Far South Expeditions - Catalogue 2014

Inspiring Wildlife Adventures Since 1997

2014

Photo & Nature Journeys • Birding, Mammal & Botanical Trips • Expedition Cruises

Message from the Founders It’s been sixteen years since we started operations as a company.

All this time, we have explored every remote corner of Chile and Patagonia, and have been fortunate to share our love for what we do with our friends and customers.

This upcoming season finds us looking forward to go out in the field once again, with renewed enthusiasm, additions to our staff and a bunch of new programmes aiming to expand our scope and venture into some of the most spectacular places our vast continent has to offer, always keeping and if possible improving our standards and doing our best to give you a first-class experience.

So if you share our passion for exploring and photographing pristine wilderness, birds, mammals, flowers and any kind of wildlife, come to the Far South…! We’ll be waiting for you…

In friendship, Enrique Couve & Claudio F. Vidal

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Cover Photo: Puna Flamingo, Phoenicoparrus jamesi © Rodrigo Tapia p.2: Southern River Otter, Lontra provocax

Testimonials “Thank you very much for all the work you did with our group from Mt. Diablo Audubon Society.”

– Hugh Harvey, Mt. Diablo Audubon Society, USA “I am more than satisfied with the trip you provided us and the accompanying memories that will stay with us forever. Thank you so much for all of your hard work to make our adventure happen AND for putting up with me for all this time! I especially appreciate that you custom-designed an itinerary to include everything I wanted, even though the itinerary I requested is not your usual.

Mil gracias!” – Kathy Simandl, USA “My husband and I just returned from our trip. I wanted to take a moment to write to you and thank you for a superb custom trip in Torres del Paine. Thanks to you and to Far South Expeditions for making our trip so memorable.” – Marion Krause, USA “Thank you for the most wonderful expedition we have ever had! We appreciated the depth of your knowledge, your caring and kindness, and the connection we formed from Chile and its history. It couldn't have been better”.

Marchie and Wally. – Marchie Enders & Wally Kornack, USA “This was the best trip we have ever undertaken, and will be very hard to match, except perhaps by another one with Far South Expeditions!” – Martin & Dorothy Grace, UK “We wanted to thank you all for the trips you so efficiently planned and executed for us. We could not have wished for a more expert guide. We will certainly recommend you to our friends.” – Tony & Sue Upton, UK

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King Penguins, Aptenodytes patagonicus

The Far South Expeditions Difference Offering inspiring and intimate nature, photography and birding journeys in South America, Patagonia and Antarctica, since 1997.

Extraordinary Journeys Our goal is very simple. We want to introduce you to our country’s environs by combining a unique educational travel experience, with very high levels of professional service and comfort, and a focus in wildlife appreciation and biodiversity conservation.

This is granted by the knowledge and passion of a team of experts, strongly attached to the land and wildlife of this remote region of the world.

Our carefully planned logistics, together with our strong operational capacity and the quality of our guides, have allowed us to attract and establish the confidence of some of the most important specialized nature tour operators of the US and the UK, and as a result we are now responsible for the planning and operation of their trips to our country.

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Small Groups In order to create a memorable journey for you, we favour travelling in small groups, led by an expert naturalist guide. Our party sizes do not exceed 10 participants; even in some of them, our photo safaris for example, our groups have a maximum size of 6 guests. We use spacious vehicles and we guarantee a window seat for each guest. We are very proud to offer an impeccably planned operation of your holiday; fulfilling your expectations and further level of satisfaction are our permanent goal.

Our Exciting Accommodations The places we stay at are very special. We have known them since they started and we are constantly evaluating the quality of their services regarding our guests. Some of them are located in towns and cities but we always privilege the opportunity of staying amid the magnificent scenery of Chile, in world-class accommodations. In remote locations, we use simple, cozy lodges; we feel that sometimes those are the

most difficult places to leave. All these locations will surprise us with fine, high standard cuisine, enriched by local flavours and the world-famous Chilean wine.

Our Friendly and Knowledgeable Office Staff Our offices are located at 53°09’24”S and 70°54’24”W, in Chile’s southernmost city, Punta Arenas, right on the shores of the mythic Straits of Magellan. In spite of the distance, we are keen to remain close and available for your inquiries. Our office staff is entirely local and will be delighted to assist you in planning your trip. If you happen to be are around town, please feel free to visit and talk about our trips around a cup of coffee.

Best Locations Our trips visit such contrasting and beautiful locations as the Atacama Desert, the High Andes and the Altiplano, the fascinating Easter Island and Juan Fernandez Archipelago, and south to the impressive fjords, mountains and glaciers of Patagonia, the dazzling landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park and the windswept steppes and forests of Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn. In addition, we operate nature expeditions to the Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. For 2014 we have expanded our portfolio by adding exciting nature tours to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

Our Nature Books & Trip Materials Our company is proudly involved in the authorship and production of our own nature resource books and field guides for Chile and Patagonia.

Since 1999 we have published more than 20 different titles on birds, flora, wildlife and landscapes of southern South America. We provide these books to our guests as well as field checklists and other materials to enhance their learning experience during our trips.

Ahu Tongariki, Rapa Nui, Chile

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Claudio F. Vidal

Our Tour Leaders & Guides

Enrique Couve

Rodrigo Tapia

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Being the people who work directly in the field with our customers, and therefore the ones who show them around and interpret for them, the leaders should not just be knowledgeable, enthusiastic, great naturalists and easy-going people, but also careful planners. Our trips have a strong educational component and our guides are truly passionate about wildlife and the natural world; they will be delighted to get out there with you and look for new birds, mammals and other fauna, show you the rarest orchid on a botanical trip, or take you to the best spot, in the right light, for your landscape or wildlife photography and telling you about the bird you’re looking at, or the geology of the place, while throwing in any relevant historical or cultural accounts. This is your holiday and our guides will do their best in planning ahead and avoiding any potential trouble, while sorting any inconvenience that could come up the road. You will make the most of the experience by sharing through the eyes of your local, experienced tour leader.

Our Wildlife Adventures in Patagonia, Chile & South America BRASIL

Patagonia

• Patagonia Wildlife Adventure – p. 14 • Patagonia Photo Expedition – p. 15 • Mammals & Birds of Patagonia – p. 16 • Pumas, King Penguins & Humpback Whales – p. 17 • Patagonia Explorer – p. 18 • Patagonia for Connoisseurs – p. 19 • Birding Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego – p. 20 • Patagonia Botanical Tour – p. 21 • Patagonia & The Falkland Islands – p. 22 • Los Glaciares National Park – p. 23 • Torres del Paine Explorer – p. 24 • Torres del Paine Hiker – p. 25 • Pumas of Torres del Paine – p. 26 • King Penguins of Tierra del Fuego – p. 27 • Cape Horn Expedition Cruise – p. 28 • Humpback Whales of the Magellan Straits – p. 29 • Tierra del Fuego Photo Expedition • Day Trips from Punta Arenas, Chile – p. 31 • Day Tours from Ushuaia – p. 32

Chile

• Chile Wildlife Adventure – p. 34 • Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina – p. 35 • Birding Chile – An Easy Tour – p. 36 • Chile Birding Adventure – p. 37 • Atacama Desert Explorer – p. 38 • Coastal Atacama Desert – p. 39 • Birding Northern Chile – p. 40 • Birding Central Chile – p. 41 • Mediterranean Chile Botanical Tour – p. 42

Sao Paulo

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Araucaria Forests – p. 43 • Lake District & Chiloe Island – p. 44 • Chiloe Island & Laguna San Rafael National Park – p.

45 • Chilean Fjords Photo & Wildlife Expedition – p. 46 • Albatrosses & Petrels in the Humboldt Current – p. 47 • Day Tours from Santiago – p. 48 • Day Tours from Puerto Montt – p. 49

Argentina

• Birds and Wines: Chile & Argentina Tour – p. 35

Islands & Antarctica

• Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – p. 51 • The Falkland Islands – p. 52 • Robinson Crusoe Island – p. 53 • Grand Antarctica – p. 54

Brasil

• Jaguars of the Pantanal – p. 56 • Jaguars & Pumas – p. 57 • Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest – p. 58

Uruguay

• Uruguay, Birds, Pampas & Wines– p. 59

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2014 Tour Calendar

PATAGONIA Patagonia Wildlife Adventure 4 January, 1 February, 1 March, 5 April, 3 May, 6 September, 4 October, 1 November, 6 December Patagonia Photo Expedition 25 January, 22 February, 22 March, 19 April, 27 September, 25 October, 22 November, 27 December Mammals and Birds of Patagonia 14-24 February

CHILE Birds and Wines: Chile & Argentina Tour 25 February - 9 March Chile Birding Adventure 4-22 January, 18 October - 5 November Birding Chile, An Easy Tour 14-27 December

BRAZIL Jaguars of the Pantanal 7-15 September, 12-20 October Jaguars & Pumas 7-21 September, 12-26 October

URUGUAY Uruguay: Birds, Pampas & Wines 22-30 November

King Penguin, Aptenodytes patagonicus

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Our Wildlife Blog

Visit Us Online www.farsouthexpeditions.com Keeping in touch with our customers has always been of paramount importance to the success of our operation, so no matter how far the distance, we are eager to serve you better and connect with you at all times, pre- and post-tour.

Continually modified, our website keeps you updated on all our new tours and programmes, special deals and exciting news both from the field and the office, so you can have all the information you need to choose from our varied offer.

Our naturalists and guides are periodically delivering short notes accompanying photographs taken in our tours, to let you have a virtual peek into the wonders that we experience first-hand in the field.

This material, which is shared through our Wildlife Blog into social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr, is in the format of a brief, easy-to-read “mini-article�, but on the other hand it is intended to be of high quality both visually and in written content, so you can enjoy the photographs while learning a little bit about the natural history of the subject. Join us daily on our glimpses into the awesome wilderness of some of the remotest and most pristine ecosystems in the Planet!

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Conservation

Supporting Research and Preservation of Patagonian Orchids It is well known that ecotourism brings many benefits to the local communities and the environment, but sometimes, when there is a drastic increase in visitors without proper management plans and contingency guidelines, the effects can be catastrophic. During the last decade, Torres del Paine National Park, one of Chile’s Biosphere Reserves and one of the most visited protected areas in Patagonia, has suffered two large-scale fire events, both initiated by tourists. In an area without the occurrence of natural fires, the vegetation has been drastically affected in some parts. As part of our concern about the threatened natural heritage of Patagonia, we are committed to support, logistically and financially, a couple of longterm research initiatives being carried out in the park by conservation NGO AMA. AMA’s researchers are currently conducting thorough surveys, inventories and studies on the populations of several orchid species, all of them endemic to this region.

One of the expected results is the production of a series of publications, educational material and conservation guidelines to be delivered within 2014.

