2017 Far South Expeditions Catalogue

Photo & Nature Journeys • Birding, Mammal & Botanical Trips • Expedition Cruises

Inspiring Wildlife Adventures Since 1997

2017

Patagonia | Chile | Argentina | Peru | Brazil | Antarctica

Testimonials “Just a quick note to say that we thoroughly enjoyed our Patagonian adventure. Sebastian was an excellent guide and found us so many things; he was a great companion and always pleasant.” – Doug & Deborah Stannard, UK

years

in Retrospective

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ack in 1997, as Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule, Tony Blair became UK’s Prime Minister, Dolly the Cloned Sheep was born, Microsoft became the world’s most valuable company, Harry Potter was first published and the Lion King made its debut in Broadway, two passionate birdwatchers, field researchers and naturalists from a remote country named Chile founded what was not only the first ever birdwatching venture in the country, but also a company that thanks to the quality of service and hard work of everyone involved with it, would quickly become the standard for birding, nature photography and wildlife watching in South America.

Like its first name of Fantastico Sur Birding suggested, it was first born out as an extension of Enrique and Claudio’s unremitting passion for birdwatching, and their extensive field experience and thorough study of the history of Chilean Ornithology, paired with a natural curiosity about everything related to Chile and South America’s natural history, made themselves a name not only as substantial contributors in the knowledge of the birds of Chile through records and the publication of field guides and other books, but also in a then budding market of travelling birders and wildlife watchers and photographers who were becoming increasingly interested in the Neotropics and the far reaches of the Southern hemisphere like the Atacama Desert, the Chilean Fjords, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica.

After a few years already, Far South Expeditions had become synonymous with excellence in service, knowledgeable and friendly staff, efficient trip planning, high standards in comfort, lodging and food, reliability and safety on the road and a commitment to fulfill and exceed the client’s expectations, a reputation we strive to live up

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to, establishing and renewing bonds and partnerships year after year, both virtually through our website and in person through our attendance to the most important Bird and Nature shows in the world, like the British Birdwatching Fair where we have been present every year since 1999 and the American Birding Expo, where we have been from their Inaugural version.

Along the twenty years since Far South Expeditions pioneered Nature tourism industry in South America, the wildlife watching and nature tours business has experienced a dramatic rise in popularity with an ever increasing flow of customers from every corner of the globe, a change that in turn has seen us branch out into a variety of subjects from birds to flowers to mammals to wildlife photography, and has also inspired us to push the envelope and always keep on the look for new experiences, spots, angles and content to offer to the curious and demanding wilderness explorer of the 21st Century.

It is therefore with eternal gratitude to all our loyal clients in these two decades, that we present this 20th anniversary 2017 catalogue, a summary of all our programmes that includes several new ones we are proud to offer with the hope that they will capture your fascination about our beautiful land and nature, and continue inspiring us to spearhead into the promising future of Wildlife tourism here in the Far South.

The Far South Expeditions Team

“Just a note of thanks to say that we enjoyed our trip to Torres del Paine on the botanical tour. We appreciated his friendly company. The accommodation and food was excellent, and we learnt a great deal about Patagonian natural history from Sebastian. The locations and walks selected for the tour were all interesting and different. We appreciated the flexibility of the schedule.” – David & Belinda Keith, Australia “Many thank’s to Far South Expeditions for my recent birding tour of Punta Arenas, especially to Cecilia Faundez Morales and excellent birder/naturalist Sebastian Saiter for helping me find Magellanic Plover.” – Bryan Nixon, UK “We just finished the 8-day tour of Patagonia, and it was an amazing experience. Far South Expeditions handled everything smoothly and efficiently, we literally just showed up and they took care of the rest. The lodging provided with the tour was great for the whole trip, and our guide, Rodrigo Tapia is a true expert. He was able to spot wildlife that we could not see - including a Puma, and was great at accomodating the needs of our group. Far South Expeditions was great in handling all the details. I would definitely use them again.” – Bryan Funai, USA “King Penguins! Claudio, our guide, was extremely well informed, highly personable and professional.

He answered all of our questions and was very accommodating. The experience was truly a dream come true!” – Paula Dobin, USA

accompanied us during our specially designed trip to Tierra del Fuego. Since that time I harbor hopes that I can make another trip to Patagonia with Far South Expeditions!” – Alexander Fedorchenko, Russia “The tour was fantastic. Our guide, Rodrigo, was excellent. The places Far South Expeditions booked for us were all good quality, with some of them being outstanding, and Rodrigo’s local knowledge meant that we saw many fascinating animals and places that we would not have known about or found for ourselves. It was an unforgettable trip and we highly recommend this tour company and its staff.” – Don Gartside, Australia “Custom photographic tour to Patagonia. My husband and I & our friend traveled with photographer and guide Claudio, exploring and photographing Patagonia. It was a wonderful trip. Claudio and Ruben were amiable and accommodating companions and guides, even in the dark of early morning as we rose before sunrise to position ourselves for the best light.

We would love to travel with them again!” – Marie Tartar, USA

“Among all my trips to South America the travel to Patagonia was undoubtedly the most exciting one.

The staff is exceptional but most of all, we were impressed by the intellect and human qualities of our guide Jaime Maynard who

Punta Arenas, Chile, August 2016.

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The Far South Expeditions Difference Since 1997, we’ve been sharing with our guests what we’ve learned all this time while exploring the wonders of southern South America, Patagonia, Antarctica and Polynesia.

Because it’s not just the places, it’s equally about experiencing the feelings it conveys and the intimate contact with the land, the wildlife and the culture.

Small Groups Our party sizes do not exceed 10 participants; even in some like our photo safaris for instance, groups have a maximum size of 6 guests, and we use spacious, comfortable and safe vehicles. We take pride on offering a carefully detailed operation to fulfil your expectations, which is our permanent goal.

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Best Locations

Based in Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city, in the shores of the mythical Straits of Magellan, at 53”S and 70”W, the long distance is no obstacle in keeping close contact and providing you with assistance in any requirements. Our office staff will be delighted to assist you in planning your trip, and available for any further discussion of details.

The places we have chosen for our programmes always stand out for their natural and contrasting beauty, from the Atacama Desert to the evergreen Patagonian woods, from Easter Island to Tierra del Fuego and from tropical South American rainforest to the glaciers of Antarctica, always looking for the greatest diversity and richness in both natural history and cultural heritage.

Our Nature Books & Trip Materials We’re proudly involved in the authorship and publication of our own nature resource books and field guides for Chile and Patagonia, having produced more than 20 titles on birds, flora, other wildlife, landscapes and culture of southern South America. We also provide our customers with field checklists and other useful material to enhance their learning experience during our trips.

Unique Journeys e aim to introduce you to the nature and culture of southern South America and adjacent regions through our unique educational travel experiences with the highest standards of professional service from an expert staff and with superior comfort, with a focus on nature and local culture.

As a result of our carefully planned logistics and excellence of our guides, we also plan and operate trips to this region for the most important.

Our Office

Our Lodging Our accommodations are special places, chosen for their quality of services as for their commitment to personalized attention and detail.

We have a long partnership with most of them, which facilitates communication, and although a few are in cities, most of them are located in remote locations, islands of comfort in the wilderness, a concept that we always privilege. Sometimes these cosy lodges in remote locations are the most special and the hardest to leave behind, and all of our lodges and hotels offer fine cuisine, local flavours and, of course, excellent wines.

