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The Pumas Of Patagonia
Patagonia
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Intermediate
Type:
Wildlife
Transfers
Duration:
10 Nights
6 - 12
Group size
Tour Highlights
- Pliegue Tumbado Trek El Chaltén
- Perito Moreno Glacier
- Gable Island & penguin rookery
- Torres del Paine National Park
- Laguna de los Tres Hike – Close-Up with Fitz Roy
- Buenos Aires City Tour
- Los Glaciares National Park
Trek Through the Untamed Beauty of both Argentinian & Chilean Patagonia
Vast skies, jagged peaks and ancient icefields. Patagonia is a land of pure, unfiltered wilderness. This small-group trekking adventure takes you deep into the dramatic landscapes of both Chile and Argentina, combining world-renowned highlights with moments of quiet wonder far from the crowds.
Your journey begins in vibrant Buenos Aires, where a city tour introduces you to the rich culture and elegant architecture of Argentina’s capital. From there, travel south into the wild, open spaces of Patagonia, a land shaped by wind, ice and time.
Hike to the breathtaking viewpoint of Pliegue Tumbado, where sweeping vistas of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field unfold around you. Trek to the iconic Laguna de los Tres, where you will stand face to face with the majestic spires of Mount Fitz Roy, reflected in the still glacial waters. Explore Los Glaciares National Park, home to one of the world's most active ice formations, the towering and ever-shifting Perito Moreno Glacier whose thunderous calving is an unforgettable spectacle.
Cross into Chile to experience the legendary Torres del Paine National Park, a dramatic wilderness of granite towers, turquoise lakes and golden grasslands. Your days here are spent trekking along some of the most celebrated trails in the Southern Hemisphere, accompanied by expert local guides who bring the region’s geology, wildlife and ecology to life.
The journey continues south to Tierra del Fuego, where you will walk the wind-swept shores of remote Gable Island and visit a penguin rookery, a rare chance to observe these curious creatures in their natural habitat.
Each night is spent in carefully selected lodges, eco-camps and guesthouses, where warm hospitality, hearty local food and the quiet of the wilderness provide the perfect end to your days of adventure.
This adventure is more than just a trekking. It is an immersion into one of the last truly wild places on earth. For those who long to walk beneath towering peaks, explore remote horizons and reconnect with nature in its rawest form, this journey is as moving as it is magnificent.
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Transfer
Dinner
5 star hotel
Upon arrival at the airport, our local guide team will be waiting for you to transfer you to the hotel - look out for the YellowWood Adventures sign.
After check in, we will embark on a guided city tour. This tour provides an ideal introduction to the beauty and diversity of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. It starts from the hotel, passing through the symbolic Obelisk and arriving at the historic Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by the Casa Rosada, the Cathedral and the Cabildo.
We continue through the streets of San Telmo, the birthplace of tango, and then to La Boca, with a visit to the famous Caminito and the Boca Juniors stadium, a symbol of soccer passion. Our walk continues through Puerto Madero, the most modern and sophisticated neighbourhood in the city. Once in Palermo, we will visit its parks, monuments and buildings such as the Sanmartiniano Institute. We finish our tour in Recoleta, one of the most elegant neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires, where the famous cemetery is located (admission not included), surrounded by cafés and distinguished architecture.
You will then be transferred you to a carefully selected restaurant for a 9 course tasting menu that explores traditional Argentinian cooking techniques. In this exclusive restaurant, a chef will guide you through the cuts of meat, cooking techniques and rituals associated with the Argentinian roasting tradition.
Your multi-course tasting menu will consist of selected meats, roasted vegetables and local wine pairings. During the evening, you will also discover the cultural value of the barbecue and its different regional interpretations. Perfect for those who want to an authentic and flavourful culinary experience.
