Birding and Nature Tours
2016
Conservation Through Tourism
B
irdsChile takes you on a journey through the natural paths of Chile. Our staff of naturalists enthusiasts and very well prepared professionals in the art of travelling, will share their knowledge and their passion: finding outstanding and responsible naturalist experiences through the most interesting regions of the south of South America.
Project, that supports local communities and entrepreneurs in order to transform tourism in the most efficient way to encourage wildlife conservation and habitat preservation.
Since 2009, our experiences include a wide range of birding and nature trips, treks and photography tours with a wildlife and naturalist orientation.
BirdsChile is a company registered at the Chilean Bureau of Tourism with the Lic. Nr. 6429, member of Adventure Travel Trade Association, Chilean Tourism Network and Global Sustainable Travel Council.
All our programs follow the mission of our Conservation Through Traveling (CTT)
We also offer tailor made tours. Contact us and we will be happy to provide all the information and ideas to organize your trip.
Why
BirdsChile?
• Excellent professional naturalist guides: we only work with local guides and trip leaders that can provide an uncomparable experience and the inside view. • Vast knowledge in local nature, history and culture. • The best locations and spots, carefully designed after continuous scoutings. • Always going off the beaten path. • Small groups. • Complete documentation prior your departure and during the tour. • High quality equipment, books and field-guides availables on each tour. • Window seat guaranteed on birding programs for each traveler. • Truly responsible tourism with a complete commitment to conservation and a constant support to local communities. • Carbon footprint compensation. • The best value available. • Established company registered and authorized by the Chilean Tourism Bureau Reg nº 6429. • Flexibility and and personal care for each of our guests.
Meet our Staff A
t BirdsChile we are a team of nature lovers involved in conservation, education and passionate for traveling. All our guides are naturalist with years of experience leading groups of nature enthusiasts through South America, with special care to Chile and its diverse geography. Our office team will be pleased to assist you in every aspect of your experience and will be always available for a personal service. All our staff is fluent in English, some of our guides speak also Italian, Portuguese and German.
Raffaele Di Biase Founder of BirdsChile, he is a naturalist guide with more than 12 years of experience leading groups through different destinations of South America, from the jungles of Brazil to the white continent of Antartica. He is a top-notch birder and involved in different conservation projects and educational programs with local communities at the Lake District region, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Author of the first pocket guide of Birds of The Lake District and the Island of ChiloÊ. He is currently finishing his specialization in Conservation and Management of Natural Reserves. Raffaele lived many years in Europe and speaks fluently English, Spanish and Italian. He was for 4 years president of the Tour Guide Association and currently is part of the board of directors. He likes to play football, travel with his family, play with his daughters, photography, cooking and of course‌birding. Teresa Montes Teresa has been with BirdsChile from the beginning, taking care and organizing every detail of the company logistic and development. Raised up very close to the chilean nature, she set up BirdsChile`s Nature Store in Puerto Varas. Teresa loves reading, walking in the forest and being with her family. Graduated in Aesthetics and Cultural Administration, she also teaches Art History at the University.
Marcela Ibieta Marcela is a naturalist guide with more than 10 years of experience and part of BirdsChile since 2009. A great birding guide she also has a wide knowledge of the rich Chilean flora. She guides expeditions from the dry desert of Atacama to the windy region of Tierra del Fuego. She is one of our top birding guides and in charge of the organization and leadership in our trekking tours. She spent several years living in Australia where she studied its rich biodiversity. Marcela lives in Puerto Montt with her son. She loves climbing, permaculture, photography and birding. Isabel Vergara Isabel is our expert guide in flora and an enthusiast hiker. Very friendly and helpful, she also works at our office and Nature Store. Isabel travelled widely through Central America and worked as a guide for many years in one of the 8th Natural Wonders of the World: Torres del Paine National Park. Her passion for nature keeps her busy studying and improving her skills and knowledge about the Chilean natural history. Isabel is also involved in local campaigns of environmental education. She lives in Puerto Varas with her family.
Carlo Montalbetti Carlo is a naturalist guide specialized in birding tours with also a wide knowledge of local culture and history. He travelled wildly through Europe and lived for several years in the archipelago of Juan Fernรกndez, where he was able to study closely the endemic Juan Fernรกndez Firecrown and the very unique flora of the area. He is one of the directors of the local tour guide association. He loves to travel, birding and spent time with his wife and three children.
Natalia Montes Natalia grew up in a very close relation to nature, mountaineering and outdoor activities. Graduated in Fine Arts in Santiago. She speaks fluent English, Spanish and Portuguese. For the last 6 years she has been dedicated to trekking deep southern Patagonia, mesmerized by the sights and inclement weather. Natalia guides groups through Magallanes mountains and steppes in search of birds and glaciers. Natalia practices many hobbies in these areas, like rock climbing and sea kayaking. She also investigates the healing properties of patagonian flowers, as a complementary natural therapy. As an artist she has developed a fascination for photography and uses her shots of birds and flowers as a reference for her watercolors.
Our Base V
isit us at our Office and Nature Store by the Lake Llanquihue in Puerto Varas, where you will find a variety of products inspired in the wildlife of Chile and Patagonia: Field Guides, Maps, Hand Lens, Binoculars, Naturalist Literature, Bird´s Watercolour Paintings, Gifts, Kid´s Corner and more. The city of Puerto Varas is located 25 km. from Puerto Montt Airport, on the shores of Lake Llanquihue with the best vistas to the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Picturesque and very well equipped, Puerto Varas offers different options of lodging, culinary experiences and it is the perfect point to start exploring the Lake District Region.
Lake District: with more than 18.500 square miles, this is a privileged territory for nature lovers. Between the Andes mountain range and the Pacific Ocean live near 260 species of birds, which can be found in different habitats such as evergreen forests, prairies, beaches, rivers, lakes, marshes, canals and islands.
