Ultimate Patagonia Wildlife Trip – Small Group – Max 6 Guests

Ultimate Patagonia Wildlife Trip – Small Group – Max 6 Guests

Prices From £8,435pp
December Only | 10 nights

Ultimate Patagonia Wildlife Trip – Small Group – Max 6 Guests

This exceptional small-group wildlife adventure brings together three of Patagonia’s most iconic species in one carefully designed journey through the remote landscapes of southern Chile. Limited to a maximum of just six guests and accompanied by expert naturalist guides, the tour begins among the mountains, lakes and windswept plains of Torres del Paine National Park, where several days are dedicated to tracking the elusive puma in one of the finest places in the world to observe this magnificent predator in the wild.

The journey then continues across the legendary Strait of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego and the continent’s only known breeding colony of King penguins. Finally, travel deep into Francisco Coloane Marine Park for an intimate encounter with humpback whales, seabirds and marine mammals around Carlos III Island. With special access to private reserves, stays in remote wilderness locations and an outstanding variety of wildlife, this is the ultimate Patagonian nature experience.

Operating with a minimum of three and maximum of six guests.

Upcoming set group dates:

December 10, 2026
December 10, 2027
December 10, 2028

Low single supplement rates available.

This program can also operate as a customised private trip. Please enquire for details.

Highlights

  • Discover the wildlife wonders of Patagonia in a small group of no more than six guests, accompanied by expert naturalist guides
  • Spend three days tracking wild pumas in Torres del Paine and the wildlife-rich landscapes of Estancia Laguna Amarga
  • Explore the dramatic mountains, lakes, forests and open plains of one of Patagonia’s most spectacular national parks
  • Cross the legendary Strait of Magellan to the remote, windswept wilderness of Tierra del Fuego
  • Observe and photograph King penguins at the only known continental breeding colony in the Americas
  • Stay at a remote research station on Carlos III Island in the heart of Francisco Coloane Marine Park
  • Watch humpback whales feeding and socialising against a backdrop of glaciers, mountains and pristine forests
  • Look for dolphins, sea lions, fur seals, Magellanic penguins and an exceptional variety of Patagonian birdlife

What's Included

  • Accommodation throughout with meals as shown
  • Return flights between Santiago and Punta Arenas (subject to availability at time of booking)
  • Guided services as per itinerary
  • Private ground transportation
  • Boat trips, ferry rides and excursions as per itinerary
  • Park entrance fees


Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Santiago to Torres del Paine
1Day

Santiago to Torres del Paine

Arrive independently to Santiago and take your included flight to Punta Arenas where you will meet your naturalist guide at the airport, before travelling by private vehicle towards Torres del Paine National Park. The journey offers an exciting first introduction to Patagonia, with opportunities to spot guanacos, southern grey foxes and Patagonian skunks along the way.

As you pass through sweeping valleys and southern beech forests, your guide will reveal the geological story behind the park’s extraordinary landscape. Admire your first views of the dramatic granite peaks and rugged wilderness that make Torres del Paine one of Patagonia’s most spectacular natural treasures.

In the afternoon you will check-in to El Ovejero Patagonico, Cerro Castillo and enjoy your first evening in the wilderness.

Accommodation: 4 nights at El Ovejero Patagonico with breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Guide and Puma Tracker also included.

Puma Tracking
2 - 4Days

Puma Tracking

Over the next three days, set out in search of Patagonia’s most elusive predator within the remarkable landscapes of eastern Torres del Paine. With special access to the private Estancia Laguna Amarga, explore the shores of Lake Sarmiento, Laguna Amarga and Laguna Azul, an area renowned for supporting one of the highest concentrations of wild pumas.

Each day includes morning and evening tracking sessions, timed to coincide with the hours when pumas are most active. Travel by 4×4 and continue on foot across gently undulating terrain, watching for cats patrolling their territories, hunting guanacos or interacting with their young. There may also be opportunities to encounter guanacos, huemul deer, Patagonian hog-nosed skunks and both chilla and culpeo foxes. A truly unforgettable experience.

Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas
5Day

Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas

Enjoy a final morning exploring Torres del Paine National Park, with time to visit another scenic corner of this magnificent wilderness. From Laguna Azul on the park’s eastern side, admire superb views towards the granite peaks, providing a memorable conclusion to your time in puma country.

After lunch, we'll leave the national park behind and travel south back to Punta Arenas where you will check in to Hotel Diego de Almagro, or similar.

Accommodation: 1 night at Hotel Diego de Almagro, or similar, with breakfast included.

Tierra del Fuego - King Penguin Reserve
6Day

Tierra del Fuego - King Penguin Reserve

This morning you will transfer to the ferry terminal in Punta Arenas and cross the historic Strait of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego. During the journey, watch for seabirds such as black-browed albatrosses, southern giant petrels and imperial cormorants, along with possible sightings of Peale’s dolphins and South American sea lions.

On arrival, continue across the windswept landscapes of the island, stopping briefly in Porvenir before following the shores of Bahía Inútil. Guanacos, southern grey foxes, Chilean flamingos and waterfowl may be seen enroute to the famous Reserva Parque Pingüino Rey (King Penguin Reserve), where you can observe and photograph the only known continental colony of these magnificent birds from carefully managed viewing areas.

You will then return to Porvenir to check in to your accommodation for the night.