Patagonian orchids: Gavilea littoralis and Chloraea chica

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Education

A Guide to the Birds of Chile, Oceanic Islands and Antarctic Peninsula Since 1997, our commitment with environmental education and conservation as a corporate way of life has encouraged us to produce more than 20 field guides and related publications on the birds, wildlife and natural history of Chile and Patagonia.

Over the last 10 years, company founders Enrique Couve and Claudio F. Vidal have teamed up with the accomplished Chilean ornithologist and artist Jorge Ruiz to write and illustrate a thorough field guide to the birds of Chile and offshore dependencies, including Juan Fernandez archipelago, Easter Island and Antarctic Peninsula. The research process has been long but prolific, and we expect this work to be published (initially in Spanish) by the end of 2013.

Ornithologist and artist Jorge Ruiz • Austral Rail, Rallus antarcticus • Chestnut-throated Huet-huet, Pteroptochos castaneus • Moustached Turca, Pteroptochos megapodius • Inca Tern, Larosterna inca • Chilean Tinamou, Nothoprocta perdicaria • Chucao Tapaculo, Scelorchilus rubecula • Rufous-legged Owl, Strix rufipes

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Events

AvistarPatagonia, the Bird Photography Workshop

Puerto Natales, Chile • 29 October – 3 November 2013

Grab your camera and lenses!

AvistarPatagonia, the Bird Photography Workshop, takes you to shoot out there, elbow-to-elbow with the greats.

Patagonia, one of the few remaining wild and remote regions of the world, holds a spectacular cast of fascinating birds, mammals and other wildlife, never mind the scenery!

The event will gather several of the world's most renowned bird photographers and tour leaders, and get them together with you. If you are a keen bird and nature photographer, amateur or professional, you are welcome to join this unique event to be held amidst the pristine and picturesque landscapes of Chilean Patagonia.

At AvistarPatagonia, we will carry out a comprehensive programme of activities including photo workshops and field trips under the tuition of experts in Patagonia's premier wildlife destination, Torres del Paine National Park and surrounding areas; the programme will also include technical seminars and lectures given by our select and famed keynote speakers.

AvistarPatagonia will be held at the exclusive Hotel Remota and jointly hosted by AvistarBrasil and Far South Expeditions.

Chilean Flamingo, Phoenicopterus chilensis • Magellanic Plover, Pluvianellus socialis • Aplomado Falcon, Falco femoralis

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Fore more information: www.avistarpatagonia.com

p. 13 – Magellanic Penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus p. 14 – Paine Horns, Patagonia • Guanaco, Lama guanicoe • Group with the ‘towers’ in the background p. 15 – South American Grey Fox, Lycalopex griseus • Paine Massif

Patagonia Tours 13

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Patagonia Wildlife Adventure

A Nature Journey to the End of the World Departures 8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.

2014: 4 Jan • 1 Feb • 1 Mar • 5 Apr • 3 May • 6 Sep • 4 Oct • 1 Nov • 6 Dec Trip Code: PAT06 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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oin the ultimate nature and photo journey to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Far South Expeditions and Hotel Remota have joined efforts in designing and operating this superb wildlife adventure to the world's end, with the single purpose of providing our guests with an authentic and memorable journey of discovery, and outstanding levels of service.

We will spend considerable time exploring the surrounding areas of Puerto Natales, including boat trips to the Chilean Fjords and their striking glaciers, plus in-depth visits to Patagonia's premier wildlife destination, Torres del Paine National Park. The focus of this trip is to see as much wildlife as possible, and travelling in a small group (up to 6 participants) will also provide the photo enthusiast with great chances of capturing the grandeur of these aweinspiring landscapes.

Remota Lodge will be our comfortable base during most of this trip; its remarkable architecture and its unique setting are worthwhile exploring and enjoying. The last portion of the trip will be oriented to visit Tierra del Fuego and the only continental breeding colony of the stunning King Penguin. A grand finale for the trip of a lifetime.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Magellanic penguins – Puerto Natales Day 2 • Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Sierra Baguales Day 3 • Bernardo O’Higgins National Park: Boat trip to Last Hope Fjord and Balmaceda Glacier Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – Laguna Amarga & Laguna Azul Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 6 • Pali Aike NP – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Porvenir Day 7 • King penguins – Ferry to Punta Arenas Day 8 • End of the trip

tours@farsouthexpeditions.com

Patagonia Photo Expedition

Photo Safari to the End of the World Departures 8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.

2014: 25 Jan • 22 Feb • 22 Mar • 19 Apr • 27 Sep • 25 Oct • 22 Nov • 27 Dec Trip Code: PAT01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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andscape and wildlife photography tour to Patagonia led by resident nature photographers. Discover the best of Patagonia on this exclusivelydesigned, photo-oriented journey; stay at great nature lodges and historic guest houses, learn about nature photography during our photo workshops, enjoy and document the best wildlife encounters, learn from thorough natural history interpretation, and experience the comfort of travelling in a small group, with a maximum group size of 8 participants.

Magellanic and King penguins, flamingos, sea lions, glaciers, breathtaking scenery, the mythical Tierra del Fuego Island and Straits of Magellan, the stunning Torres del Paine National Park and much more are all part of this, the ultimate photo journey to Patagonia.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Otway Sound – Drive to Torres del Paine National Park Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) – Laguna Amarga & Laguna Azul Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP: Lago Sarmiento – Mylodon Cave Natural Monument Day 5 • Bernardo O’Higgins NP: Boat trip to Ultima Esperanza Fjord & Balmaceda Glacier Day 6 • Pali Aike road – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins Day 7 • Straits of Magellan: Ferry to Punta Arenas Day 8 • End of the trip

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Mammals & Birds of Patagonia

Cetaceans & Pumas in Southern Chile

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his comprehensive itinerary presents us with the unique 11-day trip from Puerto chance of exploring Patagonia Montt, Chile; ends at and its mammals and birds. Most of the Punta Arenas, Chile. tours coming to the area are focused on 2014: 14-24 Feb beautiful landscapes and on the bigger animals that are the easiest to watch; Trip Code: PAT07 This programme is with us, besides exploring and admiring operated on a fixed the landscapes you will see a significant departure date, with a part of the endemic mammals and birds minimum of 4 particiof the region, several of them very rare pants and a maximum group size of 8 guests. and/or difficult to observe.

Ferry crossings in Chiloe Island and the This programme is Magellan Straits are both very good for also operated as a seabirds and marine mammals: Blue and customized, private trip, with a minimum of Humpback whales and other cetaceans 2 participants. such as Chilean and Peale's dolphins, South American Sea Lion, two species of local and highly range-restricted Darwin’s Fox, Lycalopex fulvipes • Magellanic Wo- otters. Magnificent seabirds including odpecker, Campephilus several tubenoses like Black-browed magellanicus Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel, Southern Fulmar and Wilson’s Storm Petrel, and up to three penguin species including Humboldt, Magellanic and King. In land, up to three species of fox including Darwin's, Chilla and Culpeo, Puma and Guanaco, Huemul Deer, Hairy Armadillo, Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk,

Departures

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Patagonian Weasel, and other mammals of the Valdivian temperate rainforest like the tiny Pudu Deer and hopefully Kodkod, one of the world's rarest cats. Forest birds such as the magnificent Magellanic Woodpecker and endemic tapaculos, and rare waders including Magellanic Plover, Tawny-throated Dotterel, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Two-banded Plover and seedsnipes.

As you can see, the variety of subjects on this quest for the mammals and birds of Patagonia is almost endless…like the memories you’ll keep of this memorable experience.

Day 1 • Puerto Montt – Drive to Ancud – Puñihuil Islets Day 2 • Chepu River – Tepuhueico Park Day 3 • Tepuhueico Park Day 4 • Boat trip off Quellon Day 5 • Drive to Puerto Montt – Flight to Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine National Park Days 6-8 • Torres del Paine NP Day 9 • Pali Aike road – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego Day 10 • Useless Bay – Ferry to mainland Day 11 • End of the trip

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Pumas, King Penguins & Humpback Whales

Wildlife Icons of Patagonia

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Departures 11-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: PAT10 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Available from January until April.

Puma, Puma concolor • Humpback Whale, Megaptera novaengliae • King Penguin, Aptenodytes patagonicus

requently praised by visitors from all over the world as one of the most beautiful and majestic wild places in the planet, Torres del Paine National Park is a remote refuge of life where wildlife is normally quite tame and it's not rare to see relaxed and inquisitive guanacos, foxes and other animals at close quarters; seeing the lone hunter that dwells in the vast and barren hills, the mighty Puma, is something else.

This first section of our three-prong quest has been geared to seek out and contemplate this big and elegant cat in one the wildest places throughout its entire range in the Continent.

The King Penguin is the second largest species of penguin after the Emperor and certainly one of the most colorful and attractive members of the group.

The second part of our journey takes us to see these magnificent seabirds in their natural habitat. Few places in the world offer good access and chances to see them in the wild like Useless Bay in Tierra del Fuego, making this, the only continental American breeding colony, a very special one indeed.

The third part of our trip takes us to Carlos III Island, located at the heart of the recently established Francisco Coloane Marine Park in the mythic Straits of Magellan, to find some of its most

charismatic and usually elusive inhabitants, Humpback Whales. We will see these imposing creatures and other marine mammals of the sub-Antarctic region at close quarters, as well as a good diversity of seabirds. Also, we will visit remote penguin colonies as well as other seabirds’ rookeries. We will be based one night at San Isidro Lodge, located besides the homonymous historic lighthouse, and two nights at the domes of the research facilities at Carlos III Island, the perfect location to see the Humpbacks and marvel at their social behavior and feeding techniques.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park Days 2-4 • Exploring Torres del Paine – Puma searches Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP – Transfer to Punta Arenas Day 6 • Ferry to Porvenir – Useless Bay for King penguins Day 7 • Ferry to Punta Arenas – Faro San Isidro Lodge Day 8 • Boat trip to Carlos III Island – Afternoon looking for Humpback Whale Day 9 • Carlos III Island Day 10 • Faro San Isidro Lodge – Punta Arenas Day 11 • End of the trip

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Patagonia Explorer Exploring the Remote Regions of Chile & Argentina Departures 9-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina; ends at Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: PAT02 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Southern Patagonian Icefield • Calceolaria uniflora • Culpeo Fox, Lycalopex culpaeus

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iscover the Best of Patagonia on this in-depth nature tour and photo journey; great nature lodges, the best wildlife encounters and thorough nature interpretation. Experience the comfort of travelling in a small group. This itinerary features visits to Patagonia's premier wildlife destinations: Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks, in Chile and Argentina respectively, as well as the Straits of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego for King Penguins.

Explore colossal glaciers, Perito Moreno in Argentina and Grey in Chile’s Torres del Paine; visit Otway Sound Magellanic penguin colony, and the fascinating paleontological site of Mylodon Cave. Meet the locals while enjoying a shearing show and shepherd dog demonstration at a typical Patagonian farm.

