Custom Trip
Condors
of Patagonia
Available year-round
TRIP TYPE
Custom trip
DURATION
6 hours
DEPARTING FROM
Punta Arenas
GROUP SIZE (MIN)
1 Guests
ABOUT THIS TRIP
Half-day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile
The Patagonian ranch Olga Teresa is probably one of the most accessible locations in the world to see and photograph the world’s heaviest flying creature: the majestic Andean Condor. Reachable by car in approximately 60 minutes from Punta Arenas, Chile, the ranch protects, studies, and showcases a population of 100+ Andean Condors that soar, socialize, and sleep on a 20-meter-tall vertical rock face embedded in a steep, 200-meter-high (700-foot-high) hill.
In the Patagonian Andes, Andean Condors are a common sight, but the conditions at Ranch Olga Teresa are quite extraordinary for documenting them. We will look for them in the field, watch them while flying or resting on the cliffs, and have excellent photographic opportunities of fly-bys and perched individuals.
There are only a few preserved places in the world where the Andean Condor can be observed and photographed, such as Cerro Palomares. Just about an hour drive from Punta Arenas, Cerro Palomares boasts the largest Condor roost in Chilean Patagonia (nearly a hundred birds strong).
Their observation is best done in the late afternoon and evening, when birds come back to their roost for the night. During this afternoon’s half-day tour, you will be accompanied by one of our guides, who will take you to the best sites for this activity.
We have to address that the photographic opportunities are usually great, but you will need a suitable long lens (400mm or larger) for better results. Due to the wind, consider bringing a tripod if it works better for you as part of your photographic gear. All the pictures shown in this trip description were taken with a Canon 100-400mm MK II zoom and a Canon 600mm MK III lens.
Experience the feeling of seeing and photographing these colossal birds flying low and at close range amidst the dazzling scenery of the remote Chilean Patagonia; you will be thrilled by their sheer size, their presence, and the way they fly and circle above with gracious ease, while you admire one of the most emblematic birds in South America and the world.
rEADY FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP?
Itinerary in brief
The Patagonian ranch Olga Teresa is probably one of the most accessible locations in the world to see and photograph the world’s heaviest flying creature: the majestic Andean Condor. Reachable by car in approximately 60 minutes from Punta Arenas, Chile, the ranch protects, studies, and showcases a population of 100+ Andean Condors that soar, socialize, and sleep on a 20-meter-tall vertical rock face embedded in a steep, 200-meter-high (700-foot-high) hill.
On this dedicated condor watching trip, you will have a private naturalist guide for the whole duration of the journey. You will be transferred to the base of the cliff (a 30-minute drive), where there are great lookouts for incoming condors. The viewing and photographic spots are located mere 700 meters (2,300 ft) from the car park (50 m/165 ft elevation gain uphill). We will spend several hours at the different viewpoints, waiting and photographing soaring condors. The walk there is uphill in the first part, then it turns relatively flat. The path is in smooth terrain, through native vegetation of grass and bush.
In the Patagonian Andes, Andean Condors are a common sight, but the conditions at Ranch Olga Teresa are quite extraordinary for documenting them. We will look for them in the field, watch them while flying or resting on the cliffs, and have excellent photographic opportunities of fly-bys and perched individuals. There are only a few preserved places in the world where the Andean Condor can be observed and photographed, such as Cerro Palomares. Just about an hour drive from Punta Arenas, Cerro Palomares boasts the largest Condor roost in Chilean Patagonia (nearly a hundred birds strong).
Their observation is best done in the late afternoon and evening, when birds come back to their roost for the night. This condor activity is better for viewing and photography generally from 15:00h to sunset. During this afternoon's half-day tour, you will be accompanied by one of our guides, who will take you to the best sites for this activity.
We have to address that the photographic opportunities are usually great, but you will need a suitable long lens (400mm or larger) for better results. Due to the wind, consider bringing a tripod if it works better for you as part of your photographic gear. All the pictures shown in this trip description were taken with a Canon 100-400mm MK II zoom and a Canon 600mm MK III lens.
Experience the feeling of seeing and photographing these colossal birds flying low and at close range amidst the dazzling scenery of the remote Chilean Patagonia; you will be thrilled by their sheer size, their presence, and the way they fly and circle above with gracious ease, while you admire one of the most emblematic birds in South America and the world.
