comprehensive itinerary presents us with the unique chance of exploring Patagonia and its mammals and birds. Most of the tours coming to the area are focused on beautiful landscapes and on the bigger animals that are the easiest to watch; with us, besides exploring and admiring the landscapes you will see a signi cant part of the endemic mammals and birds of the region, several of them very rare and/or dif cult to observe. Ferry crossings in Chiloe Island and the Magellan Straits are both very good for seabirds and marine mammals: Blue and Humpback whales and other cetaceans such as Chilean and Peale’s dolphins, South American Sea Lion, two species of local and highly range-restricted otters. Magni cent seabirds including several tubenoses like Blackbrowed 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, 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 magni cent Magellanic Woodpecker and endemic tapaculos, and rare waders including Magellanic Plover, Tawnythroated 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Puerto Montt – Chiloé Island and Tepuhueico Park (3 nights)
Day 2 • Tepuhueico Park for Darwin’s Fox, Pudu deer and woodland birds
Day 3 • Tepuhueico and Tantauco Parks
Day 4 • Yaldad Inlet boat trip for Chilean Dolphin – Castro (1 night)
Day 5 • Chepu river for Southern River
Otter - Puñihuil (2 nights)
Day 6 • Boat trip to Puñihuil and Metalqui islands for marine mammals and seabirds
Day 7 • Caulin Bay – Puerto Montt (1 night)
Day 8 • Boat trip off Reloncavi Gulf for Pincoya Storm-Petrel – Flight to Punta Arenas - Punta Arenas (1 night)
Day 9 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego
– Useless Bay for King Penguins –Porvenir (1 night)
Day 10 • Magellan Straits – Drive to Puerto Natales (1 night)
Day 11 • Torres del Paine - puma searches (3 nights)
Day 12 • Torres del Paine - puma searches
Day 13 • Torres del Paine - puma searches
Day 14 • Torres del Paine – Punta Arenas (1 night)
Day 15 • End of the trip
Birding Patagonia
Discovering the Birds & Landscapes of the End of the World
Scheduled Trip
Departures
January 19 to 24, 2027
November 9 to 14, 2027
February 1 to 6, 2028
November 9 to 14, 2028
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Join this exclusive birding journey and discover the unique bird diversity in the remote regions and dazzling landscapes of Chilean Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego. Enjoy the pace of a small group and the expertise and skill of our well-seasoned birding guides. Seabirds like Blackbrowed Albatross, Antarctic Giant Petrel, Magellanic Diving Petrel and Chilean Skua, waterfowl like Upland, Ashy-headed and Ruddyheaded geese, stunning waders including Magellanic Plover, Twobanded Plover, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Tawny-throated Dotterel and several seedsnipes, King and Magellanic penguins, remarkable forest-dwelling birds such as Magellanic Woodpecker, Austral Parakeet and Chilean Hawk, will be part of this trip, with the occasional presence of the imposing Andean Condor, largest of terrestrial ying birds, soaring above
our heads. 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Flight to Punta Arenas
Day 2 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego - Useless Bay for King Penguins
Day 3 • Laguna Verde - Pali Aike road - Puerto Natales
Day 4 • Torres del Paine
National Park
Day 5 • Sierra Baguales – Drive to Punta Arenas
Day 6 • End of the trip
Quest for the Fuegian Snipe
Tracking the ‘ghost bird’ of Patagonia.
Scheduled Trip
4-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile
December 5 to 8, 2027
December 5 to 8, 2028 This programme is available as a scheduled departure (up to 8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Embarkon a truly unique 4-day birding odyssey into the remote western archipelago of Patagonia. Aboard the MV Estoa, a steel-hulled vessel suitable for navigating these southern waters, this expedition explores the windswept islands of the Magellan Straits, where the rugged sub-Antarctic tundra provides a sanctuary for one of South America’s most enigmatic and sought-after avian treasures: the Fuegian Snipe. For the serious birder, this species represents one of the ultimate challenges in the Neotropics. Our journey involves careful exploration of the reed and grassy habitats of the tundra, specifically searching for this secretive and well-camouflaged species. Its preference for remote, inaccessible habitats has kept it shrouded in mystery, making sightings a rare and coveted privilege. Our journey takes us
to pristine landscapes where few have ever set foot, exploring silent fjords and moss-carpeted highlands in search of this extraordinarily difficult and unknown species. Beyond the quest for the snipe, we immerse ourselves in a wilderness of breathtaking scale. Join us as we venture into the unknown, following the call of the wild in search of Patagonia’s bestkept secret.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Carrera Bay – Magellan Straits (3 nights aboard M/V Estoa)
Days 2 & 3 • Exploring the archipelago of Francisco Coloane Marine Park including Carlos III, Rupert and Charles Islands.
Day 4 • Back to Punta Carrera – Drive back to Punta Arenas –End of the Expedition
at the edge of the western Patagonian archipelago in southern Chile, Noir Island remains one of the region’s most secluded and well-kept secrets. During the southern spring and summer, this wild and unforgiving island teems with an overwhelming abundance of wildlife. Literally thousands of Rockhopper, Macaroni, and Magellanic penguins seek out its suitable nesting grounds—an unusual mosaic of dwarf, entangled forest patches and steep slopes cloaked in dense tussock grasslands. A constant stream of penguins moves between their nests and the vast open ocean to nourish their offspring; in this hectic process, many fall prey to South American Sea Lions, opportunistic hunters lying in wait behind the large kelp fronds that line the shore. Southern Giant Petrels also breed here by the hundreds, patrolling the coast and interior for carcasses. Furthermore, Noir Island is a stronghold for the Slender-billed Prion; tens of thousands return to the tussock in the late evening alongside Sooty Shearwaters and Fuegian
Storm-Petrels. The coastal grasslands offer exceptional opportunities to document sub-Antarctic specialties, including the inquisitive Striated Caracara and Blackish Cinclodes.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Carrera Bay – Magellan Straits (6 nights aboard M/V Estoa)
Day 2 • Towards Noir Island –Exploring Noir Island
Day 3 • Exploring Noir Island
Days 4, 5 & 6 • Exploring the archipelago of Francisco Coloane Marine Park including Carlos III, Rupert and Charles Islands. Potential visit to Recalada Island depending on weather conditions.
Day 7 • Punta Carrera – Drive back to Punta Arenas – End of the Expedition
Important Information:
• The trip participants must arrive in Punta Arenas the day before the starting day of this expedition.
• This trip outline is subject to the weather and navigation conditions, and is very likely to change accordingly.
Pumas & Birds of Patagonia
Watching Pumas and Birds in Chilean Patagonia
Scheduled Trip
December 9 to 15, 2027
December 9 to 15, 2028
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Pumasand Birds of Patagonia is one of our most comprehensive wildlife programs, aimed to discover the rich biodiversity of the remote areas of southern Chile.
During trip we will have two full days (with four sessions) to look and photograph Patagonian Pumas, in the stunning area of Torres del Paine National Park and Estancia Laguna Amarga. In addition to that, we offer a very comprehensive birding itinerary, in order to see most of the Patagonian bird specialties: from King Penguins and Andean Condors to Magellanic Plover and Magellanic Woodpecker, among several other unique species.
On this week itinerary, we will cover a variety of productive birding habitats, including wind-swept steppes, alkaline lakes and lagoons, channels and fjords, subantarctic woodlands and dramatic mountain regions, all encompassing a fascinating cast of birds and mammals.
Besides the charismatic Puma, other mammals will be possible to observe and photograph during this trip, including Guanaco, Southern Huemul,
Culpeo and Chilla Foxes, Large Hairy Armadillo, Hog-nosed Skunk, Commerson’s and Peale’s Dolphins, among others.
