There are very few places in the world that rival the untouched beauty of Patagonia. Its mountain peaks appear as if they were created by the hands of a meticulous sculptor, while its turquoise lakes are something straight out of a fairytale. Patagonia's Iconic Andean peaks and massive glaciers make for an incredible backdrop in a vast and largely untouched landscape. In Short, Patagonia is a photographer’s paradise!
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’ll spend our time in Patagonia photographing some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. Our photographic efforts will be concentrated in the one and only Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile.
The first half of the workshop will focus on the iconic Patagonia landscapes of Torres Del Paine. We'll photograph blue lagoons, massive glaciers, chiseled mountain peaks and more.
The second half of the workshop will focus on puma tracking. You'll spend four days on a private ranch with a photography guide and local puma trackers searching for one of the most elusive and beautiful cats in the world.
Many locations in Patagonia are easy to access while other will require some hiking. The amount of hiking required for puma tracking depends on where the cat is and how much it moves while we are with it.
ITINERARY
Below is a sample itinerary for our time in Patagonia. Please keep in mind that weather can alter the schedule.
Day 1: Fly into Puerto Natales, Chile | PNT Airport. Orientation will be in the lobby of our hotel at Hotel Costanera in Puerto Natales.
Day 2: We'll enjoy breakfast in Puerto Natales. After checkout, our driver will transfer the group to Torres Del Paine National Park, Patagonia's crown jewel! Upon arrival, we'll check into Hosteria Pehoe and get settled in. That evening, we'll head out for our first sunset shoot.
Day 3: Sunrise photo shoot in Torres Del Paine National Park. After our sunrise session, we'll head over to Lago Grey for a three hour glacier cruise where we'll have the opportunity to photograph icebergs and glaciers. After the cruise we'll head back to the lodge for a quick break before heading out for a sunset shoot.
Day 4: Sunrise photoshoot in Torres Del Paine National Park. Midday break. Sunset photoshoot.
Day 5: Sunrise photoshoot in Torres Del Paine National Park. Midday break. Sunset photoshoot.
Day 6: Transfer to private estancia for puma tracking. We'll conduct morning and evening puma tracking shoots for the next four days.
Day 7: Puma Tracking
Day 8: Puma Tracking
Day 9: Puma Tracking
Day 10: Transfer to Puerto Natales. Workshop conclusion.
LODGING
Participants can choose to share a room or purchase a single room supplement package.
For the first half of the workshop we'll be staying in Torres Del Paine at one of the most picture perfect lodges in the world! Hosteria Pehoe sits on a tiny island in Lake Pehoé which is accessed by a short footbridge. Located in the heart of Torres Del Paine, the iconic mountains can practically be photographed from your doorstep! While Hosteria Pehoe is a little rustic, there's no question that it is the best place to stay within the park.
We'll be staying at Hotel Estancia El Ovejero Patagónico for the second half which will place us close to where the puma tracking will take place.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Lodging for the duration of the workshop
• Private Van Transportation
• Professional photography guide
• 4 days of puma tracking with local guides
• Post processing session
• Glacier Grey Cruise (weather permitting)
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• Airfare & airport transportation
• Visa Fees if required (No fees for US travelers)
• Meals
• Drinks
• Gratuites
• Travel Insurance
• Photography Equipment
PRICE
Shared Room Pricing $8,700 per person
Single Room Pricing $9,700 per person
CANCELATION POLICY
Sometimes life can get in the way of a good a thing. Hopefully that doesn’t happen during this workshop, but if it does the following cancelation policy applies.
• Cancel within one week of booking: Full refund minus $100 cancellation fee
• Cancel 121 days or more before the workshop start: Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit.
• Cancel 0 - 120 days before trip – no refund unless your spot is filled or the workshop gets canceled.
Should you have to cancel after the cancelation deadline and I can find a replacement for your space, I’ll refund your full payment minus a $250 cancelation fee.
I strongly encourage “cancel for any reason” travel insurance when booking.
Patagonia Weather
Patagonia’s weather can change quickly and can be very hard to predict. The autumn months (March / April) tend to be the driest but rain can be frequent at any time of year. It is very important to be prepared just about any kind of weather. When the sun is shining, the daytime temperatures can be quite pleasant but when storms come in, the temperatures can drop and snow can fall just about anytime of year.
All participants must be prepared for winter condition and bring waterproof hiking boots as well as rain pants and a rain jacket that will fit over layers. Staying dry will keep you warm and happy. It’s no fun shooting when you’re uncomfortable. The wind can be downright relentless in Patagonia, but luckily for us, fall is the calmest time of year. That being said, wind can show up at any time so make sure you have good windproof clothing. If weather conditions become too extreme at any point, we will focus our efforts on post processing during those times.
HIKING IN PATAGONIA
Many of the locations that we visit in Patagonia are rather easily accessible but a few locations require some hiking. All hikes are optional.
The hike to the boat at Lago Grey is a bout 1 mile. The blue lagoon hike is about 1.3 miles one way. The amount of hiking that is required for the puma tracking dependent on the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What airport do I fly in and out of? Puerto Natales, Chile | PNT
• Are we guaranteed to see pumas on the workshop? While it is not a guarantee that we'll see pumas during the workshop, the odds are very good that we'll see them during the four day puma tracking experience. Patagonia has the highest concentration of pumas of anywhere in the world and if you're willing to spend 3 to 4 days looking for them with a trained guide, there's a good chance you'll see them.
• Will we see fall color during the workshop? The photo workshop is deliberately held in April to increase our odds of capturing fall foliage in Torres Del Paine.
• I have food restrictions, will there be options for me to eat? Patagonia receives tourism from around the the world so the lodges are prepared to work with dietary restrictions.
• Do I need to know Spanish? No, traveling in Patagonia is easy for non-Spanish speakers plus you'll be with the group for most of the trip.
• What type of lens is needed for the puma tracking portion of the workshop? You'll want a telephoto lens for puma tracking. There may be times when the cats are very close and there may be other times when they are far away. 200mm-600mm is a good range. A prime lens is not required but it will help you get sharp shots in low light situations.