Review:
Our fantastic Guide Eduardo recounts his April 2025 trip to Patagonia – Puma sighting included!
A Journey of Firsts
There’s something truly special about guiding in Patagonia—especially with Guided by Nature. Every trip feels fresh, even after years of coming here. For most of our guests, it’s their first time in South America, their first time seeing a glacier, their first time walking on ice or paddling between icebergs.
That sense of wonder is contagious. There’s always a buzz of excitement from the group, and it brings a unique energy to the whole journey. As a guide, it’s an honour to share a place that means so much to me with people experiencing it for the very first time. It reminds me why I fell in love with this landscape in the first place.
Picture credit: Eduardo Marques - @duardo86
An Autumn Like No Other
Our most recent trip was especially memorable—it was the first time we hiked Torres del Paine in April. I didn’t expect how much the season would transform the landscape. The autumn colours were absolutely stunning. Lenga and Nothofagus trees lit up the valleys in brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red.
There were fewer people in the park too, which gave the whole experience a peaceful, almost meditative quality. The quieter trails made it easier to connect with the landscape—and with the wildlife. We saw more animals than usual, undisturbed in their natural rhythm.
The Puma Moment
One moment, though, stands out above the rest. As we were descending from the iconic towers, our group spotted a puma with two cubs, walking just off the track. I’ve been guiding in Patagonia for ten years, and I’ve never seen pumas that close before.
We all froze, silent, in awe. It was one of those rare and powerful encounters that reminds you this land is truly wild. Moments like that stay with you.
Why Patagonia Keeps Surprising Me
Every Torres del Paine trip is different. The trails may be familiar, but the season, the weather, the people, and the wildlife make each journey unique. That’s the beauty of this place—it keeps surprising you, no matter how many times you return.
As a guide, I’m grateful to share these moments with our guests. And for those who walk away from Torres del Paine with their own firsts—first glacier, first puma, first paddle through ice—I know it won’t be their last adventure.