Join us in 2024 & 2025, on this fascinating journey to the dazzling regions of Chilean Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego to discover its best wildlife, traveling in a small group and enjoying the leadership and skills of our experienced guides.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Morning ferry to Tierra del Fuego – King penguin colony –Cerro Sombrero (1 night)
Day 2 • Ferry to mainland – San Gregorio – Pali Aike road – Puerto Natales (1 night)
Day 3 • Torres del Paine – Sierra Baguales – Cerro Castillo (3 nights)
Day 4 • Puma tracking – Torres del Paine
Day 5 • Puma tracking – Torres del Paine
Day 6 • Laguna de los Palos – San Juan Bay – Punta Arenas (1 night)
Day 7 • Transfer to Punta Arenas airport – End of the trip
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 magni cent 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 subAntarctic 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine National Park (4 nights)
Days 2-4 • Exploring Torres del Paine NP – Puma searches
Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP – Transfer to Punta Arenas (1 night)
Day 6 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego –Useless Bay for King penguins (1 night)
Day 7 • Tierra del Fuego – Straits of Magellan – Punta Arenas (1 night)
Day 8 • Boat trip to Carlos III Island – Afternoon looking for Humpback Whales (2 nights)
Day 9 • Carlos III Island – Whale Sound
Day 10 • Carlos III Island – Punta Arenas (1 night)
Day 11 • End of the trip
Patagonian Pumas Photography Trip
A Quest for the Lord of the Andes
Scheduled Trip
January 10 to 15, 2027
April 3 to 8, 2027
July 14 to 19, 2027
September 25 to 30, 2027
October 23 to 28, 2027
December 2 to 7, 2027
April 1 to 6, 2028
July 15 to 20, 2028
October 23 to 28, 2028
December 2 to 7, 2028
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Atripcommitted to watch Puma (Mountain Lion or Cougar) in the remote and stunning Patagonian wilderness of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park and the adjacent Ranch Estancia Laguna Amarga. Far South Expeditions as an entirely local Chile-based tour operator have been conducting puma trips here for more than 16 years; join our expert local naturalist guides and puma trackers, in the best place in the world for watching this magnificent and inspiring predator of the Andes. Patagonian pumas, especially around Torres del Paine, are the largest race of the species in the Americas. With an uncommon higher density rate, this national Park and surroundings have become the most sought-after places to watch and photograph wild pumas on Earth. This is mainly due to the stable growing of Guana-
co populations in the Patagonian steppes, and the protection that Puma has been granted in the past years. 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine National Park
Days 2-4 • Exploring Torres del Paine – Puma searches
Day 5 • An additional day to explore the park searching for pumas plus other interesting mammals such as the elusive Andean or Huemul Deer, Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk and Patagonian Hairy Armadillo
Day 6 • Torres del Paine –Transfer to Punta Arenas –Optional transfer to El Calafate, Argentina
Patagonian Orcas
Top
Predators of the Valdes Peninsula, Argentine Patagonia
Scheduled Trip
Departures
6-day trip from Trelew, Argentina.
April 25 to 30, 2027
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–6 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Thisis truly a unique wildlife experience as nowhere else in the planet, Orcas deliberately beach themselves to hunt sea lion pups. This only happens at the Valdes Peninsula, in the north-eastern tip of Patagonia. This amazing wildlife spectacle occurs every year, between March and early May. By then, a large concentration of young sea lion pups begin to wander around the rookeries, to learn how to swim. A specific group of Orcas have learn this behavior over the years and take advantage of this opportunity, cautiously stalking the inexperienced prey and suddenly beaching themselves in order to hunt.
We will have the opportunity to patrol and wait along the private coastline of the estancia, hoping to be able to witness and photograph the orca attacks on the sea lion pups.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Pick-up from Puerto Madryn – Drive to Estancia La Ernestina – First session at sea lion colony for Orca spotting.
Day 2 to 5 • Four full days to local for Orca photography opportunities nearby the sea lion colonies.
Day 6 • Morning transfer to Puerto Madryn for your onward journey.
Visit our website to review scheduled dates, as we offer several departures throughout the season. This programme is available as a scheduled departure (up to 12 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Humpback
Whales of the Magellan Straits is a fascinating journey designed to discover some of the best-kept secrets of this imposing region of southern South America. This is a comprehensive natural history and nature photography journey 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 grand creatures and other marine mammals of the sub-Antarctic region at close quarters, as well as a good diversity of seabirds. We will also 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Board M/V Tanu – Boat ride to Carlos III Island
Day 2 • Full day exploring Carlos III Island and Seno Ballena
Day 3 • Boat trip to Punta Carrera – Transfer to Punta Arenas – End of the trip
The Right Whales of Valdes Peninsula
The Marine Mammals and Seabirds of eastern Patagonia
Scheduled Trip
Departures
September 11 to 15, 2027
September 10 to 14, 2028
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Theworld-famous Peninsula Valdes is located in the Atlantic coast of Argentina, south of Buenos Aires; this location is a magnificent place to watch impressive geology and diverse wildlife such as Southern Right and Killer whales, Southern Elephant Seal, South American Sea Lion, Patagonian Hare, Patagonian Hairy Armadillo, Magellanic Penguin and many others. We will have a comprehensive whale-watching programme around Puerto Piramides, including two boat trips, to enjoy the usually magnificent sightings of the Southern Right Whale population, which occur seasonally (July - December) on the surrounding gulfs. Later, we will head towards Punta Ninfas and enjoy the privacy of Estancia El Pedral. This private nature reserve holds a Magellanic penguin colony and provides access to great breed-
Day 5 • Drive back to Trelew – Flight to Buenos Aires or El Calafate ing rookeries of other seabirds and mammals. We will have three nights to enjoy this property and its unique wildlife, while experiencing the hospitality of a typical gaucho estancia.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Flight to Trelew –Whale-watching trip – Puerto Piramides (1 night)
Day 2 • Whale-watching trip – Drive to Puerto Ninfas –Estancia El Pedral (3 nights)
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (up to 8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Embark
on an extraordinary journey into the remote Fuegian Archipelago to encounter one of the ocean's most enigmatic predators: the Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx). While typically associated with Antarctic pack ice, a small, disjunct population of these formidable mammals finds sanctuary within the pristine, glacier-carved fjords of Tierra del Fuego.
Aboard the sturdy steel-hulled M/V Estoa, we will navigate through a landscape of mythic proportions. Our search centers on the nutrient-rich waters of Hyatt Sound and Whale Sound, where the silence is broken by the roar of calving glaciers and the presence of solitary seals resting on ice floes. This voyage offers an intimate window into a wild, sub-Antarctic world, exploring lush Nothofagus forests and marine parks teeming with
Humpback Whales. Join us as we venture to the 'End of the Earth' to document a species shrouded in mystery amidst a wilderness of breathtaking scale.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Early transfer to Punta Carrera - De Agostini Fjord and Hyatt Sound - Rugidor Glacier
Day 2 • De Agostini Fjord
Day 3 • Francisco Coloane Marine Park - Barbara ChannelShag Pass
Day 4 • Seno Ballena - Cape Froward - Punta Carrera - End of the trip
Patagonia Photo Expedition
Patagonia photo tours at the End of the World
Scheduled Trip
Departures
March 22 to 28, 2027
December 1 to 7, 2027
March 20 to 26, 2028
December 1 to 7, 2028 This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Landscape
and wildlife photography tour to Patagonia led by resident nature photographers. Discover the best of Patagonia on this exclusively designed, 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 7 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Punta Arenas –Magdalena Island for Magellanic penguins –Torres del Paine
National Park – Torres del Paine (3 nights)
Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier
Day 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) – Laguna Amarga and Laguna Azul
Day 4 • Torres del Paine
NP (eastern sector) – Lago
Sarmiento – Mylodon Cave
Natural Monument – Puerto Natales (1 night)
Day 5 • Pali Aike road – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins – Porvenir (1 night)
Day 6 • Straits of Magellan –Ferry to Punta Arenas – Punta Arenas (1 night)
Wildlife Cruise through the Pristine Landscapes of Sub-Antarctic Patagonia
Scheduled Trip
March 29 to April 4, 2027
March 27 to April 2, 2028 This programme is available as a scheduled departure (up to 8 guests).
Tierra
del Fuego is a vast and mythic island territory of Patagonia, encompassing the pristine archipelagos that lie south of the historic Straits of Magellan. On this wildlife and photography expedition, we will explore this wild and remote territory aboard the sturdy M/V Estoa, our comfortable 63-ft expedition vessel.
