A Success Story:
Rewilding Patagonia
Many people close to the couple said that most would have given up and walked away from the intensity of such a project, but Kris and Doug, fuelled by a passion and knowledge arguably way ahead of its time, plowed on, eventually purchasing millions of acres of land. All the infrastructure necessary for a national park was put in place by the couple, alongside the reintroduction of native species that were locally extinct, before the land was then donated back to the Chilean government in 2019. To call their achievements incredible is no exaggeration.
Today you can visit these parks and experience the Tompkins’ work first-hand. We are losing huge amounts of the planet’s wildlands per day, so these national parks and their beautiful landscapes are not only a joy to visit, but are also essential if we want to preserve the Earth’s wilderness.
And so began a huge rewilding programme that involved, to name a few, jaguar, huemul deer, giant otter and the lesser rhea. Puma, Patagonia’s apex predators, in particular were declining in numbers following conflict with ranch owners who saw them as a threat to their livestock. Work is currently underway to reverse this viewpoint and re-establish the puma as an opportunity to create eco-tourism. Many of the park’s trackers are actually ex-gauchos who now work to protect the puma.
Since 2018 conservationists have been tracking and monitoring pumas with satellite collars to understand their habitat selection, movements, and predation patterns. The research has shown that a protected and growing population of pumas is not affecting the endangered population of huemul deer negatively in Patagonia National Park. During your stay you will have the opportunity to accompany the tracking teams by vehicle and om foot at sunrise and sunset, as well as monitoring hidden camera traps.
You can enjoy a vast array of outdoor activities here. Trekking such beautiful landscapes is endlessly rewarding, with spectacular views at every turn. You can also explore on horseback or mountain bike, if you’re looking for something a little more fast-paced.
Take to the water and glide through icy fjords and lakes, stopping for a riverside lunch to refuel. If you want to see wildlife, this is prime puma territory and you can track them here alongside an expert guide. The park is also home to guanacos, Patagonian foxes and Andean condors.
Large colonies of penguin and southern elephant seal can be found on the beaches here, whilst in the skies you can spot migratory birds including the snowy sheathbill.
Perhaps most excitingly, this is the place to be for whale-watching. Take to the seas to spot southern right whales and orcas as they breach in the water, their enormous bodies emerging before quickly crashing back down, sending sprays of sea water high into the air.
This itinerary is just a starting point — We will tailor it to create your perfect Patagonia adventure. Make it yours for an unforgettable journey into the heart of South America’s wild beauty.
As it was the very first luxury hotel to open in Patagonia, Explora Torres del Paine is an undeniable part of South American history. It is also a place of polished expertise when helping guests to get the most out of its impressive location. It is the only luxury hotel in the area to be open year-round, so it is ideal for a cozy winter interlude.
Set within a private reserve on the outskirts of the Torres del Paine National Park, Awasi Patagonia’s villas are the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding forests and mountains. Cut off from WiFi, this feels truly like a wilderness, one which is wonderfully tranquil.
Singular Patagonia is in a superb location on the shores of the Señoret Channel. This spot on the water’s edge is known locally as “the end of the world”, giving you a clue as to the complete break from routine and sense of adventure you’ll find here.
On Argentina’s Valdez Peninsula, southern elephant seal and south American sea lion have colonised the beaches. Staying at Estancia Rincon Chico, which is within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, you can see them from the hiking and mountain biking trails.
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 25 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made holidays to megadiverse Latin America. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 25 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made holidays to megadiverse Latin America. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
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Working in partnership with Chilean wildlife conservation experts; Cerro Guido Conservation Foundation, we have curated a truly unique and exclusive puma tracking experience giving behind-the-scenes insight into their work to protect Chile's apex predator.