Chile Scheduled Expedition
Birding Northern Chile
October 24 to 28 I 2027
October 24 to 28 I 2028
TRIP TYPE
Private or Custom
DURATION
5 days, 4 nights
DEPARTING FROM
Iquique
GROUP SIZE (MAX)
8 Guests
ABOUT THIS TRIP
The Impressive Bird Life of the Atacama & the Altiplano
This birdwatching journey is aimed to discover the birds and wildlife specialties of the Atacama Desert coastal areas, the oasis valleys of northern Chile, and the High Andean Plateau or Altiplano. This trip includes a comprehensive visit to Putre’s surroundings and Lauca National Park to explore the wealth of wildlife found on its puna grasslands, Andean lakes, bogs and scrubby ravines. Our journey to the north of Chile will take us to the fringes of the world’s driest desert, the inhospitable Atacama, on the border with southern Peru.
rEADY FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP?
Itinerary in brief
Early in the morning, we will take a boat trip off Iquique to search for the endemic seabirds of the Humboldt Current. We will look for Peruvian Diving Petrels and we may also find Elliot's and Markham's Storm-Petrels.
Later we will explore the coastal areas around the city. We will search for a variety of Humboldt Current specialties, including Peruvian Pelican, Peruvian Booby, Guanay and Red-legged Cormorants, and the stunning Inca Tern. Along the rocky shores, we can find Seaside Cinclodes, Surfbird, and Gray Gull. We will also check the local wetlands for various shorebirds and waterfowl.
After our pelagic trip, we will drive north towards Arica. On the way, we will stop at the deep Camarones and Chaca gorges to search for Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant and the endangered Chilean Woodstar.
Today we will investigate the bird-rich valleys of Azapa and Lluta, the haunt of specialties such as Croaking Ground Dove, Chilean Woodstar, Peruvian Sheartail, Oasis Hummingbird, Tamarugo and Cinereous Conebills, Bran-colored and Vermillion Flycatchers, Peruvian Meadowlark and the odd-looking Slender-billed Finch.
In the afternoon, we will drive up into the Andes to the picturesque town of Putre (3,500m), our base for the next two nights.
A full day to explore the breathtaking Lauca National Park (4,500m). This UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Andes, with its snow-capped volcanoes and cobalt-blue lakes. We will look for high-altitude specialties such as Puna Rhea, Chilean, Andean and Puna Flamingos, Giant and Andean Coots, Puna Snipe, Andean Avocet, Puna Plover, Andean Gull, and the stunning Diademed Sandpiper-Plover. Mammals include Vicuña, Guanaco, and the elusive Viscacha.
In the morning, we will have a final birding session around Putre before driving back down to Arica. We will catch an afternoon flight to Santiago where our journey through Northern Chile concludes.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP SPECIAL
Trip Highlights
Search for Chile, Andean and Puna Flamingos, Giant Coot, Puna Snipe and the stunning Diademed Sandpiper-Plover in the breathtaking high-altitude landscapes of the Altiplano.
A pelagic trip off Iquique to look for Peruvian Diving Petrel and Elliot's and Markham's Storm-Petrels, alongside Inca Tern, Peruvian Pelican and Guanay Cormorant.
A comprehensive visit to Putre and Lauca National Park, one of Chile's most scenic wildlife reserves and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, with snow-capped volcanoes and cobalt-blue lakes.
Visit the oasis valleys of Azapa, Lluta and Chaca for the endangered Chilean Woodstar, Peruvian Sheartail, Oasis Hummingbird and the odd-looking Slender-billed Finch.
Explore the fringes of the inhospitable Atacama Desert, the world's driest, on the border with southern Peru, discovering its surprisingly rich birdlife in an extreme environment.
PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Dates & Rates
PRICE PER PERSON
$3,964 USD
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
$180 USD
Maximum group size of 8 participants. Private or custom departure. Contact us for a specific quote based on your group size.
Departures
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
- Park entrance fees
- Pelagic trip off Iquique
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic flights
- Tipping for restaurants and guides
- Travel insurance
- Entrance tax to Chile
- Excess baggage charges
- À la carte dishes, snacks, drinks
- Laundry, telephone calls
- Anything of a purely personal nature
GALLERY
Wildlife & landscapes
Need help planning?
Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you prepare for this unforgettable expedition.