The PhotoPills No-Camping Expedition to Patagonia is Sold Out (Join the Waiting List)

By Rafael Pons

The PhotoPills No-Camping Expedition to Patagonia is SOLD OUT!

Wow!

All 12 spots are already gone!

Thanks so much :D

Wish to join us?

Don't give up!

There are always cancellations...

Click here to join the Waiting List.

Be the first one to know when a cancellation occurs.

We’re going to Patagonia (Chile & Argentina)...

And we’re not Camping in this one!

Are you in?

Around the New Moon...

From March 23rd to April 4th 2025, Ramiro Torrents and Felix Inden (PhotoPills Masters) will be traveling across Patagonia (Chile & Argentina) to photograph the Autumn Colors (you’ll be in the Southern Hemisphere!), the Milky Way and the Golden Light along with some of the hidden treasures of one of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet...

We’ll explore Perito Moreno (from the land and from a boat)...

And both Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina) and Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)...

Ah!

And Torres del Paine has one of the highest densities of pumas in the world!

An adventurer’s dream!

Of course...

We’ll be taking photos all day long...

But...

Can you imagine it?

To photograph the beautiful Autumn Colors, the Southern Hemisphere’s Milky Way and the Golden Light with majestic mountain peaks, giant glaciers and icebergs, sinuous rivers, roaring waterfalls, turquoise lakes, dead trees, horses and gauchos, the always funny guanacos... and PUMAS!

We’re dreaming about it!

To achieve it, we’ll use the planning power of PhotoPills and the expert knowledge of Ramiro Torrents and Felix Inden to always be at the right place at the right time.

Top secret: we have quite a few legendary photos planned already ;)

The Deal (Only 2 Spots Left)

Since you subscribed to the Priority Access list...

We're offering you a €500 discount on the regular price!

All you have to do is to book 1 of the 2 spots available before Sunday August 18th.

Read carefully all the details of this unique adventure.

And when you’re ready, click here to book your spot.

Please, book as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.

The Adventure

12 PhotoPillers | 2 PhotoPills Masters | Patagonia | Endless legendary photos

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Warning! This is not a honeymoon... But almost!

It has the luxury and comfort of a honeymoon... and the adventure of a PhotoPills Expedition.

We’ve designed this adventure for those of you willing to go to Patagonia but not willing to Camp...

So this is a No Camping adventure.

We’ll be staying only in Hotels... and the one in Chile for the Pumas is pure luxury!

Wait and see!

Also...

There isn't much hiking involved in this expedition. The most relevant hikes are the following:

  • Day 3 / Sunset: 1.9 km (1.18 mi) with approx 30 m (98 ft) elevation gain, one way. Takes 30 min.
  • Day 4 / Sunrise: 5.18 km (3.2 mi) with approx 400 m (1312 ft) elevation gain, one way. Takes 1 h 30 min.
  • Day 4 / Sunset: 2.5 km (1.5mi) with approx 120 m (394 ft) elevation gain, one way. Takes 45 min.
  • Day 7/ Sunrise: 2 km (1.2 km) with approx 41 m (134 ft) elevation gain. Takes 40 min.
  • Puma tracking days: during the puma tracking, in order to track and follow/photograph the pumas, the group will need to cover a certain hiking distance which, however, is impossible to quantify.

These are not technical or hard hikes and are subject to weather. Over the years we've managed to bring approx 150 people on these hikes, during our camping expeditions, and everyone has made it :) In addition, you can always decide to skip a hike if you don't feel comfortable.

Do you dare? Yes?

Here we go!

We’re recruiting 12 brave PhotoPillers (PhotoPills and photography nerds) to join us on an 13-day expedition to photograph the Autumn Colors, the Southern Hemisphere Milky Way and the beautiful Golden Light along with the wonderful and remote corners of Patagonia... from Perito Moreno to both Torres del Paine (Chile) and Los Glaciares (Argentina) National Parks.

Ah! And we’ll spend 3 nights in a luxury hotel to photograph Pumas!

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This is a non-stop adventure to chase legendary photos and you are a key asset!

We have planned tons of photos, and we’ll travel many kilometers to capture them...

But we also want to maximize our flexibility in terms of itinerary and schedule in order to take advantage of all the opportunities that the changing weather will surely put in our way.

If we're fortunate enough to be out photographing the Milky Way and it takes us into the late hours, we'll take a little extra sleep the next morning, skip Sunrise and kick start our day a bit later.

On the other hand, if the conditions make us skip the astrophotography session, we'll rise and shine early to catch the Sunrise.