Day 1 • El Calafate, Argentina – Perito Moreno Glacier & Los Glaciares National Park Day 2 • Lago Argentino & Estancia ‘Cristina' Day 3 • Drive to Cerro Castillo, Chile – Torres del Paine NP Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – Laguna Amarga & Laguna Azul Day 6 • Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Gaucho farm – Punta Arenas Day 7 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins Day 8 • Flight to Punta Arenas – Otway Sound for Magellanic penguins Day 9 • End of the trip

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Patagonia for Connoisseurs

Exploring and Cruising a Land of Legends

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Departures 12-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina; ends at Ushuaia, Argentina.

Trip Code: PAT08 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Black-browed Albatross, Thalassarche melanophrys • South American Fur Seal, Arctocephalus australis • Gavilea kingi

iscover the essence of Patagonia through this in-depth nature tour and photo journey which combines the best of a land expedition and a comfortable cruise; great nature lodges, the best wildlife encounters and thorough nature interpretation. Experience the comfort of travelling in a small group.

This itinerary features Patagonia's premier wildlife destinations: Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares national parks, in Chile and Argentina respectively, as well as the most important and highly significant geographic and historic landmarks in the southern tip of the South American continent, the Straits of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego, the Beagle Channel and Cape Horn.

In the first, terrestrial par of our trip, we’ll explore colossal glaciers, Perito Moreno in Argentina and Grey in Chile’s Torres del Paine; visit Otway Sound Magellanic Penguin colony, and the fascinating paleontological site of Mylodon Cave. Meet the locals while enjoying a shearing show and shepherd dog demonstration at a typical Patagonian farm.

During the second, ship-based part of this journey we will sail through a significant part of the Straits of Magellan, learning about the fascinating history of the indigenous people and the explorers of the Fuegian fjords and channels, and following in the footsteps of Darwin

aboard the HMS Beagle. Tall snow-capped mountains, huge glaciers and magnificent forests, all add to the peculiar beauty of this landscape of peaks, trees, fjords and remote islands sculpted by the strong westerly winds and the powerful waters of the Pacific Ocean.

We’ll see active breeding colonies of penguins and sea lions, and enjoy the elegant flight of the majestic albatross. Finally, we shall reach the southernmost part of our journey at the mythical and feared Cape Horn.

Day 1 • El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier & Los Glaciares National Park Day 2 • Lago Argentino & Estancia ‘Cristina' Day 3 • Drive to Cerro Castillo, Chile – Torres del Paine NP Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – Laguna Amarga & Laguna Azul Day 6 • Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Gaucho farm – Punta Arenas Day 7 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins Day 8 • Flight to Punta Arenas – Otway Sound – Board M/V Stella Australis Day 9 • Tierra del Fuego: Ainsworth Bay – Tucker Islets Day 10 • Beagle Channel: Pia Glacier – ‘Avenue of Glaciers’ Day 11 • Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay Day 12 • Arrival to Ushuaia

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Birding Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego

Discovering the Birds & Landscapes of the End of the World

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oin this exclusive birding journey and discover the unique bird diversity in the remote regions and 7-day trip from Punta dazzling landscapes of Chilean Patagonia Arenas, Chile. & Tierra del Fuego. Enjoy the pace of a small group and the expertise and skill of Trip Code: PAT03 our well-seasoned birding guides.

This programme Seabirds like Black-browed Albatross, is operated as a Antarctic Giant Petrel, Magellanic customized, private Diving Petrel and Chilean Skua, trip, with a minimum Waterfowl like Upland, Ashy-headed of 2 participants. and Ruddy-headed geese, Stunning waders including Magellanic Plover, Transfers from/to El Two-banded Plover, Rufous-chested Calafate, Argentina Dotterel, Tawny-throated Dotterel and are available. several seedsnipes, King and Magellanic penguins, remarkable forest-dwelling birds such as Magellanic Woodpecker, Magellanic Plover, Austral Parakeet and Chilean Hawk, will Pluvianellus socialis • be part of this trip, with the occasional White-bridled Finch, presence of the imposing Andean Melanodera melanodera, Condor, largest of terrestrial flying birds, Ruddy-headed Goose, soaring above our heads.

Chloephaga rubidiceps Chile's Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, regarded as one of the world's most beautiful national parks. A large diversity of habitats in the park includes steppes, scrub and sub-Antarctic forests, all set between mountains and glaciers in dramatic landscapes of extraordinary beauty.

Departures

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Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Laguna de los Cisnes Day 2 • Useless Bay for King penguins Day 3 • Ferry to mainland – Pali Aike road – Drive to Puerto Natales Day 4 • Torres del Paine National Park Day 5 • Sierra Baguales – Drive to Punta Arenas Day 6 • San Juan Bay – Otway Sound & Rio Verde Day 7 • End of the trip

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Patagonia Botanical Tour

Botanizing at the End of the World Departures 8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: PAT04 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants, from late October until early January.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

Chloraea magellanica • Oxalis enneaphylla • Botanizing in Patagonia

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ature journey designed exclusively for botanists, plant enthusiasts and flower photographers willing to discover the surprising diversity of flora and vegetation in the southernmost regions of Patagonia. On this trip you will visit Chile's impressive and world-famous Biosphere Reserve Torres del Paine National Park and the wind-swept steppes, sub-Antarctic forests and Andean moorlands of Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego, at the south end of South America's mainland, looking for endemic species in the genera Adesmia, Alstroemeria, Gavilea, Nassauvia, Primula or Senecio, and others with highly restricted distributional ranges. We will explore a wide range of habitats, amidst stunning landscapes and pristine areas, and will enjoy the presence of other remarkable and unique wildlife of this part of the world.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Laguna Parrillar Nature Reserve – San Juan Bay Day 2 • Otway Sound NR – Drive to Puerto Natales Day 3 • Cerro Benitez Day 4 • Torres del Paine National Park (western sector) Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) Day 6 • Sierra Baguales Day 7 • Pali Aike road – Drive to Punta Arenas Day 8 • End of the trip

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Patagonia & the Falkland Islands

The Southern Andes & the 'Galapagos' of the South

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ombine the best nature and photo journey to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego with a visit to the Falkland 15-day trip from Punta Islands.

Arenas, Chile.

We’ll spend the first half of this journey exploring the surrounding Trip Code: PAT09 areas of Puerto Natales, including boat This programme is trips to the Chilean Fjords and their operated on a fixed striking glaciers, plus in-depth visits to departure date, Patagonia's premier wildlife destination, with a minimum of Torres del Paine National Park. Remota 2 participants and a Lodge will be our comfortable base maximum group size during most of this part of the trip; its of 8 guests. remarkable architecture and its unique setting are worthwhile exploring and Check out our website enjoying. The last portion of the trip will for updated departure be oriented to visit Tierra del Fuego and dates. the only continental-breeding colony of the stunning King Penguin.

Group at Pebble Island We’ll then board a plane and fly east into the South Atlantic to discover with Rockhopper Penguin rookery, Eudyptes the wildlife and natural history of a chrysocome • Striated remarkable and remote group of islands, Caracara, Phalcoboenus located in the South Atlantic Ocean, the australis Falklands. The archipelago comprises more than 700 small islands (most of them uninhabited) and is located about 350 miles northwest of Cape Horn, east of mainland South America. The Falklands are simply the most accessible place in the world to observe breeding colonies of sub-Antarctic wildlife such as tame Black-browed Albatrosses,

Departures

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Rockhopper and King Penguins and marine mammals such as Southern Elephant Seals.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Magellanic penguins – Puerto Natales Day 2 • Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Sierra Baguales Day 3 • Bernardo O’Higgins National Park: Boat trip to Last Hope Fjord and Balmaceda Glacier Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – Laguna Amarga& Laguna Azul Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 6 • PaliAike NP – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Porvenir Day 7 • King penguins – Ferry to Punta Arenas Day 8 • Flight to the Falklands – Drive to Port Stanley Day 9 • Volunteer Point Day 10 • Flight to Carcass Island Day 11 • Carcass Island – Optional boat trip to West Point Island Day 12 • Carcass Island – Flight to Sea Lion Island Day 13 • Sea Lion Island Day 14 • Sea Lion Island – Flight to Darwin Day 15 • Flight to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile

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Los Glaciares National Park

Glaciers and Forests of Argentine Patagonia Departures 5-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina.

Trip Code: PAT05 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, Chile, are available.

Mount Fitz Roy at dawn • Austral Parakeet, Enicognathus ferrugineus • Perito Moreno Glacier

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os Glaciares National Park is a World Heritage Site situated near the picturesque and pleasant town of El Calafate, southern Argentina. At the southern tip of South America, the Andes are almost entirely covered by a huge ice-sheet, the Southern Patagonian Ice-Field. This vast mass of ice feeds many glaciers and massive lakes in this part of Patagonia. One of these lakes is called 'Argentino' and into it flows one of the most famous glaciers in Patagonia, the grand Perito Moreno. It is by far the most imposing glacier of the whole park, and is a feature of stunning beauty. On this photographic and natural history journey we will explore the temperate forests, wind-swept steppes, emerald-colored lakes and the ancient glaciers of this incredible nature reserve and will discover its peculiar flora and fauna adapted to these extreme conditions.

Day 1 • El Calafate, Argentina – Laguna Nimes Day 2 •Los Glaciares National Park (south): LagoArgentino & Estancia ‘Cristina’ Day 3 •Full day at El Chaltén Day 4 •Perito Moreno Glacier Day 5 • End of the trip

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Torres del Paine Explorer Exploring Patagonia's Premier Wildlife Destination Departures

2-dayoption Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine National Park Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Lake Grey – Drive to Punta Arenas

2 to 5-day options from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: TDP01 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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iscover Torres del Paine, Patagonia's premier wildlife destination, at its best. This is a completely private wildlife and photo safari, entirely led by a naturalist guide from our company. This customdesigned itinerary includes private transportation and guide services throughout the length of the trip, park entry fees, hotel-based accommodation and all meals. This package provides Paine Towers with rising you with privacy and full flexibility to Moon • Darwin’s Rhea, Rhea pennata • Laguna pursuit your particular interests; you will Amarga get in-depth nature interpretation and enjoy the best wildlife encounters with your experienced naturalist guide.

If you are a nature photographer, a nature enthusiast, a birder, a botanist, a hiker with an interest in the natural world, or simply an adventurer, this journey of discovery is for you!

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3-dayoption Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine NP Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Lake Grey –Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) – Drive to Punta Arenas 4-dayoption Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine NP Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Lake Grey – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP– Drive to Punta Arenas 5-dayoption Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine NP Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Lake Grey – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP – Drive to Punta Arenas

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Torres del Paine Hiker

Trekking the W Trail Departures Trip Code: TDP02 This programme is operated as a self-guided trip, with a minimum of 1 participant. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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ltimate hiking vacation to Torres del Paine, Chile, Patagonia's premier trekking destination.