Our expedition is thoughtfully tailored for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts across all levels, catering to those who prefer the intimacy of a small group—limited to just 8 participants. Throughout this journey, we will capitalize on the extraordinary landscape and wildlife photography opportunities presented by these remote and pristine regions.
This expedition is punctuated by remarkable wildlife highlights, including the spectacle of feeding pods of Humpback Whales, up to four distinct dolphin species, and impressive pinnipeds such as Southern Fur Seals and South American Sea Lions. We will have great opportunities to vis-
it the breeding colonies of penguins, albatrosses, and cormorants that inhabit these productive waters. During our zodiac landings, we will explore the lush and entangled sub-Antarctic forests of Patagonia and the colossal tidewater glaciers of the mythic Darwin Range, also known as the Cordillera de Darwin.
Itinerary in Brief
Day
1 • Early transfer to Punta Carrera – De Agostini Fjord and Hyatt Sound – Rugidor Glacier
Day 2 • De Agostini Fjord – Gabriel
Channel – Fitton Bay
Day 3 • Ainsworth Bay – Marinelli
Glacier
Day 4 • Tres Mogotes Island – Parry Fjord
Day 5 • Jackson Bay – Gabriel
Channel
Day 6 • Francisco Coloane Marine
Park – Barbara Channel – Shag Pass
Day 7
• Cordes Bay – Cape
Froward – Punta Carrera – End of the trip
Patagonia Park & Aysen
A Nature & Photography Journey to Northern Patagonia
Scheduled Trip
Departures
April 13 to 23, 2027
April 11 to 21, 2028 This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Aysén,
an intriguing name for a still relatively unknown region of southern Chile. Dense rainforests, myriad of islands, vast steppes and secluded glaciers form a mosaic of habitats, transforming it in one of the most scenic regions of the whole of Patagonia. On this nature photography trip, we will concentrate in documenting these inspiring and beautiful landscapes during a very special time of the year, the southern autumn. The hillsides of the southern Andes, acquire a striking reddish coloration as the beech forests start to lose their foliage. The massive San Rafael Glacier is a highlight of this region on its own right and is always one of our guest’s favorites; massive ice growlers of sensational texture provide the habitat for a scattered colony of Leopard Seal. We will have a dedicated boat outing to photograph the fascinating colors and patterns of the Marble Caves immersed in the torquoise waters of the vast General Carrera Lake. And finally, we will explore the newly established Patagonia National Park
and nearby areas, where Guanacos and Huemul Deer thrive in this enormous area devoted to conservation. We are certain that this comprehensive natural history and photography itinerary will be a satisfying journey of discovery to the End of the World.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Balmaceda - Cerro CastilloOvernight Coyhaique (2 nights)
Day 2 • Coyhaique Alto
Day 3 • Cerro Castillo - Overnight Puerto Chacabuco (2 nights)
Day 4 • Boat trip to San Rafael Glacier
Day 5 • Cerro Castillo - Puerto Tranquilo (2 nights)
Day 6 • Marble CavesExploradores valley
Day 7 • Drive to Cochrane (overnight Hotel Ultima Paradiso)
October 3 to 12, 2028 This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Discoverthe 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 Magdalena Island 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Punta Arenas - Condor watching
Day 2 • Magellan Straits ferryExploring Tierra del Fuego
Day 3 • King Penguin reserve –Flight to Punta Arenas
Day 4 • Magdalena Island penguin colony - Cerro Negro gaucho farm
Day 5 • Mylodon Cave - Torres del Paine National Park - Hike Nordenskjöld Lake
Day 6 • Western Torres del Paine - Boat trip to Grey Glacier
Day 7 • Puma tracking - Eastern Torres del Paine - Visit Laguna Azul
Day 8 • Drive to El Calafate, Argentina - Visit Laguna Nimez Reserve
Day 9 • Visit Estancia NibepoPerito Moreno Glacier
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Nature
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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Laguna Parrillar – San Juan Bay – Punta Arenas (1 night)
Day 2 • Pali Aike road – Puerto Natales (2 nights)
Day 3 • Puerto Natales surroundings
Day 4 • Torres del Paine (western sector) – Torres del Paine (2 nights)
Day 5 • Torres del Paine (eastern sector)
Day 6 • Torres del Paine – Drive to Punta Arenas – Punta Arenas (1 night)
Exploring Patagonia’s Premier Wildlife Destination
Custom Trip
3 to 5-day options from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, Chile This program operates as a customized, private trip with a minimum of two participants. Transfers to and from El Calafate, Argentina, are available.
Immerseyourself in the heart of Patagonia with our Torres del Paine Wildlife Explorer, an exclusive nature and photography adventure designed to showcase the premier wildlife destination of southern Chile. This immersive journey invites you to explore the dramatic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, where colossal granite peaks, ancient glaciers, and wind-swept steppes create an unparalleled stage for wildlife observation. Your all-inclusive expedition is based at our superb Hostería El Pionero in Cerro Castillo, providing the perfect sanctuary to recharge after days spent in the field. Led by our expert naturalist guides and using our own quality safari vehicles, this bespoke itinerary prioritizes flexibility and in-depth interpretation, including a full day dedicated to tracking the puma and offering photographers and nature enthusiasts intimate encounters with iconic species like the Guanaco and Andean Condor, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of this World Biosphere Reserve. Experience the raw majesty of Patagonia and capture the true essence of its most legendary wilderness.
3-day option
Itinerary in Brief
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-day option
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-day option
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
Tierra del Fuego Wildlife Explorer
Karukinka: Mammals and Birds of the Sub-Antarctic
Custom Trip
Departures
5-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile
This program operates as a customized, private trip with a minimum of two participants.
Tierra
del Fuego, the Land of Fire, was the name coined by Ferdinand Magellan himself while exploring this unchartered and wild territory exactly 500 years ago. On the other hand, Karukinka was the name given to this huge island by its originary inhabitants, the longgone Fuegians. These bands of hunter-gatherers inhabited this remote archipelago over millennia, but they couldn’t cope the sudden occupation of this territory by Western farmers and miners at the beginning of the 20th century.
This itinerary is devoted to discover the nature and landscapes of Karukinka, exploring its rich history (and pre-history) as well as its fascinating biodiversity and array of ecosystems.
We will explore the Magellan Straits searching for playful pods of dolphins and seabirds; we will traverse the wind-swept steppes
accompanied by Guanaco herds and flocks of the ubiquitous Upland Goose; we will visit the monarch of the island by visiting the King Penguin park at Useless Bay; we will explore the silent sub-Antarctic woodlands in search of the mighty Magellanic Woodpecker. Eventually, we will discover the staggering beauty of the landscapes of the southernmost region of the Andes, the pristine fjords and glaciers of the Darwin Range. Here we will aim to see the Black-browed Albatross nesting grounds as well as to try to
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Flight to Porvenir - Drive to Karukinka Park
Diversity and Uniqueness at the End of the World Best of Tierra del Fuego
Custom Trip
7-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile
This program operates as a customized, private trip with a minimum of two participants.
Weare thrilled to introduce our groundbreaking and exclusive adventure, Best of Tierra del Fuego. This nature and photography journey invites you to explore this vast and magnificent island of Patagonia, spanning both across southern Chile and Argentina. Prepare to be captivated by its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the unique culture and history that awaits you at every turn.
Delve into the daily life of Harberton, Tierra del Fuego’s oldest ranch; marvel at the enchanting King Penguins, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the pristine Karukinka Park.
Our Tierra del Fuego Overland itinerary perfectly pairs with an extraordinary expedition cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, allowing you to discover the most remote corners of Tierra del Fuego, culminating at the legendary Cape Horn.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Punta Arenas - Drive to Porvenir
Day 2 • King Penguin colony –Karukinka Park
Day 3 • Karukinka Park
Day 4 • From Karukinka (Chile) to Tolhuin (Argentina)
Day 5 • From Tolhuin to Harberton Ranch
Day 6 • Full day exploring Harberton Ranch and surroundings
Day 7 • Harberton RanchDrive to Ushuaia - End of the trip.
This program operates as a customized, private trip with a minimum of two participants.
