Patagonia Fall Colors 2027
Remote. Wild. Spectacular. • April 15–24, 2027with Optional Puma Tracking Extension April 24–27Few places on the planet deserve a spot near the top of a photographer’s bucket list more than South America’s Patagonia region. Straddling the southern extremes of Argentina and Chile, this is a land of towering peaks, vast plains, enormous glaciers, and unfamiliar wildlife. In short, it’s a photographer’s paradise.
At a Glance
- Starts / Ends
- El Calafate, Argentina/Puerto Natales, Chile
- Dates
- Patagonia Main Tour: April 15–24, 2027
Puma Tracking Extension: April 24–27, 2027 (Optional) - Fitness Level
- Patagonia Main Tour: Easy
Puma Tracking Extension: Medium
- Cost*
- Patagonia Main Tour: $10,500 USD
Puma Tracking Extension: $5,700 USD - Deposit
- $2,500
- Instructors
- Ken Lee
- Max Group Size
- 8
- Included
- Lodging, Breakfasts, Ground Transportation, Local Guides & Photography Instruction
- Not Included
- International Airfare, Meals other than Breakfasts, Travel Insurance (required), Personal Expenses (laundry, alcohol, etc), Gratuities. Anything not specifically listed as included.
*All prices are per person in US Dollars (USD) based on double occupancy. Single lodging available at extra cost. Click any Sign Me Up button for full details.
Experience Highlights
Wild Mountain Landscapes
Experience Patagonia in its most spectacular season – more colors, less crowds and of course, breathtaking landscapes
Torres del Paine (Chile)
Explore and photograph the iconic peaks and beyond-blue waters of this natural treasure!
Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina)
Home to majestic Mt. Fitz Roy, spectacular waterfalls & vibrant fall colors
Wildlife
Guanacos, condors, rhea, flamingo, caracara and Patagonia’s apex predator, the puma. There are never any guarantees with wildlife, but we’re bound to spot many creatures on our journey. We’ll make an extra effort to capture the elusive puma on an optional guided Puma Tracking Extension.
Patagonia in its Prime
April is Autumn below the equator and there’s no better time to visit Patagonia. Vibrant fall foliage adds an extra dimension to already stunning landscapes and fewer visitors emphasizes the remote wildness of the territory.
Southern Wildlife
Both familiar (fox, flamingoes) and unfamiliar (guanaco, rhea, condor) creatures call Patagonia home. Wildlife is abundant, and we will have multiple opportunities to photograph various critters throughout our trip.
Puma Tracking Extension
There’s no better place on the planet to capture portfolio-worthy images of the elusive puma (aka mountain lion), Patagonia’s apex predator. So, for those with a passion for big cat photography, we’ve arranged an optional puma tracking expedition on a private estancia adjacent to the national park.
Elevate Your Skills & Vision
Ken will always be close by to answer questions, provide tips on shooting techniques and offer insights about practical ways to expand your creative vision. Like most pursuits, good coaching and lots of practice are the keys to improving your landscape photography game. You will get plenty of both on this photography-intensive adventure.
Images From Past Trips
Day by Day Itinerary
Patagonia Fall Colors 2027 · April 15 – 24
| Day | Date | Itinerary | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 15 | El Calafate — Welcome to Patagonia! Relax and rest after your long journey until we gather for an introductory meeting followed by our first group dinner in this charming mountain town. Hotel Calafate Parque | – |
| 2 | Apr 16 | El Calafate–Perito Moreno Glacier–El Chaltén — The immense face of Perito Moreno glacier, a river of ice, will have you clicking away. Then we travel in our private van through the Patagonian steppe to the mountain town of El Chaltén on the outskirts of Los Glaciares National Park. We’ll make multiple photo stops along the way for indigenous wildlife like guanaco and breathtaking views of Mt. Fitz Roy as we approach El Chaltén. Chaltén Suites Hotel | B |
| 3–5 | Apr 17–19 | Los Glaciares NP (El Chaltén) — We’ll explore various locations in Los Glaciares National Park for 3 full days. Each day typically begins with a sunrise photo session followed by breakfast at our hotel. After a bit of downtime, we’ll get together for a Lightroom post processing session or discussions on practical ways to develop your Photographer’s Eye before heading back out for our afternoon photo session. We’ll return to our hotel for dinner after sunset. Chaltén Suites Hotel | B |
| 6 | Apr 20 | Los Glaciares NP–Torres del Paine NP — We begin this day with a final sunrise photo session followed by breakfast. Then we board our van for the drive to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. At the border crossing, we’ll meet our Chilean guides and switch vehicles. Torres del Paine Lodge | B |
| 7–9 | Apr 21–23 | Torres del Paine NP — Similar to Los Glaciares, we’ll have 3 full days to explore and photograph Torres del Paine’s magnificent landscapes including the famous Paine towers from multiple locations. Wildlife, including guanacos, rhea, condors and even flamingoes are abundant in the area. Each day begins with a sunrise photo session followed by breakfast at our lodge. The middle of the day is reserved for image review/editing and a bit of down time. We head back out in late afternoon for more photography, returning after sunset. Torres del Paine Lodge | B |
| 10 | Apr 24 | Torres del Paine–Puerto Natales — For those not participating in the Puma Tracking Extension, we sadly say our goodbyes this morning. After breakfast, you will be transported via private van/bus to Puerto Natales airport for your flight home. End of Service. | B |
Optional Puma Tracking Extension · April 24 – 27
| Day | Date | Itinerary | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10–12 | Apr 24–26 | Private Estancia — 3 full days of puma tracking with professional trackers, guides and 4X4 vehicles on a private estancia (ranch) bordering the national park. We return to Hostería El Ovejero in Cerro Castillo each night for dinner & overnight. Hostería El Ovejero | B-L |
| 13 | Apr 27 | Cerro Castillo–Puerto Natales — After breakfast, you will be transported via private van/bus to Puerto Natales airport for your flight home. End of Service. | B |
This itinerary is our general plan but is subject to change without notice due to weather, logistical considerations or other reasons.
