Viral social media videos capturing pumas strolling past tourists on photo safaris, walking with cubs near parked cars, or darting behind guanacos have spotlighted the growing interaction between visitors and these big cats in Patagonia’s national parks, particularly Torres del Paine. While these moments thrill tourists, the surge in sightings has raised safety concerns, prompting new measures to manage risks.

 

In Torres del Paine, a shift in local cattle ranches from viewing pumas as threats to tourism assets has boosted visitor numbers but also made pumas more accustomed to humans. Global data indicates nearly half of carnivore-related incidents are preventable through better practices. To address this, the Municipality of Torres del Paine, alongside Panthera, The Nature Conservancy, Torres del Paine Legacy Fund, and Sernatur Magallanes, launched a protocol in August 2025 for safe puma sightings within the Biosphere Reserve. “We want puma watching to be safe, responsible, and beneficial for communities, visitors, and the species,” said Torres del Paine Mayor Anahí Cárdenas.

 

Developed with input from over 150 stakeholders, the protocol mandates registration for adventure tourism providers, safety briefings, informed consent forms, and guidelines like maintaining a 50-meter distance from pumas (100 meters if moving) and wearing appropriate clothing. 

 

On September 3-4, 2025, a seminar in Puerto Natales, hosted by Rewilding Chile Foundation, CONAF Magallanes, and the local municipality, brought together experts from South Africa, the U.S., and Brazil to discuss sustainable wildlife tourism. “Coexistence with large carnivores is possible with clear rules,” said U.S. biologist Jim Williams. South African expert Les Carlisle added, “Wildlife tourism can aid conservation but must be managed responsibly.” Brazilian researcher Fernando Tortato emphasized integrating science and local participation, drawing from jaguar conservation in the Pantanal.

 

A Rewilding Chile Foundation study using camera traps in Patagonia National Park revealed pumas are most active at dusk, overlapping with tourist activity during twilight hours. This overlap underscores the need for protocols to prevent conflicts and ensure safety.

 

The seminar highlighted pumas’ role as apex predators vital to ecosystem health and the risks of mismanagement, which could lead to animal losses. “A conflict damages a park’s reputation and costs an animal’s life,” Carlisle warned. The event fostered collaboration among scientists, tour operators, and authorities to refine strategies for safe, sustainable puma tourism in Patagonia.