Embarkon a profound journey to the edge of the world with our Navarino Island Wildlife Explorer. This expedition invites you to discover Puerto Williams, the southernmost city on Earth, situated at the rugged tip of South America. Our base for this adventure is the superb Errante Lodge, a sanctuary of comfort offering panoramic views of the legendary Beagle Channel. At the heart of this experience are specialized boat expeditions through the pristine waters of the channel, meticulously crafted for world-class birdwatching and whale watching. As we navigate these remote fjords, we will search for iconic species like the Kelp Goose and the elusive White-bellied Seedsnipe against a backdrop of glaciated peaks. The nutrient-rich waters also provide frequent sightings of majestic marine mammals. From the dense sub-Antarctic forests
to the wind-swept alpine heights, this trip captures the raw, untamed spirit of Tierra del Fuego. Join us for a unique immersion into one of the planet’s last great wildernesses.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Transfer to Punta Arenas airport – Flight to Puerto Williams – Hike on Bandera Hill – Overnight at Errante Eco-Lodge or Hotel Fio-Fio (4 nights).
Day 2 • Full day boat Excursion to the Beagle Channel and adjacent fjords and glaciers.
Day 3 • Ethnobotanical Park Omora – Anthropological Museum Yagán Usi.
Day 4 • Birding around Puerto Williams.
Day 5 • Flight back to Punta Arenas – Optional crossing to Ushuaia by boat.
Baguales Gaucho Camp
Remote and Rugged Nature in the Land of Legendary Gauchos
Custom Trip
4-day trip from Puerto Natales, Chile
This program operates as a customized, private trip with a minimum of two participants.
TheBaguales Range (Sierra Baguales, in Spanish) is a secluded, remote and seldom visited mountain region of Chilean Patagonia, located quite near from Torres del Paine National Park.
This rugged land was originally home of long-gone hunter-gatherers tribes and it is also full of tales of legendary gauchos who explored every corner of this formerly unknown territory.
The jagged escarpment have multiple and colorful rock layers, containing rich fossil deposits formed some 60+ millions years ago; but the range itself is quite young, resulting from the uplift of magmatic material, which formed this dramatic range. Sierra Baguales is the habitat of vast herds of Guanaco as well as an interesting cast of Andean birds such as Condor, Rhea and White-throated Caracara among many other specialties. The opportunity to observe the top predator of the Andes, Puma, will be always there. During the southern summer months, from November onwards, there is a myriad of alpine flowers, creating a most interesting subject to study and photograph.
The brand-new Baguales Glamping is an exciting operation which allow us to explore this remote gaucho land. We will be based in comfortable domes, all with en-suite facilities and central heating and will enjoy the exclusivity to have this huge area just for ourselves. With the help of a suitable all-terrain UTV vehicle, we will be able to approach remote corners of this property and walk back, enjoying the biodiversity and the quietness of Sierra Baguales. Additional horseback-riding adventures and fly-fishing trips can be arranged in anticipation and at an extra cost.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Transfer to the Baguales Range – Exploring La Cumbre Ranch (3 nights)
Days 2 & 3 • Nature hikes in the Baguales Range: Rodas Lagoon & Verlika Valley
Day 4 • Chorrillo Jabon (Soap’s Creek) – Drive back to Torres del Paine or Puerto Natales – End of the trip
Perito Moreno & Los Glaciares
Glacier and Forests of Argentine Patagonia
Custom Trip
Departures
3-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina
This program operates as a customized, private trip with a minimum of two participants.
Transfers from/to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, Chile, are available.
Atthe 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. Into one of these lakes, Argentino 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-coloured lakes and the ancient glaciers of this incredible nature reserve and will discover its peculiar flora and fauna adapted to these extreme conditions.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Drive along the old estancias road – Estancia Nibepo – Perito Moreno Glacier – Boat trip in Lago Argentino Optional: Hike to Grande Glacier – El Calafate
Day 2 • Los Glaciares National Park: Full day exploring Lago Argentino and Estancia Cristina
Day 3 • Morning visit to Laguna Nimez Nature Reserve – End of the trip
The Stunning Surroundings of Patagonia’s Most Famous Peaks
Custom Trip
4-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina
This program operates as a customized, private trip with a minimum of two participants.
Transfers from/to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, Chile, are available.
Thesejagged granite spires, Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, have inspired explorers and climbers from all over the world due to its collosal dimensions, its stunning shapes and colours and by its very dramatic setting, surrounded by the vast Southern Patagonian Icefield. On this nature photography trip, we will take advantage of the unrivaled location of El Chalten village to document the varied landscapes and wildlife of this section of the huge Los Glaciares National Park, in southern Argentina. We will have dedicated sunrise sessions to photograph the dramatic sunrises and sunsets; walk part of the extensive trail system leading us to some breathtaking viewpoints and cruise the Viedma lake to appreciate the magnificent front of its homonymous glacier. Join us and feel the remoteness and experience some of the best scenery of one of the most pristine
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • El Calafate – Boat trip to Viedma glacier – El Chalten (3 nights)
Day 2 • Sunrise at Fitz Roy Mt. viewpoint – Walk to Mirador Laguna Capri or Laguna Torre
Day 3 • Sunrise at Fitz Roy viewpoint – Lago del Desierto –Walk to Glacier Huemul
TheStraits of Magellan, Beagle Channel and Cape Horn are important and highly signicant geographic and historical landmarks in the southern tip of the South American continent. Snow-capped mountains, huge glaciers and magnicent 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 Pacific Ocean. During this journey we will sail through a signicant 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 in the 1830s. We‘ll explore the cultural remnants of the world’s southernmost people, the Yamana, and learn how they survived and adapted to this extreme geography 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.
In the Wake of Explorers and Sailors
Cape Horn Expedition Cruise Itinerary in Brief
Option A: Fjords of Tierra del Fuego (4 nights)
Punta Arenas, Chile – Ushuaia, Argentina | 4-night cruise aboard M/V Stella Australis or M/V Ventus Australis
Day 1 • Punta Arenas
Day 2 • Ainsworth Bay – Tuckers Islets (*)
Day 3 • Pía Glacier – Glacier Alley (**)
Day 4 • Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay
Day 5 • Ushuaia
Option B: Patagonian Explorer (4 nights)
Ushuaia, Argentina – Punta Arenas, Chile | 4-night cruise aboard M/V Ventus Australis (Available from January 2018)
Day 1 • Ushuaia
Day 2 • Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay
Day 3 • Pía Glacier – Garibaldi
Glacier
Day 4 • Agostini Sound – Águila
Glacier – Cóndor Glacier
Day 5 • Magdalena Island (*) –Punta Arenas
Journey to the Patagonian Fjords
Aboard M/V Skorpios III
Nature Cruise
We offer 4-night cruise options departing from Puerto Natales, Chile, aboard the M/V Skorpios III. This programme operates on fixed departure dates with no minimum participant requirement. Please visit our website for the latest departure schedule.
Onthis adventure we will explore the remote fjords and archipelagos, located in the wild and pristine western regions of Chilean Patagonia. Aboard the Skorpios III, a family-owned and especifically-built ice-class vessel, we will leave the picturesque town of Puerto Natales towards the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, world’s third largest ice formation after Antarctica and Greenland. This 3-night cruise traverse these remote regions every Tuesday and Friday to return to Puerto Natales every Monday and Thursday, between the months of October and April. We will cover over nearly 400 nautical miles to discover the most beautiful, and least known, tide water glaciers of the area, including Amalia, El Brujo, Bernal and Herman glaciers, and those located in the area of the impressive Calvo Sound. We will
follow the footsteps of many sailors and explorers, learn about the long-gone hunter-gatherer tribes that inhabited the fjords since 6,000+ years ago and experience the rich natural history of the fjords, channels, sounds, forests and moorlands. Indeed a journey of discovery in one of the few truly pristine areas on Earth.
We offer 5-night cruise options departing from Puerto Montt, Chile, aboard the M/V Skorpios II. This programme operates on fixed departure dates with no minimum participant requirement. Please visit our website for the latest departure schedule.