“Working at Far South Expeditions during these seven years has been an interesting experience which has motivated me to face the personal challenge of putting in my best efforts to help all our costumers with any queries they may have every day. One of the most important tasks that I’m in charge of is to communicate directly with our costumers, by email or phone, and I like to be as clear as possible in providing them with the accurate and up-to-date information they need. From the beginning I have had wonderful experiences with travellers from all around the world, and we still keep frequent communication until today with some of them. I’m a fan of details and I’m convinced that everything counts when it comes to achieve a complete client satisfaction.”

Cecilia Faundez

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Our Wildlife Adventures in Patagonia, Chile & South America PATAGONIA TOURS

Claudio F. Vidal, Enrique Couve, Rodrigo Tapia, Sebastian Saiter y Alvaro Barrientos.

Our Tour Leaders & Guides

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eing the people who work directly in the field with our customers, and therefore the ones who show them around and interpret for them, the leaders should not just be knowledgeable, enthusiastic, great naturalists and easy-going people, but also careful planners. Our trips have a strong educational component and our guides are truly passionate about wildlife and the natural world; they will be delighted to get out there with you and look for new birds, mammals and other fauna, show you the rarest orchid

on a botanical trip, or take you to the best spot, in the right light, for your landscape or wildlife photography and telling you about the bird you’re looking at, or the geology of the place, while throwing in any relevant historical or cultural accounts. This is your holiday and our guides will do their best in planning ahead and avoiding any potential trouble, while sorting any inconvenience that could come up the road. You will make the most of the experience by sharing through the eyes of your local, experienced tour leader.

pp. 13 Journey Across Patagonia pp. 14 Patagonia Photo Expedition pp. 15 Mammals & Birds of Patagonia pp. 16 Pumas, King Penguins and Humpback Whales pp. 17 Patagonia Explorer pp. 18 Patagonia Wildlife Adventure pp. 19 Patagonia for Connoisseurs pp. 20 Birding Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego pp. 21 Patagonia Botanical Tour pp. 22 Patagonia & The Falkland Islands pp. 23 Los Glaciares National Park pp. 24 Torres del Paine Explorer pp. 25 Torres del Paine Hiker pp. 26 Pumas of Torres del Paine pp. 27 King Penguins of Tierra del Fuego pp. 28 Cape Horn Expedition Cruise pp. 29 Journey to the Patagonian Fjords pp. 30 Whales and Penguins of Francisco Coloane Marine Park Chiloé pp. 31 Humpback Whales of the Magellan Straits pp. 32 Tierra del Fuego Photo Expedition pp. 33 Blue Whales of Chiloe Island pp. 34 The Falkland Islands pp. 35 Day Tours from Punta Arenas, Chile pp. 36 Day Tours from Ushuaia, Argentina

CHILE TOURS

pp. 38 Chile Wildlife Adventure pp. 39 Chile Birding Adventure pp. 40 Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina pp. 41 Birding Chile - An Easy Tour

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BRASIL

Sao Paulo

pp. 42 Atacama Desert Explorer pp. 43 Birding Northern Chile pp. 44 Northern Chile Photography Adventure pp. 45 Coastal Atacama Desert pp. 46 Birding Central Chile pp. 47 Mediterranean Chile Botanical Tour pp. 48 Araucaria Forests pp. 49 Lake District pp. 50 Chiloé Island pp. 51 Laguna San Rafael National Park pp. 52 Robinson Crusoe Island pp. 53 Easter Island (Rapa Nui) pp. 54 Albatrosses & Petrels in the Humboldt Current pp. 55 Day Tours from Santiago, Chile pp. 56 Day Tours from Puerto Montt, Chile

SOUTH AMERICA TOURS

pp. 58 Peru: Highlights of Peru pp. 59 Peru: Amazon River Cruise pp. 60 Argentina: Valdés Peninsula pp. 61 Brazil: Jaguars of the Pantanal

ANTARCTICA TOURS pp. 63 Grand Antarctica

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2017/2018 Tour Calendar PATAGONIA (Chile / Argentina)

Journey Across Patagonia 2017: Mar 2, Oct 26 Patagonia Photo Expedition 2017: Feb 11, Apr 15, Nov 18, Dec 16 Mammals & Birds of Patagonia 2017: Jan 21 • 2018: Jan 20 Pumas, King Penguins and Humpback Whales 2017: Jan 6, Apr 3 Patagonia Explorer 2017: Jan 7, Mar 11, Nov 11, Dec 9 Patagonia Wildlife Adventure 2017: Feb 18, Apr 22, Oct 14, Dec 16 Birding Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego 2017: Jan 8, Nov 12 Patagonia Botanical Tour 2017: Jan 9, Nov 12, Dec 10 Patagonia & Falkland Islands 2017: Jan 29, Dec 4

Our Social Networking

Pumas of Torres del Paine 2017: Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 13, Apr 10 Cape Horn Expedition Cruise From September 2016 until April 2017 Journey to the Patagonian Fjords From October 2016 until March 2017 Whales & Penguins of Coloane Marine Park From December 2016 until May 2017 Humpback Whales of the Magellan Straits From Dec 2016 until May 2017 Tierra del Fuego Photo Expedition 2017: Apr 16 Blue Whales of Chiloe Island 2017: Feb 28, Mar 6 The Falkland Islands 2017: Feb 4

FarSouthExpeditions @FarSouthExp +FsexpeditionsChileTours farsouthexp Far South Expeditions - Day Tours farsouthexpeditions

CHILE

Chile Birding Adventure: Oct 28 Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina Feb 25 Birding Chile - An Easy Tour 2017: Jan 7 Birding Northern Chile 2017: Oct 28 Humboldt Current Pelagic Trips 2017: Jan 21, Feb 25, Oct 21, Nov 25, Dec 23

PERU

Amazon River Cruise May 13, Jun 3

BRAZIL

Jaguars of the Pantanal 2017: Oct 6

ANTARCTICA & ISLANDS

Grand Antarctica From Dec 2016 until Feb 2017 • Dec 2017 until Feb 2018 Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea & Falkland Islands 2017: Jan 17, Feb 21 South Georgia Photography Symposium 2017: Jan 28 Quest for the Antarctic Circle 2017: Jan 7, Feb 11

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Our Wildlife Blog

Visit Us Online www.farsouthexpeditions.com Keeping in touch with our customers has always been of paramount importance to the success of our operation, so no matter how far the distance, we are eager to serve you better and connect with you at all times, pre- and post-tour.

Continually updated, our website keeps you updated on all our new tours and programmes, special deals and exciting news both from the field and the office, so you can have all the information you need to choose from our varied offer.

Our naturalists and guides are periodically delivering short notes accompanying photographs taken in our tours, to let you have a virtual peek into the wonders that we experience first-hand in the field.

This material, which is shared through our Wildlife Blog into social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr, is in the format of a brief, easy-to-read “mini-article”, but on the other hand it is intended to be of high quality both visually and in written content, so you can enjoy the photographs while learning a little bit about the natural history of the subject. Join us daily on our glimpses into the awesome wilderness of some of the remotest and most pristine ecosystems in the Planet!

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Conservation

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ince we pioneered nature and wildlife tours in South America twenty years ago, conservation has always been a permanent source of inspiration and a major guideline for the way we work in the field, acting according to a strict ethos which puts the well-being of wildlife first and foremost.

By getting our wildlife, including the endangered species, under public attention, we bring awareness on the problematics that threaten their subsistance.

