North & Altiplano, Central Chile, Lake District & Chiloé Island, South Patagonia, Route of the Parks

of Patagonia

BIRDS OF CHILE. FROM DESERT TO ICE

Duration: 21 days / 20 nights

Interest: Wildlife & Birding

Birds of Chile, from desert to ice, is a unique and the most complete birding adventure through one of the most
spectacular landscapes on earth. Birds will take us from the high Andean plateau at the edge of the dries desert in the
world to the fertile valleys, the sclerophyll forests and the rich Humboldt Current in the central Pacific coast where we
will enjoy one of the most productive pelagic trips of the southern hemisphere.
The dramatic changes in the landscapes get their climax while we advance south, through the last regions of temperate
rainforests, home of the Rhinocriptidae family, surrounded by snow capped volcanoes. The last portion of the trip crosses
the vast immensity of the Patagonian steppe at the southern- most continental point on earth where speciaties of
Patagonia plus the dramatic scenario, will be the best way to finish our list of birds and our Chile adventure. A truly
adventurous birding in remote and pristine lands with a list of birds that easily can reach almost 300 species and that
certainly will become a life-change experience.

Start: Santiago / Ends: Punta Arenas

Activities Birdwatching
National Parks

Ecosystems & Landscapes Atacama Desert & Altiplano

Wetlands
Pacific Coast
Central Valley
Central Andes
Temperate Rainforest
Patagonic Steppe
Sub-Antarctic forests

Wildlife Seaside Cinclodes

Chucao Tapaculo
Magellanic Woodpecker
Andean Condor
 Itinerary:

Day 1: WELCOME TO SANTIAGO AND FLIGHT TO ARICA

Arrive to Santiago (or transfer from Hotel in Santiago) to board your connection flight to Arica, the northernmost city of Chile. Dedicated day to
explore the rocky coast along the Pacific line looking for the first specialties and the endemic Seaside Cinclodes. Box Lunch and dinner
included// Overnight in Arica SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY: Guanay and Red-legged Cormorant, Inca Tern, Willet, Peruvian Booby,
Belcher and Grey Gull, Seaside Cinclodes, Peruvian Thick-knee, Peruvian White-crested Elaenia, Vermilion Flycatcher, Spot-billed Ground-
Tyrant, among others.

Day 2: ARICA SURROUNDINGS: LLUTA RIVER MOUTH, LLUTA VALLEY AND PUTRE

Early birding at the mouth of the river Lluta. This area is well known for the abundance of species of shorebirds and gulls and it is not unusual to
spot some rarities. Later we will explore the valley of this river to look for the critically endangered Chilean woodstar In the afternoon we will
drive in direction to the village of Putre (3.400 mts.) our first approach to high Andean plateau. Breakfast & box Lunch and dinner included//
Overnight in Putre. SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY: Oasis Hummingbird, Peruvian Meadowlark, Slender-billed Finch, Tamarugo Conebill,
Blue and Yellow Tanager, Pied-crested tit-Tyrant, Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant, Peruvian Sheartail, Chiguanco Trush, Andean Swallow among
others.

Day 3: LAUCA NATIONAL PARK

Today is the day of the endemics of the eco-region of the Altiplano or high Andean plateau (Over 4.000 – 4.500 mts). Surrounded by stunning
landscapes we will explore this world biosphere reserve looking for specialties as the Puna Snipe, Puna Tinamou and of course the three
species of Flamingos found in Chile: James, Andean and Chilean among many other specialties of this ecoregion. After dinner we will have a
nocturnal birding looking for the Band-winged Nightjar and with some good luck the Peruvian Pigmy Owl. Breakfast, box lunch and dinner
included// Overnight in Putre. SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY: Chilean, Puna and Andean Flamingo, Puna Ibis, Puna Plover, Andean
Lapwing, Grey-breasted Seedsnipe, Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Andean Flicker, Cordillera Canastero, Andean Negrito, Black Siskin, White-
winged Diuca Finch, Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch among others.
Day 4: LAUCA NATIONAL PARK & PUTRE SURROUNDINGS / BACK TO ARICA