Workshops and Educational Programs
B
irdsChile organizes every year workshops and courses of birding, wildlife and photography. Our last workshops: -Nature Photo -Bird watching -Bird Photography
Conservation Through
Tourism B
irdsChile is fully committed to nature and birdlife protection. Through the CTT Project (Conservation Through Tourism) BirdsChile contributes to the effort of conservation and restoration of wetlands and natural habitats of the Lake District . We strongly believe that locals must be the first travellers of their own destination: through our voluntary work with the local communities and schools we promote a responsible and sustainable use of our natural resources.
Tours and
Our
Expeditions for
2016
Tailor made tours in all our destinations
BIRDING TOURS
BIRDS OF CHILE Birding through a narrow and “skinny” country
T
his is a comprehensive birding trip, carefully designed for a full immersion in the birdlife of Chile, visiting a wide range of different habitats along the country.
ITINERARY: DAY 1: WELCOME TO SANTIAGO AND FLIGHT TO ARICA DAY 2: ARICA SURROUNDINGS, LLUTA RIVER MOUTH, LLUTA VALLEY AND PUTRE DAY 3: LAUCA NATIONAL PARK DAY 4: LAUCA NATIONAL PARK /BACK TO ARICA AND SANTIAGO DAY 5: FULL DAY CENTRAL CHILE, EMBALSE EL YESO, CAJÓN DEL MAIPO DAY 6: BIRDING THE PACIFIC COAST AND PELAGIC OF THE HUMBOLDT CURRENT DAY 7: THE CENTRAL ANDEAN RANGE / FLIGHT TO PUERTO MONTT DAY 8: VICENTE PÉREZ ROSALES NATIONAL PARK & ENDEMICS OF THE RAINFOREST DAY 9: BIRDING CHILOÉ ISLAND DAY 10: WILDLIFE AT CHEPU RIVER /FLIGHT TO PUNTA ARENAS DAY 11: FROM PUNTA ARENAS TO TIERRA DEL FUEGO DAY 12: TIERRA DEL FUEGO, KING PENGUIN COLONY DAY 13: FROM TIERRA DEL FUEGO TO PUERTO NATALES DAY 14: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK DAY 15: PUERTO NATALES AREA & SIERRA BAGUALES/TRANSFER TO PUNTA ARENAS DAY 16 TRANSFER TO PUNTA ARENAS AIRPORT. END OF THE CHILEAN BIRDING ADVENTURE. TARGET 200 SPECIES Some of the of the species that can be found in this tour: Magellanic Horned Owl, Torrent Duck, Mountain Caracara, Red-backed Hawk, Craig Chilia, Moustached Turca, Chilean Mockingbird, Diameded Sandpiper Plover, Mourning Sierra Finch, Bar-winged Cinclodes, Band-tailed Sierra Finch, Grassland Yellowfinch, Yellow Rumped Siskin, Andean Condor, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Peruvian Booby, Inca Tern, Seaside Cinclodes, Ruddy Turnstone, Baird`s Sandpiper, Ticking Doradito, Red gartered Coot, Spot-flancked Gallinule, Grey Gull, Franklin´s Gull, Guanay Cormorant, Yellow-billed Pintail, Speckled teal, Silver Teal, Lake Duck, Crested Duck, Red Shoveler, White Tufted Grebe, Silvery Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Cocoi Heron, Pincoya Storm Petrel, Chucao tapaculo, Des Murs Wire-tail, Variable Hawk, Slender Billed Parakeet, Austral Parakeet, Humboldt Penguin, Magellanic Penguin.
Destinations: High Andes North of Chile: Arica, Putre. Central Area: Santiago, Farellones, Valle Nevado, El Yeso & Maipo valley, Pacific Coast. Lake District: Puerto Varas área, Vicente Pérez Rosales NP, Chiloé island South Patagonia: Punta Arenas, Tierra del Fuego, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine. Length: 16 days / 15 nights Difficulty: Low. In North Chile we will be birding at high altitude (Over 4.000 meters above sea level) Activities: Pre-departure Briefing: Birds of Chile Bird watching Photography Scenic landscapes Birding focused trip Equipment required: Waterproof clothes and shoes sunscreen, comfortable shoes and water protection for your personal equipment (cameras, lens, binoculars, etc.). Equipment included: Literature, field guide, birds check list, spotting scope. Window seat guaranteed during land transportation. The tour includes: Meals: Hotel’s breakfast, lunch or box lunch for days 2 to 15. Accommodations, transportation and others included: Bed & Breakfast, Boutique Hotels or similar accommodations (15 nights), private ground transportation, ferrys, boat rides, National Parks entrance fees. Guide: Bilingual birding Guide
BIRDING
NORTH
OF
CHILE
T
his trip is an opportunity to discover the birds and the landscapes of the North of Chile: the town of Putre in the High Andes Plateau, the valleys and the surroundings of Arica, the northernmost city of the country. The mouth of Lluta river and Lauca National Park are unique locations to enjoy species such as Andean and Jame´s Flamingo, Puna Tinamou, Giant Coot, Puna Ibis, Andean Avocet, Chilean Woodstar, among many others.
Target 120 SPECIES SOME OF THE SPECIES: Puna Tinamou, Andean Goose, Puna Teal, Chilean, Andean and Jame’s Flamingo, Guanay, Cormorant, Little Bleu Heron, Puna Ibis, Andean Condor, Variable Hawke, Tawny-throated Dotterel, Andean Lapwing, Kildeer, Puna Plover, Andean Avocet, Peruvian Thick. knee, Puna Snipe, Spotted Sanpiper, Willet, Southamerican Snipe, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Andean Gull, Laughing Gull, Inca Tern, Golden Sptted Ground Dove, West Peruvian Dove, Sparkling Violetear, Andean Hillstar, Andean Flicker Aplomado Falcon, Mountain Caracara, Grayish Miner, Scale-throated Earthcreeprr, Vermilion Flycatcher and many more.
