Patagonia is a place of rugged mountains, dramatic skies and elusive wildlife. It's the kind of place every photographer dreams of visiting, especially if, like me, you're drawn to the majestic - and often elusive - Patagonian puma.
I recently traveled to Patagonia with a clear vision in mind: capturing the perfect photograph of a wild puma against the breathtaking backdrop of Torres del Paine. With only three days on the ground I knew the odds were stacked against me. But as any wildlife photographer knows, patience, persistence and a bit of luck can make dreams a reality.
Here’s the story behind my unforgettable adventure, and what it taught me about photography itself.
Day 1: An Exciting Start
After a long trip with a one night stop in Santiago, we finally landed in Punta Arenas were we started the long transfer north, with a quick lunch in Puerto Natales and then the final destination, Torres del Paine National Park.
The anticipation was high as we headed into Patagonia’s stunning terrain. We had only three days and with wildlife photography, you know, nothing is guaranteed. Our main objective was clear: a wild puma framed against the spectacular peaks of Torres del Paine.
From the first morning we had amazing encounters. We woke up under an unexpected layer of snow and the guide warned us about the very low chances to see anything in those conditions. Yet, only a few hundreds meters out of the gate, while Nana, our guide, and Andrea, my friend and fellow photographer are chatting, I see the unmistakable shape of a big cat in the darkness. My first puma.
After a few shots we moved on and we soon spotted a new one with a guanaco kill. We positioned ourselves for the shots but after a while the weather started deteriorating and we had no choice but to go back to our lodge.
Day 2: Busy Pumas
On the second day Patagonia rewarded us with an incredible sunrise and some more stunning wildlife experiences. We spent the day tracking across rugged landscapes, following hints from local guides and scanning every rock and ridge.
We found a puma on the hunt; we tried to follow for a while but the fear of interfering with the process forced us to leave it alone. We then spotted one sleeping close to a kill, but after a while it became clear that it woudln’t have moved anytime soon.
At one point we stumbled upon a fresh kill—a clear sign a puma was nearby. We waited, camera ready, hearts racing. Minutes turned into hours, yet our elusive subject stayed just beyond our view.
Even without our desired shot, the experience was thrilling. Patagonia's landscape alone is magical—every turn offered new compositions, dramatic lighting shifts, and captivating moments. Still, as photographers, we can’t help but strive for the image we’ve envisioned. With only one day left, hope—and pressure—were mounting.
Day 3: The Final Chance
On our final day we started early, determined not to leave Patagonia without capturing our perfect puma image. Conditions were perfect: the golden glow of sunrise illuminated Torres del Paine’s granite peaks in the distance, providing the perfect backdrop for the photo I’d dreamed of capturing.
Just as the day was drawing to a close, everything suddenly aligned.
Our guide spotted her first—an elegant puma slowly making her way across the ridge line. Then we realized it was more of them, a whole group of 4 pumas. Silently, carefully, I adjusted my position and waited. They were all resting just under the skyline. I framed the shot, balancing exposure and composition while quietly hoping one of them would stand and move to the right spot. And then it happened. Against the grandeur of Torres del Paine, the puma stood perfectly still, giving me a few fleeting moments to press the shutter.
In that brief moment, after three days of patience, persistence, and anticipation, I captured the image I had traveled thousands of kilometers to get.
This experience made me reflect deeply on the value of photography in our modern world. Today, we can effortlessly generate stunning visuals—even AI can create flawless images. But what makes photography truly valuable and meaningful?
For me, the real value lies in the journey itself.
Photography isn’t just about capturing a moment; it's about living an experience fully, with all your senses awake. It’s about feeling the cold Patagonian wind, witnessing wildlife in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in landscapes that leave you speechless.
When I look at my puma photo I don’t just see a beautiful image - I see the patience, the excitement, the disappointment, the joy, and the adventure behind it. The photograph becomes a powerful reminder of an unforgettable experience that no AI or shortcut could ever replicate.
Experience Patagonia Yourself
Inspired to embark on your own photographic adventure? Join me on one of my photography workshops and expeditions in Patagonia and other incredible destinations around the globe. Together we'll chase extraordinary moments, craft powerful images, and most importantly, share unforgettable journeys.
Check out the full video from my trip:
