PATAGONIA
20 - 30 APRIL, 2017
Day 1: Arrival in Punta Arenas
Day 2: Drive to the condor roosting cliffs of Cerro Palomares in Punta Arenas
Day 3: Journey along the Ruta del Fin del Mundo to Torres del Paine National Park
Day 4-9: Observing Pumas, Landscapes and Wildlife in Torres del Paine National Park
Day 10: Return to Puntas Arenas
Day 11: Depart from Punta Arenas
TRIP LEADERS:
THEO ALLOFS & JAMI TARRIS
capturing the adventure
$7,750 USD
$920 per single supplement
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
"One of the most stunning landscapes I
have ever photographed. And one of my
most favourite destinations worldwide."
Torres del Paine National Park is a
pristine centerpiece of Patagonia.
Peaks and spires loom above the
turquoise lakes while winds carrying
moisture off the ocean form lenticular
clouds that catch the light, making
for stunning landscapes. This is the
backdrop where we will observe the
elusive wild Puma. We have exclusive
entry to a 17,000 acre private ranch –
the only location in the world where
one can walk among wild and humanhabituated pumas.
"I don’t think that I have seen a landscape
more stunning than here in Patagonia. I
am awestruck by its natural beauty and the
majesty of the peaks and spires of Torres del
Paine. To be able to walk around freely with
my camera gear searching for pumas is a
photographer’s dream. This is the perfect
trip for the adventurous photographer."
2 Camino Libre, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87540
(001) 505.466.3640
[email protected]
www.focusexpeditions.com
www.focusexpeditions.net (blog)
PATAGONIA
FUN
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FUN
FACTS
ITINERARY
Day 1, April 20th: Arrive in Punta Arenas
We arrive in Punta Arenas and transfer from the airport to the boutique Hotel Ilaia for our overnight.
Dinner is on our own, as flights arrive at different times.
Day 2 April 21st: Cliffs of Cerro Palomares
After breakfast, we drive to Cerro Palomares to the world’s most accessible roosting cliffs of Andean
condors. Depending on the weather, there may be as many as 100 condors roosting in the cliffs.
We will watch and photograph these beautiful birds from different access points. Then we will drive
40 minutes to the top of the cliff. From there we can walk a kilometer or so across a mostly-flat
plateau to a viewpoint that provides the best photography opportunities of condors in flight. We will
need long lenses and teleconverters in order to avoid getting too close and disturbing the birds. From
here we can photograph the condors while perching or in flight. After lunch, we drive to Puerto
Natales for our overnight stay.
Day 3, April 22nd: Ruta del Fin del Mundo
After breakfast we drive along the beautiful Ruta del Fin del Mundo, or the “Highway to the End of the
World”, to arrive into the Torres del Paine National Park. We will settle in to our lodge at the Hosteria
Pehoe in its stunning setting with views over the Cuernos del Paine. After lunch, weather permitting, we
will attempt to find our first pumas of the trip. O
Day 4-9, April 23rd-28th: Torres del Paine
After breakfast, we will photograph the magnificent peaks and spires of Torres del Paine in beautiful
pre-dawn light. Our trackers will leave each morning in the dark to start searching for pumas while
we photograph these landscapes. We will be equipped with a radio to stay in close contact with
them while we can photograph guanacos, South American gray foxes and other Patagonian
wildlife. However, our prime focus will be to track wild pumas. This is an active part of our
expedition, as our jeeps are only able to take us so far and must remain on vehicle tracks. When we
leave the vehicle we hike possibly two miles to find pumas with our camera gear before
returning to the lodge for a hot lunch. After lunch we will go out again in hopes of finding these
beautiful cats. If we have a special sighting in the morning, we can opt to stay with the cats
and have our lunch delivered – Patagonia “take-out” style. On days where two hikes are a
possibility, tired hikers can opt to stay back, relax at our lodge and photograph the spectacular
granite peaks of Cuernos del Paine right from our hotel. Overnight stay is at the Hosteria Pehoe.
INCLUDED IN YOUR EXPEDITION
Lodging for ten nights.
All ground transportation.
Meals unless otherwise stated.
Local guide services in English.
Professional trackers.
Tips to guides and drivers.
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Day 10, April 29th: Return to Puerto Arenas
After breakfast, we will do our last hike in search for pumas. Depending on our luck, we will either have
lunch in the lodge and check out, or check out earlier and have lunch in Puerto Natales. We will then
drive back to Punta Arenas where we will have our last dinner together and get ready for our international
flights the next day. Overnight stay is at the Hotel Ilaia.
Day 11, April 30th: Depart from Punta Arenas
We depart for the airport to connect with our international flight after breakfast.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR THIS EXPEDITION
This is a very special trip in which we will have unprecedented photographic opportunities to get
close to the elusive puma. This is one of the very few cats one can track and photograph while on foot.
We will be hiking in pristine Patagonian landscapes surrounded by spectacular fall colors. Because this
is an active trip, participants should be in good physical condition. All though high altitude will not be
an issue, we will be walking up to four miles per day on uneven (and possibly soft or frozen) pampa. The
weather can change quickly in Torres del Paine. We should be prepared for sunny, rainy and moderate
to cold days with or without significant wind. It is a good idea to hike with a backpack in order to add or
remove layers of clothing. In case we return to our lodge for lunch we can go out in the afternoon for a
second shoot. For those who want to relax, you are welcome to remain in the lodge to rest or photograph
the landscape around the lodge.
NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR EXPEDITION
International airfare to/from Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport.
Alcohol and other beverages.
Excess luggage fees.
Personal items, such as phone calls & laundry.
Early check in or late check out in Punta Arenas hotel.
Porter services for carrying photographic equipment during puma tracking*.
Any other services not mentioned.
*available upon advance request.