Getonboard the comfortable M/V Skorpios II and enjoy a spectacular, scenic and comfortable cruise to the gorgeous Laguna San Rafael National Park, in the heart of the Chilean Fjords. Departing from Puerto Montt, capital of Chile’s Lake District, we sail through Llanquihue Archipelago and abeam Chiloé Island, to land at Puerto Aguirre and continue navigating the maze of channels and fjords to enter the glacial lake which is the gateway into Laguna San Rafael National Park, where we can contemplate the huge glacier front and witness the active calving of huge icebergs. After this we’ll visit some natural hotsprings at Quitralco Fjord, to later depart for Chiloé Island and navigate upstream to the picturesque town of Dalcahue, 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Puerto Montt – Chiloé Island
Day 2 • Moraleda Channel –Puerto Aguirre – Pilcomayo Channel
Half-day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from October through 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 Blackbrowed Albatross
Condors of Patagonia
Half-day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available year-round.
Olga Teresa Ranch features the most accessible location in the world to see and photograph the world’s heaviest flying creature: the famous and majestic Andean Condor. Reachable by car in only 60-70 minutes from Punta Arenas, Chile, the ranch protects, researches, and showcases a population of 100 Andean Condors that soar, socialize, and sleep at a 20-meter-tall, vertical rock face that itself is embedded in a steep, 200-meter-high (700-foot-high) hill.
Punta Arenas Nature & History Tour
Day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available year-round.
Oldest and largest settlement in Patagonia, Punta Arenas is also the southernmost city in Chile. A medium-sized, friendly city, it offers glimpses into the past through its impressive, well-preserved old mansions from mid-19th and early 20th centuries, as well as through its interesting museums. On this day tour, we will dip ourselves into the rich history and pre-history dating back to times when bands of hunter-gatherers roamed the vast steppes and sailed the icy archipelagos, to the several ages of exploration and famous names such as Magellan, Drake and Fitz Roy. We will also learn about impressions from conspicuous visitors from both the past and contemporary times, such as Charles Darwin and travel writer Bruce Chatwin.
Day Tours from Punta Arenas, Chile
Birding the Magellan Straits
Day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available year-round.
On this full day birding journey along the mythical Straits of Magellan, we will explore a great variety of habitats; from the Patagonian shorelines and wetlands, to sub-Antarctic woodlands and wind-swept steppes. We will discover the birdlife of Patagonia and its many endemic species, including the Lesser Rhea, Andean Condor and 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 with restricted time at the port of Punta Arenas.
Birding the Patagonian Steppes
Day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available year-round.
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.
Mount Tarn: Birding & Nature Hike
Day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from November until March.
A moderately demanding but very rewarding hike up Mount Tarn, a conspicuous peak south of Punta Arenas. Located in the south-eastern edge of the Brunswick Peninsula, literally at the end of the southernmost road in the American continent, it was climbed by none other than Charles Darwin in 1834, and it was here that he found the first Ammonites fossils known to South America. This hike will present us with fantastic vistas of the Magellan Straits, the southernmost shores of the Americas and the nearby islands, and we´ll enjoy a great sample of Patagonian flora, from sub Antarctic temperate forest to alpine bogs and other open mountain habitats. Above the snowline we will look for one of the least known birds of the area, the rare White-bellied Seedsnipe, plus other Andean specialties like Yellow-bridled Finch.
Wildlife & Nature Around the Magellan Straits
Day Tours from Ushuaia, Argentina
Wildlife & Nature Around the Beagle Channel
Beagle Channel & Estancia Harberton
Day tour from Ushuaia, Argentina • Available from September through May.
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 pioneers that colonized this remote part of the world.
Birding Tierra del Fuego National Park
Day tour from Ushuaia, Argentina • Available from October through April.
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.
Scheduled Trip
Departures
November 1 to 19, 2027
November 6 to 24, 2028 This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–6 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Onthis trip you will discover the widlife 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. We will have a comprehensive exploration of Chile’s Lake District and the picturesque and diverse Chiloé Island. 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.
Chile’s Best Wildlife Itinerary in Brief
The Ultimate Wildlife Adventure in a Thin Country
Day 1 • Fligth to Arica – Azapa Valley
Day 2 • Boat trip to Arica harbour –Drive to Putre
Day 3 • Parinacota & Lauca National Park
Day 4 • Surire salt flat
Day 5 • Parinacota – Drive to Arica
Day 6 • Flight to Santiago and Puerto Montt – Puerto Varas
Day 7 • Ferry to Chiloé Island – Boat trip off Puñihuil
Day 8 • Boat trip off Chiloé Island –Caulin Bay
Day 9 • Boat trip Chepu River – Drive to Tepuhueico
Day 10 • Tepuhueico Park
Day 11 • Tepuhueico Park – Drive to Castro
Day 12 • Flight to Punta Arenas
Day 13 • Magdalena Island – Drive to Torres del Paine
Day 14 • Torres del Paine for pumas and other wildlife
Day 15 • Torres del Paine for pumas and other wildlife
Day 16 • Grey Glacier – Drive to Puerto Natales
Day 17 • Pali Aike NP – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Porvenir
Day 18 • King penguins – Ferry to Punta Arenas – Condors of Rio Verde
Quest the Andean Mountain Cat in the Chilean Altiplano
Scheduled Trip
11-day trip from Arica, Chile
June 1 to 11, 2027
August 29 to September 8, 2027
June 1 to 11, 2028
August 29 to September 8, 2028
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–6 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Atrue expedition to the High Andes of northern Chile, looking for two species of a poorly-known and seldom-seen lineage of South American cats, the mythic Andean Cat (Leopardus jacobita) and the taxonomically controversial Puna Pampas Cat (Leopardus garleppi).
On this dedicated 8-day trip, mostly geared up to aim to see these elusive mammals, we will explore the vast, desert-like high plateau of the Andes, known as puna or altiplano.
At altitudes varying from 12,000 up to 16,000 ft. (3,500-4,500 m) above sea level, we will carry out day and night searches, in previously and successfully scouted areas. We will cover considerable distances on 4×4 vehicles and our guests have to be able to walk on hilly and rocky terrain, looking for these cats, accompanied and led by our highly experienced guides. The accommodation is basic and rustic, although clean, comfortable and hospitable; meals are also quite basic, although our guides will ensure to have good and fresh pro-
visions in order to supplement the meals, both in the field and back to the comfort of the lodge.
The high altitude is an important factor to consider if you are willing to join us on the trip as well as the extended periods of time in the field, looking for the cats and other wildlife. Temperatures in the altiplano can vary from 20°C/68°F down (daytime) to -10°C/14°F (in the night), so is imperative to have suitable clothing for such temperature range as well as sturdy walking boots to deal with the rugged terrain.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Morning flight from Santiago to Arica – Drive to Putre –Overnight in Putre (L, D)
Days 2-3 • Exploring Putre and the Pre-Puna – Overnight in Putre (B, L, D)
Days 4-7 • Exploring Lauca NP and Las Vicuñas NR – Overnight in Lauca (B, L, D)
Day 8 • Drive back to Arica –Evening flight to Santiago.
Birding Chile
A Quest for Endemics and Specialties of Chile
Departures Scheduled Trip
October 29 to November 8, 2027
October 29 to November 8, 2028 This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Birding
Chile is an exciting birdwatching journey aimed to discover the endemic and specialties of this 3,000-mile long and narrow biogeographical island and explore and enjoy its marvelous landscapes, excellent infrastructure, great cuisine and fabulous wines at a relaxed pace. Chile is a land of huge contrasts, truly a geographic extravaganza’. On this birding adventure we will explore Chile’s incredibly diverse habitats and marvel at some of the most beautiful 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 and Patagonia, to the impressive lakes and volcanoes of south-central Chile, 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Santiago - Batuco LakeMantagua Wetland - Viña del Mar (1 night)
Day 2 • Valparaíso - AlgarroboSanto Domingo (1 night)
Day 3 • Maipo Estuary - Vilches Alto (2 nights)
Day 4 • Altos de Lircay National Reserve
Day 5 • Vilches Alto - Lago Colbún - Cajón del Maipo (2 nights)
Day 6 • El Yeso Valley - Termas del Plomo
Day 7 • Farellones - Valle NevadoFlight to Puerto Montt (1 night)
Day 8 • Ferry to Chiloé Island - Puñihuil Penguin ColonyTepuhueico Park (2 nights)
Day 9 • Tepuhueico Park
Day 10 • Boat trip off QueilenAncud (1 night)
Day 11 • Bosque Manao - Caulín Estuary - Puerto Montt - End of the trip
Juan Fernandez Islands Birding Expedition
Quest for Island Endemics of the southeast Pacific
Scheduled Trip
9-day trip from Santiago, Chile.
