2018 Far South Expeditions Tour Catalogue

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

Inspiring Wildlife Adventures Since 1997

2018

Wildlife Journeys in Patagonia, Chile, Argentina, Antarctica and Beyond!

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Introduction

ack in 1997, as Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule, Tony Blair became UK’s Prime Minister, Dolly the Cloned Sheep was born, Microsoft became the world’s most valuable company, Harry Potter was first published and the Lion King made its debut in Broadway, two passionate birdwatchers, field researchers and naturalists from a remote country named Chile founded what was not only the first ever birdwatching venture in the country, but also a company that thanks to the quality of service and hard work of everyone involved with it, would quickly become the standard for birding, nature photography and wildlife watching in South America.

Like its first name of Fantastico Sur Birding suggested, it was first born out as an extension of Enrique and Claudio’s unremitting passion for birdwatching, and their extensive field experience and thorough study of the history of Chilean Ornithology, paired with a natural curiosity about everything related to Chile and South America’s natural history, made themselves a name not only as substantial contributors in the knowledge of the birds of Chile through records and the publication of field guides and other books, but also in a then budding market of travelling birders and wildlife watchers and photographers who were becoming increasingly interested in the Neotropics and the far reaches of the Southern hemisphere like the Atacama Desert, the Chilean Fjords, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica.

After a few years already, Far South Expeditions had become synonymous with excellence in service, knowledgeable and friendly staff, efficient trip planning, high standards in comfort, lodging and food, reliability and safety on the road and a commitment to fulfill and exceed the client’s expectations, a reputation we strive to live up to, establishing and renewing bonds and

partnerships year after year, both virtually through our website and in person through our attendance to the most important Bird and Nature shows in the world, like the British Birdwatching Fair where we have been present every year since 1999 and the American Birding Expo, where we have been from their Inaugural version.

Along the twenty years since Far South Expeditions pioneered Nature tourism industry in South America, the wildlife watching and nature tours business has experienced a dramatic rise in popularity with an ever increasing flow of customers from every corner of the globe, a change that in turn has seen us branch out into a variety of subjects from birds to flowers to mammals to wildlife photography, and has also inspired us to push the envelope and always keep on the look for new experiences, spots, angles and content to offer to the curious and demanding wilderness explorer of the 21st Century.

It is therefore with eternal gratitude to all our loyal clients in these two decades, that we present this 20th anniversary 2017 catalogue, a summary of all our programmes that includes several new ones we are proud to offer with the hope that they will capture your fascination about our beautiful land and nature, and continue inspiring us to spearhead into the promising future of Wildlife tourism here in the Far South.

The Far South Expeditions Team Punta Arenas, Chile, August 2017.

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Contents

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BRASIL

2 Introduction 4 2018/2019 Tour Calendar México

Patagonia Tours 5 Journey Across Patagonia Guatemala Honduras 6 Patagonia Photo Expedition 7 Mammals & Birds of Patagonia 8 Pumas, Penguins and Whales 9 Patagonia Explorer 10 Patagonia Wildlife Adventure 11 Birding Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego 12 NEW! Birding Patagonia, the Drake Passage & Antarctic Peninsula 13 Patagonia Botanical Tour 14 Los Glaciares National Park 15 NEW! Mt. Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre 16 Torres del Paine Explorer 17 Pumas of Torres del Paine 18 King Penguins of Tierra del Fuego 19 Cape Horn Expedition Cruise 20 Journey to the Patagonian Fjords 21 Whales and Penguins of Francisco 37 Araucaria Forests Coloane Marine Park 38 Birding Chile’s Lake 22 Humpback Whales of the District Magellan Straits 39 NEW! Chiloé Island 23 NEW! Navarino Island & Cape Wildlife Adventure Horn 40 NEW! Whales & Seabirds 24 Day Tours from Punta Arenas, of Chiloé Island Chile 41 NEW! Laguna San Rafael & Penguins of Magdalena Island the Chilean Fjords Condors of Patagonia 42 Robinson Crusoe Island 25 Day Tours from Punta Arenas, 43 Easter Island Explorer Chile 44 Humboldt Current Pelagics Birding the Magellan Straits 45 Day Tours from Santiago, Birding the Patagonian Steppes Chile 26 Day Tours from Ushuaia, Birding the Central Andes Argentina Penguins & Endemics Beagle Channel & Estancia 46 Day Tours from Santiago, Harberton Chile Tierra del Fuego National Park Coastal Marshes & the Pacific Condors of Farellones Chile Tours 47 Day Tours from Puerto 27 NEW! Chile’s Best Wildlife Montt, Chile 28 Chile Birding Adventure Lake District Nature Trip 29 Birding Chile Chiloé Island Nature Trip 30 Birds & Wines of Chile & Pelagic birding off Puerto Montt Argentina 31 Birding Northern Chile Argentina Tours 32 NEW! Northern Chile Wildlife 48 NEW! Valdés Peninsula & Adventure Punta Ninfas 33 Atacama Desert Explorer 49 NEW! Argentina’s North34 Coastal Atacama Desert West: Salta & Jujuy 35 Birding Central Chile 36 Mediterranean Chile Botanical Peru Tours Tour 50 Highlights of Peru

Sao Paulo

51 Amazon River Cruise Brazil Tours 52 Jaguars of the Pantanal Guatemala Tours 53 Guatemala: Birds, Nature & Archaeology Antarctica Tours 54 Grand Antarctica 55 The Falklands Islands 56 South Georgia Island 57 Testimonials 58 About FSE 60 Tour Leaders & Guides 61 Our Website & Social Networks 62 Conservation 63 Our Field Guide to the Birds of Chile

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2018 Tour Calendar Patagonia (Chile/Argentina)

Journey Across Patagonia: March 1-12 Pumas, Penguins & Whales: January 4-14, April 4-14 Patagonia Photo Expedition: February 10-16, April 14-20, October 13-19, December 15-21 Birding Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego: January 7-13, November 11-17 Birding Patagonia, the Drake Passage & Antarctic Peninsula: November 23 - December 4, November 27 - December 8 Pumas of Torres del Paine: April 17-22, September 11-16, October 23-28 Patagonia Explorer: January 6-14, March 10-18, November 10-18 Patagonia Wildlife Adventure: February 17-24, April 14-21, October 20-27, November 15-22, December 22-29 Mammals & Birds of Patagonia: January 20-31 Patagonia Botanical Tour: December 8-15

Chile

Chile’s Best Wildlife: November 3-21 Chile Birding Adventure: October 27 - November 1 Birding Chile: January 6-19, December 1-14 Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina: February 24 - March 8 Northern Chile Wildlife Adventure: October 1-6, November 3-8

Coastal Atacama Desert: October 6-10 Atacama Desert Explorer: October 10-15 Birding Northern Chile: October 27 November 1 Birding Central Chile: November 2-6 Birding Chile’s Lake District: November 7 Chiloé Wildlife Adventure: November 9-14 Mediterranean Chile Botanical Tour: November 28 - December 2 Araucaria Forests: December 3-6 Robinson Crusoe Island: January 2-6, November 6-10 Easter Island Explorer: November 1-5

Argentina

Valdés Península & Punta Ninfas: September 5-9 Argentina’s North-West: Salta & Jujuy: September 9-16

Peru

Highlights of Peru: July 21-28 Amazon River Cruise: July 13-22

Brazil

Juaguars of the Pantanal: October 17-25

Guatemala

Birds, Nature & Archaeology: May 18-27, September 14-23

Antarctica

South Georgia : November 3-17, November 17 - Dec 3 The Falkland Islands: January 19-26, 2019

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Journey Across Patagonia Photography and Nature Trip to the End of the World Departures 12-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina 2018: Mar 1-12 Trip Code: PAT13 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests.

