Chile Scheduled Expedition
Birding Chile
October 29 to November 8 I 2027
October 29 to November 8 I 2028
TRIP TYPE
Scheduled
DURATION
11 days, 10 nights
DEPARTING FROM
Santiago
GROUP SIZE (MAX)
8 Guests
Menu
ABOUT THIS TRIP
A Quest for the Endemics and Specialties of Chile
Birding Chile is a quest for the endemics and specialties of the Heart of Chile. We will bird throughout the most scenic areas of the country, visiting a wide range of habitats, including mountain ranges, rocky seashores, oceanic waters, scrubby slopes, broad-leaf woodlands, and temperate and sub-Antarctic forests. Discover the birdlife of Chile through the expertise and field skills of highly experienced local guides from a Chilean-based company.
The Birding Chile tour is an exciting birdwatching journey aimed at discovering the endemics and specialties of this 3,000-mile-long biogeographical island while exploring its marvelous landscapes, excellent infrastructure, great cuisine, and fabulous wines.
Chile is a land of massive contrasts—truly a geographic extravaganza. On this adventure, we will explore incredibly diverse habitats and marvel at some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth while enjoying excellent hotels and local cuisine. From Mediterranean scrub to lush rainforests, and from coastal marshes to the impressive lakes and volcanoes of south-central Chile, our search for avian specialties will take us from the high Andes to the cold, productive waters of the Humboldt Current. We will find many fascinating species, including those with very restricted ranges and those endemic to the country.
PRICING
USD 8,350
Per person, double occupancy · small groups of min 4 guests, max 8
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rEADY FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP?
Itinerary in brief
Our birding adventure begins with an early departure from Santiago, heading north to explore the freshwater wetlands of Batuco Lake. Despite growing urban encroachment, the lake supports remarkable waterbird diversity. Our primary targets here are the striking Many-colored Rush Tyrant and the secretive Wren-like Rushbird, both thriving within the lake’s extensive reedbeds. Other sightings include Yellow-billed Pintail, Cinnamon Teal, Chiloé Wigeon, Red Shoveler, and various herons.
After lunch, we journey west to bird the productive Mantagua wetland complex — a mosaic of marshes, dunes, and coastal lagoons hosting an impressive variety of species. We search for specialties including the Black-headed Duck and Stripe-backed Bittern, as well as migratory shorebirds. Offshore, we may spot Peruvian Booby and Snowy-crowned Tern, while Variable Hawks patrol the surrounding grasslands. We end the day in Viña del Mar, overlooking the Pacific.
Santiago sea level to coastal wetlands
Many-colored Rush Tyrant
Wren-like Rushbird
Black-headed Duck
Stripe-backed Bittern
Peruvian Booby
Overnight: Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar – Lunch, Dinner – Guide
Today promises an unforgettable journey into the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current. Departing early from Valparaíso, we venture offshore to seek a stunning diversity of seabirds. We hope to encounter Salvin’s Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Northern and Southern Giant-Petrels, White-chinned Petrel, Pink-footed and Sooty Shearwaters, and the highly sought-after Peruvian Diving-Petrel. Depending on conditions, we may also see Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, Chilean Skua, and various gulls and terns. Marine mammals may include Dusky Dolphins, South American Fur Seals, and whales.
After lunch, we head south along the coast to Algarrobo, exploring coastal shrublands and rocky slopes for Chilean endemics: White-throated Tapaculo, Dusky-tailed Canastero, Moustached Turca, and Chilean Mockingbird. If time allows, we scan offshore islets for Humboldt Penguins, Seaside Cinclodes, and South American Sea Lions.
Pelagic: open ocean – Scrubland: coastal slopes
Peruvian Diving-Petrel
Salvin’s Albatross
White-throated Tapaculo
Moustached Turca
Humboldt Penguin
Overnight: Hotel Rocas de Santo Domingo – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Guide
This morning we explore the Maipo River Estuary, one of Chile’s most productive wetland systems. Our main target is the locally scarce Ticking Doradito, a highly elusive marsh specialist. We also scan for Black Skimmer, Elegant and South American Terns, Collared Plover, and various migratory shorebirds. The surrounding wetlands host Spot-flanked Gallinule, Plumbeous Rail, and diverse waterfowl.
After a rewarding morning, we travel south via Route 5, bypassing Santiago’s traffic to reach the Andean foothills by late afternoon. As we approach Vilches, the landscape shifts into rolling hills and magnificent Southern Beech (Nothofagus) forests. After dinner, we enjoy an optional evening owling session for the impressive Rufous-legged Owl.
