Birding Chiloé Island Tour, Chile

Chiloé Island Birdwatching Tour in Chile

A 2-day Chiloé Island birding tour in the quest of specialities of the Temperate Rainforest. Notably the four species of Tapaculos and the birds of the Humboldt Current. Including the only breeding colony of Magellanic and Humboldt Penguins.

Day 1

On the first day of this Chiloé Island birding tour, we set up departure early in the morning. Heading towards Caulín bay, a bird's sanctuary with a lot of waterfowl and a hotspot of long-distant migrants.

Later in the day, we will navigate to see the Penguin Colony in Puñihuil. Looking for two species of penguins that have their breeding spring-summer colony in the island: the Magellanic and the Humboldt penguins.

Day 2

On the second day of this birdwatching tour to Chiloé Island, our first step will be the navigation of a wide, quiet, and unspoiled river. This river has wetland characteristics and we will be searching for its wildlife. With a special focus on the Patagonian endemic River Otter and the only breeding colony in the area of the Snowy-crowned Tern.

Once there, we will have time enough to observe and take photographs in complete silence. Birds can be found along the river, on the shore, inside the native forest, in little beaches and between the dead trees of the sunken forest. Lunch will be served at a local family home near the river.

After lunch, we will keep exploring the area to complete our bird list. There are specialities included such as as the Slender-billed Parakeet and the Plumbeous Rail, among many others.

Chiloé Island Birdwatching Tour Highlights:

Ferry crossing to Chiloé island Caulín Bird´s Sanctuary and Chacao
Visit the Penguin Colony of Puñihuil
Special focus on the Patagonian endemic River Otter
Lunch will be served at a local family home near the river

If you don't want to confine yourself to just one wildlife trip this holiday, have a look here at the Birdwatching North Chile Tour for another fantastic birdwatching experience.

Alternative Tour Name: Birding Chiloé Tour

Day 1

Day 1 - Coastal birds, Pelagic Birds and the Penguin Colony

Ferry crossing to Chiloé island Caulín Bird´s Sanctuary and Chacao. Birding along coast and wetlands of the north part of Chiloé. Visit the Penguin Colony of Puñihuil.

Some of the species of the day: Hudsonian Godwit, Franklin´s Gull, Pincoya Storm-Petrel (New species), Ringed Kingfisher, Dark-bellied Cinclodes, Black-necked Swan, Speckled Teal, Chiloé Wigeon, Black Skimmer, Humboldt Penguin, Magellanic Penguin, Rock/Imperial & Red-legged Cormorants, Black-browed Albatross, Pink-footed Shearwater, Salvin´s Albatross, Wilson´s Storm Petrel, Pincoya Storm Petrel among others. Lunch included. Overnight in Ancud

Day 2

Day 2 -Chepu River and Birds of Chiloe

We depart very early in the morning for the navigation of a wide, quiet and unspoiled river –with wetland characteristics- searching its wildlife with special focus on the Patagonian endemic River Otter and the only breeding colony in the area of the Snowy-crowned Tern . Once there we will have time enough to observe and take photographs in a complete silence. But birds are also along the river, on the shore, inside the native forest, in little beaches and between the death trees of the sunken forest. Lunch will be served at a local family home near the river. After lunch we will keep exploring the area to complete our bird list with other specialties as the Slender-billed Parakeet and the Plumbeous Rail among others.

Some of the species of the day: Des Mur´s Wiretail, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Chucao Tapaculo, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Slender-billed Parakeet, Oche-flanked Tapaculo, Chucao Tapaculo, Magellanic Tapaculo, Green-backed Firecrown, Plumbeous Rail, Snowy-crowned Tern, Chilean Flicker, Silver Teal, Great Grebe, Chilean Pigeon among others

Wildlife Reviews

4.83 stars

- based on 3 reviews

Loved it!
Jane11 Apr 2018
4.83
Overall

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We did a one day bird tour with BirdsChile mid-April 2018. It was one of the best days of our three week trip in Argentina and Chile. The guide was very knowledgeable about the birds we saw and also about the habitats we visited and Chile in general. A very engaging and hospitable guide. We were staying at Puerto Varas and visited Vincente Perez Rosales NP and other areas, including the ocean nearby. We saw some 1000 year old alerce trees which were great to see. I would definitely do another tour with BirdsChile and recommend them. A great day out!
Geeat guide and birding day
Bob Perata24 Jan 2019
4.67
Overall

Tours
Wildlife
Guides
Conservation
Location
Value

Went Birding with BirdChile, great day of birding and with a 'very determined birding guide', Carolina. She was great, BirdChile and Carolina really came through.
Excellent 2 Day Tour
Rhonda Handley29 Nov 2018
5
Overall

Tours
Wildlife
Guides
Conservation
Location
Value

My husband and I used BirdsChile for a two day birding trip based out of Santiago. One was up in the Andes and the second was near the coast. Both days were filled with birds. Our guide, Rodrigo, was knowledgeable, friendly, and very professional. His English was also quite good. Our driver, Claudia, was also very good. We felt safe and confident with her driving.

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Why book with BirdsChile?

-Professional naturalist guides: all of our guides are keen naturalists with extensive experience in the field and certified by the National Bureau of Tourism of Chile. They all have Wildernes First Respond Certification that allow them to respond properly in the field in case of an emergency. -Our trails are carefully picked and tours meticulously designed with a constant process of updated in order to offer the best spots for wildlife. We know where to look for wildlife! -Small groups, better personalized service that allows flexibility and personal care for each of our guests. -Window seat guaranteed on all our wildlife programs -High quality equipment, check lists, books and field-guides available on each tour. -Complete documentation prior your departure and during the tour. -We are a B Corporation and we have to operate with the highest standards of sustainability. We truly run a responsible tourism with absolute commitment to conservation, rewilding and constant support to local communities.

What kind of transportation do you use?

We use 4x4 vehicles and vans to gurantee a safe and comfortable "ready to spot wildlife" trip during the driving moments.

Are meals adapted to special dietary restrictions?

Yes, we have gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, ketogenic and other special diet preparations to offer to all our guest that have dietary restrictions?

How payment and booking works?

We require a deposit to safe the spot on the tour and the full payment of the tour 60 days prior the departure. We are also applying flexible conditions adapted to the Covid 19 restrictions. All the information will be given to you once you contact us. We accept bank wire, credit card payment and paypal.

Is this a tour for me?

This tour is as suitable for keen birders as for enthusiasts. The primary focus is on birds but there a good chances to spot some mammals too. Navigations are usually quite and close to the coast in the case of the Penguin colony. No long walks to see the birds so the tour is good for any person in good physical condition.

Is this tour good for chlidren?

Yes it is. It is a fun, diverse and an easy-going naturalist expereince for children. Drives are not longer than 1 hour from one point to another

Is it possible to arrange pre or post tours to this experience?

Yes, many of our travelers connect this experience with Chilean tours in other regions or with post tours to Patagonia.

What do I need to pack?

Chiloé is one of the rainiest region of Chile. The exhuberant temperate rainforest require a good amount of water to survive. Please pack a good water resistant jacket, pants and shoes. Wear layers easy to wear on and to take off in case we have a sunny day or some sunny moments during the day. Rain usually stops and when the sun come out can be very hot. Use sunscreen often and wear a hat, better one with a string that secur it to your head to not miss it during the boat navigation,. It is very common to expereince the 4 season in just one day so wear clothinhg thinking about that.