ITINERARY DAY 1: FLIGHT FROM SANTIAGO TO ARICA Reception at the airport of Santiago de Chile or pick up at your Hotel in Santiago and transfer to the airport to take a flight to Arica, the northernmost city of Chile. Afternoon birding at the Pacific coast. Overnight in Arica (Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar) DAY 2: ARICA SURROUNDINGS: LLUTA RIVER MOUTH, LLUTA VALLEY AND PUTRE Early birding at the mouth of the river Lluta. Drive to Putre (3.400 mts.) birding on the road. Overnight in Putre (Hotel Q`Antati) DAY 3: LAUCA NATIONAL PARK Endemics of the eco-region of the Altiplano or High Andean Plateau (Over 4.000 – 4.500 mts). We will explore this world biosphere reserve. Overnight in Putre (Hotel Q`Antati) DAY 4: LAUCA NATIONAL PARK & PUTRE SURROUNDINGS/BACK TO ARICA AND SANTIAGO 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. Transfer to Arica to take a late flight to Santiago.
Destination: North of Chile: Arica, Putre, Lauca National Park Length: 4 days / 3 nights Difficulty: Medium. We will be birding at high altitude (Over 4.000 meters above sea level) Activities: Pre-departure Briefing, bird watching, photography, scenic landscapes. Birding focused trip Equipment required: Waterproof clothes and shoes, sun protection. Equipment included: Literature, field guide, birds check list, spotting scope. Window seat guaranteed during land transportation. The tour includes: Meals: Hotel’s breakfast, box lunch for days 2, 3, 4. Accommodations, transportation and others included: Bed & Breakfast, Boutique Hotels or similar accommodations, private ground transportation equipped with oxygen tank, National Park entrance fees. Guide: Bilingual birding Guide
OVERLAND BIRDING TOUR
Destinations: Central Area: Farellones, Quintero Maule Region: Altos de Lircay Araucania Region: Pucón, Huerquehue N.P. Lake District: Puerto Varas and Lake Llanquihue area, Vicente Pérez Rosales N.P., Chiloé island South Patagonia: Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine Length: 12 days / 11 nights Difficulty: Low Activities: Pre-departure Briefing: Birds of Chile Bird watching Outdoor Walks Sea navigations Naturalist focused tour Photo opportunity
O
ur overland birding tour visits the main hotspots of central and south Chile, including Patagonia. 12 days driving up the Andes, walking through National Parks, visiting the best birding destinations of this long, narrow and beautiful country.
DAY 1: SPOTTING CONDORS AT THE ANDES RANGE DAY 2: PELAGIC NAVIGATION DAY 3: ALTOS DE LIRCAY RESERVE DAY 4: DRIVING SOUTH DAY 5: HUERQUEHUE NATIONAL PARK DAY 6: VICENTE PÉREZ ROSALES NATIONAL PARK DAY 7: CHILOÉ ISLAND DAY 8: CHILOÉ ISLAND - FLIGHT TO PUNTA ARENAS DAY 9: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK DAY 10: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK DAY 11: BAGUALES RANGE - PUNTA ARENAS DAY 12: PENGUIN COLONY AT OATWAY SOUND FLIGHT TO SANTIAGO OR CONECT WITH SOUTH ARGENTINA POST EXTENSION: DAY 1: CROSSING THE PATAGONIAN STEPPE DAY 2: LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK DAY 3: FULL DAY IN A PATAGONIAN RANCH DAY 4: TRANSFER TO EL CALAFATE AIRPORT
TARGET 200 SPECIES Some of the of the species that can be found in this tour: Magellanic Horned Owl, Torrent Duck, Mountain Caracara, Red-backed Hawk, Craig Chilia, Moustached Turca, Chilean Mockingbird, Diameded Sandpiper Plover, Mourning Sierra Finch, Bar-winged Cinclodes, Band-tailed Sierra Finch, Grassland Yellowfinch, Yellow Rumped Siskin, Andean Condor, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Peruvian Booby, Inca Tern, Seaside Cinclodes, Ruddy Turnstone, Baird`s Sandpiper, Ticking Doradito, Red gartered Coot, Spot-flancked Gallinule, Grey Gull, Franklin´s Gull, Guanay Cormorant, Yellow-billed Pintail, Speckled teal, Silver Teal, Lake Duck, Crested Duck, Red Shoveler, White Tufted Grebe, Silvery Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Cocoi Heron, Pincoya Storm Petrel, Chucao tapaculo, Des Murs Wire-tail, Variable Hawk, Slender Billed Parakeet, Austral Parakeet, Humboldt Penguin, Magellanic Penguin.
BIRDING CENTRAL CHILE: THE ANDEAN
QUEST AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN
D
AY 1: An early wake up to drive toward the Andes and explore El Yeso Valley where we will be surprise of the diversity of landscapes while we are going to be looking for some of the Chilean endemics as the Craig Chilia and the Moustached Turca among some specialties of this part of the country as the Chilean Mockingbird, the Black-winged Ground Dove, the Grey-flancked Cinclodes and the Grey-hooded Sierra Finch. We will also get the opportunity to spot the Andean Condor and the Black-chested Buzzard Eagle. On the way to the Yeso Valley located at 2.500 mts. above the sea level we will also be looking for the Torrent Duck, a very specialized member of the Anatidae family that lives exclusively in the Andean rivers and some specialties as the Diameded Sandpiper Plover.