Sea level to Andean foothills
Ticking Doradito
Collared Plover
Black Skimmer
Nothofagus Forest
Rufous-legged Owl
Overnight: Hostería de Vilches – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Guide
Altos de Lircay Nature Reserve protects one of central Chile’s finest Nothofagus forests. The morning at Piedras Tacitas targets forest specialties including the magnificent Magellanic Woodpecker and the endemic Chestnut-throated Huet-huet. Other targets: Austral Parakeet, Chucao Tapaculo, White-throated Treerunner, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, and Austral Pygmy Owl.
In the afternoon, we bird deeper within Altos de Lircay where old-growth forests and mountain streams provide refuge for Magellanic Tapaculo, Fire-eyed Diucon, Austral Blackbird, and Black-chinned Siskin. We conclude with an evening owling session for the Rufous-legged Owl.
Andean foothills – Nothofagus forest
Magellanic Woodpecker
Chestnut-throated Huet-huet
Chucao Tapaculo
Austral Parakeet
Rufous-legged Owl
Overnight: Hostería de Vilches – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Guide
This morning, the open agricultural fields around Vilches offer excellent opportunities to spot the endemic Chilean Tinamou, often detected by its haunting call. Continuing toward Lake Colbún, we look for the colorful Burrowing Parakeet, which nests in riverbanks and sandy cliffs.
Later, we drive north to the spectacular Cajón del Maipo, a dramatic Andean canyon. Before reaching our lodge, we search the turbulent, boulder-strewn waters of the Maipo River for the remarkable Torrent Duck. By evening, we arrive at our comfortable riverside lodge, perfectly positioned for tomorrow’s high-Andean excursion.
Central Valley to Andean canyon
Chilean Tinamou
Burrowing Parakeet
Torrent Duck
Cajón del Maipo
Overnight: Santuario del Río, San José de Maipo – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Guide
A full day in the high Andean foothills around El Yeso Reservoir. We target the endemic Crag Chilia, alongside Andean Condors, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagles, Black-winged Ground Dove, Grey-flanked Cinclodes, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, and Yellow-rumped Siskin.
An early start takes us to the high-elevation wetlands of Termas del Plomo (~3,000 m) in the calm morning hours. A careful survey of alpine grasslands and bogs may produce the stunning Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, our primary target — an Andean endemic of pristine wetlands. Other specialties: White-sided Hillstar, Rufous-banded and Creamy-rumped Miners, Gray-breasted Seedsnipe, various Ground-Tyrants, and Greater Yellow-Finch.
El Yeso ~2,500 m to Termas del Plomo ~3,000 m
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover
Crag Chilia
Andean Condor
White-sided Hillstar
Gray-breasted Seedsnipe
Overnight: Santuario del Río – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Guide
We ascend into the high Andes of Farellones and Valle Nevado. Our focus is the majestic Andean Condor at key viewpoints where these giants soar among cliffs and canyons, offering outstanding chances for close-range observation and photography.
As we continue toward Valle Nevado (~3,000 m), we take in breathtaking alpine vistas while searching for high-elevation specialties: Mountain Caracara, Rufous-banded Miner, and Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant. After descending, we head directly to Santiago Airport for our evening flight to Puerto Montt, gateway to Chile’s Lake District.
Farellones to Valle Nevado ~3,000 m
Andean Condor
Mountain Caracara
Valle Nevado
Puerto Montt
Overnight: Hotel Presidente, Puerto Montt – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Guide
We take an early ferry across the Chacao Channel to Chiloé Island. During the crossing, expect Black-browed Albatross, Southern Giant-Petrel, Imperial Cormorant, Magellanic Diving-Petrel, and other coastal seabirds.
Once on the island, we travel to Puñihuil for a boat excursion to offshore islets — a unique site hosting a mixed colony of Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins, one of the few places worldwide where both species nest side-by-side. We may also find Southern Marine Otter, Kelp Goose, and Flightless Steamer-Duck. After lunch, we traverse Chiloé’s scenic countryside toward the remote native forests of Tepuhueico.
Sea level crossing – Temperate rainforest
Humboldt & Magellanic Penguins
Chiloé Island
Chacao Ferry
Kelp Goose
Tepuhueico
Overnight: Tepuhueico Lodge – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Guide
A full day in Tepuhueico Park. The morning focuses on the extensive evergreen forest: targets include the endemic Slender-billed Parakeet, Chucao Tapaculo, and the highly vocal Black-throated Huet-huet — often easier to observe here than on the mainland. Other species: Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Patagonian Tyrant, White-throated Treerunner, and Black-chinned Siskin.