One of the emblems of avian conservation in Chile and Patagonia is the endangered continental population of the Ruddy-headed Goose, Chloephaga rubidiceps that lives along the rivers in the steppes and edge of forest around the Straits of Magellan. It has showed a steady declining trend, and recent population surveys have shown no more than 400 remaining birds and

only around 20 breeding pairs in the continent, making it one of the most endangered birds in South America.

For years we have contributed to the knowledge and protection of these unique geese by providing accurate data on their occurrence and breeding status, supporting a network of local researchers and conservationists who are conducting research and are implementing a plan that includes a preliminary captive breeding programme, active monitoring of the breeding pairs and movements of the different groups within the continental population, and habitat recovery.

All this combined effort should translate into a slow but hopefully steady recovery of this patagonian wild goose, and we will keep on contributing with our little grain to help move in that direction.

Education

A Guide to the Birds of Chile, Oceanic Islands and Antarctic Peninsula Finally, after a long process that took more than ten years and countless hours of research, field work, processing of data, writing and drawing, our new field guide to the birds of Chile, Birds of Chile, Offshore Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, is about to see the light in a few weeks, and we couldn’t be more proud to present it to the public, especially on the year of our 20th anniversary.

This book is a living testimony to the decades of hard field work of the authors and a couple of generations of Chilean ornithologists, many of whom have never been properly acknowledged, and represents a major achievement and contribution to the Ornithology and the state of the knowledge of the Birds of Chile and South America.

It will be the most complete field guide to the birds of the country up to this date, incorporating recent records and observations, the newest taxonomic guidelines and arrangement, updated distribution maps and beautiful and descriptive plates, all in a field-friendly format that we hope will be a good birdwatching companion as well as a useful reference book at home.

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Patagonia Tours

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atagonia …the very name of this remote region conjures up visions of mystery, remoteness, heroic exploration, well-weathered voyagers, long-gone natives, hardened settlers and vast, windswept plains, bays, mountains, big skies, forests, fjords, lakes, rivers and pristine wilderness. Located in the southern tip of South America, and shared by both Chile and Argentina, it is truly one of the last wild frontiers on Earth, and as such it has retained its appeal to adventurers and travellers from all over the world, a compelling attractive that hasn’t faded since Magellan first explored its coasts and Darwin studied its natural history during his epic voyage aboard the Beagle, introducing Patagonia to the Old World and turning it forever into a magnet for inquisitive an restless spirits across the centuries in the process.

Whether your interests reside in wildlife watching, geology, landscape or wildlife photography, culture or other topics, we kindly invite you to take a look at the many different programmes we have devised to let you become the explorer and discover for yourself the magic of these lands.

These tours have been put together with the best possible experience in mind, and depart radically from mass, general tourism programmes in that they are exclusive trips planned specifically for

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individuals or small groups of up to eight people with private transportation, and mostly to places out of the mainstream tour routes. Our knowledgeable professional guides take care of every aspect of the trips in order to turn them into personalized expeditions where the routes, itineraries and pace are all geared to maximize the quality of your stay and time in the southern wilderness of mythical Patagonia.

Journey Across Patagonia Photography & Nature Trip to the End of the World Departures 12-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina.

2017: Mar 2, Oct 26 Trip Code: PAT13 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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his journey of discovery is an invitation to experience the aweinspiring landscapes and peculiar wildlife of this vast region called Patagonia, located at the southern tip of South America.

Patagonia is a geographical region, a land of myths and legends and nearly a country in its own right, shared by both Argentina and Chile. We have designed this small group trip with the aim to provide our guests with the best possible experience along both sides of the Andes, exploring the highlights of Patagonia but also discovering new and surprising horizons on the remote and seldom visited corners of this dramatic and beautiful part of the world. We will commence our trip visiting the huge Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Starting at the picturesque town of El Calafate we will cruise the huge Viedma and Argentino lakes, walk the trails around El Chalten to enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, and explore the most famous ice formation in Patagonia, the fabulous Perito Moreno Glacier. The middle section of our tour in Patagonia will be devoted to its premier wildlife hotspot, the vast and gorgeous Torres del Paine National Park, in southern Chile. The jagged granite peaks, massive glaciers and multi-coloured lakes are the perfect setting to study its rich wildlife.

Herds of tame Guanaco, inquisitive foxes, Andean Condor, a rich birdlife, a myriad of wildflowers and maybe even the secretive Puma will be the subjects to our photography and interpretation of the natural world. Finally, on the third part

of our trip we will sail out aboard M/V Skorpios III on our grand finale, a thorough and exciting expedition to the remote and pristine Patagonian Fjords. We will visit unexplored inlets and forests, cruise along seldom-visited channels and islands and visit stunning and yet unnamed glaciers of the wild western region of Patagonia. Join us on this journey of discovery to the heart of southern Patagonia, a quest to its glaciers, fjords and the Patagonian Andes.

Day 1 • El Calafate, Argentina – Boat trip to Viedma glacier – El Chalten, Argentina (2 nights) Day 2 • Sunrise at Fitz Roy Mt. viewpoint – Walk to Mirador Laguna Capri Day 3 • Perito Moreno Glacier – El Calafate, Argentina (2 nights) Day 4 • Boat trip to Lago Argentino & Estancia Cristina Day 5 • Drive to Puerto Natales – Puerto Natales (1 night) Day 6 • Mylodon Cave and Cerro Benitez – Cruising Kirke Narrows, Morla Vicuña and Sarmiento channels – M/V Skorpios III (3 nights) Day 7 • Patagonian Fjörds: Amalia & Brujo glaciers – Explore Calvo Fjörd Day 8 • Cruising the ‘Canal de las Montañas’ and Alsina & Bernal glaciers Day 9 • Puerto Natales – Lagunas Azul and Sarmiento lakes – Torres del Paine (2 nights) Day 10 • Boat trip to Grey glacier – Pehoé and Nordenskjöld lakes Day 11 • Visit Estancia Cerro Negro – Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 12 • Magdalena Island (or visit to Otway Sound) – End of the tour

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Patagonia Photo Expedition

Photo Safari to the End of the World Departures 8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.

2017: Feb 11, Apr 15, Nov 18, Dec 16 Trip Code: PAT01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available

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andscape and wildlife photography tour to Patagonia led by resident nature photographers. Discover the best of Patagonia on this exclusivelydesigned, photo-oriented journey; stay at great nature lodges and historic guest houses, learn about nature photography during our photo workshops, enjoy and document the best wildlife encounters, learn from thorough natural history interpretation, and experience the comfort of travelling in a small group, with a maximum group size of 8 participants.

Magellanic and King penguins, flamingos, sea lions, glaciers, breathtaking scenery, the mythical Tierra del Fuego Island and Straits of Magellan, the stunning Torres del Paine National Park and much more are all part of this, the ultimate photo journey to Patagonia.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Otway Sound – Drive to Torres del Paine National Park Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) – Laguna Amarga & Laguna Azul Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP: Lago Sarmiento – Mylodon Cave Natural Monument Day 5 • Bernardo O’Higgins NP: Boat trip to Ultima Esperanza Fjord & Balmaceda Glacier Day 6 • Pali Aike road – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins Day 7 • Straits of Magellan: Ferry to Punta Arenas Day 8 • End of the trip

Mammals & Birds of Patagonia

Cetaceans & Pumas in Southern Chile

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his comprehensive itinerary presents us with the unique 11-day trip from Puerto Montt, Chile; ends at chance of exploring Punta Arenas, Chile.