Destination: El Yeso Valley, Pacific Coast, Mouth of the Maipo River , Coastal wetlands Length: 2 Days Difficulty Level: Low Activities: Bird watching Naturalist focused tour Photo opportunity
DAY 2: Join us on this birding day toward the Pacific coast. We will be looking for the endemics of the Humboldt Current as the Guanay and Red-legged Cormorant, the Peruvian Booby, the Grey Gull and the Inca Tern. Along the coast we will also spot the endemic Seaside Cinclodes. The coast will be only one part of our adventure, in the afternoon we will also visit the mouth of the Maipo river and some marshes looking for the Many-coloured Rush-Tyrant, the brood-parasitic Black-headed Duck, the scarce Warbling Doradito and many other species as the Southamerican Painted-Snipe, the Cocoi Heron and the Rosy-biled Pochard. TARGET 100 SPECIES ome of the species that can be found in this tour: Magellanic Horned Owl, Torrent Duck, Mountain Caracara, Red-backed Hawk, Craig Chilia, Moustached Turca, Chilean Mockingbird, Diameded Sandpiper Plover, Mourning Sierra Finch, Bar-winged Cinclodes, Band-tailed Sierra Finch, Grassland Yellowfinch, Yellow Rumped Siskin, Andean Condor, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Peruvian Booby, Inca Tern, Seaside Cinclodes, Ruddy Turnstone, Baird`s Sandpiper, Ticking Doradito, Red gartered Coot, Spotflancked Gallinule, Grey Gull, Franklin´s Gull, Guanay Cormorant, Yellow-billed Pintail, Speckled teal, Silver Teal, Lake Duck, Crested Duck, Red Shoveler, White Tufted Grebe, Silvery Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Cocoi Heron.
S
BIRDING CHILOE
2 DAYS
A
n adventure in the north part of Chiloé Island, that begins early in the morning visiting the Caulín bay, a Bird´s Sanctuary with a lot of coastal and land birds. After that we will navigate to see the Penguin Colony in Puñihuil, with two species of penguins that have their breeding spring-summer colony in the island: the Magellanic and the Humboldt penguins. The next morning, our first step will be the navigation of a wide, quiet and unspoiled river –with wetland characteristics- searching its wildlife. After one hour we will reach a little lagoon full of birds and different kinds of ducks. Once there we will have time enough to observe and take photographs in a complete silence. But birds are also along the river, on the shore, inside the native forest, in little beaches and between the death trees of the sunken forest. On the way back we will search for the “Huillín” (Lontra provocax), a river otter that lives in this quiet environment. Home hosted lunch: a traditional Curanto will be prepared after the navigation, to complete the experience interacting with a local family. After lunch we start our way back to Puerto Varas.
Destination: Caulín, Penguin Colony and Chepu River, Chiloé Island Length: 2 days, 1 night Difficulty Level: Low Activities: Visit to Caulín Bird´s Sanctuary Navigation to the Penguin Colony in Puñihuil Overnight at local agrotourism family home Navigation through the river and the sunken forest. Bird watching Photo opportunity
TARGET: 90 SPECIES Some of the species that can be found in this trip: Magellanic Penguin, Humboldt Penguin, Des Mur´s Wiretail, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Chucao Tapaculo, Tufted-tit Tyrant, Rock Shag, Imperial Cormorant, Redlegged Cormorant, Black Skimmer, Flightless Steamer Duck, Chiloe Wigeon, Southern Crested Caracara, Slender-billed Parakeet, Seaside Cinclodes, Chilean Mockingbird, Hudsonian Godwit, Pincoya Storm Petrel, Southamerican Tern, Black-necked Swan. Slender-billed Parakeet.
CHILE & ARGENTINA: THE BIRDING CORRIDOR
The Birding Andean Crossing
T
his unique tour offers the best spots for birding in North Patagonia and a great opportunity to experience the magnificent sceneries of both sides of the Andes. A journey full of diversity: from the dry steppe of the eastern side to the green valleys of the west, passing the Andes range and exploring the temperate rain forest and the Pacific coast reaching the island of ChiloÊ. The great land connection of this portion of Patagonia makes possible to have a close encounter with Andean Condors flying at just a few meters from you and then be ready to navigate toward colonies of Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins on the coast. Your bird list will be fill with hundred of species while you enjoy a spectacular geographical mix of mountains, volcanoes, lakes, steppe, coast and islands. TARGET 200 SPECIES Some of the species that can be found in this trip: Magellanic Penguin, Humboldt Penguin, Des Mur´s Wiretail, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Chucao Tapaculo, Black-throated Huet-Huet, Ochre-flanked Tapaculo, Magellanic Tapaculo, Tufted-tit Tyrant, Magelanic Woodpecker, Chilean Flicker, Striped Woodpecker, Rock Shag, Imperial Cormorant, Red-legged Cormorant, Black Skimmer, Flightless Steamer Duck, Chiloe Wigeon, Southern Crested Caracara, Slender-billed Parakeet, Seaside Cinclodes, Chilean Mockingbird, Hudsonian Godwit, Pincoya Storm Petrel, Southamerican Tern, Black-necked Swan. Austral Parakeet and much more.
Destination: North Patagonia, Chile & Argentina Lakes District Region Length: 6 days, 5 nights Difficulty Level: Low Activities: Pre-departure Briefing: Birds of North Patagonia Bird watching Outdoor Walks Photo opportunity Visit to a Native Wildlife Rescue Center Visit to the BirdsChile Project: Rescue of the Llanquihue Wetland
BIRDING THE
LAKE DISTRICT
T
his excursion is a must for any birder that visits the Lake District region. A comprehensive itinerary visiting the ecosystems of the Lake District looking for the different species of birds along their paths and their residential areas. Our checklist of birds consideres lot of species as: the elusives Chucao Tapaculo, Magellanic Tapaculo and Ochre-flanked Tapaculo, the beautiful Magellanic Woodpecker, the Chilean Flicker, the unique Des Mur’s Wiretail, the Many-coloured Rushbird and all the coastal and migrant of the Pacific coast as the endemics of Patagonia Rock Cormorant, Kelp Goose and the Flightless Steamer Duck. The birding adventure will be illuminated by the beautiful landscapes of the area, with volcanoes, temperate rain forest, the Andes Mountain Range and lakes and rivers of cristalline waters. TARGET 50 SPECIES Some of the species that can be found in this trip: Chilean Mockingbird, Spectacled Tyrant, Fire Eyed Diucon, House Wren, Many coloured Rush Tyrant, Southern crested Caracara, White-tailed Kite, Rufous Tailed Plantcutter, Tufted-tit tyrant, Thorn-Tailed Rayadito, Chucao Tapaculo, Ochre-flanked Tapaculo, Magellanic Tapaculo, Black-throated Huet Huet, Chilean Flicker, Austral Blackbird, Blacknecked Swan, Hudsonian Godwit, Whimbrel, Back-faced Ibis, Speckled Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail.