In the afternoon, we explore coastal trails overlooking the wild Pacific, searching for Ochre-flanked Tapaculo and Des Murs’ Wiretail. Tepuhueico is exceptional for mammal viewing: at dawn and dusk, we look for the diminutive Pudú (world’s smallest deer) and the endangered, endemic Darwin’s Fox. Evening owling session.
Temperate rainforest & Pacific coast
Slender-billed Parakeet
Black-throated Huet-huet
Darwin’s Fox
Pudú
Des Murs’ Wiretail
Overnight: Tepuhueico Lodge – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Guide
We depart Tepuhueico for the quiet fishing village of Queilen for a pelagic excursion in the protected waters of Chiloé’s inland sea. Our primary target is the recently described Pincoya Storm-Petrel, one of South America’s most exciting recent seabird discoveries. These waters also offer Magellanic Diving-Petrel, Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwaters, and Imperial Cormorant.
We also keep watch for marine mammals including Chilean Dolphins and South American Sea Lions. After returning to shore, we travel north through Chiloé’s rolling landscape toward Ancud for our final evening on the island.
Chiloé inland sea pelagic
Pincoya Storm-Petrel
Magellanic Diving-Petrel
Chilean Dolphin
Ancud
Overnight: Panamericana Hotel, Ancud – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Guide
Our final day begins at the renowned Caulín Estuary, a crucial site for shorebirds in southern Chile. We search for concentrations of migratory species: Hudsonian Godwit, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Red Knot, and Baird’s Sandpiper — visitors that have traveled thousands of kilometers from the Arctic. Resident birds include Black-necked and Coscoroba Swans, Yellow-billed Teal, and various coastal waterfowl.
Later, we visit Bosque Manao, one of the best remaining tracts of native rainforest in northern Chiloé. This is our final opportunity for Black-throated Huet-huet, Chucao and Magellanic Tapaculos, White-throated Treerunner, and Thorn-tailed Rayadito. Following lunch near the Chacao Channel, we return to Puerto Montt for a farewell dinner celebrating the remarkable diversity encountered across central Chile, the Andes, and Chiloé Island.
Hudsonian Godwit
Bosque Manao
Baird’s Sandpiper
Coscoroba Swan
Farewell Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Presidente, Puerto Montt – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Guide – End of Trip
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP SPECIAL
Trip Highlights
01
Pelagic Trips & Ferry Rides
Pelagic trips and ferry rides offer exceptional opportunities to spot specialties of the eastern Pacific and Southern Ocean, including albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, and storm-petrels in some of the world’s most productive marine waters.
02
Iconic Birds of Chile
Highlights include the magnificent Andean Condor and Magellanic Woodpecker, as well as stunning waders such as the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover and Collared Plover — some of the most sought-after species in South American birding.
03
Nine Endemic Species
We will seek out up to nine endemic species, including the Slender-billed Parakeet, Crag Chilia, Moustached Turca, and White-throated Tapaculo, alongside the quasi-endemic Chestnut-throated Huet-huet — birds found nowhere else on Earth.
04
Spectacular National Parks & Reserves
A spectacular system of national parks and nature reserves protects some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth — from Mediterranean scrub and lush temperate rainforests to the high peaks of the Andes and the cold, productive waters of the Humboldt Current.
PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Dates & Rates
PRICE PER PERSON
$8,350 USD
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
$935 USD
Trips are guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 4 participants. Maximum group size of 8 participants.
Departures
Oct 29 to Nov 8 I 2027
7 Days · Max 7 guests
Oct 29 to Nov 8 I 2028
7 Days · Max 7 guests
Group Size:
Trips are guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 4 participants. Maximum group size of 8 participants. The above price is per person in USD, based on double occupancy. All payments are in US Dollars. A single supplement will be added if single accommodations are requested.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Trip inclusions & exclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All accommodations
- All meals as stated in the itinerary
- Expert guide services throughout
- Private ground transportation during the tour
- Pelagic trip off Valparaiso (c. 6 hours)
- Two ferry rides
- Park entrance fees
- A daily bottle of mineral water is also included
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic flights add app. $300 for 2 in-country flight packages)
- Tipping for restaurants and guides
- Travel insurance
- Entrance tax to Chile
- Excess baggage charges
- Private excursions
- À la carte dishes, snacks, drinks
- Laundry, telephone calls
- Anything of a purely personal nature
GALLERY
Wildlife & landscapes
Booking Information
Trip Registration
To secure your reservation for this trip, please fill out our online registration form. Upon receipt, an initial deposit of 30% of the total trip cost will be requested. The settlement of the remaining balance must be completed no later than 90 days before the departure date.
Currency
US Dollars
WeTravel
Credit Cards
Bank Transfer
Available
In either case, the commissions are to be assumed by the client.
