Birding Northern Chile – altiplano and desert valleys
fromScenically breathtaking and with stunning birdlife, the Andes conjure up a mouth-watering birding feast. Andean Condors soaring amongst high peaks in clear blue skies and Diademed Sandpiper-Plovers on mineral-rich bogs, with the sound of Rufous-bellied Seedsnipes echoing in the valleys; these are some of the magical experiences of birding northern Chile. In just few days we shall visit, not only the high Puna grasslands and the stunning Lauca National Park, but also the arid Pacific coast with its fertile valleys, visit lekking areas of the critically endangered Chilean Woodstar, and fit in a Humboldt Current pelagic trip.
On this tour you will explore one of Chile’s most bird-diverse areas and experience the striking contrasts between lush and arid landscapes.
NEXT DATES
13th-18th of October 2023
11th-16th of October 2024
Birding Northern Chile can also be combined with a visit other areas in the heart of the Atacama Desert, or extended to All of Chile.
Requests for pricing and itinerary can be made through Contact Form
Private trips can be organized upon request
-
Reviews 1 Review5/5
-
Vacation Style Holiday Type
-
Activity Level Birding
-
ITINERARY SUMMARY:
Day 1 – Friday, October 14th: Arrival in Santiago
Day 2 – Saturday, October 15th: Birding the Arica Valleys
Day 3 – Sunday, October 16th: Pelagic trip and birding on the way to Putre
Day 4 – Monday, October 17th: Full day in Lauca National Park
Day 5 – Tuesday, October 18th: Birding in Putre and return to Arica
Day 6 – Wednesday, October 19th: Birding around Arica and flight to Santiago
Highlights
- The minute and critically endangered Chilean Woodstar
- Breathtaking high-altitude landscapes
- A comprehensive itinerary for all lowland, foothill, and high elevation specialist species of northern Chile.
Pace
- Relaxed to moderate pace. Days at higher elevation can be a bit more tiring, but good hydration and early nights will help everyone feel fit.
Ease of Birding
- Most species are easy to see. Aquatic species are quite reliable; birding in the desert and altiplano is also quite reliable, although possibility of windy condition may decrease activity. Tinamous and Seedsnipes are low density, so more effort is sometimes required to see them.
- 6 nights of accommodation
- Transport: SUV for 1-3 people, minivan for 4-6 people
- English speaking guide with birding equipment
- Snacks (fruit, nuts, cereal bars, water)
- All meals
- Park entrance fees
- eBird checklists for all stops
Additional information
Group Size
- This tour runs from 6 to 10 participants with one tour leader. Over more than 10 participants would be consider an additional tour guide.
Extensions
- Pre-Tour: Birding in the Atacama Desert, Easter Island or Robinson Crusoe Island
- Post-Tour: Central Chile - From Santiago to the Araucaria Forests