Tour OverviewOn the western side of the South American continent lies one of the last true nature wonderlands on our planet. Chile, with its long but very thin geography, contains incredibly diverse landscapes, boasting everything from moist tropical rainforests to the driest desert on Earth. But that’s not all! There are also volcanoes, fertile valleys, huge glaciers, pacific islands and more.
From a birding perspective, Chile has over 500 species on its list, including 15 endemics and 34 globally threatened species. The country contains 177 IBAs (Important Bird Areas) and 5 EBAs (Endemic Bird Areas). The country is still relatively unexplored in birding terms compared to other South American countries, making a trip here even more special. The friendly people, great food, excellent wine, and a safe, relaxed atmosphere add to the already long list of positive attributes of the country.
This 14-day trip will have you fully immersed in the birdlife and culture of southern and central Chile, visiting a wide range of different and beautiful habitats. From the central valleys and the rich waters of the Humboldt current to the immense lands of the Patagonian steppe, and on to dense temperate rainforests.
Let’s go birding!
Get more info on what to expect: Go to full itinerary
Tour starts in Santiago and ends in Punta Arenas
Tour duration: 14 days / 13 nights
Type of accommodation: Very comfortable
This tour can be booked as a Private, small group tour based on your preferred travel dates
Next Group departure dates: To be confirmed
El Yeso and Maipo valleys-
Exciting altitudinal birding (with top species), stunning Andean scenery and excellent wineries
La Campana National Park-
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with vulnerable Chilean Wine Palm and fantastic endemic birds
Chiloé Island-
Island of myths, legends, UNESCO World Heritage-listed wooden churches, unique food and amazing numbers of seabirds
Alerce Andino National Park-
Water-rich park with old cypress trees and superb rainforest bird species, including spectacular tapaculos
Tierra del Fuego-
The “land of fire”, this dramatic island holds many special species, including King Penguin and Magellanic Plover
Torres del Paine National Park-
Awe-inspiring gem of a park in the heart of Patagonia, with special birds and even Puma
Top Birds:
• Andean Condor
• King Penguin
• Chilean Tinamou
• Slender-billed Parakeet
• Diademed Sandpiper-Plover
• Magellanic Plover
• Moustached Turca
• Chilean Mockingbird
• White-throated and Dusky Tapaculo
• Crag Chilia
Top Mammals:
• Puma
• Andean Fox
• Guiña
• Sperm Whale
• Blue Whale
• Killer Whale (Orca)
• Marine Otter
• Southern Pudu
Optional activities:
None (fully inclusive)
5 day Northern Chile extension (see end of full itinerary for details)
| ITINERARY OVERVIEW |
|---|
| Day 1 | Santiago and the Andean Range |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Central Chile |
| Day 3 | La Campana National Park & coastal wetlands |
| Day 4 | Humboldt current pelagic & Pacific coast |
| Day 5 | Flight to Puerto Montt & ferry crossing to Chiloé Island |
| Day 6 | North of Chiloé & back to mainland |
| Day 7 | Alerce Andino National Park (Endemics of the rainforest) |
| Day 8 | Flight to Punta Arenas and birding around the city |
| Day 9 | Ferry to Tierra del Fuego |
| Day 10 | Return to mainland & steppe of San Gregorio |
| Day 11 | Torres del Paine National Park |
| Day 12 | Torres del Paine & Sierra Baguales |
| Day 13 | Punta Arenas wetlands & Magdalena Island |
| Day 14 | Departure from Punta Arenas |
All our tours can be customised according to your specific requirements.