Terms for Cancellation and Refunds
Cancellation Policy
To cancel a booking, the individual who made the reservation must provide written notice to Far South Expeditions. The cancellation becomes official on the date the correspondence is received.
120 days or more before departure
A refund of 70% of the deposit will be issued.
119 – 91 days before
The trip deposit remains non-refundable, though any further payments toward the balance will be returned in full.
90 days or fewer prior to departure
No refund of any kind is available.
These terms apply to all pre-tour and post-tour extensions, including trip transfers. The purchase of comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended to safeguard your investment.
Important Advisory
Weather & Expedition Conditions
Pelagic Trips & Ferry Crossings
All boat trips and ferry crossings are subject to weather conditions. Delays or cancellations may occur, potentially altering the planned sequence of your itinerary. We appreciate your patience and flexibility.
Diverse Habitats & Altitudes
This tour spans from sea level to 3,000 meters in the Andes, crossing Mediterranean scrub, temperate rainforests, and alpine grasslands. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather and temperature variations throughout the expedition.
Reminder: Kindly ensure the final balance is settled by the due date to maintain your reservation. We appreciate your patience and flexibility under these circumstances.
Need help planning?
Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you prepare for this unforgettable expedition.
TRIP MAP
Route overview
1
Santiago
33.4489° S, 70.6693° W
1
Central Chile Coast · Wetlands & Pelagic
Days 1 – 3
Santiago
33.4489° S, 70.6693° W
Day 1
Meeting point & departure
Batuco Lake
33.1333° S, 70.8833° W
Day 1
Many-colored Rush Tyrant · Wren-like Rushbird
Mantagua Wetland
32.7333° S, 71.4500° W
Day 1
Black-headed Duck · Stripe-backed Bittern
Viña del Mar
33.0167° S, 71.5500° W
Day 1
Overnight · Pacific coast
Valparaíso Pelagic
33.0333° S, 71.6167° W · Humboldt Current
Day 2
Salvin’s Albatross · Peruvian Diving-Petrel
Algarrobo
33.3667° S, 71.6667° W
Day 2
White-throated Tapaculo · Moustached Turca
Maipo Estuary
33.6833° S, 71.6333° W
Day 3
Ticking Doradito · Collared Plover
2
Southern Beech Forests & High Andes
Days 4 – 7
Vilches Alto
35.8333° S, 71.0833° W · Andean foothills
Days 3 – 5
Nothofagus forests · Rufous-legged Owl
Altos de Lircay National Reserve
35.7833° S, 71.0667° W
Day 4
Magellanic Woodpecker · Chestnut-throated Huet-huet
Lake Colbún
35.6167° S, 71.4167° W
Day 5
Burrowing Parakeet · Chilean Tinamou
Cajón del Maipo
33.6333° S, 70.3333° W · Andean canyon
Days 5 – 6
Torrent Duck · Crag Chilia
El Yeso Valley
33.6833° S, 70.1167° W · ~3,000m
Day 6
High Andean specials · Yellow-rumped Siskin
Termas del Plomo
33.3500° S, 70.2500° W · ~3,000m
Day 6
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover · White-sided Hillstar
Farellones & Valle Nevado
33.3167° S, 70.3000° W · ~3,000m
Day 7
Andean Condor · Mountain Caracara
3
Chiloé Island · Temperate Rainforest & Pelagic
Days 8 – 10
Puerto Montt
41.4667° S, 72.9333° W · Lake District gateway
Day 7 & 11
Flight arrival & departure
Chacao Ferry
41.7500° S, 73.5333° W · Chacao Channel
Day 8
Crossing to Chiloé Island
Puñihuil Penguin Colony
42.0333° S, 74.0333° W
Day 8
Humboldt & Magellanic Penguins
Tepuhueico Park
42.5833° S, 74.1000° W · Native forest reserve
Days 8 – 9
Slender-billed Parakeet · Darwin’s Fox
Queilen Pelagic
42.3000° S, 73.4833° W · Inland sea
Day 10
Pincoya Storm-Petrel · Chilean Dolphin
Ancud
41.8667° S, 73.8167° W · Historic town
Day 10
Overnight in northern Chiloé
4
Return & Departure
Day 11
Caulín Estuary
41.8500° S, 73.6167° W
Day 11
Hudsonian Godwit · Baird’s Sandpiper
Bosque Manao
41.8000° S, 73.6667° W
Day 11
Black-throated Huet-huet · Chucao Tapaculo
Puerto Montt — End of Trip
41.4667° S, 72.9333° W · El Tepual Airport
Day 11
Farewell dinner & end of expedition