A dedicated full day exploration of the whole area around Putre very well known for the abundance of specialties that inhabits the pre-puna
shrubs habitats. Breakfast, box lunch and dinner included// Overnight in Arica. SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY: Hooded Siskin, Thick-billed
Siskin, Golden billed Saltator, White-throated Sierra Finch, Andean Hillstar, Creamy- breasted Canastero, Sparkling Violetear, Black-throated
Flowerpiercer, Mountain Parakeet, Aplomado Falcon among others.

Day 5: CHACA & AZAPA VALLEYS & OASIS

Full day dedicated to look for more endemics birds of the Humboldt Current and to explore the valleys of Chaca and Azapa searching the
missing species previously searched at the valleys. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included// Overnight in Arica SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE
DAY: Croaking Ground Dove, Chilean Woodstar, Cinereous Conebill,Band -tailed Seedeater, Chesnut-throated seedeater, Golden-billed Saltator,
Bran-coloured Flycatcher, Common Tern, Dark-faced Ground Tyrant, Peruvian Martin, Greyish Miner among others.

Day 6: FLY TO SANTIAGO: BATUCO AND LAMPA WETLANDS

Morning flight to Santiago. Just after land in this city of over 7 million of inhabitants we will be visiting some wetlands near the airport. The
pressure in these ecosystems is high, despite that we will be able to find great birds, specially waterfowl and passerines that feed and nest near
the reeds. Breakfast and dinner included// Overnight in Santiago SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY: Cocoi Heron, Rosy-billed Pochard, Black-
headed Duck, Coscoroba Swan, Borrowing Owl, Chilean Tinamou, Correndera Pipit, Many coloured Rush-Tyrant among others.
Day 7: FULL DAY CENTRAL CHILE EL YESO VALLEY AND MAIPO RIVER

A full day birding at the Andes Mountain Range (south-east from Santiago). Exploring El Yeso and Maipo Valley. The spectacular setting of the
Andean mountain range will be an experience itself as we search for the star of the day: the Diademed Sandpiper-plover among other great
species of the Andes. Breakfast, box lunch and dinner included// Overnight Santiago. SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY: Black-billed Shrike
Tyrant, Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Yellow-rumped Siskin, Craig Chilia, Moustached Turca, Mountain Parakeet, Rufous-banded Miner, among
others.

Day 8: FULL DAY OF THE CENTRAL ANDEAN RANGE

You will spend the morning in Farellones area, looking for more birds of the Central Andean range as the Creamy-rumped Miner and raptors
that love to be in these canyons getting the most from the thermals. We will have great views of the Andean Condor taking off and landing in
the sharp edges of the mountains, plus chances to spot Black-chested Buzzard Eagles and the extremely handsome Mountain Caracara.
Breakfast, box lunch and dinner included// Overnight in Quintero. SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY: Andean Condor, Mountain Caracara,
White-sided Hillstar, Rufous-banded Miner, Creamy-rumped Miner, Chilean Mockingbird, Greater Yellow-Finch, Magellanic-Horned Owl,
Andean Condor, among others.

Day 9: PELAGIC OF THE HUMBOLDT CURRENT & NATIONAL PARK LA CAMPANA

Early start for one of the most productive pelagic trips available with great views of albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels and storm petrels among
others. We leave the coast with a stop at the National Park La Campana, one of the last spots of Chilean palm trees (Jubaea chilensis) forest to
look for the elusive White-throated Tapaculo. Breakfast, box lunch and dinner included //Overnight in Quintero. SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE
DAY White-throated Tapaculo, Striped Woodpecker, Dusky Tapaculo, Giant Hummingbird, Dusky-tailed Canastero, among others.
Day 10: BIRDING THE PACIFIC COAST OF CENTRAL CHILE

A complete birding day along the Pacific Coast of central Chile, visiting different areas of wetlands and patches of coastal mountain range
looking for specialties as the Ticking Doradito and the Dusky Tapaculo among others. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included // Overnight in
Rancagua. SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY: Ticking Doradito, Dusky Tapaculo, Red-legged Cormorant, Many- colored Rush-tyrant, Black-
headed Duck, Wren like Rush- bird, Striped Bittern, among others.