This hiking package explores the famous 'W' hiking circuit, a fantastic trail for both experienced and novice hikers, keen nature photographers and naturalists alike. On this unparalleled trail you will explore the remotest regions of Patagonia, enjoy spectacular views of towering granite mountains, awe-inPaine Horns from French valley • Geranium spiring glaciers, emerald-colored lakes magellanicum • Hikers at and breathtaking skies at sunrise and the W trail sunsets.

The programme includes full-board accommodation at up to 4 of the mountain huts (refugios) found along the trail, and related logistics including bus and boat transport arrangements. A guided option for solo travellers, couples or small private groups is also available.

6-day option Day 1 • Bus journey to Torres del Paine National Park – Transfer to Refugio Torre Central Day 2 • Full day hike to the base of Las Torres (The Towers) Day 3 • Hike to Los Cuernos (The Horns) – Lake Nordenskjöld Day 4 • Full day hike to Valle del Francés Day 5 • Hike to Grey Glacier Day 6 • Pehoe Lake – Catamaran trip to Pudeto – Bus journey to Puerto Natales – End of the trip 7-dayoption Day 6 • Southern Patagonian Icefield | Hike to Pehoé Lake Day 7 • Pehoe Lake | Catamaran boat trip to Pudeto | Bus journey to Puerto Natales – End of the trip

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Pumas of Torres del Paine

A Quest for the Lord of the Andes Departures 5- and 6-day options from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: TDP03 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

Puma, Puma concolor

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trip committed to watch the Puma in the remote and stunning Patagonian wilderness of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.

Frequently praised by visitors as one of the most beautiful and majestic wild places in the planet, Torres del Paine National Park is a remote refuge of life where wildlife is normally quite tame and it's not rare to see relaxed and inquisitive guanacos, foxes and other animals at close quarters; seeing the lone hunter that dwells in the vast and barren hills, the mighty Puma, is something else.

This expedition has been geared to seek out and contemplate this big and elegant cat in one the wildest places throughout its entire range in the Continent. Join us on this quest, to discover the wildlife of Torres del Paine and one of its most secretive and yet most awe-inspiring inhabitants.

Day 1• Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine National Park Days 2-4• Exploring Torres del Paine – Puma searches Day 5• Torres del Paine – Transfer to Punta Arenas – Optional transfer to El Calafate, Argentina Day 6• An additional day to explore the park searching for pumas plus other interesting mammals such as the elusive Andean or Huemul Deer, Geoffroy's Cat, Patagonian Weasel and Patagonian Hairy Armadillo.

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King Penguins of Tierra del Fuego

Encounters with the Lord of Patagonia Departures Day trip, or 2-day trip, from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: TDF01 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to Ushuaia, Argentina, are available.

King Penguin, Aptenodytes magellanicus

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he King Penguin is the second largest species of penguin after the Emperor and certainly one of the most colorful and attractive members of the group. Few places in the world offer good access and chances to see them in the wild, making this, the only continental American breeding colony, a very special one indeed. By joining our penguin photo journey, you will be able to see these magnificent seabirds in their natural habitat. You can join our departures, either by plane or ferry across the Straits of Magellan, from the Chilean city of Punta Arenas.

Our trips have a maximum of 6 participants, essential to keep the impact on the small colony that we visit to a minimum.

Option A: 1-day, by Plane Available any day of the week, except on Sundays.

On this option, we leave Punta Arenas on the earliest flight (8.15am) and fly back to Punta Arenas on the afternoon (5.20pm).

Flying time approximately 12 minutes.

Availability for this option is limited, booking in advance is advised.

Option B: 2-day, by Ferry Available any day of the week, except on Sundays and Mondays. The ferry normally leaves from Punta Arenas to Porvenir at 9am and returns from Porvenir to Punta Arenas, the following day at 2pm; these timings may be changed / modified by the ferry managing company or due to weather conditions. The ferry crossing takes about 2 hours, either way.

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Cape Horn Expedition Cruise In the Wake of Explorers & Sailors

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he Straits of Magellan, Beagle Channel and Cape Horn are important and highly significant 3- & 4-night cruise geographic and historical landmarks in options from Punta the southern tip of the South American Arenas, Chile or Ushuaia, Argentina continent. Tall snow-capped mountains, aboard M/V Stella huge glaciers and magnificent forests, Australis and M/V Via all add to the peculiar beauty of this Australis landscape of peaks, trees, fjords and remote islands sculpted by the strong Trip Code: TDF02 westerly winds and the powerful waters This programme is of the Pacific Ocean. operated on a fixed During this journey we will sail through a departure date, significant part of the Straits of Magellan, with no minimum of learning about the fascinating history of participants.

Check out our website the indigenous people and the explorers for updated departure of the Fuegian fjords and channels, and following in the footsteps of Darwin dates. aboard the HMS Beagle in the 1830s.

M/V Stella Australis • We‘ll explore the cultural remnants of Flying Steamer Duck, the world's southernmost people, the Tachyeres patachonicus Yamana, and learn how they survived • Zodiac cruising at De and adapted to this extreme geography Agostini National Park and climate. We’ll see active breeding colonies of penguins and sea lions, and enjoy the elegant flight of the majestic albatross. Finally, we shall reach the southernmost part of our journey at the mythical and feared Cape Horn.

Sail with us in the wake of Cook, Darwin, Fitzroy and many other explorers.

Departures

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4-night cruise options: Day 1 • Departure from Punta Arenas, Chile Day 2 • Tierra del Fuego: Ainsworth Bay – Tucker Islets Day 3 • Beagle Channel: Pia Glacier – ‘Avenue of Glaciers’ Day 4 • Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay Day 5 • Arrival to Ushuaia, Argentina Day 1 • Departure from Ushuaia, Argentina Day 2 • Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay Day 3 • Beagle Channel: Pia Glacier – Garibaldi Glacier Day 4 • Tierra del Fuego: Piloto, Nena Glaciers – DeAgostini Sound, Aguila Glacier Day 5 • Magellan Straits: Magdalena Island – Arrival to Punta Arenas, Chile

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Tierra del Fuego Photo Expedition

Photo Cruise to the Land of Fire

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ierra del Fuego is a huge island territory of Pata8-day trip from Punta gonia, encompassing the Arenas, Chile archipelagos located south of the Straits of Magellan. On this Trip Code: TDF04 photo journey and nature cruise This programme is we will explore it aboard the operated on a fixed comfortable 86-ft M/V 'Forrest'. departure date, Our programme has been with no minimum of designed for photo and nature participants. enthusiasts of all skill levels Check out our website willing to travel in a small group for updated departure (with a maximum of 10 participants) and dates. taking advantage of the great landscape and wildlife photography opportunities.

This itinerary offers spectacular wildlife highlights including feeding pods of Humpback Whales, up to 4 dolphin Southern Elephant species and 4 seals and sea lions.

Seal, Mirounga leonina • Imperial Cormorant, We will have the chance to visit breeding Phalacrocorax atriceps • colonies of penguins, albatrosses M/V Forrest and cormorants and during the zodiac landings we will explore the lush sub Antarctic southern beech forests.

Join us on this unique journey of discovery and follow the footsteps of Magellan, Darwin and Fitz-Roy among so many explorers, here at the Ends of the Earth.

Departures

Day 1 • Reception at Punta Arenas Airport – Transfer to hotel Day 2 • Otway Sound –Riesco Island – Departure to the Magellan Straits Days 2&3 • Straits of Magellan & Francisco Coloane Marine Park (Carlos III Island - Seno Ballena - Rupert Island) Day 4 • Tierra del Fuego: Gabriel Pass – Admiralty Sound – Ainsworth Bay Day 5 • Tierra del Fuego: Admiralty Sound – Albatross Island – Parry Fjord Day 6 • Alberto De Agostini National Park: Tucker Islets – De Agostini Fjord –Aguila Glacier Day 7 • Port Famine – Punta Arenas Day 8 • End of the trip

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Humpback Whales of the Magellan Straits

Encounters with the Gentle Giants of Patagonia

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umpback Whales of the Magellan Straits is a fascinating journey 4-day trip from Punta designed to discover some of Arenas, Chile. the best-kept secrets of this imposing region of southTrip Code: TDF03 ern South America. This is a This programme is comprehensive natural hisoperated on a fixed tory and nature photography departure date, journey to Carlos III Island, with no minimum of located at the heart of the reparticipants.

Check out our website cently established Francisco for updated departure Coloane Marine Park in the mythic Straits of Magellan, dates. to find some of its most charismatic and usually elusive inhabitants, Humpback Whales.

We will see these grand creatures and other marine mammals of the subAntarctic region at close quarters, as well as a good diversity of seabirds. Also, Humpback Whale, Mewe will visit remote penguin colonies as gaptera novaengliae well as other seabirds’ rookeries. We will be based one night at 'San Isidro' Lodge, located besides the homonymous historic lighthouse, and two nights at the domes of the research facilities at Carlos III Island, the perfect location to see the Humpbacks and marvel at their social behavior and feeding techniques.

Departures

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Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Afternoon drive to Port Famine (6pm) – Zodiac trip to San Isidro Lodge – Hike to Bahía El Aguila (old whaling station remains) and San Isidro historic lighthouse Day 2 • Boat trip to Carlos III Island – Afternoon trip looking for Humpback Whales Day 3 • Full day exploring Carlos III Island surroundings Day 4 • Faro San Isidro Lodge – Punta Arenas – End of the trip

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Day Tours from Punta Arenas, Chile Penguins and Condors

Wildlife & Nature Around the Magellan Straits

Trip Code PUQ01 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from October to March.

Full day nature and photo journey to see two true wildlife icons of the Andes and Patagonia: the Andean Condor and the Magellanic Penguin.

Great opportunities to see other wildlife, including rheas, dolphins and guanacos, and to learn about the history (and pre-history) of Patagonia and see the local rural life amidst the magnificent and remote landscapes in the end of the world. Private transportation and naturalist guide services.

Penguins of Magdalena Island

Trip Code PUQ02 • Half-day tour (6 hours) from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from October to March.

This trip is an excellent opportunity to observe penguins in their natural habitat and learn more about their natural history and breeding strategies. We will sail the mythic waters of the Straits of Magellan, in Patagonia, towards Magdalena Island. This protected area holds a huge Magellanic Penguin colony, holding more than 120,000 individuals. Besides the penguins, several other species of seabirds such as King Cormorant, Chilean Skua and South American Tern nest here. En route to the island, we will be escorted by magnificent Black-browed Albatross and playful pods of Peale’s Dolphin.

Birding the Straits of Magellan

Trip Code PUQ03 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from September to March.

On this full day birding journey along the mythical Straits of Magellan, we will explore a great variety of habitats, from the Patagonian coasts and wetlands, to sub-Antarctic woodlands and windswept steppes. We will discover the birdlife of Patagonia and its many endemic species, including the charismatic Magellanic Woodpecker, plus a large array of waterfowl and range-restricted passerines. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced birding guide. This tour is highly recommended for cruise passengers on a tight schedule in transit at the port of Punta Arenas.