Destination: Wetlands, grasslands and Rain forest Length: Full day Difficulty: Low Activities: Bird watching at different spots: National Parks, Valleys, Countryside, Pacific Coast and Wetlands
BIRDING AT
QUENUIR
WETLANDS AND MAULLÍN RIVER
Destination: Quenuir Bay, Maullín river Length: Full day Difficulty: Low Activities: Navigation through Maullín River to reach the bay of Quenuir Walking along the coast and wetlands Bird watching Photo opportunity
T
he mouth of the Maullín river is one of the best spots for birding in Chile. More than the 50% of the migratory birds that visit the country choose this location as a residence for the southern spring-summer time. Departure will be early in the morning to reach the birding area at the best time to spot birds. A boat or a ferry navigation is going to be the best way to start the birding experience as different species of cormorants, sandpipers, shearwaters, terns and petrels approach us during the navigation of 30/40 minutes. Once we get to the coast of Quenuir we start a walking to reach two different lagoons where we will be spotting in a good day more than 60 species of birds as pintails, ducks, grebes, whimbrels, the Hudsonian Godwit, flamingos (only during fall-winter), kingfhisers, skimmers, cinclodes, ibises, lapwings and many more. TARGET 70 SPECIES Some of the species that can be found in this tour: Rock Shag, imperial Cormorant, Red-legged Cormorant, Peruvian Booby, Ruddy Turnstone, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Two Banded Plover, Surfbird, Hudsonian Godwit, Whimbrel, Snowy Plover, Bair´s Sandpiper, Blackish Oystercatcher, Black-browed Albatros, Southmaerican Tern, Snowy-crowned Tern, Correndera Pipit, Spectacled Tyrant, Rufous-tailed Plantcutter, Chilean Mockingbird, Slender-billed Parakeet, Tufted-tit Tyrant, Des Mur´s Wiretail, Chucao Tapaculo, Ochre flanked Tapaculo, Magellanic Tapaculo, Brown-hooded Gull, Silver Teal, Cinammon Teal, Lake Duck, Red Shoveler, White-faced Ibis, Coscoroba Swan, Black-necked Swan.
ENDEMICS
OF THE
RAINFOREST A
full day excursi贸n looking for the birds of the temperate rain forest : from the elusives Tapaculos as Chucao Tapaculo, Black -throated Huet Huet, Ochre- flanked Tapaculo to some specialties as the Des Mur`s Wiretail, the White-Throated Tree-Runner and the Patagonian Sierra-Finch, among others. The National Park Alerce Andino is hanging between mountains, volcanoes and the Pacific Ocean. To arrive there we will drive along the coast through the beginning of the Carretera Austral, with great opportunities to spot migrant shore birds. We will explore the Park along paths surrounded by the
evergreen temperate rainforest having the opportunity to find the Alerce tree (Fitzroya Cupressoides), one of the most longevous trees in the world . The transformation during millions of years of these mountains created a landscape full of rivers, waterfalls and lagoons.
TARGET: 30 SPECIES Some of the species that we can found in this tour: Andean Condor, Magellanic Woodpecker, Striped-back Woodpecker, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, White-throated Treerunner, Ochre-flanked Tapaculo, Magellanic Tapaculo, Des Mur´s Wiretail, Chucao Tapaculo, Austral Pigmy Owl, Tufted Tit Tyrant, Patagonian Sierra Finch, Black-throated Huet Huet, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Grassland Yellow Finch, Black-chinned Siskin.
Destination: Alerce Andino National Park Length: Full Day Difficulty Level: Low Activities: Bird watching Hiking through the temperate rainforest Photo opportunity Native Flora observation and interpretation
Birding in
Torres del Paine National Park Destination: Torres del Paine National Park Length: 5 days. Difficulty Level: Low Activities: Birdwatching Short hikes Photo opportunity Flora and fauna observation
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orres del Paine National Park is a unique protected area - biosphere reserve- in Patagonia, combining exceptional geological formations, glaciers, lakes and a very well maintained fauna. We will take our time to go and enjoy the amazing views, looking for birds and other animals that live under this severe weather. Day 1:Pick up in Punta Arenas, lunch in Puerto Natales, visit to the Milodon cave Natural Monument. Overnight in Villa Serrano, one of the entrances of Torres del Paine National Park. Day 2: Early birding in the Serrano river area. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon visiting the grey lake and glaciar area. Day 3: Full day looking for birds and landscapes in the east side of the National Park. Day 4: Visit to the Sarmiento lake area. Optional hike to see rupestrian paintings and fauna. Overnight in Puerto Natales. Day 5: Visit to otway penguin colony. Destination: National Park Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
TARGET 100 SPECIES Lesser rhea, Andean Condor, Upland Goose, Southern Crested Caracara, Chimango Caracara, American Kestrel, Black faced Ibis, Long tailed Meadowlark, Torrent duck, Austral Blackbird, Austral Pigmy Owl, Patagonian Sierra Finch, Austral Parraqueet, Plumbeous Rail, Chiloe widgeon, Great Grebe, Silvery Grebe, Crested duck, among many others.