Accommodation: NH Buenos Aires City or similar
Day 2: Buenos Aires - Parque Patagonia - Perito Moreno
Transfer
Packed Lunch
Lodge
Today, you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport to catch your flight to Comodoro Rivadavia airport.Upon arrival, in Comodoro Rivadavia airport, you will meet the Puma Tracker guide that will lead the expedition to the heart of Patagonia. During your trek into Parque Patagonia towards Perito Moreno, Perito Moreno is a city located in the northwest of the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina. Surrounded by livestock farms and farms dedicated to the production of fine fruits and vegetables. Among its main points of interest are the observation of plant life in Laguna Park, the incredible landscapes of the Andes mountain range and the Paleolithic art in the Cueva de las Manos. The latter is one of the few archaeological sites with rock art outside of Europe, with paintings dating back approximately 9300 years ago. The Cueva de las Manos offers a fascinating window into the prehistory of South America, allowing visitors to understand the lives of the first hunters and gatherers who inhabited Patagonia.
You will then be transferred to Posta de Los Toldos, a welcoming retreat amidst the region's natural beauty and your accommodation during your expeditions of Parque Patagonia.
Travel distance: 460 km
Accommodation: Refugio La Posta de Los Toldos or similar
Day 3: Parque Patagonia - Puma Tracking
Wildlife
Packed Lunch
Lodge
Today marks the first day of three full days of puma tracking.This puma program is specially designed to both track and observe the pumas, in their natural habitat, in one of the regions with the highest wildlife density in Argentine Patagonia. The area between the Cañadón Pinturas Portal and the Cañadón Caracoles Portal is known for having one of the largest concentrations of guanacos, making it a key area for puma presence. Each day we organise an intensive schedule of search outings, adapted to the season. Because we are located in a high-latitude region (46° South), daylight hours vary considerably.
Our specialised tracker travels along the usual puma movement routes, both by 4x4 vehicle and on foot. Using this information, we plan 2-3 km (1.2-2 mile) hikes within the park, with the freedom to leave the marked trails in search of the animals. The hikes are moderate, so a basic level of fitness is required to keep up with the group.
Approximate elevation changes: 50 to 250 m (160 to 1,000 ft)
Maximum altitude of the trip: 800 m (2,625 ft) above sea level.
Pace: Slow and steady but each participant must be able to carry their own equipment.
Please note; observation and photography observation is always done from a safe distance, using binoculars. The minimum recommended distance is 70 meters, although this may vary depending on the behaviour of each individual animal. Pumas can be curious, so we recommend bringing long lenses (400mm or more) to take advantage of photographic opportunities. We also suggest a tripod or monopod, preferably lightweight (carbon fibre or aluminium).
Excursions to Cueva de las Manos (Cave of Hands) and Tierra de Colores (Land of Colors) within Patagonia National Park are included.
Accommodation: Refugio La Posta de Los Toldos or similar
Day 4: Parque Patagonia - Puma Tracking
Wildlife
Packed Lunch
Lodge
Second day of puma tracking. Today's itinerary follows a similar pattern to day three of this trip with 2-3 km (1.2-2 mile) hikes within the park, with the freedom to leave the marked trails in search of the animals. The hikes are moderate, so a basic level of fitness is required to keep up with the group.
Accommodation: Refugio La Posta de Los Toldos or similar
Day 5: Parque Patagonia
Wildlife
Packed Lunch
Lodge
Final day of puma tracking. Today's itinerary follows a similar pattern to day three of this trip with 2-3 km (1.2-2 mile) hikes within the park, with the freedom to leave the marked trails in search of the animals. The hikes are moderate, so a basic level of fitness is required to keep up with the group.
Accommodation: Refugio La Posta de Los Toldos or similar
Day 6: Parque Patagonia - Comodoro Rivadavia
Transfer
Packed Lunch
Boutique Hotel
Today, you will be you will be transferred to the your hotel in Comodoro Rivadavia, often shortened to Comodoro, a city in the Patagonian province of Chubut. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure in this city, in the midst of majestic Patagonian nature.
Comodoro Rivadavia, located on the shores of the Gulf of San Jorge, is the largest city in southern Patagonia. Due to its strategic location, its connectivity and its offer of services, it is the gateway to a wide range of attractions; from vibrant nightlife to cultural museums related to oil and paleontological activity. Comodoro Rivadavia is the most important urban and economic centre in central Patagonia, characteristics that make it an excellent central point for Patagonia.