Whichever path we take, you can count on us to seize every photo opportunity and be right where the magic happens!

You are about to embark on a PhotoPills’ style journey. And it’s not going to be a honeymoon precisely... :P

You’ll be a true PhotoPiller!

Are you in?

Day 1. Sunday, March 23rd - Welcome to Patagonia!

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It’s Sunday morning...

And you land in an early flight at the International Airport Comandante Armando Tola in El Calafate, Argentina.

Although, I recommend you arrive the day before to have 1 day to decompress.

1:30 pm

After picking you up at the airport (or from one of our recommended hotels in El Calafate) we’ll drive to our hotel in El Calafate and check-in: Esplendor by Wyndham.

This beautiful hotel, located in a privileged place, enjoys stunning views of Argentine Lake and the city of el Calafate.

And it’s strategically located at only 70 km from Perito Moreno... which we’ll be photographing from Land and Water (cruise).

4:00 pm

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We’re going to Perito Moreno, an ice field that represents the world's third largest reserve of freshwater.

With a 250 km2 ice formation, 30 km (19 mi) in length, the Perito Moreno is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile.

What’s so special about Perito Moreno is that from time to time it cuts off Brazo Rico, a part of Lago Argentino. The glacier tong advances across the lake to meet the opposite shoreline.

5:30 pm

We will arrive at Perito Moreno early and we will have plenty of time before Sunset to enjoy the views from the walkways overlooking the glacier.

Also, with extra time, the chances of seeing calving are increased...

Do you hear the glacier roaring?

Plan & pray!

But before you choose your shooting spot, open PhotoPills and check where exactly the Sun will set:

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Looking into the long white tongue of the glacier, the Sun will be setting on the right-hand side at 7:57pm. But it’ll hide behind the mountains a bit before, around 7:05 pm.

We’ll be shooting into the Sun, so close that aperture to capture the sunburst!

Golden hour begins at 7:13 pm, Sunset is at 7:57 pm, golden hour ends at 8:16 pm and blue hour ends at 8:29 pm.

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9:30 pm

Dinner in our hotel.

11:00 pm

Bed time.

Tomorrow we’ll wake up early to jump onto a cruise to explore Perito Moreno from a totally different point of view...

Photographic Pills:

  • Sunset, Golden hour and blue hour at Perito Moreno.

Day 2. Monday, March 24th - The Cruise

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6:30 am

Copious breakfast at the hotel and early checkout... today it’s going to be a fun long day!

8:30 am

To the boat!

We sail northwest toward Spegazzini Glacier, one of the prominent glaciers located within Los Glaciares National Park in the Patagonia region of Argentina.

It is named after the Italian-Argentine botanist Carlo Spegazzini. The glacier is renowned for its impressive height, with some of its ice walls towering up to 135 m (443 ft) above the surface of the water, making it one of the tallest glaciers in the park.

Its striking blue ice will be our delight. It results from the glacier's dense and ancient ice compressing over time, expelling air bubbles and allowing the ice to absorb and reflect blue wavelengths of light.

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11:00 am

Landing at Las Vacas Station in Spegazzini Canal Bay to visit the Upsala Canal and the Heminita Peninsula, providing a panoramic view of the Upsala Glacier.

Upsala Glacier stretches approximately 60 km (37 mi) in length and covers an area of about 870 square km (336 square mi).

It is known for its impressive width, reaching up to 4 km (2.5 mi) at certain points. The glacier descends from the Andes Mountains into Lago Argentino, the largest freshwater lake in Argentina.

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1:00 pm

Lunch during navigation in a VIP room exclusive to us!

3:00 pm

In the afternoon, we will reach Canal de los Témpanos to photograph Perito Moreno from a different angle compared to our previous visit.

Navigating through the Canal de los Témpanos is an experience on its own!

Icebergs, towering mountains, lush forests and expansive views of glaciers...

What else?!

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5:00 pm

After our cruise adventure, we’ll start driving towards El Chalten. We’re getting closer to Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, our two main subjects in our Argentinian part of this adventure.

7:00 pm

Lago Viedma is one of the largest lakes in Argentina, covering an area of approximately 1,088 square km (420 square mi).vIt stretches about 80 km (50 mi) in length and can reach a depth of up to 800 m (2,625 ft).

The lake is fed primarily by glacial meltwater from the Viedma Glacier, one of the major glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which is the world's second-largest extrapolar ice field.

By the lake, there is a “mirador” (lookout) frem where, on a clear day, it is possible to see and photograph Fitz Roy and Cerro torre.