Patagonia and its 2017: Jan 21 • 2018: mammals and birds.

Jan 20 Most of the tours coming to the area are focused on beautiful Code: PAT07 landscapes and on the bigger animals This programme is that are the easiest to watch; with us, operated on a fixed departure date, with a besides exploring and admiring the minimum of 4 partici- landscapes you will see a significant pants and a maximum part of the endemic mammals and group size of 8 guests. birds of the region, several of them This programme is very rare and/or difficult to observe. also operated as a Ferry crossings in Chiloe Island and the customized, private Magellan Straits are both very good for trip, with a minimum seabirds and marine mammals: Blue and of 2 participants.

Humpback whales and other cetaceans such as Chilean and Peale’s dolphins, South American Sea Lion, two species of local and highly range-restricted otters.

Magnificent seabirds including several tubenoses like Black-browed Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel, Southern Fulmar and Wilson’s Storm Petrel, and up to three penguin species including Humboldt, Magellanic and King. In land, up to three species of fox including Darwin’s, Chilla and Culpeo, Puma and

Departures

Guanaco, Huemul Deer, Hairy Armadillo, Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk, Patagonian Weasel, and other mammals of the Valdivian temperate rainforest like the tiny Pudu Deer and hopefully Kodkod, one of the world’s rarest cats.

Forest birds such as the magnificent Magellanic Woodpecker and endemic tapaculos, and rare waders including Magellanic Plover, Tawnythroated Dotterel, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Two-banded Plover and seedsnipes. As you can see, the variety of subjects on this quest for the mammals and birds of Patagonia is almost endless…like the memories you’ll keep of this memorable experience.

Day 1 • Puerto Montt – Drive to Ancud – Puñihuil Islets Day 2 • Chepu River – Tepuhueico Park Day 3 • Tepuhueico Park Day 4 • Boat trip off Quellon Day 5 • Drive to Puerto Montt – Flight to Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine National Park Days 6-8 • Torres del Paine NP Day 9 • Pali Aike road – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego Day 10 • Useless Bay – Ferry to mainland Day 11 • End of the trip

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Pumas, King Penguins & Humpback Whales

Wildlife Icons of Patagonia Departures 11-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.

2017: Jan 6, Apr 3 Trip Code: PAT10 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

Available from January until April.

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requently praised by visitors from all over the world as one of the most beautiful and majestic wild places in the planet, Torres del Paine National Park is a remote refuge of life where wildlife is normally quite tame and it’s not rare to see relaxed and inquisitive guanacos, foxes and other animals at close quarters; seeing the lone hunter that dwells in the vast and barren hills, the mighty Puma, is something else.

This first section of our three-prong quest has been geared to seek out and contemplate this big and elegant cat in one the wildest places throughout its entire range in the Continent. The King Penguin is the second largest species of penguin after the Emperor and certainly one of the most colorful and attractive members of the group.

The second part of our journey takes us to see these magnificent seabirds in their natural habitat. Few places in the world offer good access and chances to see them in the wild like Useless Bay in Tierra del Fuego, making this, the only continental American breeding colony, a very special one indeed. The third part of our trip takes us to Carlos III Island, located at the heart of the recently established Francisco Coloane Marine Park in the mythic Straits of Magellan, to find some of its most charismatic

Patagonia Explorer Exploring the Remote Regions of Chile & Argentina

and usually elusive inhabitants, Humpback Whales. We will see these imposing creatures and other marine mammals of the subAntarctic region at close quarters, as well as a good diversity of seabirds. Also, we will visit remote penguin colonies as well as other seabirds’ rookeries. We will be based one night at San Isidro Lodge, located besides the homonymous historic lighthouse, and two nights at the domes of the research facilities at Carlos III Island, the perfect location to see the Humpbacks and marvel at their social behavior and feeding techniques.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park Days 2-4 • Exploring Torres del Paine – Puma searches Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP – Transfer to Punta Arenas Day 6 • Ferry to Porvenir – Useless Bay for King penguins Day 7 • Ferry to Punta Arenas – Faro San Isidro Lodge Day 8 • Boat trip to Carlos III Island – Afternoon looking for Humpback Whale Day 9 • Carlos III Island Day 10 • Faro San Isidro Lodge – Punta Arenas Day 11 • End of the trip

Departures 9-day trip from El Calafate; ends at Punta Arenas, Chile.

2017: Jan 7, Mar 11, Nov 11, Dec 9 Trip Code: PAT02 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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iscover the Best of Patagonia on this in-depth nature tour and photo journey; great nature lodges, the best wildlife encounters and thorough nature interpretation.

Experience the comfort of travelling in a small group. This itinerary features visits to Patagonia’s premier wildlife destinations: Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks, in Chile and Argentina respectively, as well as the Straits of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego for King Penguins. Explore colossal glaciers, Perito Moreno in Argentina and Grey in Chile’s Torres del Paine; visit Otway Sound Magellanic penguin colony, and the fascinating paleontological site of Mylodon Cave. Meet the locals while enjoying a shearing show and shepherd dog demonstration at a typical Patagonian farm.

Day 1 • El Calafate, Argentina – Perito Moreno Glacier & Los Glaciares National Park Day 2 • Lago Argentino & Estancia ‘Cristina’ Day 3 • Drive to Cerro Castillo, Chile – Torres del Paine NP Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – Laguna Amarga & Laguna Azul Day 6 • Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Gaucho farm – Punta Arenas Day 7 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins Day 8 • Flight to Punta Arenas – Otway Sound for Magellanic penguins Day 9 • End of the trip

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Patagonia Wildlife Adventure

A Nature Journey to the End of the World Departures 8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.

2017: Feb 18, Apr 22, Oct 14, Dec 16 Trip Code: PAT06 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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oin the ultimate nature and photo journey to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Far South Expeditions and Hotel Remota have joined efforts in designing and operating this superb wildlife adventure to the world’s end, with the single purpose of and the only continental breeding colony of the providing our guests with an authentic stunning King Penguin. A grand finale for the and memorable journey of discovery, trip of a lifetime. and outstanding levels of service. We will spend considerable time exploring Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Magellanic the surrounding areas of Puerto Natales, penguins – Puerto Natales including boat trips to the Chilean Fjords Day 2 • Mylodon Cave Natural and their striking glaciers, plus in-depth Monument – Sierra Baguales visits to Patagonia’s premier wildlife Day 3 • Bernardo O’Higgins National destination, Torres del Paine National Park: Boat trip to Last Hope Fjord and Park. The focus of this trip is to see as Balmaceda Glacier much wildlife as possible, and travelling Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – in a small group (up to 6 participants) Laguna Amarga & Laguna Azul will also provide the photo enthusiast Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – with great chances of capturing the grandeur of these aweinspiring Boat trip to Grey Glacier landscapes. Remota Lodge will be our Day 6 • Pali Aike NP – Ferry to Tierra del comfortable base during most of this Fuego – Porvenir trip; its remarkable architecture and its Day 7 • King penguins – Ferry to Punta unique setting are worthwhile exploring Arenas and enjoying. The last portion of the trip Day 8 • End of the trip will be oriented to visit Tierra del Fuego

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Patagonia for Connoisseurs

Exploring and Cruising a Land of Legends Departures 12-day trip from El Calafate; ends at Ushuaia, Argentina.

2017 Trip Code: PAT08 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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iscover the essence of Patagonia through this in-depth nature trip and photo journey which combines the best of a land expedition and a comfortable cruise; great nature lodges, the best wildlife encounters and thorough nature interpretation. Experience the comfort of traveling in a small group.