January 20 to 28, 2027
January 20 to 28, 2028
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (6 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Atacama Desert is the driest desert on Earth, and in some inland places there is no record of rain or precipitation of any kind in historical times. There is a strip of desert between the Coastal range and the Andean plateau where there is barely, if 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, steep cliffs that retain this moisture in the form of a dense mist which crawls inland and makes it possible for the 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 Tapacu-
lo and Common Diuca Finch, and many other Passerines, 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Santiago - Flight to Robinson Crusoe Island
Day 2
• Birding in Robinson Crusoe Island for endemics
Day 3 • Pelagic trip from Robinson Crusoe Island to Alejandro Selkirk Island
Days 4 to 6 • La Cuchara Base Camp for the Masafuera Rayadito
Day 7 • Return to Robinson Crusoe Island
Day 8
• Free day at San Juan Bautista
Day 9
• Return flight to Santiago
Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina
Where Rare Birds Meet World-Class Wines
Departures Scheduled Trip
December 15 to 26, 2027
December 15 to 26, 2028
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Onthis fascinating trip we will 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 will find. We have prepared an in-depth wine tasting programme, visiting the most remarkable and traditional wineries of Maipo, Casablanca and Colchagua valleys in Chile as well as around Mendoza, in Argentina. This trip has been designed for the nature enthusiast wishing to combine some time in the field with wine tasting activities and for the birder alike. The landscapes and the culture of both countries are equally fascinating and you will have the opportunity to learn a lot about Chile and Argentina from your local leader. Salud! Cheers!
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Batuco marshes - Cousiño Macul and Concha & Toro vineyards
Day 2 • El Yeso Reservoir and Termas del Plomo
Day 3 • Drive to Talca - Altos de Lircay Nature Reserve – Vilches
Day 4 • Colbun Lake - Santa Cruz vineyards
Day 5 • Colchagua Valley: Montes, Viu Manent and Montgrass vineyards
The Impressive Wildlife of the Atacama and the Altiplano
Scheduled Trip
October 24 to 28, 2027
October 24 to 28, 2028 This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Our journey to the North of Chile will take us to the fringes of the driest desert in the world, the inhospitable Atacama, on the border with southern Peru. Our base locations will be Arica and Putre, Chile’s northernmost cities. This unique area is home to highly diverse species such as the flightless Giant Coot and tiny and threatened Chilean Woodstar. 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 herds, PunaTinamou and Lesser Rhea. Specialties such as all three Chilean species of flamingoes (Chilean, Andean and James’s), Andean Avocet, Giant and Andean coots, Chilean Woodstar, White-throated Earth-
creeper, Black throated 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).
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Pelagic trip off IquiqueIquique coastal areas - Iquique (1 night)
Day 2 • Camarones and Chaca valleys - Arica (1 night)
Day 3 • Azapa & Lluta valleysDrive to Putre - Putre (2 nights)
From the Heights of the Andes to the Pacific Coast
Departures Scheduled Trip
October 29 to November 4, 2027
October 29 to November 4, 2028
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Wewill explore a fascinating and contrasting region of Chile holding most of the endemic bird species of the country. In the Andes 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Santiago - Batuco Lake - Mantagua Wetland - Viña del Mar (1 night)
Day 2 • Valparaíso - AlgarroboSanto Domingo (1 night)
Day 3 • Maipo Estuary - Vilches Alto (2 nights)
Day 4 • Altos de Lircay National Reserve
Day 5 • Vilches Alto - Lago Colbún - Cajón del Maipo (2 nights)
Day 6 • El Yeso Valley - Termas del Plomo
Day 7 • Farellones - End of the trip
Northern Chile Wildlife Adventure
Photo Safari to the Atacama Desert & the Altiplano
Scheduled Trip
6-day trip from Arica, Chile
December 3 to 8, 2027
December 3 to 8, 2028
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Geta unique glimpse into the land, wild- life and people of northern Chile, the Atacama Desert and the Altiplano. Vast landscapes of strange and imposing beauty, unique birds, mammals and plants, and a cultural heritage that goes back thousands of years beyond the Inca empire, reflected in archaeological treasures like giant geogliphs that were left by the ancient natives in the slopes of hills dominating the valley, mostly depicting scenes reflecting the semi-nomadic life of these ancient herders, like llama caravans, shepherds, birds and other wildlife and hunting scenes. Ethnic and cultural aspects of everyday life like agricultural methods, house building and food, all more than make for superb photography and a travelling experience that will treat your senses. But it‘s not only wildlife photographers
that will be delighted, for this site offers superb landscape photography as well, with its salt flat, mountains and rock formations, some of the gems of the high Andes that will probably be one of the most enduring memories from your trip to Northern Chile.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Flight to Arica – Drive to Putre
Day 2 • Parinacota & Lauca
National Park
Day 3 • Surire salt flat
Day 4 • Putre – Azapa Valley –Arica
Day 5 • Boat trip to Arica harbour – Chaca & Camarones valleys
September 28 to October 3, 2028 This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Thisnature and photo itinerary reveals the dramatic 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 photographic journey 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Drive to San Pedro de Atacama – Valle de la Luna (Moon’s Valley) – San Pedro de Atacama (5 nights)
Day 2 • Petrogliph Field – Valle del Arcoiris (Rainbow Valley) –Chaxa and Tebiquinche lagoons
Day 3 • Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoos – Salar de Talar
Day 4 • El Tatio geyser fields –Vado de Putana – Puritama river
Day 5 • Pakana Monks – Salar de Tara – Salar de Pujsa
Day 6 • Pukara (fortress) de Quitor – Catarpe – Drive to Calama
Atacama Desert is the driest desert on Earth, and in some inland places there is no record of rain or precipitation of any kind in historical times. There is a strip of desert between the Coastal range and the Andean plateau where there is barely, if 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, steep cliffs that retain this moisture in the form of a dense mist which crawls inland and makes it possible for the 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, 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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Flight to Copiapó - Bahia
Inglesa - Caldera
Day 2 • Llanos de Challe National Park
Day 3 • Pan de Azucar National Park
Day 4 • Paposo Nature Reserve
Day 5 • Drive to Antofagasta - End of the trip
Mediterranean Chile Botanical Tour
Botanizing Endemics from the Andes to the Pacific
Scheduled Trip
Departures
December 2 to 6, 2027
December 2 to 6, 2028 This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Onthis 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 gen-
era 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.
Itinerary
in Brief
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
Araucaria Forests & Futangue Park
The Magical Forests of the Southern Andes
Scheduled Trip
November 26 to December 1, 2027
November 26 to December 1, 2028
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
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.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Flight to TemucoConguillio National Park
Days 2-3 • Conguillio National Park
Day 4 • Towards Futangue Park
Day 5-6 • Exploring Futangue Park
Day 7 • Valdivia - Flight back to Santiago - End of the trip
Departures Scheduled Trip
December 16 to 20, 2027
December 16 to 20, 2028
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Easter Island Seabird Adventure
A
Wealth of Pacific Gadfly Petrels and Moai Legacy
Join our comprehensive cultural and seabird adventure to Easter Island, guided by expert birders and Rapa Nui historians. This journey explores the primary archaeological sites of this enigmatic, remote Polynesian island, a triangle of volcanic rock long shrouded in mystery and speculation.