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Day Tours from Ushuaia Wildlife & Nature Around the Beagle Channel

Birding Tierra del Fuego National Park Trip Code USH02 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Ushuaia, Argentina • Available from October until March.

Beagle Channel and Estancia Harberton

Trip Code USH01 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Ushuaia, Argentina • Available from October until March Full day nature and photo journey to the famed Beagle Channel, in southern Tierra del Fuego. On this trip we will follow the wake of Charles Darwin and Captain Robert Fitz Roy’s Beagle and its survey of the area in the 1830s.

We will visit sea lion and seabird breeding colonies, including cormorants and penguins. The highlight of the trip will be Estancia Harberton, a historic location that will tell us about the origins of the illfated early inhabitants of the island and the first ‘white’ pioneers that colonized this remote part of the world.

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During this full day birding journey we will explore the sub-Antarctic forests and montane grassland ecosystems of Tierra del Fuego National Park, searching for a wealth of specialties of southern Patagonia. We will spend several hours looking for woodland birds such as Magellanic Woodpecker, Austral Pygmy Owl, Austral Parakeet, Magellanic Tapaculo, White-throated Treerunner and Fire-eyed Diucon, among several others.

The alpine moorlands above Ushuaia are the ideal habitat for range-restricted and special birds such as White-bellied Seedsnipe, Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant and Yellow-bridled Finch. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced birding guide. This tour is highly recommended for cruise passengers on a tight schedule in transit at the port of Ushuaia.

p. 31 – Birding in the Magellan Straits • Dolphin Gull (Leucophaeus scoresbii) • Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) • Magellanic Penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus • Rufous-chested Dotterel (Charadrius modestus) p. 32 – Southern Giant Petrel, Macronectes giganteus • Fire-eyed Diucon, Xolmis pyrope • Visiting seabird colonies in the Beagle Channel • Peale’s Dolphin, Lagenorhynchus australis p. 33 – Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna)

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Chile Wildlife Adventure

A Geographical Extravaganza Departures 14-day trip from Santiago, Chile Trip Code: CHL10 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Birding in Torres del Paine • Mountain Viscacha, Lagidium viscacia • Chilean Flamingos, Phoenicopterus chilensis

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n this trip you will discover the wildlife riches of this long and narrow country, extending along the west coast of South America. You will have the unique chance to explore the magnificent Andes and to see how these impressive mountains have molded contrasting habitats that will be evident as we move in latitude; from oasis valleys to puna bogs in the northern Andean plateau, from lakes, snow-capped volcanoes and lush rainforests to calving glaciers and wind-swept steppes in Patagonia.

These varied ecosystems hold a unique set of wildlife and we will be privileged to observe an iconic array of animals; from guanacos and vicuñas to foxes and dolphins plus a great variety of birds ranging from the mighty Andean Condor to King Penguin.

We will explore the world’s driest desert, the Atacama, and Lauca National Park, one of Chile’s gems. This impressive park is also a World Biosphere Reserve and teeming with wildlife in spite of the altitude. Further south, the land breaks into hundreds of islands and fjords.

Finally Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, a remote land crowned with granite peaks, colossal glaciers and mythic waterways, is home to penguins, cetaceans and the impressive Puma.

Day 1 • Flight to Arica – Azapa Valley Day 2 • Boat trip Arica harbor – Drive to Putre Day 3 • Putre and Socoroma Day 4 • Parinacota – Lauca National Park Day 5 • Flight to Puerto Montt – Puerto Varas Day 6 • Alerce Andino National Park – Coihuin Bay Day 7 • Chiloe Island – Puñihuil islets Day 8 • Chepuriver – Caulin Bay Day 9 • Flight to Punta Arenas – Otway Sound Day 10 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins Day 11 • Ferry to mainland – PaliAikeroad – Puerto Natales Day 12 • Torres del Paine – Grey Glacier Day 13 • Torres del Paine Day 14 • Drive to Punta Arenas – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina A Unique Adventure Across the Andes Departures 13-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2014: 25 Feb – 9 March Trip Code: CHL08 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests.

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n this fascinating trip we’ll discover the birdlife (and the wines!!) occurring on both slopes of the majestic Andes, by exploring the central regions of Chile and Argentina. Pelagic seabirds in Chile and terrestrial endemics in both countries are only a fraction of the birds you’ll find.

We have prepared an in-depth wine tasting programme, visiting the most remarkable and traditional wineries of Maipo, Casablanca and Colchagua Visiting vineyards in valleys in Chile as well as around central Chile • Silvery Mendoza, in Argentina.

Grebe, Podiceps occipitalis • Birding in the Andes This trip has been designed for the birder and for the nature enthusiast alike, wishing to combine some time in the field with wine tasting activities.

The landscapes and the culture of both countries are equally fascinating and you will have the opportunity to learn a lot about Argentina and Chile from your local leader. Salud! Cheers!

Day 1 • Santiago – Lampa marshes – Visit to Viña Concha & Toro Day 2 • El Yeso Reservoir Day 3 • Drive to Talca – Altos de Lircay NR Day 4 • Lake Colbun – Visit to Viña Santa Cruz Day 5 • Santa Cruz Valley visiting Viñas Montes, Viu Manent & Casa Silva Day 6 • Drive to San Antonio – Maipo river mouth & Laguna El Peral NR – Visit to Viña Matetic – Viña del Mar Day 7 • Pelagic off Valparaiso – Cachagua (Humboldt penguin colony) Day 8 • La Campana NP – Visit to vineyard of Casablanca valley Day 9 • Crossing the Andes via Portillo – Uspallata and birding in the Valley Day 10 • Drive to Mendoza – Visits to Viña Cobos & Norton Day 11 • Birding lowlands towards San Luis – Afternoon visit to Viña Velasco de Baquedano Day 12 • Drive to Santiago over the Andes (Paso Libertadores) – Birding en route Day 13 • End of the trip

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Chile Birding Adventure A Quest for the Birdlife of a Land of Extremes Departures 19-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2014: 4-22January • 18 October - 5 November Trip Code: CHL09 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. , Phegornis mitchellii • Austral Pygmy Owl, Glaucidium nana • Inca Tern, Larosterna inca

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oin this exciting birdwatching journey to discover the endemics and specialties of this long and narrow 3,000-mile long biogeographical island and explore (and enjoy) its marvelous landscapes, excellent infrastructure, great cuisine and fabulous wines.

Chile is a land of huge contrasts, truly a geographic extravaganza. On this birding adventure we will get intimate with tapaculos, canasteros, tinamous, sandpiper-plovers, condors, tubenoses and many interesting species, some with very restricted distributional ranges and some that are barely known outside of Chile, as we explore Chile's incredibly diverse habitats and marvel at some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth.

From arid desert to lush rainforests, the windswept steppes of Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia to the impressive lakes and volcanoes of south-central Chile, from the high Andes to the cold aCurrent in our search for the avian specialties of this thin strip of a country.

Day 1 • Flight to Arica – Arica coastal areas Day 2 • Boat trip off Arica – Azapa, Lluta and Chaca valleys Day 3 • Drive to Putre – Putre surroundings Day 4 • Parinacota and Lauca NP Day 5 • Flight to Santiago – Batuco – La Dormida Pass Day 6 • La Campana NP– Aconcagua estuary – Cachagua Day 7 • Pelagic trip off Valparaiso –Cajon del Maipo Day 8 • El Yeso Reservoir &Baños Morales Day 9 • El PeralNR – Maipo estuary – Drive to Vilches Day 10 • Altos del Lircay NR – Drive to Temuco Day 11 • Conguillio NP – Llaima Volcano Day 12 • Drive to Puerto Montt – Boat trip off Reloncavi Sound Day 13 • Alerce Andino NP – Coihuin Bay Day 14 • Flight to Punta Arenas – San Juan Bay Day 15 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King Penguins Day 16 • Ferry to mainland – Pali Aike road Day 17 • Torres del Paine NP Day 18 • Sierra Baguales Day 19 • Drive to Punta Arenas – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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Birding Chile An Easy Tour

Bird Chile at a Relaxed Pace

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irding Chile is an exciting birdwatching journey aimed to discov14-day trip from er the endemics and specialties of Santiago, Chile this 3,000-mile long and narrow biogeo2014: 14-27 December graphical island and explore and enjoy its marvelous landscapes, excellent inTrip Code: CHL01 frastructure, great cuisine and fabulous This programme is wines at a relaxed, laid-back pace. operated on a fixed Chile is a land of huge contrasts, truly departure date, a 'geographic extravaganza'. On this with a minimum of birding adventure we will explore 4 participants and a Chile's incredibly diverse habitats and maximum group size marvel at some of the most beautiful of 10 guests. landscapes on Earth, while enjoying top-class hotels, cuisine and wines.

From arid deserts and salt lakes in the high Andean plateau to lush rainforests and coastal marshes, from the windswept steppes of Tierra del Fuego Spectacled Duck, Speculanas specularis • King and Patagonia, to the impressive lakes Cormorant, Phalacroco- and volcanoes of south-central Chile, rax atriceps our search for the avian specialties of this long and narrow country will take us from the high Andes to the cold and productive waters of the Humboldt Current in the Pacific. We will find many interesting species, some of them with very restricted distributional ranges and some endemic to the country.

Departures

Day 1 • Santiago – Farellones Day 2 • Lampa & Batuco – Aconcagua river mouth Day 3 • La Campana National Park – Central coast Day 4 • Pelagic trip from Valparaíso – Laguna El Peral NR Day 5 • El Yeso Valley Day 6 • Drive to Talca & Vilches– Altos de Lircay NR Day 7 • Altos de Lircay NR –Colbun Lake – Drive to Santiago Day 8 • Flight to Puerto Montt– Llanquihue Lake – Drive to Puyehue NP Day 9 • Puyehue NP Day 10 • Drive to Puerto Montt– Coastal mudflats Day 11• Flight to Punta Arenas – San Juan Bay Day 12 • Ferry crossing to Tierra del Fuego – Laguna Verde and Useless Bay Day 13 • Ferry crossing to mainland –Pali Aike road Day 14• Otway Sound –Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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Atacama Desert Explorer The Wildlife & Scenery of the World's Driest Desert Departures 6-day trip from Santiago, Chile Trip Code: CHL03 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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Licancabur Volcano, Atacama desert • Puna Flamingo, Phoenicoparrus jamesi • Horned Coot, Fulica cornuta

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his private nature and photo itinerary reveals the scenery, wildlife and cultural riches of the world's most arid desert, the mythic Atacama, a mosaic of habitats and an open book of rewarding explorations. This nature and photo safari will deliver very different and exciting highlights every day of your journey, from geyser fields to lifeless sand dunes, from flamingo-filled saltpans to an amphitheatre of volcanoes, from highland lakes teeming with wildlife to seldom-visited canyons and ridges. Join us on this trip to northern Chile, with countless highlights for the nature enthusiast and the keen photographer alike.