For dedicated nature photographers, we offer a full-day option designed to maximize your condor photography opportunities. The trip begins from Punta Arenas very early, before dawn. Please keep in mind that the closer to the southern summer solstice (December 21st), the longer the days.
The idea is to use a specially designed low-level hide/blind before first light, in order not to discourage condors from approaching the carcass site. This site has been especially oriented to get the condor individuals conveniently lit by the warm morning light. You will be there for a number of hours, in hopes of getting great condor images from a completely unusual and unique perspective.
After the morning session, and in order to recover strength, after some 3-4 hours of photography we will take a break. Regarding lunch, the option that suits the time, area, and conditions is a well-prepared box lunch with options for vegetarians and vegans.
During the afternoon, we will drive to the top of the cliff and photograph fly-bys and perched condors as we do in our usual afternoon half-day trip.
Typical Schedule (Half-Day): Pick-up at your hotel in Punta Arenas, followed by a 1-hour scenic drive to Olga Teresa Ranch. Upon arrival at Cerro Palomares, a short 700-meter walk leads to the viewing area, where we spend 4+ hours observing and photographing condors. Return drive to Punta Arenas and drop-off at your hotel.
Photography Tip: A long lens (400mm or larger) is strongly recommended. Due to the wind, consider bringing a tripod. All photos in this trip description were taken with a Canon 100-400mm MK II zoom and a Canon 600mm MK III lens.
Two Complementary Vantage Points: From the base of the hill looking up toward the natural roosting ledges, and from the top of the cliff, where rising thermal currents lift the condors until they soar level with your eyes. From the summit of Cerro Palomares, the horizon opens wide over the Otway Sound, Fitz Roy Channel, and Skyring Sound. Positioned just behind the Strait of Magellan, you'll have an unobstructed view of the first peaks belonging to the fjord and channel system that defines Chilean Patagonia.
Ecological Transition Zone: The tour crosses a remarkable point where the Patagonian steppe, with its open skies and relentless winds, gradually gives way to the dense rainforests of the fjords and channels of the far south. Two worlds, one landscape. We'll walk among specimens of Nothofagus antarctica — the ñirre — one of the most emblematic trees of southern Chile. Its canopy shelters a rich local birdlife, turning this stretch of the route into a second birdwatching opportunity in a completely different setting.
Spring Bloom: At the height of spring, the scenery transforms entirely — the flora emblematic of Patagonia bursts into full bloom, painting the hillsides in colors found nowhere else on Earth but the southern end of the world.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP SPECIAL
Trip Highlights
One of the most accessible condor-watching spots in the region, featuring two complementary vantage points: from the base of the hill looking up toward the natural roosting ledges, and from the top of the cliff, where rising thermal currents lift the condors until they soar level with your eyes.
From the summit of Cerro Palomares, the horizon opens wide over the Otway Sound, Fitz Roy Channel, and Skyring Sound. Positioned just behind the Strait of Magellan, you'll have an unobstructed view of the first peaks belonging to the fjord and channel system that defines Chilean Patagonia.
We'll walk among specimens of Nothofagus antarctica — the ñirre — one of the most emblematic trees of southern Chile. Its canopy shelters a rich local birdlife, turning this stretch of the route into a second birdwatching opportunity in a completely different setting.
The tour crosses a remarkable ecological transition zone: the point where the Patagonian steppe, with its open skies and relentless winds, gradually gives way to the dense rainforests of the fjords and channels of the far south. Two worlds, one landscape.
At the height of spring, the scenery transforms entirely — the flora emblematic of Patagonia bursts into full bloom, painting the hillsides in colors found nowhere else on Earth but the southern end of the world.
PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Dates & Rates
PRICE PER PERSON
$721 USD
Based on double occupancy · All payments in US Dollars
For a half-day trip:
Private transportation, services of a private naturalist guide during the tour, entry fees to Estancia Olga Teresa, use of top optics during condor observation, and mineral water. VAT of the tour is also included.
For full-day trip:
Private transportation with professional driver, services of a private naturalist guide during the tour, entry fees to Estancia Olga Teresa, ornithologist guidance, use of top optics during condor observation, packed lunch, and mineral water. VAT of the tour is also included.
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
- Boat trips to Grey Lake and Magdalena Island
- Park entrance fees
- Daily bottle of mineral water
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic flights
- 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
Need help planning?
Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you prepare for this unforgettable expedition.