Your Instructor
Ken Lee — Ken Lee, the founder Art of Seeing Photography Adventures is as passionate about helping others grow as photographers as he is about creating his own images. Ken’s Whole Brain approach to teaching photography addresses both the Craft (gear, technique, post-processing) and Creative (Composition & the Photographer’s Eye) aspects of image-making – and the completely different approaches needed to master both. Click the links to read more about Ken Lee and The Art of Seeing, what you can expect from an Art of Seeing workshop, or to see examples of Ken’s photography.
Cancellation, Refunds & Travel Insurance
We understand life happens and plans may change. If you need to cancel your reservation, the following applies:
Deposits are not refundable. If you cancel more than 120 days before the workshop start date, your deposit is transferrable to another Art of Seeing workshop for up to 24 months from the date you cancel. If you cancel inside 120 days, your deposit is forfeit.
If we fill your spot*, you receive a refund of all other fees paid, less a $150 processing fee. This applies no matter when you cancel.
If we do not fill your spot, your refund depends on when you cancel:
- More than 120 days before the start date: 100% refund of fees paid, less your deposit and a $150 processing fee. Deposit transferrable for up to 24 months.
- 90 to 120 days before the start date: 50% refund of fees paid, less your deposit and a $150 processing fee. Deposit forfeit.
- Less than 90 days before the start date: No refund. Deposit forfeit.
*Your spot counts as filled only after the workshop reaches full capacity and another participant signs up. Someone who signs up while we still have open spots has not filled your spot.
All cancellations must be made in writing. We pay refunds by the same method you used to pay.
If we cancel or substantially change this workshop before it begins and you cannot accommodate the change, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us, including your deposit. If we change the schedule or itinerary during the workshop for reasons outside our control, such as weather, wildlife, logistics, road conditions, the availability of guides and vehicles or mechanical failure, no refund or compensation is due.
Travel Insurance
A travel insurance policy which covers emergency medical evacuation is a requirement for participation in this workshop, because medical facilities and standards of care where we are going may not meet US standards. Such policies typically also provide other benefits, including coverage for lost luggage or trip cancellations.
Click here to read our complete Terms & Conditions
Alumni Discounts
If you’ve traveled with us before, thank you! You’re the reason our passion is our profession, and we are deeply grateful for this blessing.
To express our appreciation, we’ve launched our Alumni Rewards Program which gives our ‘frequent flyers’ discounts on future Art of Seeing Photography Adventures. Click here for full details
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I book my international flights?
Our adventure begins in El Calafate, Argentina and ends in Puerto Natales, Chile. Book your inbound flight to arrive in El Calafate (FTE) no later than 1pm on April 15, 2027 and your homeward flight to depart from Puerto Natales (PNT) after 4pm on April 24. For those joining the optional Puma Tracking Extension, book your departure for April 27. More information to help plan your travels will be provided to participants after registration.
What if I want to arrive early or stay after the workshop ends?
No problem, just send us your flight details and we will book extra hotel nights on your behalf as necessary (additional cost).
Do I need a visa for Argentina or Chile?
No, a visa is not required for US passport holders to visit either country. If your passport was issued by a country other than the United States, check online or with the Argentine and Chilean embassies or consulates in your country.
What fitness level is required for this trip?
The Patagonia portion is rated Easy with the exception of 1 optional hike in Los Glaciares national park. Some walking up to a half mile on unpaved ground is required. Participants of average fitness should have no problems.
The Puma Tracking Extension is considered Medium. Hiking up to 1 mile or more in hilly terrain with your camera gear may be required depending on the location of the pumas. Carry just what you need for the situation. Extra camera gear can safely be left in our vehicles.
What is the average age of your participants?
Our guests typically range in age from mid 50’s to mid 70’s although we get the occasional spring chicken or spry 80+ year old.
I’m traveling solo. Can you arrange a roommate?
Yes, just select the Shared Lodging option when registering and we will pair you with a same gender roommate. If a roommate is not available, you will get a private room, but the Single Lodging fee will apply.
Can my non-photographer friend/partner attend?
Absolutely, travel partners who may not share your passion for photography are very welcome. Just make sure they can handle being part of a group that wants to do nothing but eat, sleep and talk about photography. Unfortunately, we cannot offer discounts or alternate activities for non-photographer partners.
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