Accommodation: Hostería Parador Ruta 40 or similar
Day 7: Comodoro Rivadavia
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
Our day will begin with a transfer to your next accommodation to Bahia Bustamante lodge. Founded in the 1950s by Lorenzo Soriano, seaweed collector and ancestor of the Lodge's current directors, history is breathed in every corner. This is a remote eco-lodge in, acting as a private wildlife sanctuary in Bustamante Bay which is a destination in itself, with both ocean views and those overlooking the Steppe.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Accommodation: Bahia Bustamante lodge
Day 8: Comodoro Rivadavia
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
Today, we can explore the surrounding areas of the lodge in Bustamante Bay. Bustamante Bay is the only town in Argentina which is dedicated to the collection of seaweed and mussels. It also houses an impressive nature reserve which is home to 4000 sea lions live, as well as colonies of more than 50,000 penguins and 22 species of birds. With white sand beaches and a petrified forest, the bay is a place of raw beauty.
At the lodge you will also have a bilingual guide and transportation to activities which includes 1 activity per day, per person. There are also bicycles on site which you will have full use of, should you wish to do some exploring this way.
Accommodation: Bahia Bustamante lodge
Day 9: Comodoro Rivadavia
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
Another day to explore our surroundings in Bustamante Bay and soak up the atmosphere of this stunning region of Argentina. Ready to make our journey back to Buenos Aires tomorrow.
Accommodation: Bahia Bustamante lodge
Day 10: Comodoro Rivadavia - Buenos Aires
Transfer
5 star hotel
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Comodoro Rivadavia airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, our local team will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel, located near the Cabildo and Plaza de Mayo, and at a convenient distance from the picturesque cobblestone streets of San Telmo. Buenos Aires, is known as a vibrant centre of culture, history and economic activity. With a rich mix of cultural influences and diverse architecture, the city is a melting pot of traditions and modernity. The La Boca neighbourhood is known for its colourful houses and artistic atmosphere. The famous Caminito, a pedestrian street filled with street art and tango, is an emblematic attraction. The San Telmo neighbourhood, with its antique markets and bohemian atmosphere, reflects the city's storied past so there is much to explore in the city.
Accommodation: NH Buenos Aires City or similar
Day 11: Departure Day
Transfer
After check-out from the hotel you will again be transferred to the airport for the final time to fly home from Buenos Aires, invigorated by the beauty and charm of Argentina and the wilds of Patagonia.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not included
- Flights & airport taxes - both International & Domestic
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Transfers outside our group transfer timings
- Visas
- Drinks & Snacks
- Tipping
- Meals not referenced in the itinerary
Contents
Travel & Arrival
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the airport in Ezeiza international airport - Buenos Aires.
Both international flights and domestic flights are not included in the cost of the adventure. Please speak with our friendly team who can advise you on the best flights to book.
Airport & Arrival and Departure Info
Included in the cost of your adventure is a group transfer to and from the airport.
Group transfers are only available on the official start and end dates of the trip. Arriving or departing on any other days means group transfers will not be included. If you plan to arrive before or after the adventure dates and need assistance with transfers or accommodation, please add these services when booking, or contact us directly to make the arrangements.
Once you have made a booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
You are also welcome to book your travel independently, and we will provide clear instructions on how to meet the group at the designated time and location at the start of your trip.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Hotel Arrival
On arrival at the hotel, you should head to reception where they can show you to your room.
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. We put time and effort into building our relationship with them to ensure you have a a great trip.
We choose hotels based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel), and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Some hotels will be basic, and in modern buildings and or in towns. Wherever we can, we will choose smaller more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, this may not be available. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things which is exciting and memorable, and reflects the countries we are visiting. This is adventure travel and on occasion the advertised services at a hotel (eg wifi, or hot showers!) may not be functional on our arrival. This tends to occur in the smaller, more remote hotels. Very rarely a hotel lets us down and we are required to find alternative suitable accommodation that might not be our first choice.
