RFI: Independent puma watching around Torres del Paine.

Hello, I am looking for information on how possible and easy it is to see pumas independently by driving from Puerto Natales towards Torres del Paine. Most reports come from people who hire guides. Any information on what car (4WD? 2WD?), how much time is needed, also info on seeing Huemul would be appreciated.

best, Jurek

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jurekmammalwatching

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  • shortclaws

    Hi. We explored independently for pumas, by driving around the Y-156 and Y-160 roads near the entrance to Torres del Paine, and we got 2 sightings from 2 mornings trying – one of the sightings was after another car had already seen the puma. In season, I think you’re very likely to find other cars on these roads – including ones with guides. These are dirt roads, but well graded and fine for 2WD. We had rented a high clearance vehicle (to drive the Carretera Austral) but it wasn’t 4WD. We had no luck with huemul in Torres del Paine, and one ranger we spoke to for a while said the puma recovery had been so successful that many prey and smaller predator species are actually now very hard to find. We did see huemul in Patagonia NP but I’ve no idea if that’s on your itinerary!

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