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Both are located 100 km (62mi) away from us... So get your telephoto lenses ready!

According to PhotoPills, the Sun will be setting across the lake in front of us, more to the south of the peaks.

Let the fun begin!

Click.

Golden hour begins at 7:08 pm, Sunset is at 7:50 pm, golden hour ends at 8:09 pm and blue hour ends at 8:22 pm.

9:30 pm

And we finally arrive at El Chalten, a small mountain village in the region of Santa Cruz, located on the riverside of Río de las Vueltas, near the base of Cerro Torre (3,128m) and Cerro Fitz Roy (3,405m) spires.

Check-in at our favourite hotel here (Hotel Chalten Suites), which will be our home for the next 4 nights.

10:00 pm

Late dinner at the hotel.

It’s been a long day, but we won’t skip dinner ;)

11:00 pm

Bed time.

Rest well my friends.

Tomorrow we’ll wake up for Sunrise to photograph Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre under the golden light.

Photographic Pills:

  • Glaciers Perito Moreno, Spegazzini and Upsala from a cruise.
  • Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at mirador Lago Viedma.

Day 3. Tuesday, March 25th - The Two Towers

7:00 am

Our sunrise shooting spot is located at Río de las Vueltas...

We’ll use the serpent river as a guiding line towards the Two Towers in front of us: Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

As the first rays of light invade the scene, everything changes...

The Sun rises from right behind our backs painting the peaks in golden light (clouds permitting).

Time to shoot!

And before we head back to our hotel, we’ll shoot from the road, to capture the iconic shot of "Ruta 23" leading towards Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Blue hour begins at 7:29 am, golden hour begins at 7:42 am, Sunrise is at 8:01 am and golden hour ends at 8:43 am.

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9:00 am

Back at the hotel for a relaxing breakfast.

11:00 am

Expedition briefing and PhotoPills Class.

Ramiro and Felix will go over the itinerary for the adventure, explaining the logistics, the locations and the photo opportunities we’ve specially planned for you. They’ll also cover the recommended gear and some important safety instructions.

After the briefing, a PhotoPills Class will follow.

So get ready to learn lots of tips and tricks that will help you plan your photos much faster!

1:00 pm

Lunch in a local restaurant in El Chalten.

2:30 pm

Siesta! (Nap time!)

5:40 pm

After a short drive and a “short” hike (mostly flat), we get to our Sunset spot.

It’s a pleasant 2 km (1.2 mi) walk through a serene forest along the river. The elevation gain is just 30m.

The views of the different streams of water leading towards Ftiz Roy are simply stunning.

Ah! And if you brought your drone... take it out, it’s time to fly it.

The aerial shots from this spot will truly surprise you.

The sun will set behind the mountains, north of Fitz Roy, around 7:13 pm. So get ready for the sunburst and to capture the last light on the foreground.

Golden hour begins at 7:10 pm, Sunset is at 7:52 pm, golden hour ends at 8:11 pm and blue hour ends at 8:23 pm.

9:30 pm

Late dinner at a local restaurant.

11:00 pm

Bed time!

Photographic Pills:

  • Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour with Fitz Roy at Río de las Vueltas.
  • Sunset, golden hour and blue hour with Fitz Roy.

Day 4. Wednesday, March 26th - The Hidden Waterfall

4:00 am

We start hiking in the dark through a Red Forest towards a beautiful waterfall hidden by the foot of Fitz Roy. If we’re lucky with the clouds, the morning Sun will paint the majestic peak in gold.

It’s a beautiful 5.4 km (3.3 mi) hike to the waterfall, with an elevation gain of 400 m (1312 ft). It’ll take us 1 h 30 min to get there.

This is the only true hike of the adventure. I’d not say it’s a difficult one, but I understand if you prefer to save strengths and stay in to enjoy a bit more sleep.

This is just Day 4!

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6:15 am

Everybody is ready for action. At the right shooting spot. At the right time. The Sun is going up behind our backs, painting the majestic Fitz Roy.

Water goes down the waterfall as we shoot long exposures to show its movement. Fitz Roy stands like a giant at the back, staring at us.

The area is vast and full of opportunities. We will spend several hours exploring this beautiful area, capturing photos from a few different spots.

Blue hour begins at 7:31 am, golden hour begins at 7:44 am, Sunrise is at 8:03 am and golden hour ends at 8:45 am.

9:00 am

Breakfast in the field before descending back to El Chaltén.

9:45 am

Hiking down is much easier and faster. And now, we’re enjoying the reds, oranges and yellows of the trees. What a show!

11:15 am

Down time at the hotel.

