible Puma Watching

Seeing pumas in Torres del Paine is a unique experience, but it requires caution and respect for the animal. Key recommendations:

• Stay calm and do not run; sudden movements can trigger a defensive reaction.
• Stand your ground, maintain eye contact, and walk backwards slowly if you need to retreat.
• Pick up children so they don’t run, and avoid crouching or sitting in front of the animal.
• Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms and maintaining an upright posture.
• Never approach the puma, especially if it is feeding or with cubs; always leave an escape route.

Following these indications ensures your safety and that of the puma, allowing you to enjoy a unique and responsible experience in one of the most iconic parks on the planet.