Day 11: FULL DAY AT ALTOS DEL LIRCAY NATURAL RESERVE

We will drive a 1 hour to reach the protected area of Altos del Lircay. The best place in Chile to spot the endangered Burrowing Parrot among
other species as the quasi endemic Chesnut-throated Huet Huet. At night we will have an owling quest for the Rufous-legged Owl & the Austral
Pigmy Owl. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Vilches (Cabins accommodation). SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY:Rufous-
legged Owl, Magellanic Tapaculo, Chestnut-throated Huet Huet, White-thorated Treerunner, Magellanic Woodpecker, among others.

Day 12: ALTOS DEL LIRCAY – SANTIAGO AIRPORT

Some early morning birding at Altos del Lircay and Colbún Lake before we move back north to Santiago. Evening flight to Puerto Montt.
Breakfast, box lunch included // Overnight in Puerto Varas SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY: Burrowing Parakeet, Spectackled Duck, Bar-
winged Cinclodes, Chiloe Wigeon White-winged and Red Garthered Coot, among others.
Day 13: ENDEMICS OF THE RAINFOREST

First quest for the endemics of the temperate rainforest visiting three different parks and protected areas in the Lake District region around the
charming town of Puerto Varas. Breakfast, box lunch and dinner included // Overnight in Puerto Varas. SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY:
Magellanic Wodpecker, Chilean Flicker, Striped Woodpecker, Chucao Tapaculo, Magellanic Tapaculo, Black-throated Tapaculo, Des Mur ́s
Wiretail, White-thorated Treerunner, Thron-tailed Rayadito, Slender-billed Parakeet, Chilean Pigeon, among others.

Day 14: BIRDING CHILOÉ ISLAND

Ferry crossing to Chiloé Island and visiting of the Caulín Bird ́s Sanctuary and wetlands near Chacao. Birding along coast and wetlands of the
north part of Chiloé. Visit to the Penguin Colony of Puñihuil, the only breeding colony with both species of penguins of the region, Humboldt &
Magellanic. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included //Overnight in Ancud. SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY: Hudsonian Godwit, Franklin ́s Gull,
Pincoya Storm-Petrel, Ringed Kingfisher, Dark-bellied Cinclodes, Black-necked Swan, Chiloé Wigeon, Black Skimmer, Humboldt & Magellanic
Penguin, Rock/Imperial & Red- legged Cormorant.

Day 15: WILDLIFE AT CHEPU RIVER

Chepu River: navigation through the river and the sunken forest to look for the endemic Slender-billed Parakeet and breeding colonies of
Snowy-crown terns before we head north to the ferry port and start our way back to mainland to connect with our flight to South Patagonia.
Flight from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included// Overnight in Punta Arenas. SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE
DAY: Snowy-crowned Tern, Southamerican Tern, Red-backed Hawk, Cocoi Heron, Spectacled Tyrant, Wren-like Rushbird, Sedge Wren,
Coscoroba Swan, White-faced Ibis, Ochre-flanked Tapaculo, among others.
Day 16: TIERRA DEL FUEGO

A 2 hours early navigation to cross the straight of Magellan and reach the coats of Tierra del Fuego. A great opportunity spot more pelagic as
Black-browed Albatross, Southern Fulmar and Magellanic Diving-Petrels among others. Once in the island we will go straight to the only King
Penguin Colony easily reached from the continent to get great views of the second largest penguin on earth. Breakfast, box lunch and dinner
included // Overnight in Porvenir - Hosteria Yendegaia. SOME OF THE SPECIES OF THE DAY: Southern-Giant Petrels, Southern Fulmar,
Magellanic Diving-Petrel, Black-throated Finch, Austral Canastero, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Fuegian Snipe, Short-billed Miner, among others.