12:45 pm

You’re free to choose the option you wish for lunch.

Maybe you prefer to have lunch at a local restaurant in El Chaltén.

Or maybe you’d like to have homemade “empanadas”.

The options here are multiple.

2:00 pm

Siesta! (Nap time!)

5:15 pm

The idea is this evening shot is to photograph El Chalten, as a human made element, along with Fitz Roy back lit by the setting sun... till the blue hour.

The hike is mostly flat until the final stretch, where we will ascend around 80 m (262 ft) in 1 km (0.62 mi).

We will photograph the Sunset here and stay to capture the blue hour as the town lights up.

Golden hour begins at 7:07 pm, Sunset is at 7:50 pm, golden hour ends at 8:09 pm and blue hour ends at 8:21 pm.

9:00 pm

Late dinner at a local restaurant.

11:00 pm

How was it? Not that tough, right?

Sometimes you need to suffer a bit to get that legendary shot :)

Time to bed! Rest well!

Photographic Pills:

  • Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour with a waterfall and Fitz Roy.
  • Sunset, golden hour and blue hour with El Chalten and Fitz Roy.

Day 5. Thursday, March 27th - The Secret

I’ve been giving you lots of details of this amazing No-Camping Expedition to Patagonia (Chile & Argentina).

Maybe far too many...

But on March 27th we’ll do something very special...

What will that be?

Well, you'll have to be there, with us, to figure it out :P

Day 6. Friday, March 28th - Torres del Paine

6:00 am

Early breakfast and check-out...

The day is marked with a sense of fresh beginnings...

We’re going to Chile!

To Torres del Paine National Park.

7:00 am

It’s our last morning in El Chalten, and we won’t miss Sunrise.

Today’s shot is different...

We know a spot, a very special spot.

So on our way out of El Chalten, we’ll stop to photograph light-trails leading towards Fitz Roy.

It’s time to shoot a few long exposures as vehicles pass by (I hope a few do)... and the Sun illuminates the peaks with the first morning light.

Blue hour begins at 7:34 am, golden hour begins at 7:46 am, Sunrise is at 8:06 am and golden hour ends at 8:48 am.

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10:10 am

The road ahead stretched for several hours, punctuated by the beauty of the Patagonian plains, with the bus cutting through the landscape towards the Chilean border.

We’ll make a quick stop in La Leona for Coffee, snacks and toilet.

12:45 am

A much-needed break at Estancia Esperanza allows us to stretch our legs, have a quick lunch, and take in the surroundings of this beautiful area.

1:15 pm

The journey resumes, our sights set firmly on the Chilean border crossing at Cancha Carrera.

3:30 pm

A new chapter begins as we enter Chile at Cerro Castillo, marking our official arrival in Torres del Paine territory.

5:55 pm

Check in at the beautiful Río Serrano Hotel + Spa.

Apart from the views of the peaks, we’ll also enjoy the Patagonian’s gastronomy of its kitchen.

We’ll stay here for 3 nights.

7:00 pm

Tha plan for Sunset is exciting...

Because the landscape and the beautiful peaks are not the only thing we’ll photograph...

What about including horses and gauchos in the shot?

Wouldn’t that be amazing?

Well...

That's exactly the Plan.

To photograph horses and gauchos with Cerro Paine Grande (2884 m, 9461 ft) and Los Cuernos (2450 m, 8038 ft) in the background as the Sun sets.

The Sun is setting in the west, casting on the peaks, from the side, its beautiful golden light.

Golden hour begins at 7:01 pm, Sunset is at 7:45 pm, golden hour ends at 8:05 pm and blue hour ends at 8:17 pm.

9:00 pm

Dinner at the hotel.

11:00 pm

Time to go to bed!

I hope tomorrow we see and photograph guanacos!

Photographic Pills:

  • Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour from a viewpoint near el Chalten (Car trails).
  • Sunset, golden hour and blue hour with horses, gauchos, Cerro Paine Grande and Los Cuernos.

Day 7. Saturday, March 29th - Twisted Trees & Guanacos

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4:00 am

Get ready for our first Milky Way shot!

And it’s not far away..

It takes just a few minutes walk from the hotel to find a few enigmatic twisted trees that line up with the core of the Milky May.

Does it remind you of the Fanal Forest in Madeira? I just love that place!

Galactic Center visibility ends at 6:17 am. The Moon (0%) is under the horizon.

6:00 am

Breakfast to go.

Another Sunrise awaits!

7:00 am

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When we arrive at Salto Grande parking, we will hike (2 km, 1.2 mi) to a small bay along the trail. The elevation gain is 41 m (134 ft).