TIERRA FUEGO
DEL
AND TORRES
DEL PAINE
O
ne of the best areas in South America for birding. South Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego are one of the most beautiful and remote locations to enjoy birds in the world, during the trip we will spot seabirds and several unique species as the Magellanic plover, two-banded plover, King penguin, Magellanic penguin, Andean condor and the Chilean Flamingo. ITINERARY DAY 1: FROM PUNTA ARENAS TO TIERRA DEL FUEGO Pick up at your Hotel in Punta Arenas. Ferry to Tierra del Fuego to explore the last corner of the American continent. Birding at different coastal and moorland areas. Visit to Laguna de Los Cisnes. Overnight in Porvenir (Hostería Yendegaia or similar) DAY 2: TIERRA DEL FUEGO, KING PENGUINS COLONY Birding day, visiting the area of Baquedano Hills and Useless Bay for the Colony of King Penguins. Overnight in Porvenir (Hostería Yendegaia or similar) DAY 3: FROM TIERRA DEL FUEGO TO PUERTO NATALES Ferry back to the mainland and drive to Puerto Natales. Birding on the road and the coastal line of the fjord of Última Esperanza. Overnight in Puerto Natales (Hotel Temauken or similar) DAY 4: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK Birding at different stunning areas of Torres del Paine. Overnight in Puerto Natales (Hotel Temauken or similar) DAY 5: PUERTO NATALES AREA & SIERRA BAGUALES Exploring the Baguales mountain range, located north-east of Torres del Paine. Transfer to Punta Arenas. END OF THE CHILEAN BIRDING ADVENTURE.
Destination: South Patagonia: Tierra del Fuego an Torres del Paine National Park. Length: 5 days / 4 nights Difficulty: Low. Activities: Pre-departure Briefing: Birds of South Patagonia Bird watching Photography Scenic landscapes Birding focused trip Equipment required: Waterproof clothes and shoes, sun protection. Equipment included: Literature, field guide, birds check list, spotting scope. Window seat guaranteed during land transportation. The tour includes: Meals: Hotel’s breakfast, box lunch for days 1, 2, 3, 4. Accommodations, transportation and others included: Bed & Breakfast, Boutique Hotels or similar accommodations, private ground transportation, Ferrys, National Park and Protected areas entrance fees. Guide: Bilingual birding Guide.
TARGET100 SPECIES: Some of the species that we could spot: Upland, Ashy-headed and Ruddy-headed geese, Magellanic Plover, Two-banded Plover, Rufous-chested Dotterel, King and Magelanic Penguins, Magellanic Woodpecker, Austral parakeet, Common Miner, Scale-throated Earthcreeper, Black- necked and Coscoroba Swans, Chilean Hawk, Andean Condor, Southern-crested Caracara, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Magellanic Horned Owl, White-throated Treerunner and more.
Gonzalo LarraĂn T.
AND
NATURE MULTI ACTIVITY TOURS
THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE
ATACAMA DESERT
A
comprehensive all inclusive tour that will give you the chance to explore the most interesting areas of the region of Atacama and some hidden corners and towns, to have a complete experience of the local culture, nature and people of this region. From the fantastic colors of the Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna), to one of the largest geysers areas of the world at El Tatio (over 4.000 mts a.sl.). Small villages that seemed lost in time, local cuisine and the experience to spend one night at an indigenous community in Caspana. Destination: San Pedro de Atacama, Valle de la Luna, Yerba Buena, Rio Grande, Chiu-Chiu, Caspana, Tatio Geysers, Machuca, Puritama National Reserve, Salar de Tara Length: 5 days, 4 nights Difficulty Level: Low/medium Activities: Naturalist and cultural focused tour Photo opportunity IMPORTANT: During the entire tour we will be at high altitudes between 2.000 and 4.500 mts.
LAKE DISTRICT AND
CHILOÉ ISLAND
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oin us in a complete multi-activity program through the Lake District. We will explore unique and diverse landscapes. From snowy capped volcanoes, to one of the last temperate rain forest of the world, from an island where the culture and the biodiversity will surprise you to little towns that still preserve the charm and the cultural fusion between the European influence and the Chilean native culture. Day 1: Kayaking and Hiking at National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales Day 2: Birding day at the Pacific Wetlands of Quenuir and Maullín River Day 3: Puñihuil Bay, Caulín and Ancud, Chiloé Island Day 4: Cultural Heritage and the Architecture of Chiloé Day 5: National Park Chiloé. Day 6: Wildlife and Landscapes at River Chepu. Return to mainland.
Destination: Island of Chiloé, Maullín River and Llanquihue Lake area. Length: 6 days, 6 nights Difficulty level: Low Activities: Kayak and Hike at the National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales. Birding day at Maullín River and Pacific Wetlands. Navigation to the Penguin Colony in Puñihuil. Visit to Caulín Bay: Bird´s Sanctuary. Walking tours in the villages of Ancud and Castro. Visit to the churches of Castro, Vilupulli, Chonchi, Nercón, Quinchao, Achao, Curaco de Vélez and Dalcahue. Wetlands in Central Chiloé. Hiking and birding at National Park Chiloé. Navigation through Chepu River and the sunken forest. Meet the locals, full immersion of the local culture. Photo opportunity.