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

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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his journey of discovery is an invitation to experience the aweinspiring landscapes and peculiar wildlife of this vast region called Patagonia, located at the southern tip of South America. Patagonia is a geographical region, a land of myths and legends and nearly a country in its own right, shared by both Argentina and Chile. We have designed this small group trip with the aim to provide our guests with the best possible experience along both sides of the Andes, exploring the highlights of Patagonia but also discovering new and surprising horizons on the remote and seldom visited corners of this dramatic and beautiful part of the world.

We will commence our trip visiting the huge Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Starting at the picturesque town of El Calafate we will cruise the huge Viedma and Argentino lakes, walk the trails around El Chalten to enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, and explore the most famous ice formation in Patagonia, the fabulous Perito Moreno Glacier.

The middle section of our tour in Patagonia will be devoted to its premier wildlife hotspot, the vast and gorgeous Torres del Paine National Park, in southern Chile.

The jagged granite peaks, massive glaciers and multi-coloured lakes are the perfect setting to study its rich wildlife. Herds of tame Guanaco, inquisitive foxes, Andean Condor, a rich birdlife, a myriad of wildflowers and maybe even the secretive Puma will be the subjects to our photography and interpretation of the natural world. Finally, on the third part of our trip we will sail out

aboard M/V Skorpios III on our grand finale, a thorough and exciting expedition to the remote and pristine Patagonian Fjords. We will visit unexplored inlets and forests, cruise along seldom-visited channels and islands and visit stunning and yet unnamed glaciers of the wild western region of Patagonia. Join us on this journey of discovery to the heart of southern Patagonia, a quest to its glaciers, fjords and the Patagonian Andes.

Itinerary

Day 1 • El Calafate, Argentina – Boat trip to Viedma glacier – El Chalten, Argentina Day 2 • Sunrise at Fitz Roy Mt. viewpoint – Walk to Mirador Laguna Capri Day 3 • Perito Moreno Glacier – El Calafate, Argentina Day 4 • Boat trip to Lago Argentino & Estancia Cristina Day 5 • Drive to Puerto Natales – Puerto Natales Day 6 • Mylodon Cave and Cerro Benitez – Cruising Kirke Narrows, Morla Vicuña and Sarmiento channels – M/V Skorpios III Day 7 • Patagonian Fjörds: Amalia & Brujo glaciers – Explore Calvo Fjörd Day 8 • Cruising the ‘Canal de las Montañas’ and Alsina & Bernal glaciers Day 9 • Puerto Natales – Lagunas Azul and Sarmiento lakes – Torres del Paine Day 10 • Boat trip to Grey glacier – Pehoé and Nordenskjöld lakes Day 11 • Visit Estancia Cerro Negro – Punta Arenas Day 12 • Magdalena Island – End of the tour

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Patagonia Photo Expedition Photo Safari to the End of the World Itinerary

Departures 7-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2018: Feb 10-16, Apr 14-20, Oct 13-19, Dec 15-21 Trip Code: PAT01 This programme is operated on a xed departure date, with a minimum of 4 partici- pants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

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

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available

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andscape and wildlife photography tour to Patagonia led by resident nature photographers.

Discover the best of Patagonia on this exclusivelyde- signed, 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 in- terpretation, and experience the com- fort of travelling in a small group, with a maximum group size of 8 participants. Magellanic and King penguins, amin- gos, sea lions, glaciers, breathtaking scenery, the mythical Tierra del Fuego Island and Straits of Magellan, the stun- ning Torres del Paine National Park and much more are all part of this, the ulti- mate photo journey to Patagonia.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Magdalena Island for Magellanic penguins – Drive to Torres del Paine National Park – Torres del Paine 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 Day 5 • Pali Aike road – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins – Porvenir Day 6 • Straits of Magellan – Ferry to Punta Arenas – Punta Arenas Day 7 • End of the tour

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Mammals & Birds of Patagonia

Cetaceans & Pumas in Southern Chile Departures 11-day trip from Puerto Montt, Chile; ends at Punta Arenas, Chile 2018: Jan 20-31 Code: PAT07 This programme is operated on a xed departure date, with a minimum of 4 partici- pants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

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

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his 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 Black-browed 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, Tawny- throated Dotterel, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Two-banded Plover and seedsnipes. As you can see, the variety of subjects on this quest for the mammals and birds of Patagonia is almost endless ... like the memories you’ll keep of this memorable experience.

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

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Pumas, King Penguins & Humpback Whales

Wildlife Icons of Patagonia Departures 11-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2018: Jan 4-14, Apr 4-14 Trip Code: PAT10 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 partici- pants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

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

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available. Available from December until April.

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

This first section of our three-prong quest has been geared to seek out and contemplate this big and elegant cat in one the wildest places throughout its entire range in the Continent. The King Penguin is the second largest species of penguin after the Emperor and certainly one of the most colorful and attractive members of the group.

The second part of our journey takes us to see these 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

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

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Patagonia Explorer Exploring the Remote Regions of Chile & Argentina Departures 9-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina; ends at Punta Arenas, Chile 2018: Jan 6-14, Mar 10-18, Nov 10-18 Trip Code: PAT02 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

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

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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iscover the Best of Patagonia on this in-depth nature tour and photo journey; great nature lodges, the best wildlife encounters and thorough nature interpretation.

Experience the comfort of travelling in a small group. This itinerary features visits to Patagonia’s premier wildlife destinations: Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks, in Chile and Argentina respectively, as well as the Straits of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego for King Penguins. Explore colossal glaciers, Perito Moreno in Argentina and Grey in Chile’s Torres del Paine; visit 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 Day 1 • El Calafate, Argentina – Perito Moreno Glacier & Los Glaciares National Park Day 2 • Lago Argentino & Estancia Cristina Day 3 • Drive to Cerro Castillo, Chile – Torres del Paine NP Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – Laguna Amarga & Laguna Azul Day 6 • Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Gaucho farm – Punta Arenas Day 7 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins Day 8 • Flight to Punta Arenas – Magdalena for Magellanic penguins Day 9 • End of the trip

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Patagonia Wildlife Adventure A Nature Journey to the End of the World Departures 8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2018: Feb 17-24, Apr 14-21, Oct 20-27, Nov 15-22, Dec 22-29 Trip Code: PAT06 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

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

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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oin the ultimate nature and photo journey to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Far South Expeditions and Hotel Remota have joined efforts in designing and operating this superb wildlife adventure to the world’s end, with the single purpose of providing our guests with an authentic and memorable journey of discovery, and outstanding levels of service. We will spend considerable time exploring the surrounding areas of Puerto Natales, including boat trips to the Chilean Fjords and their striking glaciers, plus in-depth visits to Patagonia’s premier wildlife destination, Torres del Paine National Park.

The focus of this trip is to see as much wildlife as possible, and travelling in a small group (up to 6 participants) will also provide the photo enthusiast with great chances of capturing the grandeur of these aweinspiring landscapes.

Remota Lodge will be our comfortable base during most of this trip; its remarkable architecture and its unique setting are worthwhile exploring and enjoying. The last portion of the trip will be oriented to visit Tierra

del Fuego and the only continental breeding colony of the stunning King Penguin. A grand finale for the trip of a lifetime.

