Situation et moyens d'accès

Puma tracking excursions near Laguna Amarga take place within the rugged terrain of Torres del Paine National Park, in the far southern region of Chile. The starting point is typically near the Laguna Amarga ranger station, accessible via the park's eastern entrance. Most visitors arrive from Puerto Natales (approximately 2 hours by car) or El Calafate in Argentina (about 4-5 hours, including border crossing).

• By Car: From Puerto Natales, take Route Y-290 and then Route Y-150 toward Laguna Amarga. Parking is available near the ranger station.
• By Tour: Many guided tours include transportation from Puerto Natales or nearby lodges.

Heures d'ouverture et billets

Puma tracking is typically conducted in the early morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active. Tours operate year-round, though winter (May–September) offers better visibility due to sparse vegetation.

• Entrance Fees: Access requires a park entrance fee (approx. 21,000 CLP for foreigners, payable at the gate or online).
• Tour Costs: Guided puma tracking excursions range from 120,000–250,000 CLP per person, depending on group size and duration. Book in advance through licensed operators.

Meilleur moment pour visiter

For optimal puma sightings, visit between April and October, when the animals descend to lower elevations. Dawn and dusk are ideal, with softer light for photography. Summer (December–February) brings longer days but denser foliage, making sightings less predictable.

Duration & Activities

Excursions last 4–8 hours, depending on the tour. Activities include:

• Guided tracking with expert naturalists
• Wildlife observation (pumas, guanacos, foxes)
• Photography opportunities in dramatic landscapes

Installations

Facilities near Laguna Amarga are minimal. The ranger station has basic restrooms, but no cafes or shops. Bring all necessities, including water and snacks. Some tours provide light refreshments.

Ce qu'il faut apporter

• Layered clothing (windproof jacket, warm base layers)
• Chaussures de randonnée robustes
• Binoculars and a telephoto lens for photography
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (UV intensity is high)
• Water and high-energy snacks

Règles et règlements

• Stay with your guide at all times—pumas are wild and unpredictable.
• Do not approach or feed wildlife.
• Drones are prohibited without special permission.
• Pack out all trash; the park has strict leave-no-trace policies.

Informations sur le contact

For licensed tour operators, consult the official park website: parquetorresdelpaine.cl. Advance bookings are strongly recommended.