This unique birdwatching and mammals program explores the driest region on earth with a very diverse and productive list of birds and wildlife that inhabits the Pacific coast and the high plateau of the Andean range. This is the home of specialties as the Giant Coot, Puna, James and Chilean Flamingo, Oasis Hummingbird and the critically endangered Chilean Woodstar among others. Our journey will take us from the coast to over 3.500 mts / 11.500 ft a.s.l. and will give us the chance to add a great list of birds that are not use to be found in other regions of Chile. We easily will end the tour with more than 120 species of birds and some very interesting mammals as the Vicuña and the Northern Andean Deer.
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.
Some of the species that you may spot:
Giant Hummingbird, White-sided Hillstar, Chilean Tinamou, California Quail, Spot-billed Ground Tyrant, White-browed Ground Tyrant, Cinerous Ground-tyrant, Great-shrike Tyrant, Grey-hooded Sierra Finch, Band-tailed Sierra Finch, Scale-throated Earth creeper, Rufous-banded Miner, Creamy-rumped Miner, Burrowing Owl, Magellanic Horned Owl, among others.
What is included?
- All accommodation based on double occupancy (single occupancy available for an additional cost)
- Professional multi-lingual guides, and support staff
- Local transfers and all ground transport throughout the tour, window seats guaranteed
- Entrance fees to all National Parks, Nature Reserves
- Meals included as indicated in the itinerary
- All activities as specified within the tour itinerary
- Personalised checklists
- All Applicable Taxes
What is not included?
-Professional naturalist guides: we only work with local guides and trip leaders who can share their vast knowledge of local nature, history and culture providing a meaningful experience. -We go off the beaten path to take you to the best locations. Our trails are carefully picked and tours meticulously designed. -Small groups, better personalized service that allows flexibility and personal care for each of our guests. -Window seat guaranteed on birding programs for each traveler. -High quality equipment, check lists, books and field-guides available on each tour. -Complete documentation prior your departure and during the tour. -Truly responsible tourism with absolute commitment to conservation and constant support to local communities.
Tours
Wildlife
Guides
Conservation
Location
Value