Itinerary

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

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Birding Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego Discovering the Birds & Landscapes of the End of the World Departures 7-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2018: Jan 7-13, Nov 11-17 Code: PAT03 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

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

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

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Birding Patagonia, the Drake Passage & Antarctic Peninsula

The Ultimate Birding Journey to the Ends of the Earth Departures 12-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2018: (1) Nov 23 – Dec 4 aboard M/V Ocean Nova, (2) Nov 27 – Dec 8 aboard M/V Hebridean Sky Code: PAT09 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

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

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his is a unique itinerary combining the exploration by land, sea and air of two extraordinary, remote and pristine regions of the world: the southernmost tip of the Americas, Patagonia and the Last Continent, the Antarctic. During this 12-day birding journey, we will discover the birds and wildlife of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, visiting the stunning Torres del Paine National Park and the Magellan Straits. More than 60 endemic species and specialties occur in the vast region, shared by southern Chile and Argentina, and we will aim to see most of them. The second part of this trip comprises an extraordinary 4-night expedition cruise to explore the mythic Cape Horn and the Drake Passage to eventually reach the northernmost fringes of the Antarctic, the South Shetland Islands. We will see a great array of birds, from Andean Condor to Torrent Duck, from Magellanic Plover to Snowy Sheathbill, from Magellanic Woodpecker to King Penguin. What a set! Join us on one of these two departures, led by two of the foremost field ornithologists and tour leaders of the region: Rodrigo Tapia and Enrique Couve.

Itinerary

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine National Park Day 2 • Torres del Paine National Park Day 3 • Sierra Baguales – Punta Arenas Day 4 • Magdalena Island – Tierra del Fuego – Porvenir Day 5 • Tierra del Fuego: Laguna Verde – Baquedano Hills Day 6 • Tierra del Fuego: Useless Bay – Ushuaia Day 7 • Tierra del Fuego National Park – Board the cruise – Sail the Beagle Channel Day 8 • Nassau Bay – Cape Horn – Drake Passage Day 9 • Drake Passage Day 10 • Drake Passage and South Shetland Islands, Antarctica Day 11 • Antarctica – Private flight back to Punta Arenas Day 12 • Punta Arenas

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Patagonia Botanical Tour Botanizing at the End of the World

Departures 8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2018: Dec 8-15 Trip Code: PAT04 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants, from late October until early January.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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ature journey designed exclusively for botanists, plant enthusiasts and flower photographers willing to discover the surprising diversity of flora and vegetation in the southernmost regions of Patagonia.

On this trip you will visit Chile’s impressive and world-famous Biosphere Reserve Torres del Paine National Park and the wind-swept steppes, sub-Antarctic forests and Andean moorlands of Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego, at the south end of South America’s mainland, looking for endemic species in the genera Adesmia, Alstroemeria, Gavilea, Nassauvia, Primula or Senecio, and others with highly restricted distributional ranges. We will explore a wide range of habitats, amidst stunning landscapes and pristine areas, and will enjoy the presence of other remarkable and unique wildlife of this part of the world.

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

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Los Glaciares National Park Glaciers and Forests of Argentine Patagonia Departures 3-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina Trip Code: PAT05 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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

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t the southern tip of South America, the Andes are almost entirely covered by a huge ice-sheet, the Southern Patagonian Ice-Field. This vast mass of ice feeds many glaciers and massive lakes in this part of Patagonia. 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, windswept 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

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

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Mt. Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre The Stunning Surroundings of Patagonia’s Most Famous Peaks Departures 4-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina Code: PAT08 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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hese jagged 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 corners of Patagonia.

Itinerary Day 1 • El Calafate – Boat trip to Viedma glacier – El Chalten 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 Day 4 • Drive back to El Calafate

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

Itinerary

2-day option Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres

2 to 5-day options from Punta Arenas, Chile

del Paine NP

Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western

sector) – Lake Grey – Drive to Punta Arenas

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

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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iscover Torres del Paine, Patagonia’s premier wildlife destination, at its best. This is a completely private wildlife and photo safari, entirely led by a naturalist guide from our company. This customdesigned itinerary includes private transportation and guide services throughout the length of the trip, park entry fees, hotel-based accommodation and all meals. This package provides you with privacy and full flexibility to pursuit your particular interests; you will get indepth nature interpretation and enjoy the best wildlife encounters with your experienced naturalist guide. If you are a nature photographer, a nature enthusiast, a birder, a botanist, a hiker with an interest in the natural world, or simply an adventurer, this journey of discovery is for you!

3-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) – 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

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Pumas of Torres del Paine A Quest for the Lord of the Andes

Departures 5 and 6-day options from Punta Arenas, Chile 2018: Apr 17-22, Sep 11-16, Oct 23-28 Trip Code: TDP03 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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

Frequently praised by visitors as one of the most beautiful and majestic wild places in the planet, Torres del Paine National Park is a remote refuge of life where wildlife is normally quite tame and it’s not rare to see relaxed and inquisitive guanacos, foxes and other animals at close quarters; seeing the lone hunter that dwells in the vast and barren hills, the mighty Puma, is something else. This expedition has been geared to seek out and contem- plate this big and elegant cat in one the wildest places throughout its entire range in the Continent. Join us on this quest, to discover the wildlife of Torres del Paine and one of its most secretive and yet most awe-inspiring inhabitants.

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

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King Penguins of Tierra del Fuego

Encounters with the Lord of Patagonia Departures Day trip, or 2-day trip, from Punta Arenas, Chile Trip Code: TDF01 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to Ushuaia, Argentina, are available.

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he King Penguin is the second largest species of penguin after the Emperor and certainly one of the most colorful and attractive members of the group. Few places in the world offer good access and chances to see them in the wild, making this, the only continental American breeding colony, a very special one indeed. By joining our penguin photo journey, you will be able to see these magni cent seabirds in their natural habitat. You can join our departures, either by plane or ferry across the Straits of Magellan, from the Chilean city of Punta Arenas. Our trips have a maximum of 6 participants, essential to keep the impact on the small colony that we visit to a minimum.

Itinerary Option A: Full day trip (8-10 hours) by plane and led by naturalist guide; available year-round from Tuesday through Friday.

Option B: 2-day trip by ferry, special for serious photographers and people looking for more field time with the penguins; available year-round only from Saturday to Sunday.

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Cape Horn Expedition Cruise In the Wake of Explorers and Sailors

Departures 3- & 4-night cruise options from Punta Arenas, Chile or Ushuaia, Argentina aboard M/V Stella Australis & the brand new M/V Ventus Australis.

Trip Code: TDF02 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. Check out our website for updated departure dates.

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he Straits 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.

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

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Journey to the Patagonian Fjords

Aboard M/V Skorpios III Departures 3-night small expedition cruises from Puerto Natales, Chile aboard M/V Skorpios III. Trip Code: PAT12 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. Check out our website for updated departure dates.

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n this 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.

Itinerary Day 1 • Board M/V Sorpios III – Cruising Kirke Narrows, Morla Vicuña & Sarmiento channels Day 2 • Patagonian Fjörds: Amalia & Brujo glaciers – Explore Calvo Fjörd Day 3 • Patagonian Fjörds: Cruising the Canal de las Montañas and Alsina & Bernal glaciers Day 4 • Puerto Natales

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Francisco Coloane Marine Park Whales and Penguins of the Magellan Straits Departures 2-night cruise aboard M/V Forrest from Punta Arenas, Chile Trip Code: PAT11 Available from December 2017 through May 2018.

This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants.

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his is a short although comprehensive expedition to explore the western branch of the Magellan Straits, right on the protected waters on the recently established Francisco Coloane Marine Park, in Chilean Patagonia. The aim of this 2-day excursion is to enjoy the company of the imposing Humpback Whales that occur here during the southern summer. Together these gentle giants we will discover a varied array of widlife, including Magellanic Penguins and many other seabirds.

Sea lions, furs seals, dolphins and condors are usually spotted around these

lush fjords. The small yet sturdily-built M/V Forrest will be the perfect base for our expedition of these famed waters, first explored by Ferdinand Magellan nearly 500 years ago.