Mirador Los Cuernos is the closest to Los Cuernos we have been so far.

After sunrise, we can keep walking for another 15 minutes till the end of the trail. There,
We’ll find tons of dead trees and often also Guanacos enjoying the view.

To make it even better we have a great view of Lake Nordenskjold from above... Spotting pumas is also possible in this area!

That would be the cherry on the cake.

Warning: Stay together!

Remember that you are in the area with the highest density of pumas in the world.

Blue hour begins at 7:36 am, golden hour begins at 7:49 am, Sunrise is at 8:08 am and golden hour ends at 8:53 am.

12:00 pm

Lunch at the hotel and down time!

3:00 pm

Post processing class with Ramiro and Felix.

5:00 pm

For sunset, we will head to a small island on Lake Pehoe, offering multiple stunning locations.

Depending on the conditions, we might witness big waves crashing against the shore, reminiscent of the ocean...

Or the lake might be perfectly still, reflecting the surrounding beauty like a mirror.

The ever-changing conditions, along with the turquoise waters and towering peaks in the background, make this spot a true gem for photography.

Golden hour begins at 6:59 pm, Sunset is at 7:43 pm, golden hour ends at 8:03 pm and blue hour ends at 8:15 pm.

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9:00 pm

Dinner at the hotel.

11:00 pm

Another fantastic day comes to an end...

Sweet dreams!

Photographic Pills:

  • Milky Way with twisted trees.
  • Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour from Mirador los Cuernos.
  • Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Lake Pehoe.

Day 8. Sunday, March 30th - Reflections

4:00 am

If we did not get to the Milky Way on Day 7 due to cloud cover, we’ll walk to the twisted trees next to the hotel to photograph our Galaxy standing straight behind the trees.

6:30 am

After a short and comfortable drive, the vastness of Lake Pehoe unveils before us.

Nestled within it is a bay, almost deceptively appearing as a separate lake, sheltered from the wind and potentially offering tranquil reflections.

As blue and golden hours drape the landscape in ethereal light, our cameras hum with activity.

Additionally, there are beautiful trees and a wooden path that you can use as leading lines towards the towers.

If the sky is clear looking east, we might wait until 9:13 am for the Sun to peak above the mountains and illuminate our foreground.

Blue hour begins at 7:38 am, golden hour begins at 7:50 am, Sunrise is at 8:10 am and golden hour ends at 8:54 am.

9:50 am

Breakfast at the hotel and down time.

11:50 am

Post processing class with Ramiro and Felix.

1:10 pm

Lunch break.

2:10 pm

Second Post processing class of the day with Ramiro and Felix.

3:40 pm

After a super detailed post processing session... Why not relaxing a bit our bones in the Spa?

6:30 pm

We will revisit lake Pehoe for sunset but from a different area.

We will get in early so that you will have plenty of time to walk around, explore the whole area and plan your shots with PhotoPills!

Bue before you do so, as always, Felix and Ramiro will give you a briefing and show you all the different spots!

This spot is a popular one for reflection shots and on calm days it is possible to get a great reflection not far from the parking lot.

There are also some nice trees all around the lake and a small tree that became really popular over the years (not so easy to find).

Along the shore you can often find some logs of dead trees brought on the shore by the strong wind...

They make an amazing foreground!

Higher up on the little hill, you will have a vantage point and a better separation of the islands in the lake. And there are some interesting rocks and plants you can use in the foreground too.

Lots of elements to play with... Be creative!

Golden hour begins at 6:56 pm, Sunset is at 7:41 pm, golden hour ends at 8:01 pm and blue hour ends at 8:13 pm.

9:00 pm

Dinner at the hotel.

11:00 pm

Bed time!

Photographic Pills:

  • Milky Way with twisted trees.
  • Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Lake Pehoe (spot 1).
  • Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Lake Pehoe (spot 2).

Day 9. Monday, March 31st - The Towers

4:00 am

This is our third attempt to photograph the Milky Way with the twisted trees next to our hotel.

Plan & Pray!

7:00 am

Here we go again... chasing light!

Felix and Ramiro will decide the shooting spot based on the weather conditions.

The options are multiple.

And as the Golden hour light begins to fall on Los Cuernos, we’re ready, at the right shooting spot.

Blue hour begins at 7:39 am, golden hour begins at 7:52 am, Sunrise is at 8:12 am and golden hour ends at 8:56 am.

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9:00 am

Breakfast at the hotel and down time.

11:00 am

Check-out.