Day 1 • Flight to Calama – Drive to San Pedro de Atacama – Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) Day 2 • Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley) – Chaxa and Tebiquinche Salt Lakes Day 3 • Miscanti and Miñiques Lakes – Salar de Talar Day 4 • Pacana Monks – Salar de Tara – Salar de Pujsa Day 5 • El Tatio Geyser Fields – Vado de Putana – Puritama River Day 6 • Pucara de Quitor – Catarpe – Drive to Calama – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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Coastal Atacama Desert

Rich Seas, Mist and Cacti

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he Atacama Desert is the driest desert on Earth, and Trip Code: CHL12 in some inland places there This programme is no record of rain or precipitais operated as a tion of any kind in historical times.

There is a strip of desert between customized, private trip, with a minimum the Coastal range and the Andean plateau where there is barely, if of 2 participants. any life at all.

However, everything changes in the narrow band where the desert meets the Pacific. There is a combination of two main factors that make this a very special habitat; on one hand there is the influence of the cold Humboldt Current that condenses the moisture from the ocean and on the other the topography of the coast, Blooming Calandrinia, Llanos de Challe Natio- steep cliffs that retain this moisture in nal Park, Atacama • Ga- the form of a dense mist which crawls rra de León, Leontochir ovallei, Copiapoa cacti at inland and makes it possible for the coastal desert growth of abundant vegetation in the form of many endemic species of cacti and flowering plants. This in turn allows for the presence of insects and other life and of course, birds such as endemic and range-restricted forms of White-throated Tapaculo and Common Diuca Finch, and many other Passerines,

Departures

raptors and coastal seabirds associated with the Humboldt cold stream like Inca Tern and Humboldt Penguin. Other fauna here includes foxes, Guanaco and Marine Otter.

The weather here is warm and nice, the light is superb for photography and the landscape is of an austere beauty, the perfect framing for your nature trip.

Day 1 • Flight to Antofagasta – Drive to Taltal Day 2 • Paposo Day 3 • Pan de Azucar National Park – Bahia Inglesa Day 4 • Llanos de Challe National Park Day 5 • Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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Birding Northern Chile

Birding the Atacama Desert & Altiplano

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ur journey to the north of Chile will take us to the fringes of 5- and 6-day trip from the driest desert in the world, Santiago, Chile the inhospitable Atacama, on the border with southern Peru. Our base Trip Code: CHL02 locations will be Arica and Putre, This programme Chile's northernmost cities. This unique is operated as a area is home to highly diverse species customized, private such as the flightless Giant Coot and trip, with a minimum tiny and threatened Chilean Woodstar. of 2 participants.

We will explore the Azapa, Lluta and Chaca valleys and then drive to Putre, situated in the Altiplano at more than 10,500 feet (3,500 m) above sea level.

The altiplano grasslands of Lauca National Park support wild Vicuña and Northern Huemul grazing in small Torrent Duck, Mergaherds, PunaTinamou and Lesser Rhea. netta armata leucogenis Specialties such as all three Chilean • Giant Coot, Fulica gigantea • Black-hooded species of flamingoes (Chilean, Andean Sierra-Finch, Phrygilus and James's), Andean Avocet, Giant atriceps and Andean coots, Chilean Woodstar, White-throated Earthcreeper, Blackthroated Flowerpiercer and Tamarugo Conebill will be our main targets.

There is an optional trip to Surire, one of the most impressive saltpans of the whole Chilean altiplano (highly recommended).

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Day 1 • Flight to Arica– Drive to Putre Day 2 • Putre & Socoroma Day 3 • Parinacota & Lauca NP Day 4 • Azapa, Lluta and Chaca oasis valleys Day 5 • Arica – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip Additional day at Salar de Surire (highly recommended)

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Birding Central Chile

From the Heights of the Andes to the Pacific Coast Departures 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile Trip Code: CHL04 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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e will explore a fascinating

and contrasting region of Chile Giant Hummingbird, Patagona gigas • Mountain holding most of the endemic Parakeet, Psilopsiagon bird species of the country. In the Andes aurifrons • Birding at El Yeso valley we’ll look for Diademed SandpiperPlover and Andean Condor while in the coast we will concentrate in the many specialties of the Humboldt Current such as Inca Tern and Humboldt Penguin. In the scrub gullies covered by cacti, Puya bromeliads plus other xeric vegetation, we will look for Chilean Tinamou, Chilean

Mockingbird and the skulking White-throated and Dusky tapaculos, Moustached Turca, Crag Chilia and Dusky-tailed Canastero.

Day 1 • Santiago – El Yeso Valley & Baños Morales Day 2 • Drive to the Pacific coast: Maipo Estuary – Laguna El Peral NR – Quintero Day 3 • La Campana NP – Cachagua (Humboldt penguin colony) Day 4 •Lampa & Batuco – Farellones Day 5 • End of the trip

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Mediterranean Chile Botanical Tour

Botanizing Endemics from the Andes to the Pacific Departures 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile.

Trip Code: CHL11 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Available from September until December.

Bipinnula fimbriata, Los Molles • Tropaeolum tricolor • Alstroemeria pelegrina, Los Molles

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n this journey we will enjoy botanizing one of the areas with the highest degree of plant endemism of the world: Mediterranean Central Chile. This area holds a wealth of species that are not only unique to the country, but are in many cases very restricted in range and threatened due to loss of habitat, as this part of Chile is the most densely populated. Part of the plant rich diversity of this region is due to the different microclimates found across the country as one moves from the coastal plain to the Coastal Range to the central valley up to the Andes, with contrasting conditions and landscapes that rival in beauty with each other.

Coastal communities, mountains with a strong maritime influence, plains and high Andean bogs all harbour unique vegetation formations. A great array of endemic plant genera such as Beilschmiedia, Jubaea, Echinopsis, Mutisia, Rhodophiala or Schizanthus, makes of a botanical tour in Central Chile a great choice if you have an interest in plants.

Day 1 • Santiago – Farellones and Yerba Loca Nature Reserve Day 2 • El Yeso Reservoir & Baños Morales Day 3 • La Campana National Park Day 4 • Los Molles Day 5 • End of the trip

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Araucaria Forests The Magical Forests of the Southern Andes Departures 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile Trip Code: CHL05 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Araucaria tres at Conguillio National Park • Slender-billed Parakeet, Enicognathus leptorhynchus • Liolaemus tree lizard

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n this private nature and photography journey we will visit Chile's Lake District. Magnificent temperate woodlands, reminiscent of the distant forests of New Zealand and Tasmania, grow here covering extensive regions of the southern Andes foothills; these forests are very unique due to their ancient geographical isolation. Between the woody elements we will see species of the genera Araucaria, Fitzroya, Nothofagus or Drimys, as well as a high diversity of members of the Mirtaceae family. The undergrowth is very dense and is also dominated by woody species and several herbs and is the realm for ground-dwelling tapaculos and very rare endemic mammals.

Keen birders and botanists as well as nature photographers will have delightful subjects to observe and study during this comprehensive wildlife tour.

The areas to be visited are surrounded by magnificent scenery dominated by spectacular volcanoes and lakes.

Day 1 • Flight to Temuco – Drive to Conguillio National Park Day 2 • ConguillioNP Day 3 • Drive to Puyehue NP Day 4 • Puyehue NP – Drive to Puerto Varas Day 5 • Lahuen Ñadi Nature Reserve – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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Lake District & Chiloé Island

Lakes, Volcanoes & Island Traditions

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hile's Lake District is well known for its incredible mountain 5-day trip from landscapes, impressive and Santiago, Chile ancient rainforests and by being the starting point of a huge archipelagic Trip Code: CHL06 labyrinth extending southwards to the This programme wild regions of western Patagonia. This is operated as a is a land connecting two worlds, the customized, private mountains and the sea. trip, with a minimum This is a comprehensive nature journey of 2 participants. to magnificent volcanoes, forests and lakes interspersed along the Andean foothills; here we will have splendid opportunities for landscape photography and to discover the flora and fauna of the lush Valdivian temperate forests, a unique ecosystem and a world's Petrohue falls at biodiversity hotspot. We will dedicate Vicente Perez Rosales two full days to explore the fascinating National Park • Libertia chilensis • Green-backed and enigmatic Chiloé Island. This island Firecrown, Sephanoides and associated archipelagoes will reveal sephaniodes their unique natural and cultural riches, from penguins to otters, from elusive tapaculos to raucous parakeets, from dolphins to sea lions. We'll also have the chance to appreciate the lifestyle and customs of the islanders - the Chilotes, by visiting their towns, wooden churches, fishing boats and stilt houses.

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Day 1 • Flight to Puerto Montt – Alerce Andino National Park Day 2 • Vicente Perez Rosales NP Day 3 • Chiloe Island: Chacao Channel – Puñihuil Islets – Drive to Castro Day 4 • Chepu River – Caulin Bay – Drive to Puerto Montt Day 5 • Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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Chiloe Island & Laguna San Rafael National Park Magical Islands & Stunning Glaciers

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et on board the comfortable M/V Skorpios II and enjoy a 5-night cruise from spectacular, scenic and comPuerto Montt, Chile. fortable cruise to the mythic Chiloé Island and the gorgeous Laguna San Trip Code: CHL14 Rafael National Park, in the heart of This programme is the Chilean Fjords. operated on a fixed Departing xfrom Puerto Montt, capital departure date, of Chile`s Lake District, we sail with no minimum of through Llanquihue Archipelago and participants. abeam Chiloé Island, to land at Puerto Check out our website Aguirre and continue navigating the for updated departure maze of channels and fjords to enter dates. the glacial lake which is the gateway into Laguna San Rafael National Park, to contemplate the huge glacier front and witness the active calving of huge icebergs.

M/V Skorpios II in front After this we’ll visit some natural hot of San Rafael glacier springs at Quitralco Fjord, to later depart • Lobelia bridgesii • Darwin’s Fox, Lycalopex for Chiloé Island and navigate upstream fulvipes to the picturesque town of Castro, where you´ll land and visit its most typical corners to get an impression of the island´s culture, peculiar architecture and tradition.

Back on board we´ll navigate through the channels back to Puerto Montt, where the trip ends after our arrival at the port.

Departures

Day 1 • Puerto Montt – Chiloe Island Day 2 • Moraleda Channel – Puerto Aguirre – Pilcomayo Channel Day 3 • Tempanos Channel – Laguna San Rafael – Fiordo Quitralco Day 4 • Uitralco hotspings – Moraleda Channel Day 5 • Corcovado Gulf – Chiloe Island – Castro Day 6 • Puerto Montt – End of the trip

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Chilean Fjords Photo & Wildlife Expedition Sailing the Magical Fjords of Chilean Patagonia

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his exclusive boatbased trip discovers one of the least 6-day trip from Puerto explored parts of South Montt, Chile.

America, the extraordinarily beautiful and pristine Trip Code: CHL13 Chilean Fjords in the west This programme is coast of Patagonia. operated on a fixed On board our floating departure date, lodge you will enjoy all with a minimum of the comfort and great food 4 participants and a and wines while admiring maximum group size the imposing landscape of 8 guests.