Itinerary Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Embark the M/V Forrest – Sailing the Magellan Straits Day 2 • Whale watching day at Francisco Coloane Marine Park Day 3 • Early arrival to Punta Carrera – Transfer to Punta Arenas

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Humpback Whales of the Magellan Straits

Encounters with the Gentle Giants of Patagonia Departures 3-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile Trip Code: TDF03 Available from December 2017 through May 2018.

This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants.

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umpback 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

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Boar M/V Tanu – Boat ride to Carlos III Island Day 2 • Carlos III Island and Seno Ballena (Whale Sound) Day 3 • Boat trip to Punta Carrera – Transfer to Punta Arenas – End of the trip

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Navarino Island & Cape Horn Epic Journey to the End of the Americas Departures 4-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile Code: PAT14 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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n this trip we explore Navarino Island, right on the shores of the Beagle Channel, and the stunning and pristine surroundings of the world’s most southerly village, Puerto Williams. Commencing from Punta Arenas, Chile, we will take a short, scenic flight over the huge and beautiful island of Tierra del Fuego and the Darwin Range, southernmost portion of the Andes.

Based at Lakutaia Hotel, we have many activities to carry out, including interpretation trails into the southern beech woodlands, back-horse riding options, hikes to the moors with commanding views of the surrounding waterways and mountain scenery, and short walks to discover the abundant and peculiar birdlife and flora occurring in one of the most southerly island of the American continent. Something you can consider to do is a scenic flight over the feared Cape Horn and the vast Drake Passage

extending southwards. Follow the footsteps of many explorers and join us on this adventure of a lifetime.

Itinerary Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Flight to Puerto Williams – Beagle Channel Day 2 • Omora Park – Walk to Punta Gusano Day 3 • Walk to Cerro Bandera Day 4 • Flight to Punta Arenas – End of the trip Optional: Sightseeing flight to Cape Horn

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Day Tours from Punta Arenas, Chile

Wildlife & Nature Around the Magellan Straits

Condors of Patagonia

Trip Code PUQ04 • Half-day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from September through May..

Penguins of Magdalena Island

Trip Code PUQ02 • 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 Black-browed Albatross and playful pods of Peale’s Dolphin.the world.

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.

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Day Tours from Punta Arenas, Chile

Wildlife & Nature Around the Magellan Straits

Birding the Patagonian Steppes

Trip Code PUQ01 • Half-day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from September through May.

Birding the Magellan Straits

Trip Code PUQ03 • Half-day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from September through May 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 rangerestricted 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.

We will explore the vast windswept Patagonian steppes.

Among our target species will be interesting shorebirds including Magellanic Plover, Two-banded, Tawny-throated and Rufous-chested Dotterels, and Least Seedsnipe. Chilean Flamingos, Black-necked and Coscoroba Swans as well as thousands of waders such as Wilson’s Phalarope, Baird’s and White-rumped Sandpipers will be common at the roadside wetlands while we explore and enjoy of the beauty of this ‘big sky’ open country. We will also bird the shrubby slopes and moorlands in search for specialties such as Austral Canastero, Band-tailed Earthcreeper, Chocolate-vented Tyrant and the stunning Black-throated Finch.

There is a great chance that we will see all the southern Chloephaga geese species, including Upland, Kelp.

Ashy-headed and the local and scarce Ruddy-headed Goose.

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Day Tours from Ushuaia, Argentina

Wildlife & Nature Around the Magellan Straits

Birding Tierra del Fuego National Park

Trip Code USH02 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Ushuaia, Argentina • Available from October until March.

Beagle Channel and Estancia Harberton

Trip Code USH01 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Ushuaia, Argentina • Available from October until March Full day nature and photo journey to the famed Beagle Channel, in southern Tierra del Fuego.

On this trip we will follow the wake of Charles Darwin and Captain Robert Fitz Roy’s Beagle and its survey of the area in the 1830s. We will visit sea lion and seabird breeding colonies, including cormorants and penguins.

The highlight of the trip will be Estancia Harberton, a historic location that will tell us about the origins of the illfated early inhabitants of pioneers that colonized this remote part of the world.

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.

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Chile’s Best Wildlife The Ultimate Wildlife Photography Adventure in a Thin Country Departures 19-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2018: Nov 3 – 21 Trip Code: CHL10 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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n this 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, snowcapped volcanoes and lush rainforests to calving glaciers and wind-swept steppes in Patagonia. These varied ecosystems hold a unique set of wildlife and we will be privileged to observe an iconic array of animals; from guanacos and vicuñas to foxes and dolphins plus a great variety of birds ranging from the mighty Andean Condor to King Penguin. We will explore the world’s driest desert, the Atacama, and Lauca National Park, one of Chile’s gems. This impressive park is also a World Biosphere Reserve and teeming with wildlife in spite of the altitude. Further south, the land breaks into hundreds of islands and fjords. Finally Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, a remote land crowned with granite peaks, colossal glaciers and mythic waterways, is home to penguins, cetaceans and the impressive Puma.

Itinerary

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 Day 19 • End of the trip

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Chile Birding Adventure A Quest for the Birdlife of a Land of Extremes Departures 21-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2018: Oct 27 – Nov 16 Trip Code: CHL09 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests.

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

Chile is a land of huge contrasts, truly a geographic extravaganza. On this birding adventure we will get intimate with tapaculos, canasteros, tinamous, sandpiper-plovers, condors, tubenoses and many interesting species, some with very restricted distributional ranges and some that are barely known outside of Chile, as we explore Chile’s incredibly diverse habitats and marvel at some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth. From arid desert to lush rainforests, the windswept steppes of Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia to the impressive lakes and volcanoes of south-central Chile, from the heights of the Andes to the cold waters of the Humboldt Current in our search for the avian specialties of this thin strip of a country.

Itinerary Day 1 • Flight to Arica – Arica coastal areas – Arica Day 2 • Azapa, Chaca and Camarones valleys – Lluta River mouth Day 3 • Pelagic trip off Arica – Drive to Putre – Putre surroundings Day 4 • Putre – Polylepis forests and specialties Day 5 • Parinacota – Lauca National Park Day 6 • Surire – Drive to Arica Day 7 • Flight to Santiago – Lampa – Batuco Day 8 • La Campana National Park – Cachagua – Mantagua Day 9 • Pelagic trip off Quintero – Drive to Cajon del Maipo Day 10 • El Yeso Reservoir and Baños Morales Day 11 • Maipo River estuary and El Peral Reserve – Colbún – Drive to Vilches Day 12 • Altos de Lircay Nature Reserve – Drive to Temuco Day 13 • Conguillio National Park – Llaima Volcano Day 14 • Drive to Puerto Montt – Alerce Andino National Park Day 15 • Ferry ride to Chiloe Island – Pelagic trip off Chiloe Day 16 • Pelagic trip off Reloncavi Sound – Flight to Punta Arenas – San Juan Bay Day 17 • Ferry ride to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King Penguins Day 18 • Laguna Verde – Ferry to mainland – Pali Aike road Day 19 • Torres del Paine National Park Day 20 • Sierra Baguales – Drive to Punta Arenas Day 21 • Punta Arenas – Flight to Santiago

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Birding Chile Bird Chile at a Relaxed Pace this long and narrow country will take us from the high Andes to the cold and productive waters of the Humboldt Current in the Pacific. We will find many interesting species, some of them with very restricted distributional ranges and some endemic to the country.

Departures 14-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2018: Jan 6 – 19, Dec 1 – 14 Trip Code: CHL01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests.