This itinerary features Patagonia’s premier wildlife destinations: Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares national parks, in Chile and Argentina respectively, as well as the most important and highly significant geographic and historic landmarks in the southern tip of the South American continent, the Straits of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego, the Beagle Channel and Cape Horn.

In the first, terrestrial par of our trip, we’ll explore colossal glaciers, Perito Moreno in Argentina and Grey in Chile’s Torres del Paine; visit Otway Sound Magellanic Penguin colony, and the fascinating paleontological site of Mylodon Cave. Meet the locals while enjoying a shearing show and shepherd dog demonstration at a typical Patagonian farm.

During the second, ship-based part of this journey we will sail through a significant part of the Straits of Magellan, learning about the fascinating history of the indigenous people and the explorers of the Fuegian fjords and channels, and following in the footsteps of Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle.

Snow-capped mountains, huge glaciers and magnificent forests, all add to the peculiar beauty of this landscape of peaks, trees, fjords and remote islands sculpted by the strong westerly winds and the powerful waters of the Pacific Ocean. We’ll see active breeding colonies of penguins and sea lions, and enjoy the elegant flight of the majestic albatross. Finally, we shall reach the southernmost part of our journey at the mythical and feared Cape Horn.

Day 1 • El Calafate, Argentina – Perito Moreno Glacier & Los Glaciares National Park Day 2 • Lago Argentino & Estancia ‘Cristina’ Day 3 • Drive to Cerro Castillo, Chile – Torres del Paine NP Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – Laguna Amarga & Laguna Azul Day 6 • Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Gaucho farm – Punta Arenas Day 7 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins Day 8 • Flight to Punta Arenas – Otway Sound – Board M/V Stella Australis Day 9 • Tierra del Fuego: Ainsworth Bay – Tucker Islets Day 10 • Beagle Channel: Pia Glacier – ‘Avenue of Glaciers’ Day 11 • Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay Day 12 • Arrival to Ushuaia, Argentina

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Birding Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego

Discovering the Birds & Landscapes of the End of the World Departures 7-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.

2017: Jan 8, Nov 12 Trip Code: PAT03 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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oin this exclusive birding journey and discover the unique bird diversity in the remote regions and dazzling landscapes of Chilean Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego. Enjoy the pace of a small group and the expertise and skill of our well-seasoned birding guides. Seabirds like Blackbrowed Albatross, Antarctic Giant Petrel, Magellanic Diving Petrel and Chilean Skua, waterfowl like Upland, Ashy-headed and Ruddyheaded geese, stunning waders including Magellanic Plover, Twobanded Plover, Rufouschested Dotterel, Tawny-throated Dotterel and several seedsnipes, King and Magellanic penguins, remarkable forest-dwelling birds such as Magellanic Woodpecker, Austral Parakeet and Chilean Hawk, will be part of this trip, with the occasional presence of the imposing Andean Condor, largest of terrestrial flying birds, soaring above our heads. Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful national parks. A large diversity of habitats in the park includes steppes, scrub and sub-Antarctic forests, all set between mountains and glaciers in dramatic landscapes of extraordinary beauty.

Patagonia Botanical Tour

Botanizing at the End of the World Departures 8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.

2017: Jan 9, Nov 12, Dec 10 Trip Code: PAT04

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Laguna de los Cisnes Day 2 • Useless Bay for King penguins Day 3 • Ferry to mainland – Pali Aike road – Drive to Puerto Natales Day 4 • Torres del Paine National Park Day 5 • Sierra Baguales – Drive to Punta Arenas Day 6 • San Juan Bay – Otway Sound & Rio Verde Day 7 • End of the trip

This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants, from late October until early January.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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ature journey designed exclusively for botanists, plant enthusiasts and flower photographers willing to discover the surprising diversity of flora and vegetation in the southernmost regions of Patagonia. On this trip you will visit Chile’s impressive and world-famous Biosphere Reserve Torres del Paine National Park and the wind-swept steppes, sub-Antarctic forests and Andean moorlands of Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego, at the south end of South America’s mainland, looking for endemic species in the genera Adesmia, Alstroemeria, Gavilea, Nassauvia, Primula or Senecio, and others with highly restricted distributional ranges. We will explore a wide range of habitats, amidst stunning landscapes and pristine areas, and will enjoy the presence of other remarkable and unique wildlife of this part of the world.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Laguna Parrillar Nature Reserve – San Juan Bay Day 2 • Otway Sound NR – Drive to Puerto Natales Day 3 • Cerro Benitez Day 4 • Torres del Paine National Park (western sector) Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) Day 6 • Sierra Baguales Day 7 • Pali Aike road – Drive to Punta Arenas Day 8 • End of the trip

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Patagonia & the Falkland Islands

The Southern Andes & the 'Galapagos' of the South

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ombine the best nature and photo journey to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego with a visit to the Falkland 15-day trip from Punta Islands. We’ll spend the first half of Arenas, Chile. this journey exploring the surrounding 2017: Jan 29, Dec 4 areas of Puerto Natales, including boat trips to the Chilean Fjords and their Trip Code: PAT09 striking glaciers, plus in-depth visits to This programme is Patagonia’s premier wildlife destination, operated on a fixed Torres del Paine National Park. Remota departure date, Lodge will be our comfortable base with a minimum of during most of this part of the trip; its 2 participants and a remarkable architecture and its unique maximum group size setting are worthwhile exploring and of 8 guests. Check enjoying. The last portion of the trip will out our website for be oriented to visit Tierra del Fuego and updated departure the only continental-breeding colony dates. of the stunning King Penguin. We’ll then board a plane and fly east into the South Atlantic to discover the wildlife and natural history of a remarkable and remote group of islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, the Falklands.

The archipelago comprises more than 700 small islands (most of them uninhabited) and is located about 350 miles northwest of Cape Horn, east of mainland South America. The Falklands are simply the most accessible place in the world to observe breeding colonies of sub-Antarctic wildlife such as tame Black-browed Albatrosses, Rockhopper

Departures

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and King Penguins and marine mammals such as Southern Elephant Seals.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Magellanic penguins – Puerto Natales Day 2 • Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Sierra Baguales Day 3 • Bernardo O’Higgins National Park: Boat trip to Last Hope Fjord and Balmaceda Glacier Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – Laguna Amarga& Laguna Azul Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 6 • Pali Aike NP – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Porvenir Day 7 • King penguins – Ferry to Punta Arenas Day 8 • Flight to the Falklands – Drive to Port Stanley Day 9 • Volunteer Point Day 10 • Flight to Carcass Island Day 11 • Carcass Island – Optional boat trip to West Point Island Day 12 • Carcass Island – Flight to Sea Lion Island Day 13 • Sea Lion Island Day 14 • Sea Lion Island – Flight to Darwin Day 15 • Flight to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile

Los Glaciares National Park

Glaciers and Forests of Argentine Patagonia Departures 5-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina.

Trip Code: PAT05 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, Chile, are available.

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os Glaciares National Park is a world heritage site near the town of El Calafate, southern Argentina. At the southern tip of South America, the Andes are almost entirely covered by a huge ice-sheet, the Southern Patagonian Ice-Field. This vast mass of ice feeds many glaciers and massive lakes in this part of Patagonia. Into one of these lakes, Argentino, flows one of the most famous glaciers in Patagonia, the grand Perito Moreno. It is by far the most imposing glacier of the whole park, and is a feature of stunning beauty. On this photographic and natural history journey we will explore the temperate forests, wind-swept steppes, emerald-coloured lakes and the ancient glaciers of this incredible nature reserve and will discover its peculiar flora and fauna adapted to these extreme conditions.