The hotel where we’re going to spend the next 3 nights is a true luxury.

And Pumas are the reason we’ve chosen this place.

12:00 pm

Quick stop at Mirador Lago Nordenskjold to photograph the views. And why not, if we’re super lucky, maybe our first pumas.

1:30 pm

Lunch at Las Torres Lodge inside the natural reserve of Las Torres.

2:30 pm

Check-in at Las Torres Lodge.

You’re going to love this place :)

Our lodge enjoys a privileged position inside the reserve.

It’s the perfect base camp to make the most of our stay here.

And we’re here for the Pumas!

5:00 pm

Class on how to photograph Pumas with Ramiro and Felix.

This is an important class. Don’t miss it!

We’ll be photographing pumas in the upcoming days.

6:20 pm

Laguna Amarga is today’s Sunset location.

  • The goal is to photograph the Laguna with the iconic view over Las Torres.
  • Torre Sur (2501 m, 8205 ft),
  • Torre Central (2460 m, 8071 ft)
  • Torre Norte (2260 m, 7415 ft)

If there is no wind, the reflections here are stunning.

We will get there around 30 min before the Sun sets behind Las Torres.

This will occur at 6:58 pm, giving us a great opportunity to capture a sunburst.

Golden hour begins at 6:53 pm, Sunset is at 7:37 pm, golden hour ends at 7:57 pm and blue hour ends at 8:10 pm.

9:00 pm

Delicious dinner at the hotel.

11:00 pm

Bed time!

Tomorrow we go in search of the Pumas!

Photographic Pills:

  • Milky Way with twisted trees.
  • Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Lake Pehoe
  • Midday at Mirador Lago Nordenskjold.
  • Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Laguna Amarga..

Day 10 & 11. Tuesday & Wednesday, April 1st & 2nd - The Puma Quest

7:00 am

Today and tomorrow we will be photographing Pumas!

We start the day by going to Laguna Amarga viewpoint, where a team of experienced Puma trackers will greet us warmly and provide a brief overview of the day’s exciting itinerary.

Can’t wait!

We will spend the day in various prime locations with increased chances of spotting pumas, along with other fascinating wildlife such as gray foxes, skunks, rheas, and guanacos.

But...

Imagine standing amidst the rugged beauty of Torres del Paine National Park, camera in hand, as the first light of dawn casts a golden hue over the iconic jagged peaks. This is not just any photography expedition—this is your chance to capture one of the most elusive and majestic creatures in the wild: the puma.

Torres del Paine boasts one of the highest densities of pumas in the world, making it a premier destination for wildlife photographers.

The diverse landscapes of the park, from open steppes to dense forests, provide the perfect backdrop for capturing these magnificent big cats in their natural habitat.

Picture a puma gracefully navigating the terrain, with the stunning Torres del Paine mountains or serene lakes enhancing your shot, creating a scene that is both dramatic and captivating.

Our expert local guides, well-versed in the behavior and territories of pumas, will lead you on this unforgettable journey.

They will take us to the best spots during the pumas' peak activity times at dawn and dusk, offering the perfect natural lighting conditions to bring out the beauty of our subjects.

Whether you're photographing a solitary puma stalking a guanaco or witnessing the tender moments between a mother and her cubs, each click of your camera will capture a unique and intimate glimpse into the life of these incredible animals.

We are committed to ethical wildlife photography, ensuring that our presence is respectful of the pumas' natural behaviors and habitats. Our carefully planned expeditions prioritize the well-being of the animals while maximizing your opportunities to capture awe-inspiring moments.

This is more than just a photography trip—it's an adventure into one of the most beautiful and untouched corners of the world.

As we track these majestic predators, you'll not only test your photography skills but also immerse yourself in the raw, untamed beauty of Patagonia.

We’ll create images that tell the powerful story of the pumas and the breathtaking landscape they call home.

7:30 pm

After a long day in search of our new friends, the pumas, we’ll enjoy a well deserved dinner at our lodge.

11:00 pm

Bed time!

On Day 11 we’ll go out again... in search of pumas.

Photographic Pills:

  • Two full days of wildlife photography... photographing pumas.

Day 12. Thursday, April 3rd - The Waterfall

7:30 am

Our last morning in Torres del Paine National Park will be at Cascada River Paine, a waterfall on the eastern side of the park. This spot is perfect in the morning with the morning glow on Las Torres.

So...

Envision yourself at the edge of a breathtaking waterfall, the thunderous sound of cascading water filling the air as mist rises to create a magical atmosphere.

This is Cascada Río Paine, a hidden gem in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, waiting to be captured through your lens.