Itinerary

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irding 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

Day 1 • Farellones and Valle Nevado Day 2 • Lampa & Central Coast – Aconcagua rivermouth Day 3 • La Campana National Park Day 4 • Pelagic trip off Valparaiso – Laguna El Peral Day 5 • El Yeso Valley Day 6 • Vilches Alto – Altos de Lircay Nature Reserve Day 7 • Colbun Lake Day 8 • Flight to Puerto Montt – Puyehue National Park Day 9 • Puyehue National Park Day 10 • Drive to Puerto Montt – Coastal mudflats Day 11 • Flight to Punta Arenas – San Juan Bay Day 12 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay Day 13 • Pali Aike National Park Day 14 • Magdalena Island – Flight to Santiago

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Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina

A Unique Adventure Across the Andes Departures

Itinerary

13-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2018: Feb 24 – Mar 8 Trip Code: CHL08 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests.

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n this fascinating trip we 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!

Day 1 • Birding around Santiago – Visit to Viña Concha & Toro vineyards Day 2 • El Yeso Reservoir and Baños Morales Day 3 • Drive to Talca – Altos de Lircay Nature Reserve Day 4 • Lake Colbun – Visit to Santa Cruz vineyards Day 5 • Colchagua Valley visiting Viu Manent, Montes and Casa Silva vineyards Day 6 • El Peral Nature Reserve – Visit to Matetic vineyards – Isla Negra (Neruda’s house) Day 7 • Pelagic trip off Valparaiso – Cachagua for Humboldt penguins Day 8 • La Campana National Park – Visit to Loma Larga & William Cole vineyards, Casablanca Valley Day 9 • Crossing the Andes into Argentina – Birding Uspallata area Day 10 • Drive to Mendoza – Visit to Cobos and Zuccardi vineyards Day 11 • Birding towards San Juan – Visit Krontiras vineyards Day 12 • Drive to Santiago – Birding on route Day 13 • End of tour

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Birding Northern Chile The Impressive Wildlife of the Atacama and the Altiplano Departures 5 and 6-day trips from Santiago, Chile 2018: Oct 27 - Nov 1 Trip Code: CHL02 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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ur 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 Earthcreeper, 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 Day 1 • Flight to Arica – Lluta Valley – Drive to the highlands – Putre Day 2 • Exploring Putre surroundings Day 3 • Surire salt falts Day 4 • Lauca National Park: Parinacota and Chungará Lake – Drive to Arica – Arica Day 5 • Boat trip off Arica (3 hours) – Azapa and Chaca oasis valleys Day 6 • Flight to Santiago – End of the tour Optional extra day to explore Surire salt flat available for custom departures.

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Northern Chile Wildlife Adventure

Photo Safari to the Atacama Desert & the Altiplano Departures 6-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2018: Oct 1 – 6, Nov 3–8 Trip Code: CHL07 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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et a 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 Day 1 • Morning flight to Arica – Azapa and Lluta valleys – Anthropological museum and geoglyphs – Arica Day 2 • Boat trip south of Arica for seabird and sea lion colonies – Drive to the highlands: Pukará de Copaquilla – Putre Day 3 • Putre and surroundings – Socoroma Day 4 • Los Flamencos National Wildlife Reserve: Surire salt flat Day 5 • Lauca National Park: Parinacota, Bofedal de Caquena and Chungará Lake – Arica Day 6 • Flight to Santiago de Chile – End of the tour

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Atacama Desert Explorer The Wildlife & Scenery of the World’s Driest Desert Departures 6-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2018: Oct 10 – 15 Trip Code: CHL03 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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his nature 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 Day 1 • Drive to San Pedro de Atacama – Valle de la Luna (Moon’s Valley) – San Pedro de Atacama 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

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Coastal Atacama Desert Rich Seas, Mist and Cacti Departures 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2018: Oct 6 – 10 Trip Code: CHL12 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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he 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

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

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Birding Central Chile From the Heights of the Andes to the Pacific Coast Departures 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile • Optional 2-day extension to the beech forests of Altos de Lircay 2018: Nov 2 – 6 Trip Code: CHL04 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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e will explore a fascinating and contrasting region of Chile 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 Duskytailed Canastero.

Itinerary

Day 1 • Full day exploring the Andes: El Yeso Valley – Santiago Day 2 • Drive to the Pacific coast: Maipo Estuary – Laguna El Peral Nature Reserve – Quintero Day 3 • La Campana National Park – Cachagua (Humboldt Penguin breeding colony) Day 4 • Lampa marshes – Farellones and Valle Nevado – Santiago Day 5 • End of the trip

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Mediterranean Chile Botanical Tour

Botanizing Endemics from the Andes to the Pacific Departures 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2018: Nov 28 – Dec 2 Trip Code: CHL11 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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n this journey we will enjoy botanizing one of the areas with the highest degree of plant endemism of the world: Mediterranean Central Chile. This area holds a wealth of species that are not only unique to the country, but are in many cases very restricted in range and threatened due to loss of habitat, as this part of Chile is the most densely populated. Part of the plant rich diversity of this region is due to the different microclimates found across the country as one moves from the coastal plain to the Coastal Range to the central valley up to the Andes, with contrasting conditions and landscapes that rival in beauty with each other. Coastal communities, mountains with a strong maritime influence, plains and high Andean bogs all harbour unique vegetation formations. A great array of endemic plant genera such as Beilschmiedia, Jubaea, Echinopsis, Mutisia, Rhodophiala or Schizanthus, makes of a botanical tour in Central Chile a great choice if you have an interest in plants.

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

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Araucaria Forests The Magical Forests of the Southern Andes Departures 4-day trip from Temuco, Chile 2018: Dec 3 – 6 Trip Code: CHL05 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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n this private nature and photography journey we will visit Chile’s Lake District. Magnificent temperate woodlands, reminiscent of the distant forests of New Zealand and Tasmania, grow here covering extensive regions of the southern Andes foothills; these forests are very unique due to their ancient geographical isolation.

Between the woody elements we will see species of the genera Araucaria, Fitzroya, Nothofagus or Drimys, as well as a high diversity of members of the Mirtaceae family. The undergrowth is very dense and is also dominated by woody species and several herbs and is the realm

for ground-dwelling tapaculos and very rare endemic mammals. Keen birders and botanists as well as nature photographers will have delightful subjects to observe and study during this comprehensive wildlife tour. The areas to be visited are surrounded by magnificent scenery dominated by spectacular volcanoes and lakes.

Itinerary Day 1 • Temuco – Drive to Conguillio National Park Day 2 • Conguillio National Park Day 3 • Conguillio National Park Day 4 • Drive to Temuco – End of the trip

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Chile’s Lake District Lakes and Volcanos of Northern Patagonia Departures 4-day trip from Puerto Montt, Chile Trip Code: CHL06 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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omprehensive natural history and nature photography tour to Chile’s Lake District. This tour features in-depth visits to lush temperate woodlands on the scenic Vicente Perez Rosales and Alerce Andino parks. This is a comprehensive nature journey to magnificent volcanoes, forests and lakes interspersed along the Andean foothills; here we will have splendid opportunities for landscape photography and to discover the flora and fauna of the lush Valdivian temperate Forest, a

unique ecosystem and a world’s biodiversity hotspot. We will dedicate two full days to explore two of its most fascinating and enigmatic parks: Alerce Andino and Vicente Perez Rosales.

Itinerary Day 1 • Flight to Puerto Montt – Lahuen Ñadi Park – Puerto Varas Day 2 • Vicente Perez Rosales National Park Day 3 • Alerce Andino National Park Day 4 • Puerto Montt - End of the trip

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Chiloé Wildlife Adventure Departures 6-day trip from Puerto Montt or Castro, Chile.