Check out our website unveiling before your eyes for updated departure as you sail on, en route to spectacular inlets where dates. you will land to explore the wilderness and be marvelled by the wildlife around, including seabirds and marine M/V Noctiluca • Ringed mammals, among them Blue Whale, Kingfisher, Megaceryle the largest animal that has ever lived torquata • Corcovado on the planet. In land, terrestrial birds volcano and fauna and the rich micro-forests populated of fungi, lichens, mosses and a host of small amphibians and insects and other invertebrates wait to be discovered. You will also enjoy repairing thermal baths and contemplate and delight in the unexpected beauty of these magical places.

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Day 1 • Flight to Puerto Montt – Transfer to Hornopirén and boarding M/V Noctiluca floating lodge – Sailing to Leptepu Fjord Day 2 • Leptepu Fjord, Huinay research centre Day 3 • Ancud and Corcovado Gulfs Day 4 • Landing ‘RaúlMarínBalmaceda’ village Day 5 • Landing Los Leones Day 6 • Sailing back to Hornopirén – Drive to Puerto Montt – End of the trip

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Albatrosses & Petrels in the Humboldt Current

Pelagic Trips off Valparaiso

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he Humboldt Current draws cold Day trip (c. 8 hours) water from the from Valparaiso or Antarctic and pumps it Quintero, Chile north along the west coast of South America, Trip Code: CHL07 lifting nutrients from This programme is the deep sea bottom in operated on a fixed departure date, the form of upwelling with a minimum of and making these wa4 participants and a ters not only the richest, maximum group size most productive marine of 20 guests. ecosystem in the Planet, Check out our website but also one of the top for updated departure destinations for Pelagic dates.

Birding in the world, too.

On this pelagic trip, we Salvin’s Albatross, expect to see a great Thalassarche salvini • Southern Giant Petrel, variety of tubenoses Macronectes giganteus • Orca, Orcinus orca and such as Northern Royal, pelagic seabirds off Antipodean, Salvin's, Valparaiso Buller's and Black-browed albatrosses.

Chatham Island and Antipodean albatrosses are regularly recorded as well as Southern Royal Albatross. We should also find Southern and Northern Giant Petrels, Southern Fulmar, White-chinned, Westland and Pintado petrels, Pink-footed, Sooty and Buller's

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shearwaters, and Pterodroma or gadfly petrels, including Juan Fernandez and Masatierra petrels. Small tubenoses of other families include Wilson's Storm Petrel and Peruvian Diving Petrel. Other seabirds we may encounter are Guanay Cormorant, Red-legged Cormorant, Humboldt Penguin, Inca Tern, Chilean Skua and Grey (Red) Phalarope.

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Day Tours from Santiago, Chile Wildlife & Nature Around the Heart of Chile

Birding Chile’s Central Andes

Trip Code SCL01 • Full day tour (10-12 hours) from Santiago de Chile • Daily departures from October to March.

Birding and nature photography trip, exploring the imposing and scenic Andes dominating Santiago de Chile to discover their wealth of avian specialties. Covering most of the bird families originated around the Andes - from miners and canasteros to ground tyrants, from seedsnipes to hillstars - this comprehensive birding trip will surely be a rewarding experience for both the seasoned and novice birder alike.

Penguins and Chile Endemics

Trip Code SCL02 • Full day tour (10-12 hours) from Santiago de Chile or Valparaiso • Daily departures throughout the year.

Birding and nature photography trip to the Coastal Range and the Pacific Coast, in search of the endemics and specialties of Mediterranean Chile. We will explore the broad-leaf woods, scrubland and cacti-covered slopes, looking for skulking tapaculos, tinamous and canasteros. Along the shore we will concentrate in finding the endemic Seaside Cinclodes and coastal seabirds of the Humboldt Current, including Guanay Cormorant, Inca Tern and Humboldt Penguin. This moderate tour is suitable for cruise passengers on a tight schedule at the ports of call.

Coastal Marshes & the Pacific

Trip Code SCL03 • Full day tour (8-12 hours) from Santiago de Chile or Valparaiso • Daily departures from September to April.

Birding and nature photography tour, visiting the lowland marshes and the Pacific coast south of Valparaiso. On this tour you will discover the wealth of waterfowl and aquatic birds of Chile plus a good sample of the specialties and endemics of the coastal region of Mediterranean Chile. This easy to moderate tour is suitable for cruise passengers on a tight schedule at the ports of call.

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Day Tours from Puerto Montt, Chile Wildlife & Nature Around Chile's Lake District

Lake District – Birding & Photo Tour Trip Code PMC01 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Puerto Montt, Chile • Available from September to March.

On this full day birding journey to AlerceAndino National Park and the Temperate Rainforest, we will discover the birdlife of Chile’s Lake District and its avian specialties, like Chucao and Ochre-flanked tapaculos and Black-throated Huet-huet, all framed in snow-capped volcanoes and serene, blue lakes. Stopping on our way back at the exposed sandy beach of Coihuin Bay we’ll look for flocks of migrating shorebirds. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced guide. This tour is highly recommended for cruise passengers on a tight schedule at the port of Puerto Montt.

Chiloé Island – Birding & Photo Tour

Trip Code PMC02 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Puerto Montt, Chile • Available from September until March.

On this full day photography and wildlife excursion to the picturesque Chiloé Island, with its old customs and peculiar villages, boats and churches, we’ll take a boat trip to have close views of a mixed colony of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins, plus some marine waterfowl like Flightless Steamer Duck and Kelp Goose and some marine mammals and other wildlife. Later we’ll visit a bay, which is an important stop for migrating shorebirds. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced guide.

This tour is highly recommended for cruise passengers on a tight schedule at the port of Puerto Montt.

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Islands & Antarctica Tours

p. 48 – Chilean palm, Jubaea chilensis • Crag Chilia, Ochetorhynchus melanurus • Chilean Mockingbird, Mimus thenca • Inca Tern, Larosterna inca • Rufoustailed Plantcutter, Phytotoma rara p. 49 – Osorno volcano • Nolana flower • Chiloe Wigeon, Anas sibilatrix • Black-necked Swan, Cygnus melancoryphus p. 50 – Antarctic Fur Seal, Arctocephalus gazella

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Easter Island (Rapa Nui) Unveiling the Mysteries and Heritage of the 'Navel of the World' Departures 3- to 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile or Lima, Peru.

Trip Code: ISL01 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 1 participant.

Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island • Masked Booby, Sula dactylatra

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his is our comprehensive cultural, archaeological and photography journey to Earth's most remote inhabited location, Rapa Nui. During this trip you will study and experience the unique archaeological heritage of this island. This small triangle of volcanic rock, located in Polynesia, right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, has always been subject of curiosity, study and speculation. Many explorers, researchers and travellers have attempted to unveil its secrets, but still important missing pieces remain to be discovered.

What are the origins of the islanders?

How did they transport their massive moai stone heads from the quarry locations to the their platforms? Why is Rongo Rongo the only written language in Oceania?

You will have extraordinary local guides, who will show you the best locations and provide all the known scientific background and interpretation. You will also have the rare chance of sharing their points of view and expectations about the future of the island and its people. Rapa Nui - past, present and future ... join us on this journey of discovery into an island of mysteries!

3-day option Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Half day tour to Ahu Tahai and Akivi Day 2 • Full day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki and Anakena beach – Optional afternoon trip to the 'motus' Day 3 • Morning tour to Orongo village and Vinapu – Fly to Santiago or Lima 4-day option Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Half day tour to Ahu Tahai and Akivi Day 2 • Full day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki and Anakena beach – Optional afternoon boat trip to the 'motus' Day 3 • Full day tour to Orongo village, Vinapu and Puna Pau Day 4 • Free morning – Fly to Santiago or Lima 5-day option Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Half day tour to Ahu Tahai and Akivi Day 2 • Full day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki Day 3 • Full day tour to Orongo village and Vinapu – Optional boat trip to the 'motus' Day 4 • Half day tour Anakena and Puna Pau – Optional boat trip to the 'motus' Day 5 • Free morning – Fly to Santiago or Lima

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Robinson Crusoe Island An Island of Castaway Natural Treasures

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uan Fernandez is a fascinating archipelago of volcanic origin, situated about 400 miles off 3 and 5-day trip from Valparaiso, central Chile. Robinson Santiago, Chile.

Crusoe, the main island of the group, is a 2-hour flight journey from Santiago, Chile.

Trip Code: ISL03 Its rich history dates back to its discovery This programme

by Portuguese explorer Juan Fernandez is operated as a in 1574, but its fame relates to the customized, private prolonged residence of the Scottish sailor trip, with a minimum Alexander Selkirk who was marooned of 1 participant. there between 1704 and 1709. His epic Check out our website survival story served as an inspiration for updated departure source for Daniel Defoe's famous novel. dates.

The critically endangered temperate sub-tropical woodlands of the island, the Fernandezian forests, holds a large, diverse and rich array of flora represented by more than 130 endemic Rugged coastline species, most of them regarded as of Robinson Crusoe Critically Endangered. During this Island • Juan Fernandez Firecrown, Sephanoides trip, we shall explore these forests fernandensis searching for its endemic landbirds: the remarkable Juan Fernandez Firecrown and the Juan Fernandez Tit-tyrant. We will also have the opportunity to explore the rugged coastline by boat, where we will look for its rare seabirds, including the petrels and shearwaters that nest in burrows in the secluded forests. The sub-tropical waters are very productive

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and we hope to find Defillipi's, Stejneger's, Kermadec and Juan Fernandez petrels as well as Pink-footed Shearwater.

Join us on this birding and natural history journey to this unique and special destination, to seek the natural treasures of the island of Robinson Crusoe!

3-nights programme (leaving every Tuesday) Day 1 • Santiago – Flight to Robinson Crusoe Island – Boat trip to San Juan Bautista Day 2 • Forests of Robinson Crusoe I. – Walk to Alexander Selkirk viewpoint Day 3 • Pelagic trip off Cumberland Bay Day 4 • Boat trip to El Padre Bay – Flight back to Santiago 4-night programme (leaving every Friday) Day 1 • Santiago – Flight to Robinson Crusoe Island – Boat trip to San Juan Bautista Day 2 • Forests of Robinson Crusoe I. – Walk to Alexander Selkirk viewpoint Day 3 • Pelagic trip off Cumberland Bay Day 4 • Walk to Plazoleta El Yunque Day 5 • Boat trip to El Padre Bay – Flight back to Santiago

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The Falkland Islands Encounters with Penguins in the 'Galapagos' of the South Departures 8-day trip from Santiago or Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: ISL02 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of 1 participant.

Check out our website for updated departure dates.