Cascada Río Paine is not just a waterfall; it's a dynamic display of nature's raw power and serene beauty.

The river, fed by the melting glaciers of the park, rushes down to create this stunning cascade, framed by the dramatic Andean landscape.

The turquoise waters, enriched by glacial sediments, contrast vividly against the rugged terrain, offering a perfect composition for landscape photography.

As you set up your camera, you'll find countless angles and perspectives to explore. Whether you're drawn to the close-up details of the rushing water, the wide expanse of the river's flow, or the surrounding flora, each shot at Cascada Río Paine tells a unique story.

Also...

The surrounding cliffs and lush greenery add layers to your images, providing a rich context and a sense of place.

The cascade offers an excellent opportunity to experiment with different shutter speeds, capturing the silky smooth flow of water or freezing the droplets in mid-air, each technique revealing a different aspect of this natural wonder.

The light in Torres del Paine changes dramatically throughout the day, transforming the scene before your eyes. Early morning and late afternoon light casts a warm glow over the landscape, creating striking contrasts and long shadows that enhance the textures and colors of the scene.

This ever-changing light, combined with the unpredictable Patagonian weather, means that no two moments at Cascada Río Paine are the same, offering endless possibilities for creativity.

Beyond the technical aspects of photography, a visit to Cascada Río Paine is a journey into the heart of nature. The tranquility of the surroundings, the sound of the water, and the fresh mountain air create a meditative experience, allowing you to connect deeply with the environment.

Enjoy!

Blue hour begins at 7:42 am, golden hour begins at 7:55 am, Sunrise is at 8:15 am and golden hour ends at 8:59 am.

9:00 am

Breakfast and check-out.

Our journey back to El Calafate begins...

12:00 pm

As we cross the border into Argentina, our hearts are filled with happiness and sadness.

Happiness for all the memories we’ve collected in this endless adventure in Patagonia.

Sadness because nothing lasts forever. And this expedition is not an exception.

2:00 pm

We’re in Argentina.

Lunch in La Esperanza.

4:40 pm

Check-in at our fabulous Esplendor hotel in El Calafate. Where it all began almost 2 weeks ago.

6:00 pm

Photo review with Ramiro and Felix.

It’s time to get some constructive feedback on the images you’ve captured in Patagonia.

Never stop learning!

7:40 pm

Our last dinner in Argentina begins.

For the occasion, we’ve chosen our favorite restaurant in town :)

It smells and tastes like Patagonia.

11:00 pm

Bed time!

Sleep well my friends.

Tomorrow we’re going home.

Photographic Pills:

  • Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Cascada River Paine.

Day 13. Friday, April 4th - The Farewell

8:00 am

As dawn breaks over El Calafate, we gather for one last meal together.

The breakfast area is filled with a mix of emotions - joy from the memories created, sadness at the impending goodbyes, and the calm contentment of a journey well-lived.

The breakfast table becomes a space for exchanging contact details, sharing last-minute photos, and recounting the most cherished memories from the expedition.

10:00 am

Now that the expedition has ended... you’re free to stay in Patagonia (it’s a good idea) or to go to the airport... home awaits!

2:00 pm

As planes take to the sky, leaving behind the breathtaking vistas of Patagonia that spans both Argentina and Chile, every one of us carries not just photos but life-changing experiences.

The jagged peaks of Los Cuernos, the serene beauty of Lake Nordenskjold, the majestic pumas, the omnipresent Fitz Roy, the hidden Cerro Torre... and the winds that whispered tales of ancient times - all have left an indelible mark on our souls.

This was not just another trip. It was an immersion, a deep dive into the heart of Patagonia, enriched by every sunrise chased and every sunset that painted the sky. The shared challenges, the collective awe at nature’s wonders, and the camaraderie formed have created bonds that go beyond this expedition.

In the words of an old traveler's saying, "You will never be completely at home again because part of your heart will always be elsewhere." For many, a part of our hearts will forever belong to Patagonia.

To every PhotoPillers: May the winds of Patagonia forever echo in your heart, reminding you of this magical journey. Until we meet again, keep chasing the light and capturing the wonders of our beautiful world.

Safe travels and adiós, dear friends.

Book Now and Save €500 (Only 2 Spots Left)

To book your spot to join the No-Camping Expedition to Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) at a reduced price of €9,500 (the official price is €10,000), a €2,000 deposit is required by Sunday August 18th.

Payment in full is required by November 24th 2024.

Please, finalize your booking as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.