2018: Nov 9 – 14 Trip Code: CHL15 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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The Magical Green Island

hiloé 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 Day 1 • Puerto Montt (or Castro) – Ferry to Chiloé Island – Boat trip off Puñihuil Day 2 • Boat trip off Chiloé Island – Caulin Bay Day 3 • Boat trip Chepu River – Drive to Tepuhueico Day 4 • Tepuhueico Park Day 5 • Tepuhueico Park – Drive to Castro Day 6 • Flight to Santiago

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Whales & Seabirds of Chiloé Island

The diverse marine wildlife of Northern Patagonia Departures 3-day trip from Puerto Montt or Castro, Chile Trip Code: CHL13 This trip is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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hiloé 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 north-bound 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 Day 1 • Puerto Montt (or Castro) – Ferry to Chiloé Island – Boat trip off Puñihuil Day 2 • Boat trip off Chiloé Island – Caulin Bay Day 3 • Boat trip off Puñihuil – Drive to Puerto Montt (or Castro) – End of the trip

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Laguna San Rafael National Park

Exploring Patagonia’s Northern Archipelago Departures 6-day trip from Puerto Montt or Castro, Chile.

2018: Nov 9 – 14 Trip Code: CHL14 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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et onboard 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 Day 1 • Puerto Montt – Chiloé Island Day 2 • Moraleda Channel – Puerto Aguirre – Pilcomayo Channel Day 3 • Tempanos Channel – Laguna San Rafael – Fiordo Quitralco Day 4 • Quitralco hotsprings – Moraleda Channel Day 5 • Corcovado Gulf – Chiloé Island – Dalcahue Day 6 • Puerto Montt – End of the trip

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Robinson Crusoe Island An Island of Castaway Natural Treasures Departures 3 and 4-night trip from Santiago, Chile 2018: Jan 2 – 6, Nov 6 – 10 Trip Code: ISL03 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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hiloé Juan 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 produc-

tive 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

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

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Easter Island Explorer Unveiling the Mysteries & Legacy of Rapa Nui Departures 3- to 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2018: Nov 1 – 5 Trip Code: ISL01 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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his is our comprehensive cultural, archaeological and nature photography journey to Earth’s most remote inhabited location, Rapa Nui. During this trip you will study and experience the unique archaeological heritage of this island. This small triangle of volcanic rock, located in Polynesia, right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, has always been subject of curiosity, study and speculation. Many explorers, researchers and travellers have attempted to unveil its secrets, but still important missing pieces remain to be discovered. What are the origins of the islanders? How did they transport their massive moai stone heads from the quarry locations to the their platforms?

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

Itinerary

3-day option Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island – Welcome at Mataveri – Half day tour to Ahu Tahai and Akivi Day 2 • Full day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki and Anakena beach –optional afternoon trip to the islets or motus Day 3 • Morning tour to Orongo village and Vinapu – Fly to Santiago 4-day option Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island – Welcome at Mataveri – Half day tour to Ahu Tahai and Akivi Day 2 • Full day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki and Anakena beach – optional afternoon boat trip to the ‘motus’ Day 3 • Full day tour to Orongo village, Vinapu and Puna Pau Day 4 • Free morning – Fly to Santiago 5-day option Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island – Welcome at Mataveri – Half day tour to Ahu Tahai and Akivi Day 2 • Full day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki Day 3 • Full day tour to Orongo village and Vinapu – Optional boat trip to the islets or motus Day 4 • Half day tour Anakena and Puna Pau – Optional boat trip to the ‘motus Day 5 • Free morning – Fly to Santiago

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Albatrosses & Petrels in the Humboldt Current

Pelagic Trips off Valparaiso, Chile Departures Day trip (c. 8 hours) from Valparaiso or Quintero, Chile Trip Code: CHL16 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 20 guests. Check out our website for updated departure dates.

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he Humboldt 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.

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Day Tours from Santiago or Valparaiso, Chile

Wildlife & Nature Around the Heart of Chile

Penguins and Chile Endemics Trip Code SCL02 • Half-day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from September through May.

Birding Chile’s Central Andes Trip Code: SCL01 • Full day tour (10-12 hours) from Santiago de Chile • Daily departures from October to March

Birding and nature photography trip, exploring the imposing and scenic Andes dominating Santiago de Chile to discover their wealth of avian specialties.

Covering most of the bird families originated around the Andes - from miners and canasteros to ground tyrants, from seedsnipes to hillstars this comprehensive birding trip will surely be a rewarding experience for both the seasoned and novice birder alike.

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.

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Day Tours from Santiago or Valparaiso, Chile

Pelagic Trips off Valparaiso, Chile

Condors of Farellones

Trip Code: SCL04 • Full day tour (8-12 hours) from Santiago de Chile or Valparaiso • Daily departures from August to May.

Coastal Marshes & the Pacific

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

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

We will have a full day exploring the road to Farellones and Valle Nevado that winds up the Andean foothills, where we’ll hopefully be rewarded with sightings of the Chile endemics Crag Chilia, Moustached Turca and Chilean Mockingbird plus our first Andean Condors, up in the mountain valleys we’ll look for Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Mountain Caracara and several other Andean specialties such as Black-winged Ground-Dove, Grey-flanked Cinclodes, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, Yellow-rumped Siskin, Mountain Parakeet and many others.

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Day Tours from Puerto Montt, Chile

Wildlife & Nature Around Chile’s Lake District

Lake District Nature Trip

Trip Code: PMC01 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, Chile • Daily departures 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

Trip Code: PMC02 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, Chile • Daily departures 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.

Pelagic Birding off Puerto Montt

Trip Code: PMC03 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, Chile • Daily departures 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.

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Valdés Peninsula & Punta Ninfas

The Marine Mammals and Seabirds of eastern Patagonia Departures 5-day trip from Trelew, Argentina 2018: Sep 5 – 9 Trip Code: ARG02 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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he world-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 breeding 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 Day 1 • Flight to Trelew – Whalewatching trip – Puerto Piramides Day 2 • Whale-watching trip – Drive to Puerto Ninfas Day 3 • Estancia Pedral – Puerto Ninfas Day 4 • Estancia El Pedral – Puerto Ninfas Day 5 • Drive back to Trelew – Flight to Buenos Aires or El Calafate

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Salta & Jujuy

Photographic Journey to the north-west of Argentina Departures 8-day trip from Salta, Argentina 2018: Sep 9 – 16 Trip Code: ARG01 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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n this 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 Pre-extension: Cafayate - El Peñón Pumice fields Day 1 • Fly to Salta – Drive to Cafayate Day 2 • Drive to El Peñón Day 3 • Pumice field Day 4 • Drive to Cafayate – Wine tour Day 5 • Drive to Salta Main Trip: Salta & Jujuy Day 1 • Fly to Salta - Overnight Salta Day 2 • Drive to Purmamarca – Sunset at Salinas Grandes Day 3 • Explore the Humahuaca valley – Sunset at Salinas Grandes Day 4 • Drive to San Antonio de Los Cobres Day 5 • Drive to Tolar Grande - Sunset at Los Colorados Day 6 • Explore Arizaro salt flat - Drive to San Antonio de Los Cobres Day 7 • Drive to Salta Day 8 • End of the trip

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Highlights of Peru The Heart of Peru & the Ancient Inca Empire Departures 8-day trip from Lima, Peru Trip Code: PER01 2018: Jul 21 – 28 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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ar South Expeditions has joined forces with Inkaterra, owner of some of the best nature lodges in South America, to develop an all-new programme aimed to offer an unforgettable journey to the heart of one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity and richest bird life in the world: Peru, cradle of the ancient Inca Empire and the perfect mixture of lush wildlife and cultural heritage. This trip will take you from the Pacific coastal marshes to the gateway of Amazonia and the heights of the Andes to witness and enjoy both nature and history at their best, while indulging yourself in the comfort of world-class nature lodging. Lima, Pantanos de Villa, Puerto Maldonado, Reserva Amazónica, Cusco and Macchu Picchu are the main attractions of this exciting tour to the heart of Peru and the ancient Inca Empire.