Day 1 • El Calafate, Argentina – Laguna Nimes Day 2 • Los Glaciares National Park (south): LagoArgentino & Estancia ‘Cristina’ Day 3 • Full day at El Chaltén Day 4 • Perito Moreno Glacier Day 5 • End of the trip

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Torres del Paine Explorer Exploring Patagonia's Premier Wildlife Destination Departures

2-day option Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine National Park Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Lake Grey – Drive to Punta Arenas

2 to 5-day options from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: TDP01 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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iscover Torres del Paine, Patagonia’s premier wildlife destination, at its best. This is a completely private wildlife and photo safari, entirely led by a naturalist guide from our company. This customdesigned itinerary includes private transportation and guide services throughout the length of the trip, park entry fees, hotel-based accommodation and all meals. This package provides you with privacy and full flexibility to pursuit your particular interests; you will get in-depth nature interpretation and enjoy the best wildlife encounters with your experienced naturalist guide. If you are a nature photographer, a nature enthusiast, a birder, a botanist, a hiker with an interest in the natural world, or simply an adventurer, this journey of discovery is for you!

3-day option Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine NP Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Lake Grey –Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) – Drive to Punta Arenas 4-day option Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine NP Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Lake Grey – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP– Drive to Punta Arenas 5-day option Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine NP Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Lake Grey – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP – Drive to Punta Arenas

Torres del Paine Hiker

Trekking the W Trail Departures Trip Code: TDP02 This programme is operated as a self-guided trip, with a minimum of 1 participant. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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ltimate hiking vacation to Torres del Paine, Chile, Patagonia’s premier trekking destination. This hiking package explores the famous ‘W’ hiking circuit, a fantastic trail for both experienced and novice hikers, keen nature photographers and naturalists alike. On this unparalleled trail you will explore the remotest regions of Patagonia, enjoy spectacular views of towering granite mountains, awe-inspiring glaciers, emerald-colored lakes and breathtaking skies at sunrise and sunsets. The programme includes fullboard accommodation at up to 4 of the mountain huts (refugios) found along the trail, and related logistics including bus and boat transport arrangements. A guided option for solo travellers, couples or small private groups is also available.

6-day option Day 1 • Bus journey to Torres del Paine National Park – Transfer to Refugio Torre Central Day 2 • Full day hike to the base of Las Torres (The Towers) Day 3 • Hike to Los Cuernos (The Horns) – Lake Nordenskjöld Day 4 • Full day hike to Valle del Francés Day 5 • Hike to Grey Glacier Day 6 • Pehoe Lake – Catamaran trip to Pudeto – Bus journey to Puerto Natales – End of the trip 7-day option Day 6 • Southern Patagonian Icefield | Hike to Pehoé Lake Day 7 • Pehoe Lake | Catamaran boat trip to Pudeto | Bus journey to Puerto Natales – End of the trip

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Pumas of Torres del Paine

A Quest for the Lord of the Andes Departures 5- and 6-day options from Punta Arenas, Chile.

2017: Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 13, Apr 10, May 11, Jun 11, Jul 11, Aug 11, Sep 11, Oct 11, Nov 11 Trip Code: TDP03 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

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trip committed to watch the Puma in the remote and stunning Patagonian wilderness of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.

Frequently praised by visitors as one of the most beautiful and majestic wild places in the planet, Torres del Paine National Park is a remote refuge of life where wildlife is normally quite tame and it’s not rare to see relaxed and inquisitive guanacos, foxes and other animals at close quarters; seeing the lone hunter that dwells in the vast and barren hills, the mighty Puma, is something else. This expedition has been geared to seek out and contemplate this big and elegant cat in one the wildest places throughout its entire range in the Continent. Join us on this quest, to discover the wildlife of Torres del Paine and one of its most secretive and yet most awe-inspiring inhabitants.

King Penguins of Tierra del Fuego

Encounters with the Lord of Patagonia Departures Day trip, or 2-day trip, from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: TDF01 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Transfers from/to Ushuaia, Argentina, are available.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine National Park Days 2-4 • Exploring Torres del Paine – Puma searches Day 5 • Torres del Paine – Transfer to Punta Arenas – Optional transfer to El Calafate, Argentina Day 6 • An additional day to explore the park searching for pumas plus other interesting mammals such as the elusive Andean or Huemul Deer, Geoffroy’s Cat, Patagonian Weasel and Patagonian Hairy Armadillo.

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he King Penguin is the second largest species of penguin after the Emperor and certainly one of the most colorful and attractive members of the group. Few places in the world offer good access and chances to see them in the wild, making this, the only continental American breeding colony, a very special one indeed. By joining our penguin photo journey, you will be able to see these magnificent seabirds in their natural habitat. You can join our departures, either by plane or ferry across the Straits of Magellan, from the Chilean city of Punta Arenas. Our trips have a maximum of 6 participants, essential to keep the impact on the small colony that we visit to a minimum.

Option A: 1-day, by Plane Available any day of the week, except on Sundays. On this option, we leave Punta Arenas on the earliest flight (8.15am) and fly back to Punta Arenas on the afternoon (5.20pm). Flying time approximately 12 minutes. Availability for this option is limited, booking in advance is advised.

Option B: 2-day, by Ferry Available any day of the week, except on Sundays and Mondays. The ferry normally leaves from Punta Arenas to Porvenir at 9am and returns from Porvenir to Punta Arenas, the following day at 2pm; these timings may be changed / modified by the ferry managing company or due to weather conditions. The ferry crossing takes about 2 hours, either way.

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Cape Horn Expedition Cruise In the Wake of Explorers & Sailors Departures 3- & 4-night cruise options from Punta Arenas, Chile or Ushuaia, Argentina aboard M/V Stella Australis.

Trip Code: TDF02 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. Check out our website for updated departure dates.

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he Straits of Magellan, Beagle Channel and Cape Horn are important and highly significant geographic and historical landmarks in the southern tip of the South American continent. Snow-capped mountains, huge glaciers and magnificent forests, all add to the peculiar beauty of this landscape of peaks, trees, fjords and remote islands sculpted by the strong westerly winds and the Pacific Ocean. During this journey we will sail through a significant part of the Straits of Magellan, learning about the fascinating history of the indigenous people and the explorers of the Fuegian fjords and channels, and following in the footsteps of Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle in the 1830s. We‘ll explore the cultural remnants of the world’s southernmost people, the Yamana, and learn how they survived and adapted to this extreme geography and climate.

We’ll see active breeding colonies of penguins and sea lions, and enjoy the elegant flight of the majestic albatross.

Finally, we shall reach the southernmost part of our journey at the mythical and feared Cape Horn. Sail with us in the wake of Cook, Darwin, Fitzroy and many other explorers.