Accompanied by expert local guides, you will uncover the secrets of Rapa Nui—from the monumental moai and the origins of the islanders to the unique Rongo Rongo script—while gaining insight into the island's future. Our expedition also features dedicated seabird-watching outings to the motus (weather permitting). These surrounding volcanic islets offer a rare opportunity to observe nesting seabirds, including petrel specialties like the Kermadec, Herald, Henderson and Phoenix Petrels, alongside other
tropical seabirds such as Brown and Grey Noddies as well as Masked and Cocos Boobies. This provides a deeper understanding of the natural history and ecology of this isolated Pacific sanctuary.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island –1st boat trip to the motus for seabirds – Overnight at Hanga Roa (4 nights)
Day 2 • Full-day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki – 2nd boat trip to the motus for seabirds
Day 3 • Full-day tour to Orongo village and Vinapu – 3rd boat trip to the motus for seabirds
Fernandez is a fascinating archipelago of volcanic origin, situated about 400 miles off Valparaiso, central Chile. Robinson Crusoe, the main island of the group, is a 2-hour flight journey from Santiago, Chile. Its rich history dates back to its discovery by Portuguese explorer Juan Fernandez in 1574, but its fame relates to the prolonged residence of the Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk who was marooned there between 1704 and 1709. His epic survival story served as an inspiration source for Daniel Defoe’s famous novel. 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 species, most of them regarded as Critically Endangered. During this trip, we shall explore these forests 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 and we hope to find Defilippi’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!
Itinerary in Brief
3-night program (leaving every Tuesday)
Day 1 • Flight to Robinson Crusoe Island (c. 2 hours) – Boat shuttle to San Juan Bautista (c. 1.5 hours)
Day 2 • Forests of Robinson Crusoe Island – Walk to Alexander Selkirk viewpoint
Day 3 • Pelagic trip off Cumberland Bay
Day 4 • Boat shuttle to El Padre Bay –Flight to Santiago
4-night program (leaving every Friday)
Day 1 • Flight to Robinson Crusoe Island (c. 2 hours) – Boat shuttle to San Juan Bautista (c. 1.5 hours)
Day 2 • Forests of Robinson Crusoe Island – Walk to Alexander Selkirk viewpoint
Day 3 • Pelagic trip off Cumberland Bay
Day 4 • Forests of Robinson Crusoe Island – Walk to Plazoleta El Yunque
Day 5 • Boat shuttle to El Padre Bay –Flight to Santiago
Chiloé Island Wildlife Adventure
A Journey Through Chiloé’s Enigmatic Forests and Coasts
Departures Scheduled Trip
April 1 to 6, 2027
April 1 to 6, 2028 This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Chiloé
is a land of myths, legends and history, with countless and outstanding natural and cultural riches. It’s still a well-kept secret located across a channel south of Puerto Montt, in Chile’s Lake District, in the north-western corner of Chilean Patagonia. A magical realm with its own traditions, customs, legends, food and music where time has stood still since the first Spaniard settlers arrived and mixed with the native people back in the XVI (16th) century. We will dedicate five full days to explore the fascinating and enigmatic Chiloé; this island and associated archipelagoes will reveal their unique natural and cultural riches, from penguins to otters, from elusive tapaculos to raucous parakeets, from dolphins to sea lions. This green island is filled with picturesque countryside and maritime landscapes, colourful stilt houses, fishermen’s boats and wooden churches in scattered villages and small towns nestled
among the fields and rolling hills; everything framed in beautiful and dramatic natural settings, a place where people still build houses, churches and boats using the materials and ancient techniques passed from one generation to the next, and live off fishing, collecting seafood and farming cattle and sheep and growing crops like potatoes, of which this island is one of the main centers of origin and dispersion in the world, with dozens of varieties grown here.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Ferry to Chiloé IslandPuñihuil
Day 2 • Boat trip off Chiloé Island – Caulin Bay
Day 3 • Boat trip Chepu River –Drive to Tepuhueico
This program operates as a customized, private trip with a minimum of two participants.
Chiloé
Island is located in the north-western corner of the vast territory called Patagonia. The surrounding seas are very productive and its dramatic coastline is affected by the nutrient-rich waters of the northbound Humboldt Current, hence its rich diversity of seabirds and marine mammals. On this dedicated itinerary we will have ample opportunities to study and photograph a great array of seabirds, including Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins, Flightless Steamer-Duck, Kelp Goose, and Peruvian Pelican. While exploring the rugged coast we will have great chances of interesting marine mammals such as Peale’s and Chilean Dolphin, Marine Otter and large numbers of South American Sea Lion. The highlight of this programme is a pelagic trip aim to find the recently-split Pygmy Blue Whale, which occurs
around the archipelago during the southern summer months (December through February); Humpback Whales and often see as well as a great diversity of tubenoses such as Black-browed Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel, Pink-footed and Sooty Shearwaters and the poorly-known Little (Subantarctic) Shearwater, which probably breeds along this remote, heavily forested part of the island. If you are a pelagic birder or a dedicated whale-watcher, this trip is for you!
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Castro - Drive to Queilen (2 nights)
Day 2 • Boat trip off Queilen Day 3 • Drive back to Castro) –End of the trip
Humboldt Current Pelagics
Pelagic Trips off Valparaiso, Chile
Departures
Day trip (c. 6 hours)from Valparaiso or Quintero, Chile
This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. Check out our website for updated departure dates.
TheHumboldt Current draws cold water from the Antarctic and pumps it north along the west coast of South America, lifting nutrients from the deep sea bottom in the form of upwelling and making these waters not only the richest, most productive marine ecosystem in the Planet, but also one of the top destinations for Pelagic Birding in the world, too. On this pelagic trip, we expect to see a great variety of tubenoses such as Northern Royal, Antipodean, Salvin’s, 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 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.
Pelagic Birding off Puerto Montt
Day trip (c. 8 hours) from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, Chile • Available yearround.
Early morning with the first light of the day, we will take a boat trip into the Reloncavi Sound to look for seabirds, particularly the recently discovered Pincoya Storm Petrel, a new species to science, overlooked during many years because of its strong similarities to sympatric Wilson’s Storm Petrels. The range of this species seems to be very local and restricted to the nearby waters south of Puerto Montt and between Chiloé Island and the Continent.
Pelagic Birding off Arica
Half-day trip (c. 6 hours) from Arica, Chile • Available year-round.
Early morning we will take a boat trip off Arica to continue our search for the endemic seabirds of the Humboldt Current. We will look for Peruvian Diving Petrel and we may also find Elliot’s and Markham’s Storm Petrels. The delightful Inca Tern will be a common sight around the harbour plus Common and South American Terns. The endangered and local Peruvian Tern is another potential species for the morning.
Day tours from Santiago, Chile
Wildlife & Nature Around the Heart of Chile
Birding Chile’s Central Andes
Full day tour from Santiago de Chile • Available from October until 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
Full day tour from Santiago de Chile or Valparaiso • Available year-round.
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.
Day Tours from Puerto Montt, Chile
Lake District Nature Trip
Full day tour from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, 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 Nature Trip
Full day tour from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, Chile • Available from September to 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.
Wildlife & Nature Around Chile’s Lake District
North-Western Argentina Photo Adventure
Photographic Journey to Salta, Jujuy & Catamarca
Scheduled Trip
May 1 to 10, 2027
October 4 to 13, 2027 This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Onthis photographic expedition we will aim to capture the grand landscapes and intriguing wildlife of one of the most scenic regions of Argentina, the spectacular North-West. The geology of these vast and remote Andean regions is overwhelming and provides fantastic opportunities for landscape photography. We have a unique pre-extension to explore the locality of El Peñón and its unusual and surreal ash deposits and pumice fields; we will also explore the picturesque town of Cafayate, its colourful canyons and fantastic vineyards. During the main trip we will visit one of the most northerly regions of Argentina, the colourful Jujuy province, the dramatic and colourful gorges of Humahuaca valley and the vast salt flats of Salinas Grandes. Later we will explore the remote salt flat of Arizaro and the most unusual highly eroded setting of Los Colorados for spectacular sunrise and sunset shooting sessions. Join us on a truly unique photographic trip to the wild North Western regions of Argentina!