Rockhopper penguins, Eudyptes chrysocome • Black-browed Albatross, Thalassarche melanophrys • Photographyng King penguins at Volunteer Point

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n this journey we will discover the wildlife and natural history of a remarkable and remote group of islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, the Falklands. The archipelago comprises more than 700 small islands (most of them uninhabited) and is located about 350 miles northwest of Cape Horn, in mainland South America. The Falklands are simply the most accessible place in the world to observe breeding colonies of sub-Antarctic wildlife such as tame Black-browed Albatrosses, Rockhopper and King Penguins and marine mammals such as Southern Elephant Seals and Orcas.

Day 1 • Flight to the Falklands – Drive to Port Stanley Day 2• Volunteer Point Day 3 • Flight to Carcass Island Day 4 • Carcass Island – Optional boat trip to West Point Island Day 5 • Carcass Island – Flight to Sea Lion Island Day 6 • Sea Lion Island Day 7 • Sea Lion Island – Flight to Darwin Day 8 • Flight to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile

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Grand Antarctica Unique Air - Cruise to the White Continent

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he Antarctic Peninsula is a promontory of land and ice that 7-day trip from Punta breaks the apparent radial Arenas, Chile. symmetrical shape of the White Continent. It begins Trip Code: ISL04 approximately at 75°S, This programme is extending northwards to operated on a fixed 62°S, almost reaching the departure date, southern tip of South Amerwith no minimum of ica. Therefore, the Peninparticipants. sula is the most accessible Check out our website region of the Antarctic and for updated departure until recently one needed dates. Available from to navigate for two whole days and nights through the Dec 2013 until Feb rough seas of the infamous 2014 & Dec 2014 until and feared Drake Passage.

Feb 2015.

This was before this programme was designed!

Brown Skua and Gentoo penguins, western We now offer you the chance of visiting Antarctic Peninsula the most pristine corner on Earth via this • Adelie Penguin, Pygoscelis adeliae • Orca, unique itinerary, which combines a short and comfortable 2-hour flight from Punta Orcinus orca Arenas (southern Chile) to the South Shetland Islands, and the comfort of a small 68-passenger expedition cruise across the calm waters of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Join us on the most innovative circuit to discover the landscapes and wildlife of the White Continent.

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Day 1 • Arrival to Punta Arenas, Chile – Introductory briefing – Overnight at Punta Arenas Day 2 • Flight over the Drake Passage to King George Island, South Shetlands – Board M/V Ocean Nova Days 3-6 • Exploring along the western Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands aboard M/V Ocean Nova Day 7 • Flight back to Punta Arenas – End of the trip

Violet-capped Woodnymph, Thalurania glaucopis Š Octavio Campos Salles

South America Tours

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Jaguars of the Pantanal The Spirit of the South American Jungle Departures 9-day trip from Sao Paulo, Brazil 2014: 7-15September • 12-20 October Trip Code:BRA01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

Also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Jaguar, Panthera onca © Octavio Campos Salles

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he Northern Pantanal is the location for the first half of this amazing trip, more specifically at the very end of the famous Transpantaneira road, where the Cuiabá River meets the Piquiri, TrêsIrmãos and some other smaller rivers. This meeting of waters coming from varied areas create a mix of different ecosystems and an incredibly rich food chain. As a result you will see wildlife everywhere: hawks and ospreys, king vulture, toucans, macaws, kingfishers, colourful birds, herons, egrets and other waders, the gigantic jabiru stork, families of giant otters, peccaries, tapirs, capybaras, caimans and, of course, the enigmatic Jaguar, the third largest cat in the world, our main target species.

But before heading deep into jaguar territory we will spend a couple days at a comfortable lodge at the Transpantaneira, where we will have the opportunity to photograph numerous birds, monkeys and other mammals. All of the real action, however, happens at the river, shooting from our spacious and very stable boats. Once a cat is found you can start shooting right away while the driver positions and anchors

the boat, finely adjusting position for the best angle. On some occasions you will find a jaguar resting at the riverbank, especially on hot days when the riverbank is cooler, and you will be able to photograph that cat for several hours!

On other occasions you will find what we call a “roaming cat”, one that is just walking along the shoreline, appearing here and there once in a while and providing different photo opportunities. With a bit of luck you may also find a pair of mating jaguars, or a female jaguar with cubs. But the Northern Pantanal has many things to offer besides jaguars, and the hours spent looking for one are not empty for there are numerous other photo opportunities just waiting at the next river bend.

Day 1 • Sao Paulo – Flight to Cuiabá– Drive to the Pantanal Days 2&3 • First lodge in the Pantanal photographing birds and animals Day 4 • Transfer to second lodge in the Pantanal Days 5-8 • Boat trips and Jaguar searches Day 9 • Drive back to Cuiabá – Flight to Sao Paulo – End of the trip

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Jaguars & Pumas The Big Cats of the Americas

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he Northern Pantanal is the location for the first half of this amazing trip, more specifically at the very end of 15-day trip from Sao Paulo, Brazil; ends at the famous Transpantaneira road, where the Cuiabá River meets the Piquiri, TrêsIrSantiago, Chile.

2014: 7-15 September mãos and some other smaller rivers. This meeting of waters coming from varied • 12-20 October areas create a mix of different ecosystems and an incredibly rich food chain.

Trip Code:BRA02 As a result you will see wildlife everyThis programme is where: hawks and Osprey, King Vulture, operated on a fixed toucans, macaws, kingfishers, colourful departure date, birds, herons, egrets and other waders, with a minimum of the gigantic Jabiru stork, families of 4 participants and a Giant Otter, peccaries, Tapir, Capybara, maximum group size caimans and, of course, the enigmatic of 8 guests.

Jaguar, the third largest cat in the world, Also operated as a our main target species.The Pantanal customized, private has many things to offer besides jaguars, trip, with a minimum and the hours spent looking for one are of 2 participants. not empty for there are numerous other photo opportunities just waiting at the Jaguar, Panthera onca © next river bend.

Octavio Campos Salles • After marvelling in the contemplation of Puma, Puma concolor the Jaguar we’ll fly south to Punta Arenas in Chile, to start the second half of our trip, aimed to watch the Puma in the remote and stunning Patagonian wilderness of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.Frequently praised by visitors as one of the most beautiful and majestic wild places in the planet, Torres del Paine National Park is a remote refuge

Departures

of life where wildlife is normally quite tame and it's not rare to see relaxed and inquisitive guanacos, foxes and other animals at close quarters; seeing the lone hunter that dwells in the vast and barren hills, the mighty Puma, is something else.

This expedition has been geared to seek out and contemplate this big and elegant cat in one the wildest places throughout its entire range in the Continent. Join us on this quest, to discover the wildlife of Torres del Paine and one of its most secretive and yet most awe-inspiring inhabitants.

Day 1 • Sao Paulo – Flight to Cuiabá – Drive to the Pantanal Days 2&3 • First lodge in the Pantanal photographing birds and animals Day 4 • Transfer to second lodge in the Pantanal Days 5-8 • Boat trips and Jaguar searches Day 9 • Drive back to Cuiabá – Flight to Sao Paulo Day 10 • Flight to Santiago de Chile & Punta Arenas – Drive Puerto Natales Days 11 • Drive to Torres del Paine Day 11-14 • Exploring Torres del Paine – Puma searches Day 15 • Drive back to Punta Arenas – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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www.farsouthexpeditions.com

Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest

A Pristine Rainforest Frozen in Time

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his tour at a private nature reserve in SE Brazil will take you to one of the richest rainforests in the 5-day trip from Sao world. The reserve is part of the largest Paulo, Brazil remaining patch of Atlantic Rainforest, literally hundreds of thousands of square Trip Code:BRA03 kilometres of pristine rainforest, home to This programme many endemic and threatened birds, as is operated as a well as mammals like the rare Southern customized, private trip, with a minimum Woolly Monkey – the largest primate in the Americas – the Tapir, Puma and even of 2 participants. the Jaguar.

The photo opportunities are varied.

Hundreds of colourful birds of more than 15 species frequently visit the lodge feeders and are tame enough to be hand fed at times, and we use natural looking Mata Atlantica, Brazil perch set-ups for photography. Frequent Atlantic rainforests • Brazilian Ruby, visitors include the Red-necked, GreenClytolaema rubricauda • Green-headed Tanager, headed, Golden-chevroned, Magpie and Tangara seledon © Octa- Black-goggled tanagers, Blue Dacnis, vio Campos Salles Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Violaceous and Chestnut-bellied euphonias, Whitenecked Thrush, Yellow-fronted and Blond-crested woodpeckers, and many more. The forest scenery also offers some good landscape shots, especially on days when the fog rises from the forest, creating a special tropical mood.

Departures

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Streams and rainfalls surrounded by pristine forest also make for good shots.

The trails will take us to different settings and microhabitats, where we may find elusive birds or explore the amazing scenery that changes all the time.

Day 1 • Sao Paulo – Drive to São Miguel Arcanjo & Parque do Zizo Days 2-3 • Parque do Zizo Day 4 • Drive back to Sao Paulo – End of the trip

tours@farsouthexpeditions.com

Uruguay, Birds, Pampas & Wines Birds & Gauchos in South America's Plains

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ruguay is a beautiful, nice and quiet South American country that is seldom found as part of birding 9-day trip from itineraries.

Montevideo, Uruguay.

2014: 22-30 December Despite its small size, it possesses a broad variety of landscapes, like pampa grassland with big birds like Trip Code: URU01 rheas and screamers, wintering This programme is plovers and sandpipers and lots of operated on a fixed passerines, different types of forests, departure date, palm savannah, wetlands teeming with a minimum of with waterfowl, low-elevation ranges and marine coast populated by large 4 participants and a concentrations of shorebirds, gulls, maximum group size terns and other coastal seabirds. of 8 guests.

Besides the birds, Uruguay has a lot to offer as a country where the traditional gaucho lifestyle is still alive and kicking, and this part of their culture is present Southern Screamer, everywhere, especially in the pampas Chauna torquata part of the land, and you’ll be able to • Green-barred experience it first hand at Estancias La Woodpecker, Colaptes melanochloros • Visiting Paz and El Charabon. vineyards in Uruguay It is also a wine nation and the Tannat strain is the iconic variety of the country, so we’ll dedicate part of our time to explore the flavours of the local wines.

Join this trip and discover one of South America´s best-kept secrets and a land that will surprise you with friendly and merry people, and gorgeous landscapes and birds to enjoy.

Departures

Day 1 • Montevideo – Drive to Estancia La Paz Day 2 • Esteros de Farrapos Day 3 • Estancia La Paz Days 4-5 • Valle del Lunarejo Days 6-7 • Treinta y Tres – Bañado del Indio Day 8 • Estancia El Charabon Day 9 • End of the trip

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Far South Expeditions P.O. Box 920, Punta Arenas, CP6212748 CHILE Phone: +56 61 261 5793 tours@farsouthexpeditions.com www.farsouthexpeditions.com

Guanaco, Lama guanicoe, Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

All texts and photographs Š Far South Expeditions, unless otherwise indicated. No photographs may be reproduced in any form without permission.