Journey to the Patagonian Fjords

Aboard M/V Skorpios III Departures 3-night small cruises from Puerto Natales, Chile. Check out the updated departure dates and rates for the 2016/2017 season

4-night cruise options: Day 1 • Departure from Punta Arenas, Chile Day 2 • Tierra del Fuego: Ainsworth Bay – Tucker Islets Day 3 • Beagle Channel: Pia Glacier – ‘Avenue of Glaciers’ Day 4 • Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay Day 5 • Arrival to Ushuaia, Argentina Day 1 • Departure from Ushuaia, Argentina Day 2 • Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay Day 3 • Beagle Channel: Pia Glacier – Garibaldi Glacier Day 4 • Tierra del Fuego: Piloto, Nena Glaciers – DeAgostini Sound, Aguila Glacier Day 5 • Magellan Straits: Magdalena Island – Arrival to Punta Arenas, Chile

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n this adventure we will explore the remote fjords and archipelagos, located in the wild and pristine western regions of Chilean Patagonia. Aboard the Skorpios III, a family-owned and specifically-built ice-class vessel, we will leave the picturesque town of Puerto Natales towards the Southern Patagonian Icefield, world’s third largest ice formation after Antarctica and Greenland.

This 3-night cruise traverse these remote regions every Tuesday and Friday to return to Puerto Natales every Monday and Thursday, between the months of October and April.

We will cover over nearly 400 nautical miles to discover the most beautiful, and least known, tide-water glaciers of the area, including Amalia, El Brujo, Bernal and Herman glaciers, and those located in the area of the impressive Calvo Sound. We will follow the footsteps of many sailors and explorers, learn about the long-gone hunter-gatherer tribes that inhabited the fjords since 6,000+

years ago and experience the rich natural history of the fjords, channels, sounds, forests and moorlands. Indeed a journey of discovery in one of the few truly pristine areas on Earth.

Day 1 • Board M/V Sorpios III – Cruising Kirke Narrows, Morla Vicuña & Sarmiento channels Day 2 • Patagonian Fjörds: Amalia & Brujo glaciers – Explore Calvo Fjörd Day 3 • Patagonian Fjörds: Cruising the ‘Canal de las Montañas’ and Alsina & Bernal glaciers Day 4 • Puerto Natales

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Humpback Whales of the Magellan Straits

Encounters with the Gentle Giants of Patagonia

of Francisco Coloane Marine Park Departures

Departures 3-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.

2-night cruise aboard M/V Forrest from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Available from December 2016 through May 2017.

Available from December 2016 through May 2017.

Trip Code: TDF03

Trip Code: PAT11 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants.

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his is a short although comprehensive expedition to explore the western branch of the Magellan Straits, right on the protected waters on the newly-established Francisco Coloane Marine Park, in Chilean Patagonia.

The aim of this 2-day excursion is to enjoy the company of the imposing Humpback Whales that occur here during the southern summer. Together these gentle giants we will discover a varied array of widlife, including Magellanic Penguins and many other seabirds. Sea lions, furs seals, dolphins and condors are usually spotted around these lush fjords. The

This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. small yet sturdily-built M/V Forrest will be the perfect base for our expedition of these famed waters, firstly explored by Ferdinand Magellan nearly 500 years ago.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas - Embark the Forrest - Sailing to Francisco Coloane Marine Park Day 2 • Straits of Magellan: Francisco Coloane Marine Park - Helado Sound & Carlos III Island Day 3 • Eary arrival to Punta Carrera Transfer to Punta Arenas

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umpback Whales of the Magellan Straits is a fascinating journey designed to discover some of the best-kept secrets of this imposing region of southern South America. This is a comprehensive natural history and nature photography journey to Carlos III Island, located at the heart of the recently established Francisco Coloane Marine Park in the mythic Straits of Magellan, to find some of its most charismatic and usually elusive inhabitants, Humpback Whales.

We will see these grand creatures and other marine mammals of the sub-Antarctic region at close quarters, as well as a good diversity of seabirds.

We will also visit remote penguin colonies as well as other seabirds’ rookeries.

We will be based one night at San Isidro Lodge, located besides the homonymous historic lighthouse, and two nights at the domes of the research facilities at Carlos III Island, the perfect location to see the Humpbacks and marvel at their social behavior and feeding techniques.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Port Famine – Board M/V Tanu – Boat ride to Carlos III Island (2 nights) Day 2 • Carlos III Island and Seno Ballena (Whale Sound) Day 3 • Boat trip to Punta Carrera – Transfer to Punta Arenas – End of the trip

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Tierra del Fuego Photo Expedition

Photo Cruise to the Land of Fire Departures 8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2016: April 16 Trip Code: TDF04 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. Check out our website for updated departure dates.

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ierra del Fuego is a huge island territory of Patagonia, encompassing the archipelagos located south of the Straits of Magellan. On this photo journey and nature cruise we will explore it aboard the comfortable 86-ft M/V ‘Forrest’. Our programme has been designed for photo and nature enthusiasts of all skill levels willing to travel in a small group (with a maximum of 10 participants) and taking advantage of the great landscape and wildlife photography opportunities.

This itinerary offers spectacular wildlife highlights including feeding pods of Humpback Whales, up to 4 dolphin species and 4 seals and sea lions. We will have the chance to visit breeding colonies of penguins, albatrosses and cormorants and during the zodiac landings we will explore the lush sub Antarctic southern beech forests. Join us on this unique journey of discovery and follow the footsteps of Magellan, Darwin and Fitz-Roy among so many explorers, here at the Ends of the Earth.

Blue Whales of Chiloe Island

A Quest for the World´s Largest Leviathan Departures 6-day trip from Puerto Aysén, Chile.

2017: Mar 1 Trip Code: CHL13

Day 1 • Reception at Punta Arenas Airport – Transfer to hotel Day 2 • Otway Sound –Riesco Island – Departure to the Magellan Straits Days 2&3 • Straits of Magellan & Francisco Coloane Marine Park (Carlos III Island - Seno Ballena - Rupert Island) Day 4 • Tierra del Fuego: Gabriel Pass – Admiralty Sound – Ainsworth Bay Day 5 • Tierra del Fuego: Admiralty Sound – Albatross Island – Parry Fjord Day 6 • Alberto De Agostini National Park: Tucker Islets – De Agostini Fjord –Aguila Glacier Day 7 • Port Famine – Punta Arenas Day 8 • End of the trip

This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 6 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

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his exclusive boatbased trip discovers one of the least explored parts of South America, the extraordinarily beautiful and pristine Chilean Fjords in the west coast of Patagonia, from Aisén into the Guaitecas Islands, north into Gulf of Corcovado and back south to Laguna San Rafael NP, Quitralco fjord and Reloncavi Sound in Lake District. On board our floating lodge you will enjoy all the comfort and great food and wines while admiring the imposing landscape unveiling before your eyes as you sail on, en route to spectacular channels, bays and inlets where you will land to be immerse in a lush forest inhabited by terrestrial birds and fauna and the rich miniature forests of fungi, lichens, mosses and a host of small amphibians and insects and other invertebrates that wait to be discovered.

Explore such spectacular places as the calving San Rafael glacier and be marvelled by the wildlife around, including seabirds and marine mammals, among them Blue Whale, the largest animal

that has ever lived on the planet.

In land, you will also enjoy repairing thermal baths and contemplate and delight in the unexpected beauty of these magical places.

Day 1 • Flight into Balmaceda airport – transfer to Puerto Aisén and boarding Noctiluca floating lodge – sailing to Gulf of Corcovado Days 2/3 • Tic Toc Bay - Gulf of Corcovado for Blue Whale, Pincoya Storm Petrel and other marine mammals and seabirds.

Day 4/5 • Melinka - Gulf of Corcovado for Blue Whale, Pincoya Storm Petrel and other marine mammals and seabirds.

Day 6 • Sailing to Puerto Aisén, transfer to Balmaceda airport.