Itinerary Day 1 • Lima - Pantanos de Villa – Lima Day 2 • Lima - Flight to Puerto Maldonado – Reserva Amazonica Day 3 • Reserva Amazonica Day 4 • Lake Sandoval – Reserva Amazonica Day 5 • Puerto Maldonado – Flight to Cusco – Machu Picchu Day 6 • Machu Picchu Day 7 • Machu Picchu Day 8 • Train to Cusco – Flight to Lima – End of the tour

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Amazon River Cruise The Greatest Voyage in Natural History

Departures 8-day trip from Salta, Argentina 2018: July 13-22 Trip Code: PER02 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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oin us on a fantastic journey experiencing the natural history and cultural highlights of the largest wilderness in Earth, the Amazon.

Traverse the Peruvian Amazon on board the fine M/V Zafiro, with naturalist and photographer Claudio F. Vidal in this epic nature journey offered jointly with International Expeditions, world leader in nature travel. The Amazon Basin ignites the imagination of explorers, hinting at an adventure like no other. After originating as a trickle high in the Andes Mountains, the Amazon River winds more than 4,200 miles through South America, playing host to 3,000 fish species — more than described for the entire Atlantic Ocean. Be amazed in this wilderness beyond the untamed frontier along the river’s edge, walk jungle paths and discover the secrets hidden along narrow tributaries as you cruise

the calm waters of Earth’s most legendary river.

Itinerary Day 1 • Flight to Lima, Peru – Lima Day 2 • Flight to Iquitos – Embark M/V Zafiro (7 nights) Days 3-8 • Exploring the Amazon River and tributaries Day 9 • Iquitos – Flight to Lima – End of the trip

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Jaguars of the Pantanal The Spirit of the South American Jungle Departures 9-day trip from Sao Paulo, Brazil 2018: Oct 17 – 25 Trip Code: BRA01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

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e will explore the vast northern section of the Pantanal on our quest for Jaguar, America’s largest cat. We will explore the very end of the famous Transpantaneira road, where the Cuiabá meets the Piquiri, Três Irmãos and some other smaller rivers.

This meeting of waters coming from varied areas create a mix of different ecosystems and an incredibly rich food chain. As a result you will see wildlife everywhere: hawks and ospreys, king vulture, toucans, macaws, kingfishers, colourful birds, herons, egrets and other waders, the gigantic jabiru stork, families of giant otters, peccaries, tapirs, capybaras, caimans and, of course, the enigmatic Jaguar, the third largest cat in the world, our main target species. But before heading deep into jaguar territory we will spend a couple days at a comfortable lodge at the Transpantaneira, where we will have the opportunity to photograph numerous birds, monkeys and other mammals. All of the real action, however, happens at the river, shooting from our spacious and very stable boats. Once a cat is found

you can start shooting right away while the driver positions and anchors the boat, finely adusting position for the best angle.

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

Itinerary

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

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Grand Guatemala

Departures 10-day trip from Guatemala City, Guatemala 2018: May 18 – 27, Sep 14 – 23 Trip Code: GUA01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

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Birds, Nature & Archaeology

uatemala is such a fascinating, intriguing and diverse country in many respects. Its northely location in Middle America has provided Guatemala with an extraordinary and unique biodiversity, additionally enriched by its ancient Mayan heritage.

During this trip we will aim to discover the natural riches and cultural highlights of Guatemala, in terms of its amazing birdlife, diverse ecosystems and unique archaeology. During the first half of this trip we will explore its lush rainforests, volcanoes, coffee plantations and ancient towns and markets. Later we will devote ourselves to explore the most secluded regions of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, at the remote Las Guacamayas Biological Station, to visit one of the least known Mayan sites, El Peru-Waka’, - which is still been excavated! Later we will have a comprehensive visit to explore the breathtaking Mayan citadel of Tikal, a grand finale to our journey of discovery to this extraordinary and friendly nation.

Itinerary Day 1 • Guatemala City – Drive to Antigua Day 2 • Antigua – Drive to Los Tarrales Day 3 • Exploring Los Tarrales – Drive to Santiago Atitlan Day 4 • Walk to San Pedro Volcano Day 5 • Drive to Antigua Day 6 • Flight to Flores – Drive to Las Guacamayas Biological Station Day 7 • Walk to El Peru-Waka’ ruins Day 8 • Las Guacamayas Biological Station – Drive to Tikal Day 9 • Tikal citadel Day 10 • Drive to Guatemala City – Connecting flights – End of the trip

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Grand Antarctica Unique Air Cruise to the White Continent Departures 8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile Trip Code: ISL04 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 2017 until Feb 2018.

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he Antarctic 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 68-passenger expedition cruise across the calm waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. Join us on the most innovative circuit to discover the landscapes and wildlife of the White Continent.

Itinerary Day 1 • Arrival to Punta Arenas, Chile – Introductory briefing – Overnight at Punta Arenas Day 2 • Flight over the Drake Passage to King George Island, South Shetlands – Board M/V Ocean Nova (5 nights) Days 3/6 • Cruising and exploring along the western Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands aboard M/V Ocean Nova Day 7 • Flight back to Punta Arenas Overnight at Punta Arenas Day 8 • End of the trip w

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The Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas Departures 8-day trip from Santiago or Punta Arenas, Chile.

2019: Jan 19 – 26 Trip Code: ISL02 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of 1 participant. Check out our website for updated departure dates.

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Encounters with Penguins

n this journey we will discover the wildlife and natural history of a remarkable and remote group of islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, the Falklands / 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 Black-browed 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 hospi-

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

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South Georgia In-Depth Nature Photography Symposium Departures 14/16-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2018: Nov 3 – 17, Nov 17 – Dec 3 Trip Code: ANT05 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. Check out our website for updated departure dates.

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ravel to South Georgia and visit hundred of thousands of king penguins on this unrivalled itinerary to explore South Georgia and its staggering wildlife.

South Georgia hosts the most wildlife per square meter in the world. On this expedition cruise, you can see 100,000 king penguins, fur seals, whales and albatross. Spend seven days in South Georgia, more than ever before to immerse into the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’.

Our October and November departures are timed to coincide with the arrival of spring, as South Georgia emerges from the long and icy winter. This marks the beginning of the wildlife migration and breeding cycles for many species. On a photography symposium, you travel with a team of highly experienced photographers to improve your camera skills. Five professional photographer mentors with a variety of expertise offer 1 on 1 support and personal photographic critique. You will focus on ideal light conditions while having access to heightened opportunities on deck and on designated zodiacs for photog-

raphers. The program is designed for all skill levels and different camera types, no extra charges apply and participating in the photography symposium is optional. Regular programs operate through out the photography symposiums because the professional photographers are additional staff members.

Itinerary Day 1 • Punta Arenas, Chile Days 2/3 • Southern Ocean Days 4/7 • South Georgia Island Days 8/10 • South Georgia Island Days 11/13 • Southern Ocean Day 14 • Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas Day 15 • Punta Arenas, Chile – End of the trip

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Testimonials “I asked Far South Expeditions to put a trip together to Patagonia for our small group of six, four of us being serious amateur photographers. Once I contacted Far South I knew that we were in good hands. Cecilia (who answered my endless questions) and Claudio put together the perfect trip. I can not recommend Far South Expeditions highly enough. It is a first rate, professional organization with vast personal knowledge of Patagonia.” – R. Badger, USA “The highlight of our whole cruise around the Cape from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso was the half day excursion to see the incredible condors of Patagonia. The condors were most amazing. About 100 gather on the ranch at a cliff and we were privileged to see them roosting, stretching and flying en mass. This was a really authentic wildlife encounter.” – “David was an excellent guide for our King Penguin Day Trip. As a whole, Far South is running a very efficient tour company.” – P. Leslie, USA “We enjoyed the trip very much and have many beautiful photos of the scenery and wildlife in this region.” – D. James, UK “Just a quick note to say that we thoroughly enjoyed our Patagonian adventure. Sebastian was an excellent guide and found us so many things; he was a great companion and always pleasant.” – D. & D. Stannard, UK “Just a note of thanks to say that we enjoyed our trip to Torres del Paine on the botanical tour. We appreciated his friendly company. The accommodation and food was excellent, and we learnt a great deal about Patagonian natural history from Sebastian. The locations and walks selected for the tour were all interesting and different. We appreciated the flexibility of the schedule.” – D. & B. Keith, Australia “Many thank’s to Far South Expeditions for my recent birding tour of Punta Arenas, especially to Cecilia Faundez and excellent birder/naturalist Sebastian Saiter for helping me find Magellanic Plover.” – B. Nixon, UK

“We just finished the 8-day tour of Patagonia, and it was an amazing experience. Far South Expeditions handled everything smoothly and efficiently, we literally just showed up and they took care of the rest. The lodging provided with the tour was great for the whole trip, and our guide, Rodrigo Tapia is a true expert. He was able to spot wildlife that we could not see - including a Puma, and was great at accomodating the needs of our group. Far South Expeditions was great in handling all the details. I would definitely use them again.” – B. Funai, USA “King Penguins! Claudio, our guide, was extremely well informed, highly personable and professional. He answered all of our questions and was very accommodating. The experience was truly a dream come true!” – P. Dobin, USA “Among all my trips to South America the travel to Patagonia was undoubtedly the most exciting one. The staff is exceptional but most of all, we were impressed by the intellect and human qualities of our guide Jaime who accompanied us during our specially designed trip to Tierra del Fuego. Since that time I harbor hopes that I can make another trip to Patagonia with Far South Expeditions!” – A. Fedorchenko, Russia “The tour was fantastic. Our guide, Rodrigo, was excellent.

The places Far South Expeditions booked for us were all good quality, with some of them being outstanding, and Rodrigo’s local knowledge meant that we saw many fascinating animals and places that we would not have known about or found for ourselves. It was an unforgettable trip and we highly recommend this tour company and its staff.” – D. Gartside, Australia “Custom photographic tour to Patagonia. My husband and I & our friend traveled with photographer and guide Claudio, exploring and photographing Patagonia. It was a wonderful trip. Claudio and Ruben were amiable and accommodating companions and guides, even in the dark of early morning as we rose before sunrise to position ourselves for the best light. We would love to travel with them again!” – M. Tartar, USA

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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.

Small Groups Our party sizes do not exceed 10 participants; even in some like our photo safaris for instance, groups 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 fulfil your expectations, which is our permanent goal.

Unique Journeys 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.

Our Lodging 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.

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Our Office

Best Locations

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.

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 Nature Books & Trip Materials

Helder, Cecilia and Rodrigo

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 seven years has been an interesting experience which has motivated me to face the personal challenge of putting in my best efforts 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.” Cecilia Faundez, Operations Dept.

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Enrique Couve, Claudio F. Vidal, Rodrigo Tapia, Sebastián Saiter, Ana María Venegas, Jorge Valenzuela, Matías Ballarini, Marcelo Flores, Cecilia Vedelago

Our Tour Leaders & Guides

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eing the people who work directly in the field with our customers, and therefore the ones who show them around and interpret for them, the leaders should not just be knowledgeable, enthusiastic, great naturalists and easy-going people, but also careful planners. Our trips have a strong educational component and our guides are truly passionate about wildlife and the natural world; they will be delighted to get out there with you and look for new birds, mammals and other fauna, show you the rarest orchid on a botanical trip, or take you to the best spot, in the right light, for your landscape or wildlife photography and telling you about the bird you’re looking at, or the geology of the place, while throwing in any relevant historical or cultural accounts. This is your holiday and our guides will do

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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.

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Get Connected with FSE www.farsouthexpeditions.com

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New Website (August 2017!): www.farsouthexp.com

eeping in touch with our customers has always been of paramount importance to the success of our operation, so no matter how far the distance, we are eager to serve you better and connect with you at all times, pre- and post-tour. Continually updated, our website keeps you updated on all our new tours and programmes, special deals and exciting news both from the field and the office, so you can have all the information

you need to choose from our varied offer.

From August 2017 we will be launching our new website with a fresher, modern outlook and a totally responsive design. We will be keeping our old website address until late 2018, and we encourage our friends and customers to use our all-new website to learn about our new and regular products and to be in contact with us.

Our Wildlife Blog Our naturalists and guides are periodically delivering short notes accompanying photographs taken in our tours, to let you have a virtual peek into the wonders that we experience firsthand in the field. This material, which is shared through our Wildlife Blog into social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr, is in the format of a brief, easy-to-read “mini-article�, but on the other hand it is intended to be of high quality both visually and in written content, so you can enjoy the photographs while learning a little bit about the natural history of the subject. Join us daily on our glimpses into the awesome wilderness of some of the remotest and most pristine ecosystems in the Planet!

Our Social Networking FarSouthExpeditions @FarSouthExp +FsexpeditionsChileTours farsouthexp Far South Expeditions - Day Tours farsouthexpeditions

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Conservation Since we pioneered nature and wildlife tours in South America twenty years ago, conservation has always been a permanent source of inspiration and a major guideline for the way we work in the field, acting according to a strict ethos which puts the well-being of wildlife first and foremost.

By getting our wildlife, including the endangered species, under public attention, we bring awareness on the problematics that threaten their subsistance.

One of the emblems of avian conservation in Chile and Patagonia is the endangered continental population of the Ruddy-headed Goose, Chloephaga rubidiceps that lives along the rivers in the steppes and edge of forest around the Straits of Magellan.

It has showed a steady declining trend, and recent population surveys have shown no more than 400 remaining birds and only around 20 breeding

The scarce and endangered Ruddy-headed Geese

pairs in the continent, making it one of the most endangered birds in South America.

For years we have contributed to the knowledge and protection of these unique geese by providing accurate data on their occurrence and breeding status, supporting a network of local researchers and conservationists who are conducting research and are implementing a plan that includes a preliminary captive breeding programme, active monitoring of the breeding pairs and movements of the different groups within the continental population, and habitat recovery.

All this combined effort should translate into a slow but hopefully steady recovery of this patagonian wild goose, and we will keep on contributing with our little grain to help move in that direction.

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Education

A Guide to the Birds of Chile, Oceanic Islands and Antarctic Peninsula Finally, after a long process that took more than ten years and countless hours of research, field work, processing of data, writing and drawing, our new field guide to the birds of Chile, Birds of Chile, Offshore Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, has been finally published, and we couldn’t be more proud to present it to the public, especially on the year of our 20th anniversary.

This book is a living testimony to the decades of hard field work of the authors and a couple of generations of Chilean ornithologists, many of whom have never

been properly acknowledged, and represents a major achievement and contribution to the Ornithology and the state of the knowledge of the Birds of Chile and South America.

It will be the most complete field guide to the birds of the country up to this date, incorporating recent records and observations, the newest taxonomic guidelines and arrangement, updated distribution maps and beautiful and descriptive plates, all in a field-friendly format that we hope will be a good birdwatching companion as well as a useful reference book at home.

Far South Expeditions P.O. Box 920, Punta Arenas, CP 6202473, CHILE Phone: +56 61 261 5793 tours@farsouthexpeditions.com www.farsouthexp.com www.farsouthexpeditions.com Cover photographs Ruddy-headed Goose, Chlopehaga rubidiceps | Back cover photograph: Guigna or Kodkod, Leopardus guigna © both by Enrique Couve, Far South Expeditions.

All texts and photographs © Far South Expeditions, unless otherwise indicated