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Salta Arrival - Salta (1 night)
Day 2 • Salta - Quebrada de las Conchas - Cafayate (1 night)
Day 3 • Santa María - HualfínCuesta de Randolfo - El Peñón (3 nights)
Day 4 • Carachi Pampa - Dunas Blancas - Pumice field
Day 5 • Laguna Grande - Cerro Galán Caldera - Laguna Diamante
Day 6 • Laguna AntofagastaQuebrada de Calalaste - Salar de Antofalla - Antofalla (2 nights)
Day 7 • Encantos del SalarBosques del Salar - Antofalla
Day 8 • Arita’s Cone - Arizaro salt flat - Sunset at Dunas EscondidasTolar Grande (1 night)
Day 9 • Tolar Grande - Desierto del Laberinto - San Antonio de los Cobres - Salta (1 night)
This programme is available as a scheduled departure (4–8 guests) or a private, customized trip (minimum 2 participants).
Onthis 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 / Malvinas. 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 Blackbrowed Albatrosses, Rockhopper and King Penguins and marine mammals such as Southern Elephant Seals and Orcas.
Exceptional nature photography and wildlife tour, featuring visits to huge penguin colonies and other seabirds including cormorants and albatrosses; elephant seal and sea lions rookeries; dolphin and possibly orca sightings; land-rover tours to remote wildlife spots
in the outlying islands of the archipelago, scenic flights within the archipelago and the remarkable hospitality of the Kelpers, our hosts throughout the trip. If you are a nature photographer, a birder, a botanist, or simply a nature enthusiast or hiker, this journey of discovery is for you!
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • Flight to the Falklands – Transfer to Port Stanley (2 nights)
Day 2 • Volunteer Point
Day 3 • Flight to Carcass Island (2 nights)
Day 4 • Carcass Island – Boat trip to West Point Island
Day 5 • Carcass Island – Flight to Sea Lion Island (2 nights)
Day 6 • Sea Lion Island
Day 7 • Sea Lion Island – Flight to Darwin (1 night)
Wehave added two exciting and very special expeditions to our 2024-2025 trip portfolio, exploring the sub-Antarctic islands along the Scotia Arc and the always awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula. The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are always a great introduction to the Southern Ocean marine wildlife and we will have the opportunity to explore Carcass and Saunders with its Rockhopper and Gentoo penguins and its Blackbrowed Albatross rookeries. Right after that, a couple of days sailing over the Scotia Sea will offer encounters with outstanding seabirds and cetaceans before reaching everybody’s favourite, the South Georgia Islands! This is truly one of the world’s greatest nature spectacles as every corner of their coasts is literally teeming with wildlife. Vast penguin colonies, albatrosses, petrels and elephant seals will be a true delight as we explore Prion Island, Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews and Fortuna Bays and the historic
whaling station of Grytviken. The last portion of these expeditions will be devoted to explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and its mind-blowing pristine landscapes. We will have several days to sail from the South Shetland Islands all the way south to the scenic Lemaire Channel, in the company of penguins and other seabirds, whales and hopefully Orcas.
Itinerary in Brief
Cruise 1 • South Georgia Through the Camera Lens
2024: October 19 to November 2
15-day cruise
Starts/Ends: Santiago, Chile
Vessel: M/V Sea Spirit
Cruise 2 • Antarctic Wildlife
Adventure
2025: February 26 to March 20
23-day cruise
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina / Ends
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Vessel: M/V Sea Spirit
Atlantic Odyssey
The Ultimate Seabird Cruise to the world’s remotest islands!
Small Groups
April 4 to 27, 2027 aboard MV Plancius
Thisis truly a unique seafaring expedition, a fantastic exploration of the Southern Ocean and some of its more formidably seabird-rich islands: South Georgia, Gough and Tristan da Cunha. Enjoying the company of Far South Expeditions Founder and Chilean ornithologist/ author Enrique Couve, we will explore and discover the nutrient rich waters of the Antarctic and Sub-antarctic to look for a wealth of rare tubenoses and penguins as well as seldom-seen cetaceans. South Georgia will deliver a great sample of Antarctic seabirds including delicate Light-mantled Sooties, Wanderers, prions and Blue Petrels. Heading north, we will explore some of world’s most remote islands, including Gough and Tristan da Cunha for its Northern Rockhopper penguin and Yellow-nosed Albatross rooker-
ies. Join Enrique on his quest for the world’s rarest seabirds, learn first-hand from him and share his passion for marine birding on the boat trip of a lifetime.
Vessels: M/V Ocean Nova, M/V Hebridean Sky or brand new M/V Magellan Explorer
This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. Check out our website for updated departure dates.
Available from Dec until Feb.
TheAntarctic Peninsula is a promontory of land and ice that breaks the apparent radial symmetrical shape of the White Continent. It begins approximately at 75°S, extending northwards to 62°S, almost reaching the southern tip of South America. Therefore, the Peninsula is the most accessible region of the Antarctic and until recently one needed to navigate for two whole days and nights through the rough seas of the infamous and feared Drake Passage. This was before this programme was designed! We now offer you the chance of visiting the most pristine corner on Earth via this unique itinerary, which combines a short and comfortable 2-hour flight from Punta Arenas (southern Chile) to the South Shetland Islands, and the comfort of a small 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.
Itinerary in Brief
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 Antarctic vessel (5 nights)
Days 3/6 • Cruising and exploring along the western Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
Day 7 • Flight back to Punta Arenas - Overnight at Punta Arenas
Day 8 • End of the trip
Our Tour Leaders & Guides
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 a nd 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.
Rodrigo Tapia, Patricio Arévalo, Diego Tureo, Diego Olivares, David Couve, Claudio Vidal, Jürgen Schulmeister, Andy Pollard, Luz Poulard-Freres, Suzanne Widmer, Constanza Alarcón-Vera y Jorge Valenzuela.
The Far South Expeditions Difference
Since 1997, we’ve been sharing with our guests what we’ve learned all this time while exploring the wonders of southern South America, Patagonia, Antarctica and Polynesia. Because it’s not just the places, it’s equally about experiencing the feelings it conveys and the intimate contact with the land, the wildlife and the culture.
Unique Journeys
Small Groups
Our party sizes do not exceed 8 participants; even in some like our photo safaris and birding groups for instance, have a maximum size of 6 guests, and we use spacious, comfortable and safe vehicles. We take pride on offering a carefully detailed operation to fulfill your expectations, which is our permanent goal.
Our Lodging
We aim to introduce you to the nature and culture of southern South America and adjacent regions through our unique educational travel experiences with the highest standards of professional service from an expert staff and with superior comfort, with a focus on nature and local culture. As a result of our carefully planned logistics and excellence of our guides, we also plan and operate trips to this region for the most important.
Best Locations
Our accommodations are special places, chosen for their quality of services as for their commitment to personalized attention and detail. We have a long partnership with most of them, which facilitates communication, and although a few are in cities, most of them are located in remote locations, islands of comfort in the wilderness, a concept that we always privilege. Sometimes these cosy lodges in remote locations are the most special and the hardest to leave behind, and all of our lodges and hotels offer fine cuisine, local flavours and, of course, excellent wines. excellent wines.
The places we have chosen for our programmes always stand out for their natural and contrasting beauty, from the Atacama Desert to the evergreen Patagonian woods, from Easter Island to Tierra del Fuego and from tropical South American rainforest to the glaciers of Antarctica, always looking for the greatest diversity and richness in both natural history and cultural heritage.
Our Office
Based in Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city, in the shores of the mythical Straits of Magellan, at 53°S and 70°W, the long distance is no obstacle in keeping close contact and providing you with assistance in any requirements. Our office staff will be delighted to assist you in planning your trip, and available for any further discussion of details.
Our Nature Books & Trip Materials
We’re proudly involved in the authorship and publication of our own nature resource books and field guides for Chile and Patagonia, having produced more than 20 titles on birds, flora, other wildlife, landscapes and culture of southern South America. We also provide our customers with field checklists and other useful material to enhance their learning experience during our trips.
“Working at Far South Expeditions during these eight years has been an interesting experience which has motivated me to face the personal challenge of putting in my best ef forts to help all our costumers with any queries they may have every day. One of the most important tasks that I’m in charge of is to communicate directly with our costumers, by email or phone, and I like to be as clear as possible in providing them with the accurate and up-to-date information they need. From the beginning I have had wonderful experiences with travellers from all around the world, and we still keep frequent communication until today with some of them. I’m a fan of details and I’m convinced that everything counts when it comes to achieve a complete client satisfaction”.