The list below gives information on our first choice of accommodation for this adventure. Where hotels and refuges are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
NH 9 de Julio - The NH Buenos Aires 9 de Julio hotel brings Buenos Aires to your doorstep. Its location on Avenida 9 de Julio allows easy access to major attractions. It features 175 rooms and suites, decorated in a modern style with soft colors and dark wood floors. Built in 2009, it is certified as one of the greenest hotels at gold level by GSTC, highlighting its sustainable management and social responsibility.
HMV Green Certification & Gold Category
Lunajuim - The Hotel Lunajuim in El Chaltén, Argentina, is a cozy retreat amidst the majestic beauty of Patagonia. With its Alpine-style architecture and panoramic mountain views, it provides a charming setting for nature and trekking enthusiasts.
This charming hotel is strategically located in the heart of El Chaltén, offering easy access to some of the most stunning hiking trails in the region.
Cauquenes de Nimez - A cozy Patagonian Inn with 19 rooms boasting stunning views of Lake Argentino, Bahía Redonda, and the Laguna Nimez Ecological Reserve, where guests are invited to immerse themselves in the genuine Patagonian spirit that captivated settlers and travelers. The Laguna Nimez Municipal Ecological Reserve, just 50 meters away, offers extensive walks, hikes, and bird watching with over 80 species, including cauquenes, flamingos, swans, ducks, herons, hawks, loicas, and bandurrias, providing an opportunity to experience nature up close near the center of Calafate.
Los Nires - Hotel Los Ñires is an attractive accommodation surrounded by forest with stunning views of the Beagle Channel and the Le Martial mountains. Located 6 kilometers from the center of this town, it is ideal for enjoying the imposing beauty of Tierra del Fuego. It offers 48 spacious rooms for one, two, or three people, surrounded by gardens and featuring a classic Patagonian architectural style. Its vibrant tones and contrast with the views provide an ideal atmosphere to feel comfortable. Los Ñires presents itself as a retreat on the shores of the Beagle Channel.
HMV Green Certification & Bronze Category
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be experienced and knowledgeable local, English speaking guides. This ensures you access to information on the country and culture of the region, as well as directly supporting local trade and tourism.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I fit enough?
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
Reviews
Rob Naylor
Patagonia: Fantastic All Round Experience
Excellent and experienced ex-pat guide on the trip who fitted in brilliantly with the group and interfaced very well with local agents and guides.
Accommodation was mostly very good.
The itinerary was as promised, except where weather dictated modification due to safety concerns. Safety and well being of the party was top priority.
A huge variety of experiences were packed into the time: mountain treks, wildlife excursions, visits to estancias, river canoeing, glacier experiences etc. I got to see in person Fitzroy and Cerro Torre peaks, and the Three Towers of Paine...a goal for many years.
Patagonia Christmas Trek December 2025
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Passport & insurance documents
- Credit / Debit card for ATM use
- Prescription medication & antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Insect repellent
- Washbag & usual contents - natural soaps for Wadi swims & microfiber towel
- 'On the go' Toilet kit
Items for Hiking Expeditions
- 20-30L rucksack with waist and chest strap
- Waterproof & windproof Parka
- Waterproof trekking boots (already broken in)
- Waterproof gloves
- Sunglasses & high factor suncream
- Warm Hat
- Waterproof stuff sacks to keep daypack contents dry
- Waterproof phone case
- Waterproof trousers
Clothing
- Socks / underwear
- Suitable clothes / pjs for sleeping in at night
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops - its all about layers
- In Buenos Aires, summer can get pretty hot, so think light, breezy clothes to keep cool while you explore the city
- Sandals / trainers
- Warm jacket / fleece - it can be cooler in the evenings
- Warm hat & gloves
- Warm jacket & fleece - even in the summer temperatures can cool at night. Down or synthetic insulated jacket & light fleece recommended.
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection.
Optional
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Phone & charging cables / plug
- Adaptor
- Money belt or grab bag for essentials
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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