FAMILY PROGRAM AT THE
LAKE DISTRICT A
comprehensive and educational tour through the Lake District. Parents and children are going to have fun while they learn about nature and local culture. From the slopes of the Osorno Volcano to the fresh waters of the Petrohué and Maullín river, from the Pacific Ocean to the temperate rainforest; the whole family will enjoy this unique destination. ITINERARY Day 1: National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales, Osorno volcano Day 2: Forest and wildlife: horseback ride, fauna protection center Day 3: Penguin colony at Puñihuil Bay, Caulín and Ancud, Chiloé
Destination: Llanquihue Lake area, Maullín River, Island of Chiloé, Lake district. Length: 3 days, 3 nights Difficulty level: Low Activities: Hiking at the National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales Magnifying glass walk Horse back ride Visit to a Native fauna Protection Center Navigation to the Penguin Colony in Puñihuil Flora & fauna observation
WILD CHILOÉ:
TANTAUCO
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his tour is an invitation to explore one of the most untouched and unknown corners of the island of ChiloĂŠ. Tantauco is a private conservation reserve and the most unexplored region of the archipelago of ChiloĂŠ. We will have the chance to enjoy the exuberant evergreen forest, untouched coastal rockeries, unspoiled paths and coastal landscapes, plus a great opportunity to spot the local fauna. Our guests will have the chance to choose among different activities to explore the area such as kayak, trekking, navigation and bird watching. The local culture will be part of the experience with tasting of the local cuisine of Chiloe and visiting the community of Inio.
Destination: Natural & Conservation Reserve Tantauco, Lake district. Length: 3 days, 2 nights Difficulty Level: Low-Medium Activities: Flight on private plane from Castro to Inio 40 min.* Kayaking Trekking Navigation Birding Photo opportunity * Flight from Castro to Inio depends on weather conditions considering always the possibility to reach Inio by land if security on flight is not guaranteed.
TREKKING
PUNTIAGUDO VOLCANO
Destination: National Park Vicente PĂŠrez Rosales, Fundo Puntiagudo, Lake district. Lakes Todos Los Santos and Rupanco Length: 3 days, 2 nights Difficulty Level: Medium-High Average of 6 hours of walking a day. Activities: Trekking Hot springs Birding and Flora observation Interaction with local communities Photo opportunity
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his active trekking of 3 days will take you to explore the area around one of the most impressive volcanoes of the Lake District: Puntiagudo. We will navigate the emerald waters of the Lake Todos Los Santos, hike through mountain paths, grassland and enjoy the natural thermal waters and the friendly hospitality of the local communities of pioneers that live in this unspoiled area since the beginning of the XX century. Our adventure ends at Lake Rupanco where our vehicle will drive us back to Puerto Varas.
HIKE DESOLACIÓN:
NATIONAL PARK
VICENTE PÉREZ ROSALES
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his active hike covers a large and scenic section of the park Vicente Pérez Rosales, the first park opened in Chile in 1926. While we go upward we will have great views over the volcanoes and the lakes of this beautiful area. The Andes mountain range appears at the horizon as we reach the emerald waters of the Lake Todos Los Santos where we finish the hike and start the way back to town, without missing a stop at the falls of Petrohué, a combination of lava flows and water erosion with the cones of the volcanoes behind them.
Destination: National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales, Lake district. Length: Full Day Difficulty Level: Medium - 6 hours walking Activities: Hiking 6 hours in the slopes of the Osorno Volcano: Desolación Path Visit to the Petrohué river falls and Lake Todos Los Santos Flora and fauna observation Photo opportunity
HIKE AND CULTURE: A DAY IN
HUILLICHE
TERRITORY
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his unique adventure will take you to one of the most unknown corners of the Lake District to have a comprehensive opportunity of learning about the local culture and the wild and windy coasts of the south Pacific Ocean. This is a perfect combination of a morning of hike and sea landscapes and an afternoon sharing with a Huilliche community, learning about their history, music, medicine and cuisine.
Destination: Maullín, Peninsula Amortajado and Hulliche community of Quechalen Aitue (Pargua Alto). Length: Full Day Difficulty Level: Low Activities: Visit to the historical village of Maullín. Navigation through the mouth of the River Maullín Hike of 2 hours through Península Amortajado (Low difficult, 4 miles) Birdlife and Photo Opportunity Visit to the Huilliche community of Quechalen Aitue Cuisine, ancestral medicine, history and cultural interaction with the community First Hand testimony about Mapuches in Chile Meals: Cooking demonstration with a local family Equipment suggested: Waterprooof gear, hat and sunscreen Guide: Bilingual naturalist guide.
TWO DAYS
KAYAKING D
AY 1: The meanders of the lower Petrohue river. Enjoy a scenic drive along lake Llanquihue to arrive to Petrohue river bank, ready to get on these calm waters floating down away from the civilization. In the afternoon we reach Ralun Hot springs, with natural pools near the river. Then the valley opens up on the Reloncavi fjord, where we will meet a local family and have a unique overnight under the stars camping on the bank. Dinner will be served in the house with locally grown lamb, fresh catch and garden vegetables
DAY 2: Reloncaví Fjord Our day will start with a short walk around the property with our hosts before we repack our kayaks and get on the water. We will be kayaking in front of Yates and Hornopirén volcanoes, morning paddling conditions are normally quiet and we might encounter today sea lions and cormorants on our way. We stay on the western shoreline of the fjord until we reach the Bay of Cochamó where the fjord opens up. We paddle then along the village of Cochamó and towards the entrance of the Cochamó river. We paddle upstream for a couple of kilometers on the river and after that we meet our vehicle to begin the trip back to Puerto Varas. Destination: River Petrohué and Reloncaví Fjord, Lake district Length: 2 days, 1 night Difficulty Level: Medium -4 to 5 hours paddling per day Activities : River and sea kayaking Natural hot springs Home hosted dinner with a local family Camping overnight Photo opportunity Equipment provided: Complete technical gear (wet suits, kayak, paddles, Homologated USCG PFDs)
PUMALIN
KAYAK
Destination: North Patagonia Fjords, Lake district Length: 4 days, 3 nights Difficulty Level: Strenuous Activities: Sea kayaking Natural hot springs Home hosted dinner with a local family Camping overnights Photo opportunity Equipment provided: Complete technical gear (wet suits, kayak, paddles, Homologated USCG PFDs)
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ay 1 : On our way to Patagonia. We drive at 6am from Puerto Varas and get in our first ferry on the austral highway. We will reach the Comau fjord during the morning and we pack up our kayaks just before lunch on the shore. Today is a relatively short day of paddling, between 2 and 3 hours until we reach Llancahue island to enjoy the hot springs and great views over the fjord. Day 2 : Fjord crossing We paddle towards the Southeast until reaching the narrow entrance of the Quintupeu fjord. Impressive steep walls await us at the entrance of the fjord, once we are inside the fjord conditions will be milder. We will explore breathtaking landscapes with the Andes and its native forest meeting the Pacific Ocean. Day 3 : A great day out The most committed day of the trip, we get on the water very early. There are very few options where to land and the entrance of the next fjord: Cahuelmo The
fjord entrance is protected by granite walls which make some interesting reactionary waves after midday. Then we reach an emblematic place of the Pumallin project and Cahuelmo springs are very welcome after these hours spent paddling. The pools have been craved on the river bank and this is an amazing place where to relax and enjoy the sunset soaking in thermal water. Day 4 : Back to civilization Depending on the paddling conditions we decide on the route we take today. A paddling section around the sea lions colony at the mouth of the fjord and we meet our support boat who will take us back to Hornopiren where our vehicle is waiting for us. Drive back to Puerto Varas along the austral highway.
