North Chile Birding Tours - 4 Days

Reception at the airport of Arica, the northernmost airport in Chile.

We will spend the morning and afternoon to explore the shores of the Pacific coast at the very productive mouth of the Lluta River and then going up the valley to have our first attempt with the endemic and endangered Chilean Woodstar. With only 200 individuals left this is one of the most endangered species in the world. We should end the day with a good list of over 40 species of birds considering the very productive coastal area and the oasis and valleys inland.

Early birding at the mouth of the river Lluta. This area is well known for the abundance of species of shorebirds and gulls and it is not unusual to spot some rarities. Later we will explore the valley of this river to look for specialties of the area. In the afternoon we will drive in direction to the aymara village of Putre (3.400 masl.) taking advantage to do some birding as we approach to the slopes of the Andean range.

Some of the species of the day: oasis hummingbird, chilean woodstar, peruvian meadowlark, slender-billed finch, tamarugo conebill, slender-billed finch, peruvian sheartail among others.

Breakfast, box lunch included. Overnight in Putre (Hotel Q`antati)

Today is the day of the endemics of the eco-region of the Altiplano or high andean plateau (over 4.000 – 4.500 masl). Surrounded by stunning landscapes we will explore this world biosphere reserve from the first light of the morning to the end of the day to have a full comprehensive experience of this unique eco-system.

Some of the species of the day: chilean, puna and andean flamingo, puna ibis, puna plover, andean lapwing, grey-breasted seedsnipe, diademed sandpiper-plover, andean flicker, cordillera canastero, andean negrito, black sisking among many other species.

Breakfast, box lunch included. Overnight in Putre.

A dedicated full day exploration of the whole area around Putre, very well known for the abundance of specialties that inhabits the pre-puna shrubs habitats. Transfer to Arica airport.