Following the Tracks of Wild Patagonia

Fabián Briones is a passionate Puma Tracker and wildlife photographer. His home and specialized terrain is Torres del Paine. Today, we invite you to delve into his world. You will learn about his expertise and what he offers through Chile Adventure Guides. He will guide you to unforgettable encounters with Patagonian wildlife.

 The Call of Patagonia: A Connection with Wildlife

Q: Fabián, how did your deep connection with Patagonian wildlife, especially with pumas in Torres del Paine, begin?

“If we go way back, I believe my interest sparked when I lived with my grandfather in the countryside for a while. I was about 7 years old, and he taught me to recognize certain birds, their songs, and their differences. Later, as an adult, picking up a camera pushes you to keep learning. Sometimes you take a photo of a bird, and you don’t even know what it is, but you want to learn everything about it.

Pumas are a different story. Upon arriving in Patagonia, you start hearing about pumas, about certain names, about the conflict with livestock. I only saw my first puma about three months after arriving in Patagonia. It was a puma they called ‘Blinka’ because she only had one eye. They told me about her resilience, and I was fascinated. That was my start with these wild cats.”

Q: Do you remember a specific wildlife encounter that particularly marked you or inspired you to dedicate yourself to wildlife photography and tracking?

“An encounter with a puma named ‘Petaca’ from a few years ago always comes to mind. I wasn’t guiding puma tours yet; I just went out to take photos and found her with a dead guanaco. She didn’t mind my presence and continued eating with her cubs. Then, another puma arrived, and ‘Petaca’ wouldn’t let her eat from her kill. But when three cubs from this ‘invading’ puma came down, ‘Petaca’ shared her food without any problem, though not with the mother. It was as if she understood the importance of that new generation. Something I had only ever seen in documentaries unfolded right before my eyes. It was a very intimate encounter. Afterwards, an incredible rush of adrenaline overwhelmed me on the way back.”

The Art of Observation: Guiding in Torres del Paine’s Wilderness

 

Q: Guiding in the Torres del Paine ecosystem is unique. What makes each puma tracking or wildlife photography expedition special for you and your clients?

“No two days are ever the same. We head out in the morning not knowing what to expect. We might have some idea based on the previous day, but there are always surprises.”

Q: As an expert in Puma Tracking and a wildlife photographer, what fundamental tips or techniques do you share so your clients can achieve exceptional and respectful captures of wildlife?

“I always emphasize the importance of patience. Pumas and nature, in general, are stealthy and unhurried. If we go out too eagerly, we might overlook signals that could guide us to what we are looking for. For example, driving or walking fast could make us miss a puma with its cubs resting in the vegetation, or a bird attempting to hunt. Even if you find what you’re looking for, give it time and space to avoid interrupting its natural behavior.”

Q: Beyond the perfect shot, what does it mean for you to build an authentic connection with wild nature and with the people you guide?

“Sometimes, we don’t capture that perfect ‘magazine cover’ photo in a day. However, if we manage to listen to and ‘read’ nature, it’s all worth it. Listening to the birds, understanding their behaviors, and sensing the wind’s direction and force—these are all clues nature gives us to tell a story. If we understand the story, the photo almost doesn’t matter as much.”

Professionalism and Ethics: The Foundation of Wildlife Interaction

 

Q: Safety and ethics are essential at Chile Adventure Guides, especially with wildlife. What certifications and experience back you to guide confidently in this field?

“As a guide, the most basic requirement is having your wilderness first aid certificate (WFR – Wilderness First Responder). Of course, I also have my Sernatur registration and the Torres del Paine guide credential. I studied pedagogy, so I have my diploma in education. I’ve also completed summer and winter mountaineering courses, and a wildlife conservation course.

In Chile, there isn’t a specific wildlife guiding career like in countries with safaris or jungles. Therefore, a large part of learning about wildlife and tracking comes from practical experience.”

Q: Wildlife behavior is unpredictable. How do you prepare to ensure a safe and successful experience for both your clients and the animals on each expedition?

“Before each outing, we have a talk about our wildlife observation protocols. These include silence, wearing non-bright clothing, and avoiding abrupt movements. Our first-aid kit is very complete and always ready for accidents. I always stay with my group, fully attentive to the animal’s behavior. Every animal has two ways of reacting when feeling threatened: they either attack or flee. They always send signals beforehand, so both reactions are entirely avoidable. Fortunately, in 30 years, there has never been a wildlife attack related to tourism in this region.”

Q: How do you promote sustainability and the ‘No Disturbing’ principle towards wildlife and the natural environment on your tours?

“I believe silence is fundamental. Whenever possible, we keep the vehicle engine off and maintain silence. If the animal is paying too much attention to us, it means we are doing something wrong. We also avoid sudden approaches. Instead, we try to intuit and read the animal’s path to position ourselves. This way, we become part of its field of vision without causing disturbance. Even with birds, we never use bait or audio calls. It’s simply not worth it.”

Your Encounter with Nature: Explore with Fabián and Chile Adventure Guides

 

Q: What type of unique experiences do you offer travelers through Chile Adventure Guides, and for whom are they designed?

“Wildlife sightings shouldn’t be exclusive to photographers. They are for everyone who seeks to know and learn from nature. Learning about animals isn’t just seeing them; it’s understanding the importance of vegetation, water, and every living being in that ecosystem—including ourselves. Of course, a camera with a large lens will help you capture the moment, but it’s not essential. The important thing is to experience and connect. Nevertheless, we have different options:

  • Specialized Puma Tracking in Torres del Paine: For those specifically seeking to spot this elusive feline.
  • Wildlife Photography Tours in Patagonia: Designed for amateur and professional photographers who want to explore the variety of Patagonian fauna, from birds to mammals.
  • Tailor-made Wildlife Observation Expeditions: Focused on diverse Patagonian species, depending on which you are looking for.”

Q: Finally, what message would you give to a traveler dreaming of encountering Patagonian wildlife or a photographer seeking the perfect shot in the wild?

“Take your time. Drive slowly, wait in one spot. Try to understand what’s going through the animals’ minds to grasp the big picture. And above all, seek a good guide. Not just to increase your chances of finding wildlife, but to gain another perspective you might otherwise overlook.”

Your Wild Adventure Awaits

Fabián’s passion, ethics, and deep knowledge of Patagonian wildlife are the essence of every tour. He will guide you to unforgettable and respectful encounters.

Explore Fabián’s profile on Chile Adventure Guides and book your next Puma Tracking or wildlife photography adventure in Torres del Paine today!

Discover more certified guide offerings on our platform and subscribe to our newsletter for news and exclusive workshops.