BOOK NOW

What’s included in the price
  • PhotoPills Welcome pack.
  • An 13-day expedition photographing Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) with the fall colors, the golden light, the Milky Way and the Pumas.
  • 13 days of learning, fun and adventure with Ramiro Torrents, Felix Inden (PhotoPills Masters) and the funniest geek community – the PhotoPillers.
  • Full immersion in the PhotoPills method (Imagine.Plan.Shoot.!).
  • 2 nights at Esplendor by Windham El Calafate (Bed and Breakfast)
  • 4 nights at Chalten Suites Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)
  • 3 nights at Hotel Rio Serrano (Bed and Breakfast)
  • 3 nights at: Hotel Las Torres (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)
  • All rooms are sharing with another PhotoPiller (Single room supplement of €2400 upon request and availability)
  • All activities on the Secret day.
  • 2 full days of Puma tracking.
  • National Park entry fees and special accesses.
  • Ground transportation during the expedition.
What’s not included
  • Flights to El Calafate, Argentina.
  • Airport transfers.
  • Medical and travel insurance coverage (strongly recommended).
  • Lunch & dinner not mentioned in the “Included section”.
  • Snacks, alcohol and beverages.
  • Visa.
  • Tips.
  • Anything not mentioned in the “included” list.

Do you want an example of how huge this will be?

This is a glimpse of what happened in the PhotoPills Expedition to Iceland... But we had so many adventures and it was so much fun... We can’t wait for Patagonia (Chile and Argentina)!

But you don’t have to take our word for granted. Here’s what some PhotoPillers say about the PhotoPills adventures:

“I went to Iceland expecting to have the opportunity to photograph the marvelous landscape and master nightscapes. What I encountered was so much more – 14 kindred souls from across the globe who share a passion for photography. Together we expanded our creative boundaries, learned from one another and had an insane amount of fun in the process. I am confident that everyone came away from the experience a better photographer.”

“From the very moment the guys from PhotoPills announced the expedition to Iceland... I didn’t think it twice! I was using PhotoPills but not at its full capacity, so I had no better chance to learn from the creators of this amazing app. The experience was even more amazing than anything I could have imagined. In Iceland, I discovered a bunch of folks as crazy about photography as I am. I had a blast!

Photography is a continuous learning process, you always find something new that motivates you to improve. And this adventure made me improve more than I could imagine.”

"The PhotoPills guys know how to create a fantastic experience. They bring an infectiously fun energy and are always willing to drop some handy photography knowledge on you that you will take with you. You take their trip and you'll for sure have a good time, get some amazing pics and leave a better photographer."

“During my experience in Iceland I lived wonderful moments and had surprises that were beyond the expected. It completely exceeded my initial expectations! Sharing knowledge, experiences and ways of working and living photography with such a great group has been one of the most enriching life experiences I have ever had.

Who he said that learning and knowledge sharing can not be wonderfully fun?”

“I can't say enough about what a fantastic time I had during the PhotoPills Iceland photo tour! The guys from PhotoPills and Donal Boyd were so knowledgeable, accommodating, and especially lots of fun. Never a dull moment – nonstop action and shooting of amazing landscapes for 10 days. I came away with enough images and memories to last a lifetime!”

FAQs

What’s the temperature in Patagonia in April?

Weather in fall can be cold (-5ºC to 15ºC, 23ºF to 59ºF), rainy and cloudy. So bring the proper waterproof gear (including jacket, pants, boots), Gore-Tex is recommended.

What clothes and gear should I bring?

We recommend you to have warm base layers, fleeces and down jackets as well as the appropriate water resistant clothes and shoes during the whole trip.

Also, we’ll provide each participant with a detailed kit list (clothes and gear) before the beginning of the Expedition.

Is travel insurance included in the price of the expedition?

No. Participants are suggested to purchase national or international medical and travel insurance coverage.

Also, we recommend you to choose a travel insurance that:

  • Covers trip cancellation costs.
  • Covers Covid-19 health, travel and cancellation costs.

What is the cancellation policy?

We hope you don’t need to cancel your spot, but if a situation arises where you don’t have a choice, our cancellation policy is the following.

If you cancel and the expedition is otherwise filled, we'll refund you the full booking fee you have paid, minus a €300 administrative fee.

If you cancel and the expedition doesn’t fill, then you’ll be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the expedition:

  • 91 days or more before the expedition: 100% refund, minus the deposit payment and the non-refundable costs that are withheld by our travel partners.
  • 90 days or less before the expedition: No refunds will be given.

Refunds will be paid using the same original method of payment.

Credits: All images by Marco Grassi and Felix Inden.

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