Day 17: TIERRA DEL FUEGO – STEPPE OF SAN GREGORIO

Early departure from Porvenir back to the mainland crossing the steppe area of San Gregorio, a perfect spot for specialties such as Tawny-
throated Dotterel, White-bridlet Finch and Patagonian Tinamou among others. // Breakfast, box lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Cerro
Castillo. SOME SPECIES OF THE DAY: Spectacled Duck, Magellanic Woodpecker, Silvery Grebe, Austral Parakeet, Torrent Duck, Patagonian
Sierra Finch, Southamerican Snipe, Austral Pygmy Owl, among others.

Day 18: FULL DAY BIRIDNG AT TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

A dedicated day birding in one of the most spectacular parks of the world and certainly an iconic region of Patagonia. While we admire glaciers,
snowy granite peaks and breathtaking skies we will be looking for the Magellanic Woodpecker, Torrent Duck, Spectacled Duck plus more
specialties as the rare and endangered Austral Rail. //Breakfast, Box Lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Cerro Castillo. SOME SPECIES OF
THE DAY: Magellanic Woodpecker, Spectacled Duck, Silvery Grebe, Striped Woodpecker, Austral Parakeet, Andean Condor, Cinereous Harrier,
among others.
Day 19: SIERRA BAGUALES & TORRES DEL PAINE PARK

Early morning birding and searching of Pumas in Torres del Paine National Park . Afternoon birding at Sierra Baguales mountain range, located
north-east of Torres del Paine //Breakfast, box lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Cerro Castillo. SOME SPECIES OF THE DAY: Patagonian
Mockingbird, Grey-bellied Shrike Tyrant, Grey-breasted Seedsnipe, Cinnamon-bellied Ground Tyrant, Yellow-bridled Finch, and-tailed Earth
creeper, among others.

Day 20: THE STEPPE & PUNTA ARENAS WETLANDS

Departure from Cerro Castillo to Punta Arenas for a boat navigation to Magdalena Island, one of the largest colony of Magellanic Penguins in
Southamerica. Sunset at the wetlands near Punta Arenas looking for the last endemics of Patagonia as the endangered Ruddy-headed Goose
// Breakfast, box lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Punta Arenas. SOME SPECIES OF THE DAY: Ruddy –headed Goose, Southern Fulmar,
Magellanic Penguin, Southern Giant Petrel, Dolphing Gull, among others.

Day 21: DEPARTURE

Breakfast. Departure to airport for flight connections.

 Included Packaging list
Waterproof hiking boots

Meals

Equipment

Transportation

Professional bilingual guide

Accommodation

Entrance fees

Important

All meals included as specified in the itinerary (vegetarian, vegan and gluten intolerant options available upon request)
Accommodations Small Family Owned accommodations where possible Private terrestrial transportation with window seat
guaranteed Equipment provided: Literature, field guide, birds check list, spotting scope. Extra set of binoculars available upon
request. Equipment required : Sun-hat and sunscreen, comfortable shoes, water resistant clothing, bottles for water to refill Not
included: International and Domestic flights (we can book it for you upon request), tips, insurances and any other item not specified
Guides: Naturalist & Ornithologist guide with International Wilderness First Responder Certification. Minimum of passenger: This trip
is guaranteed to depart with a minimum of two participants.Maximum number of participants: 8

Additional information

Sustainability Policy 0% Plastic emissions, Carbon Print compensation, Water to refill reusable bottles, small groups for low impact,
100% of the waste produced recycled, Conservation/Educational Programs supported through your booking.

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