NORTHERN PATAGONIA,
PUMALIN PARK
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oin us in a complete multi-activity program through Carretera austral and the Fjords of Northern patagonia. We will explore unique and diverse landscapes. From active volcanoes, to one of the last temperate rain forest of the world, to witness the grandeurs of Alerce redwood trees. Day 1: Drive to Hornopiren town to begin a 3 hours navigation of Comau and Reñihue Fjords, arrive in Caleta Gonzalo where we will stay overnight. Day 2: Walking through ancient Alerce red wood forest and hike up the hidden waterfalls trail in temperate rainforest, back to caleta Gonzalo. Day 3: Drive through Pumalín Park to get to the foothills of active Chaitén volcano , climb to the crater. Day 4: Visit the park ranger station at El Amarillo, hike to ventisquero El Amarillo, finish the day in the hotsprings. Day 5: Ferry navigation back to Hornopirén and transfer to Puerto Varas Destination: Pumalín Park, Lake district. Length: 4 nights 5 days Difficulty level: Medium Activities: Navigate the fjords of Northern Patagonia Trekking Pumalín park Visit an Alerce ancient forest Hike up active Chaiten Volcano Trekking to ventisquero El Amarillo (glacier) at the foot of Michimahuida Volcano Hot springs Photo opportunity
INTERPRETATIVE HIKE
NATIONAL RESERVE
LLANQUIHUE
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his excursion starts early in the morning driving toward the coast to reach the southern side of the Calbuco volcano, the hike will take us to one of the less explored areas of the Lake´s District. We will have an easy/medium hike of 5 hours aprox. through the solidified lava rivers of the volcano and by the evergreen rainforest, crossed by streams and waterfalls, to finally have a spectacular view to the main crater and the summit of the mountain.
Destination: National Reserve Llanquihue, Lake district. Length: Full day Difficulty Level: Medium Activities: Five hours hike through hard terrain and forest Photo opportunity Flora and fauna observation
HIKE SOLITARIO:
OSORNO VOLCANO
EXPLORING THE
A full day adventure that will take us from the turquoise water of the river Petrohué to the slopes of the Osorno volcano and the evergreen forest that surrounds the hiking paths. This is an excellent choice for photographers and for those that want to visit the park without any hurry and enjoy an active and easy walking experience. Optional: Exploration of volcanic caves descending 20 meters and waking 6 meters using ropes and with professional mountaineering guides. Destination: National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales, Lake district. Length: Full Day Difficulty Level: Low Activities: Hiking the slopes of the Osorno Volcano Visit to the Petrohué river falls Photo opportunity Flora and fauna observation
Southern Patagonia:
Torres del Paine
W trek
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his adventure will take us to explore deep Patagonia walking through unique geological formations. Every day we will find a completely different landscape, such as glaciers coming from the southern ice field, patagonian steppes plenty of Guanacos (a relative from lamas) and lakes with infinite different colors, all of these, with the legendary patagonian winds surrounding us. Day 1: Pick up in Punta Arenas, lunch in Puerto Natales, visit to the Milodon cave Natural Monument. Overnight in Torre central refuge (all the refuges have shared rooms for 6 persons). Day 2: Full day trekking to Torres lookout, 22 km, aprox 8 to 9 hours. Overnight at Torre Central Refuge. Day 3: 5 hour walk to Los Cuernos refuge. Day 4: 6 to 10 hour walk into the French Valley. Overnight at Paine Grande Lodge. Day 5: 4 hour walk in direction to Grey glacier. 2 hour boat trip* approaching the Grey glacier. Our van will be waiting for us at the peer. Overnight in Puerto Natales. * If weather conditions are to bad for sailing, the captain may take the desicion not to sail for security reasons, in wich case we will walk back to Paine grande lodge and take a catamaran. Destination: National Park Torres del Paine, Patagonia. Length: 5 days, 55 km. Difficulty Level: High - 11 to 25 km per day. Activities: Hiking Boat trip to see the glaciers Photo opportunity Flora and fauna observation
SELF GUIDED TOURS
Self guided birding tours Self guided active tours Self guided cultural tours
W
e design and send you through post service a
package with a tailor made itinerary according to your interests: maps, field guides, ferries, lodging, hotspots and all the indications for self guided trips through Chile. Flexibility and the best value. Access to local support all along the trip. The only difference is that you are the guide!
BIRDSCHILE, BIRDING & NATURE TOURS www.birdschile.com info@birdschile.com 56 9 92692606 - 56 9 92354818 Photos: Raffaele Di Biase - Teresa Montes - Natalia Montes - Marcela Ibieta Mariano Diez Pe単a - Richard Carrier - Parque Tantauco Francisco Negroni Design: Natalia Montes
Chile and Patagonia, your next destination