Accommodation: 1 night at Yendegaia House, Porvenir, or similar, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Magellan Straits
7Day

Magellan Straits

Spend a relaxed morning exploring the surroundings of Porvenir, discovering the wildlife and fascinating maritime history of this remote corner of Tierra del Fuego. Visit shallow alkaline pools where migratory sandpipers and plovers gather, with excellent opportunities to observe and photograph elegant Chilean flamingos.

Continue to the coast to see some of the shipwrecks scattered along these notoriously challenging waters. After lunch, travel to Punta Delgada for the ferry crossing back towards Punta Arenas, keeping watch for distinctive black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins and other marine wildlife along the way.

Accommodation: 1 night at Hotel Diego de Almagro, or similar, with breakfast and lunch included.

Boat trip to Carlos III Island
8Day

Boat trip to Carlos III Island

Another exciting day ahead as you board the motor yacht Tanu early this morning and navigate into the western reaches of the Strait of Magellan towards Francisco Coloane Marine Park. Encompassing Carlos III Island, this extraordinary protected area supports remarkable marine biodiversity shaped by ocean currents, productive upwellings, glaciers, powerful winds and a rugged coastline.

These nutrient-rich waters provide an important summer feeding ground for humpback whales, with occasional sightings of sei whales and orcas also possible. After exploring this remote marine wilderness, settle into the biological research station’s comfortable twin-bedded domes for your first unforgettable night on Carlos III Island.

Accommodation: 2 nights at Eco-camp Carlos III with breakfasts, lunches and dinners included.

Humpback Whale Watching
9Day

Humpback Whale Watching

Set out by Zodiac for another memorable whale-watching session in the waters surrounding Carlos III Island. Search for humpback whales feeding and socialising against a magnificent backdrop of glaciers, mountains and pristine forests, with the possibility of also spotting the rare Chilean dolphin.

You will also visit breeding colonies of South American sea lions, fur seals and Magellanic penguins. Back at the research station, learn more about the whales during a talk with scientists involved in long-term population studies, before spending the afternoon enjoying another exclusive and intimate wildlife experience with no other visitors nearby.

Back to Punta Arenas
10Day

Back to Punta Arenas

Your final day will see you leave Carlos III Island and begin the journey back through the wildlife-rich waters of the Strait of Magellan. Keep watch for black-browed albatrosses, southern giant petrels, Chilean skuas and cormorants, as well as Peale’s dolphins and South American sea lions.

On reaching San Isidro Lodge, there may be time to explore the surrounding sub-Antarctic forest and examine its remarkable variety of lichens and mosses. Later in the afternoon, transfer back to Punta Arenas for your final overnight stay.

Accommodation: 1 night at Hotel Diego de Almagro, or similar. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today along with breakfast on day 11.

Punta Arenas to Santiago - End of Tour
11Day

Punta Arenas to Santiago - End of Tour

After breakfast, transfer to Punta Arenas Airport for your flight back to Santiago, from where you can continue your onward or homeward journey. Your small-group Patagonian wildlife adventure comes to an end, leaving you with lasting memories of pumas, King penguins, humpback whales and the spectacular landscapes of southern Chile.

A view from Above

Accommodation Options

Hotel Diego de Almagro, Punta Arenas

Hotel Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas is a comfortable, well-located base in one of the world’s southernmost cities, set on the shores of the Strait of Magellan with impressive views across the coast and ocean. Its position makes it a practical choice for exploring Punta Arenas, discovering the region’s maritime history, or beginning and ending adventures deeper into Patagonia.

The hotel offers 181 spacious single and double rooms, with queen or king-size beds, heating and either city or ocean views in selected categories. After a day out in the Patagonian elements, guests can return to the restaurant, gym, sauna and heated indoor pool, open until late. Simple, reliable and convenient, Hotel Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas is a comfortable stopover for travellers heading through Chile’s far south.

Yendegaia House, Porvenir

Yendegaia House is a small, comfortable hotel in Porvenir, offering a simple and convenient base for exploring this remote corner of Chilean Tierra del Fuego. Located within easy reach of Plaza Selknam, Parque Croata and the town centre, it works well as a practical stopover for travellers journeying through the far south.

With just six rooms, the hotel has an intimate feel, with double, twin and quadruple options available. Rooms are simply furnished and include private bathrooms, air conditioning, WiFi, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers and sea views in selected categories. A continental breakfast is served each morning, and nearby restaurants are within easy walking distance. Straightforward, welcoming and well placed, Yendegaia House offers a restful overnight stay in Porvenir before continuing deeper into Patagonia or Tierra del Fuego.

Hotel Ovejero Patagonico, Cerro Castillo

This homely, traditional guesthouse is set in the rural village of Cerro Castillo and is surrounded by the wide-open pampas and big skies of southern Patagonia. Set around 50 minutes from Torres del Paine National Park, and close to the Argentine border crossing towards El Calafate, it makes a practical and characterful base for exploring the park, nearby estancias and some of the region’s best puma-watching areas.

Rooms are simple, clean and comfortable, with private bathrooms, heating and breakfast included. Standard, triple and quadruple options are available, making it a useful choice for couples, friends and small groups. The main building has a relaxed lounge and bar with Patagonian décor, while the restaurant serves buffet breakfasts, lunches, dinners and box lunches for days out in the wilderness. Open year-round, Hotel Ovejero Patagónico offers a warm and down-to-earth stay with easy access to hiking, horse riding, condor spotting and the landscapes of Torres del Paine.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Chile adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Sally Nevitt Sales Team Leader

Sally pairs a real love of adventure travel with a natural gift for looking after people. She knows exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, and with her warmth and endless patience she'll guide you from your first enquiry right through to the moment you're safely home again.

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

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Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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