Pumas of Patagonia

June marks early winter in Southern Patagonia, bringing crisp, cool days, frosty mornings, and far calmer conditions than the notoriously windy summer months.

• Temperatures: Daily highs typically hover between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C), while early mornings and nights often dip below freezing, generally between 20°F and 30°F (-6°C to -1°C).

• Winds & Atmosphere: One of the biggest advantages of running this trip in June is the wind. Patagonia’s infamous gale-force summer winds subside significantly in winter, providing much calmer, clearer air that is ideal for stable telephoto shooting and tracking wildlife on foot.

• Precipitation & Snow: Conditions can shift quickly between crisp blue skies, passing rain squalls, and snowfall. Early winter brings a genuine possibility of tracking pumas against fresh snow, though frozen ground, light frost, or dry steppe conditions are equally common.

• Clothing Strategy: Dressing in technical, breathable layers is essential. You will want a thermal base layer, an insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), and a completely windproof and waterproof outer shell. Sturdy, insulated waterproof hiking boots, warm gloves with dexterity for operating camera dials, and a fleece beanie are vital for staying comfortable while tracking in the field.

his workshop involves a moderate physical fitness level. Tracking on private estancias allows us to navigate the vast terrain in spacious 4×4 vehicles to locate cats efficiently. Once a puma is spotted, however, they often begin moving across the steppe, ridge lines, or valleys, at which point we track them on foot.

You should be comfortable walking and carrying your camera gear across uneven terrain for distances of 1 to 2 miles per encounter. Pumas are the only apex big cats on Earth that can be ethically and safely photographed on foot at eye level—and putting in that short trek is precisely how you capture intimate, portfolio-defining images.

The workshop tuition listed above is based on double occupancy (shared rooms). If there is availability for a single room at the workshop, the additional cost is USD 1,000. This is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is contingent upon room availability hotel in Cerro Castillo.

While this workshop is laser-focused on tracking and photographing wild pumas, we also dedicate time to Patagonia’s iconic, rugged landscapes. Because pumas naturally maintain a comfortable buffer, a telephoto lens reaching 400mm to 600mm (or a prime with teleconverters) is essential for framing tight portraits and dynamic action without crowding the cats. For sweeping sunrises, glacial peaks, and environmental wildlife compositions, a 16–35mm wide-angle or 24–70mm mid-range zoom will serve you best.

You are of course free to bring any camera you have, but as a Sony shooter, I will be using the following camera gear:

• Sony a1 II (1)
• Sony a7R VI
• Sony 100-400 f/4.5 GM II
• Sony 600mm f/4 GM
  1.4 TC & 2X TC
• Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II

What Does “Sony Sponsored” Mean for this workshop?

As a Sony Artisan of Imagery, I’m thrilled to offer our US-based participants the chance to test-drive Sony gear completely free during our adventure. You can request up to two items (such as one camera body and one lens, or two lenses) to use throughout the trip.

Once your workshop tuition is fully paid, simply submit our quick gear request form, and Sony will ship the equipment directly to your doorstep before departure. In the field, I’ll help you dial in your settings and get the absolute most out of the system. When you return home, just slap on the included pre-paid return label and ship it back—simple and seamless!