W Trail Day 2: Patagonia's Magic and a Puma Encounter.
Patagonia has always held a special place in my heart. The vast landscapes, imposing mountains, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife leave me breathless. It was in this magical region that I experienced one of the most thrilling moments of my life: a face-to-face encounter with a puma.
On the second day of the W Circuit trek, I was hiking solo from Central Mountain Hostel towards Francés Mountain Hostel (a roughly 17 km/10.5-mile, 6-hour trek) when I spotted a figure in the bushes. My heart raced – could it be a Lesser Rhea ( flic.kr/p/2mw23tV ), the ostrich-like bird I'd been hoping to see?
Cautiously, I started taking pictures. To my surprise and delight, the creature emerged from hiding. But it wasn't a Rhea – it was a puma!
I never imagined seeing a puma so close. Its beauty and imposing presence left me speechless for a moment. I watched it, mesmerized by its reddish-gray coat and piercing eyes.
Torres del Paine National Park is estimated to have a puma population between 50 and 100. These magnificent animals are the second-largest cats in the Americas, after jaguars, though considered "small" globally. While Patagonian pumas are Chile's largest feline, males typically weigh between 150 and 220 pounds (68-100 kg), while females weigh over 100 pounds (49 kg). Their length can range from 5 to 9 feet (1.5-2.7 meters) from head to tail. (For reference, I'm 5'8" tall and weigh 140 pounds – 1.73 meters and 63.5 kg).
Fear quickly replaced my awe. I was alone in a wild environment, facing a top predator. What should I do?
Safety leaflets from the park entrance came to mind – make eye contact, stand tall, and don't run. Generally, staying calm is key around wild animals, as they're unlikely to attack unless threatened. Additionally, in a park with abundant food sources like guanacos, rheas, huemuls, Patagonian gray foxes, and culpeo foxes, the pumas likely wouldn't see me as prey.
Carefully, I put my camera away and gripped my trekking poles tightly. If the puma attacked, I'd defend myself with everything I had.
A Happy Ending and Unforgettable Lesson:
Thankfully, the puma showed no interest in me. With the same calmness it displayed upon arrival, it retreated back into the forest.
Trembling with a mix of emotions, I stood there for a few minutes. Adrenaline still coursed through my veins, but overwhelming joy and gratitude filled me. I had just witnessed a spectacular display of nature's power.
This encounter profoundly impacted me. It instilled a deep respect for wildlife and their habitat. It also revealed the awe-inspiring power of nature and the importance of connecting with it.
***
If you have Netflix, check out a documentary called "Our Great National Parks," narrated by Barack Obama. Season 1, episode 2 focuses on Chilean Patagonia. This breathtaking region boasts 24 unique national parks and is quickly becoming one of the most protected areas on Earth.
The series showcases the stunning beauty of the natural world, from the beaches of Africa and the islands of Japan to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Bonus fact: The episode featuring Chilean Patagonia even won Barack Obama an Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator!
W Trail Day 2: Patagonia's Magic and a Puma Encounter.
Patagonia has always held a special place in my heart. The vast landscapes, imposing mountains, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife leave me breathless. It was in this magical region that I experienced one of the most thrilling moments of my life: a face-to-face encounter with a puma.
On the second day of the W Circuit trek, I was hiking solo from Central Mountain Hostel towards Francés Mountain Hostel (a roughly 17 km/10.5-mile, 6-hour trek) when I spotted a figure in the bushes. My heart raced – could it be a Lesser Rhea ( flic.kr/p/2mw23tV ), the ostrich-like bird I'd been hoping to see?
Cautiously, I started taking pictures. To my surprise and delight, the creature emerged from hiding. But it wasn't a Rhea – it was a puma!
I never imagined seeing a puma so close. Its beauty and imposing presence left me speechless for a moment. I watched it, mesmerized by its reddish-gray coat and piercing eyes.
Torres del Paine National Park is estimated to have a puma population between 50 and 100. These magnificent animals are the second-largest cats in the Americas, after jaguars, though considered "small" globally. While Patagonian pumas are Chile's largest feline, males typically weigh between 150 and 220 pounds (68-100 kg), while females weigh over 100 pounds (49 kg). Their length can range from 5 to 9 feet (1.5-2.7 meters) from head to tail. (For reference, I'm 5'8" tall and weigh 140 pounds – 1.73 meters and 63.5 kg).
Fear quickly replaced my awe. I was alone in a wild environment, facing a top predator. What should I do?
Safety leaflets from the park entrance came to mind – make eye contact, stand tall, and don't run. Generally, staying calm is key around wild animals, as they're unlikely to attack unless threatened. Additionally, in a park with abundant food sources like guanacos, rheas, huemuls, Patagonian gray foxes, and culpeo foxes, the pumas likely wouldn't see me as prey.
Carefully, I put my camera away and gripped my trekking poles tightly. If the puma attacked, I'd defend myself with everything I had.
A Happy Ending and Unforgettable Lesson:
Thankfully, the puma showed no interest in me. With the same calmness it displayed upon arrival, it retreated back into the forest.
Trembling with a mix of emotions, I stood there for a few minutes. Adrenaline still coursed through my veins, but overwhelming joy and gratitude filled me. I had just witnessed a spectacular display of nature's power.
This encounter profoundly impacted me. It instilled a deep respect for wildlife and their habitat. It also revealed the awe-inspiring power of nature and the importance of connecting with it.
***
If you have Netflix, check out a documentary called "Our Great National Parks," narrated by Barack Obama. Season 1, episode 2 focuses on Chilean Patagonia. This breathtaking region boasts 24 unique national parks and is quickly becoming one of the most protected areas on Earth.
The series showcases the stunning beauty of the natural world, from the beaches of Africa and the islands of Japan to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Bonus fact: The episode featuring Chilean Patagonia even won Barack Obama an Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator!