In a fabulous Andean valley southeast of Santiago, shaped by the Cachapoal River, we find the Río Los Cipreses National Reserve. The park protects native spiny scrubland and a vast area of Sclerophyllous forest; fantastic habitat for many of Chile’s endemics. But the ‘show-stopper’ of this reserve is definitely it’s large colony of Burrowing Parakeets.

The reserve is home to an estimated 3.000 individuals of this Macaw-sized parrot, classified as Endangered in Chile. A sight to see! To see the colorful groups perched in trees or cliffsides, with their dazzling yellow, red, green and blue, is truly a treat. They’ll be a constant company throughout our stay, as they fly in boisterous groups overhead.

Walking through the scrubland we’ll focus on the endemics of central Chile: Moustached Turca, Chilean Mockingbird, and Dusky-tailed Canastero. However, many other interesting species are likely to be encountered: Striped Woodpecker, Chilean Flicker, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, among many more.

Burrowing Parakeets: Rio Cipreses NR can easily be combined with our other tours around Santiago.