Patagonia Wildlife Tours & Safaris

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When to see wildlife

Where can I see wildlife in Patagonia?

Patagonia's Wildlife

Andean Puma

This beautiful big cat is the largest predator in Patagonia and the southern-most dweller of all its relatives. The Chilean government made puma hunting illegal in 1980, and numbers have since increased. Pumas take full advantage of the varied terrain in Torres del Paine and are able to live in the cold, warmth, forest & mountains. They are most often seen at dusk and dawn when out hunting for one of their favourite dishes...guanacos! Our dedicated puma tracking experts know these areas like the back of their hands, and give you the very best chances of observing pumas in their natural habitat.

Pumas

Whales

There are four main type of whales to be found in Patagonia: the Orca or 'Killer whale', the Humpback whale, the Southern Right whale, and the Blue Whale. Peninsula Valdes is the place to go for both Southern Right Whales (June-December) and Orcas (September, March & April). Humpback whales can be seen in southern Patagonia, for example on a whale watching adventure cruise, and blue whales can be spotted off of the Island of Chiloe.

Whales

Penguins

Penguin reserves can be found throughout Chilean Patagonia, from Punta Arenas and Ushuaia to Peninsula Valdes, and Chiloe Island. Magellanic penguins are the most widespread of the breeds to be found in Patagonia, but it is also possible to see Humboldt penguins, gentoo penguins, and even king Penguins.

Penguins

Animals

As well as the famous pumas, penguins and whales, Patagonia has an abundance of other wildlife. From over-sized rodents to chicken-brain eating cats, any animal lover will be in their element in this area of Chile and Argentina.

Animals

Marine animals

The waters around Patagonia are home to an abundance of marine life. Along with the magnificent whales there are playful dolphins, sunbathing sea lions and seals and endangered marine otters.

Marine animals

Birds

Patagonia is home to over 460 species of birds, making a trip to Chile or Argentina an unforgettable experience for any birder. From the famous and dominating Andean Condor swooping high above you to the tiny Austral Pygmy-Owl's screeching call at dusk, there are birds to find everywhere.

Birds

Swoop says

Patagonia is home to some incredibly unusual and diverse wildlife, from clumsy penguins to enormous whales and elusive big cats. Our expert naturalist guides and trackers responsibly and respectfully help you to to get up close and personal with these amazing animals.

Wildlife Trips

Wildlife Cruises

What Our Customers Think

There is so much to see, you have to go to experience it. The wildlife such as the Rea, Condors, various species of Lama, the whales, all just beautiful.

Steve UK December 2016

The wildlife was surprisingly abundant and all around us, from Guanacos, Pumas (spotted while on bus!), Andean Foxes, Condors, Carpintero Gigante, Caracara, Flamingos, Ibis, Falcons which followed us to Grey Glacier, and the ubiquitous Southern Lapwing.

Andy UK March 2017

We had such an amazing (if exhausting!) time. Thank you for all you all have done for us; you make it all work so well and have given us more than I could ever have hoped for.

Margy October 2015

The wildlife we saw was incredible – giant woodpeckers, huemuls, caracaras, condors, guanacos, and rheas.

Dindy Pawlinger United States Of America December 2018

We were lucky enough to see a male and female huemul deer, 4 different puma, a skunk, red and grey fox, of course lots of guanacos, condors and shore birds.

Paul Miller United States Of America February 2019

The wildlife was fantastic. We were extremely lucky in seeing several endangered, endemic species, the southern river otter, the pudu deer, the huemel deer.

Paul Miller United States Of America February 2019

Sebastian spotted a puma for us which was a great excitement and beyond what we could have expected. Amazingly enough, this particular puma is featured in the latest issue of National Geographic!

Elizabeth Parker South Africa December 2018

The nature of Torres del Paine is like a miracle. We saw 7 pumas during our stay!

Galina Polshakova Russian Federation December 2018

The wildlife was crazy, we saw condors, eagles, guanacos, giant hares, wild horses and more bird varieties than we could imagine.

Richard & Susan Canada October 2017

Watching condors circling overhead as we were being blasted by the wind on rocky cliffs was memorable. Stumbling across a family of upland geese feeding and seeing a family of huemul were real treats. I could go on and on about rheas, guanaco, mara, king penguins, torrent ducks etc.

Jo McGrouther Australia December 2017

The highlight of the trip was the wildlife. Just being in their land knowing that you are just visiting is an experience beyond words.

Eduardo Marin United States Of America March 2019

The highlight was probably the whale watching and the penguin colony on Peninsula Valdes. The wildlife, landscape, people were amazing as usual!

Melanie Marin United States Of America September 2018

Patagonia Wildlife Guide

Chloe says

It was around 6am, and creeping along a ridge in the dusky morning light was a female puma with two cubs. My guide and I gazed up at them in awe as they went about their usual business, then silently slipped over the ridge.

Chloe O'Keeffe Patagonia Specialist

More ways to see wildlife...

Wildlife Cruises

Patagonia's coastlines are teeming with wildlife activity, and the best way to immerse yourself in the action and capture some incredible photos is by cruise or boat. Choose from …

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Wildlife in Valdes

The Valdes region is the number one destination for wildlife in Patagonia. The peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the most important areas for marine mammals …

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Whale Watching in Valdes

The unique geography of the Valdes Peninsula has made it a haven for whales, and this is now one of the best places in Patagonia to see them. Rarely do whales make it quite so easy…

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