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The Falkland Islands Encounters with Penguins in the 'Galapagos' of the South 8-day trip from Santiago or Punta Arenas, Chile.

Full day nature and photo journey to see two true wildlife icons of the Andes and Patagonia: the Andean Condor and the Magellanic Penguin.

Great opportunities to see other wildlife, including rheas, dolphins and guanacos, and to learn about the history (and pre-history) of Patagonia and see the local rural life amidst the magnificent and remote landscapes in the end of the world. Private transportation and naturalist guide services

Trip Code: ISL02

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Penguins and Condors

Wildlife & Nature Around the Magellan Straits

Trip Code PUQ01 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from October to March.

Departures

This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of 1 participant. Check out our website for updated departure dates.

Day Tours from Punta Arenas, Chile

Penguins of Magdalena Island

Trip Code PUQ02 • Half-day tour (6 hours) from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from October to March.

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n this journey we will discover the wildlife and natural history of a remarkable and remote group of islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, the Falklands. The archipelago comprises more than 700 small islands (most of them uninhabited) and is located about 350 miles northwest of Cape Horn, in mainland South America. The Falklands are simply the most accessible place in the world to observe breeding colonies of sub-Antarctic wildlife such as tame Black-browed Albatrosses, Rockhopper and King Penguins and marine mammals such as Southern Elephant Seals and Orcas.

Day 1 • Flight to the Falklands – Drive to Port Stanley Day 2 • Volunteer Point Day 3 • Flight to Carcass Island Day 4 • Carcass Island – Optional boat trip to West Point Island Day 5 • Carcass Island – Flight to Sea Lion Island Day 6 • Sea Lion Island Day 7 • Sea Lion Island – Flight to Darwin Day 8 • Flight to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile

This trip is an excellent opportunity to observe penguins in their natural habitat and learn more about their natural history and breeding strategies. We will sail the mythic waters of the Straits of Magellan, in Patagonia, towards Magdalena Island. This protected area holds a huge Magellanic Penguin colony, holding more than 120,000 individuals.

Besides the penguins, several other species of seabirds such as King Cormorant, Chilean Skua and South American Tern nest here. En route to the island, we will be escorted by magnificent Black-browed Albatross and playful pods of Peale’s Dolphin.

Birding the Straits of Magellan

Trip Code PUQ03 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from September to March.

On this full day birding journey along the mythical Straits of Magellan, we will explore a great variety of habitats, from the Patagonian coasts and wetlands, to sub-Antarctic woodlands and windswept steppes. We will discover the birdlife of Patagonia and its many endemic species, including the charismatic Magellanic Woodpecker, plus a large array of waterfowl and range-restricted passerines. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced birding guide. This tour is highly recommended for cruise passengers on a tight schedule in transit at the port of Punta Arenas.

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hile, a thin and long country that extends along the Pacific coast of South America for more than 4,000 km, is the longest country in the world on a North-South direction, but quite narrow from east to west. This geographical fact has played a major part in shaping the country’s diverse landscapes, and makes it a wonderful destination for the restless traveller who wants to experience places as contrasting as the driest desert in the world and the lush sub Antarctic temperate rainforest in a few day’s

Day Tours from Ushuaia Wildlife & Nature Around the Beagle Channel

Birding Tierra del Fuego National Park Trip Code USH02 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Ushuaia, Argentina • Available from October until March.

Beagle Channel and Estancia Harberton

Trip Code USH01 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Ushuaia, Argentina • Available from October until March Full day nature and photo journey to the famed Beagle Channel, in southern Tierra del Fuego. On this trip we will follow the wake of Charles Darwin and Captain Robert Fitz Roy’s Beagle and its survey of the area in the 1830s.

We will visit sea lion and seabird breeding colonies, including cormorants and penguins. The highlight of the trip will be Estancia Harberton, a historic location that will tell us about the origins of the illfated early inhabitants of the island and the first ‘white’ pioneers that colonized this remote part of the world.

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During this full day birding journey we will explore the sub-Antarctic forests and montane grassland ecosystems of Tierra del Fuego National Park, searching for a wealth of specialties of southern Patagonia. We will spend several hours looking for woodland birds such as Magellanic Woodpecker, Austral Pygmy Owl, Austral Parakeet, Magellanic Tapaculo, White-throated Treerunner and Fire-eyed Diucon, among several others.

The alpine moorlands above Ushuaia are the ideal habitat for range-restricted and special birds such as White-bellied Seedsnipe, Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant and Yellow-bridled Finch. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced birding guide. This tour is highly recommended for cruise passengers on a tight schedule in transit at the port of Ushuaia.

time, or being able to be in the heart of the Andes in the morning and enjoy the sunset in the seashore by evening. By taking a look at our Chile programmes below, you’ll have a better idea of what we have to offer in order for you to experience the best this pristine land has to offer, whether your interests reside in wildlife watching, geology, landscape or wildlife photography, culture or other topics, we kindly invite you to take a look at the many different programmes we have devised to let you become the explorer and discover for yourself the magic of this beautiful country. These tours have been put together with the best possible experience in mind, and depart radically from mass, general tourism programmes in that they are exclusive trips planned specifically for individuals or small groups of up to eight people with private transportation, and mostly to places out of the mainstream tour routes.

Our knowledgeable professional guides take care of every aspect of the trips in order to turn them into personalized expeditions where the routes, itineraries and pace are all geared to maximize the quality of your stay and time in Chile, this peculiar, long and thin country in the southern end of the globe. Here’s our updated offer on Chile trips, check it out and get ready for a breathtaking experience..!

Chile Tours

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Chile Wildlife Adventure

A Geographical Extravaganza

Further south, the land breaks into hundreds of islands and fjords. Finally Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, a remote land crowned with granite peaks, colossal glaciers and mythic waterways, is home to penguins, cetaceans and the impressive Puma.

Departures 14-day trip from Santiago, Chile Trip Code: CHL10 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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Chile Birding Adventure

A Quest for the Birdlife of a Land of Extremes Departures 21-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2017: Oct 28 Trip Code: CHL09

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n this trip you will discover the wildlife riches of this long and narrow country, extending along the west coast of South America. You will have the unique chance to explore the magnificent Andes and to see how these impressive mountains have molded contrasting habitats that will be evident as we move in latitude; from oasis valleys to puna bogs in the northern Andean plateau, from lakes, snow-capped volcanoes and lush rainforests to calving glaciers and wind-swept steppes in Patagonia. These varied ecosystems hold a unique set of wildlife and we will be privileged to observe an iconic array of animals; from guanacos and vicuñas to foxes and dolphins plus a great variety of birds ranging from the mighty Andean Condor to King Penguin. We will explore the world’s driest desert, the Atacama, and Lauca National Park, one of Chile’s gems. This impressive park is also a World Biosphere Reserve and teeming with wildlife in spite of the altitude.

Day 1 • Flight to Arica – Azapa Valley Day 2 • Boat trip Arica harbor – Drive to Putre Day 3 • Putre and Socoroma Day 4 • Parinacota – Lauca National Park Day 5 • Flight to Puerto Montt – Puerto Varas Day 6 • Alerce Andino National Park – Coihuin Bay Day 7 • Chiloe Island – Puñihuil islets Day 8 • Chepu river – Caulin Bay Day 9 • Flight to Punta Arenas – Otway Sound Day 10 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins Day 11 • Ferry to mainland – PaliAikeroad – Puerto Natales Day 12 • Torres del Paine – Grey Glacier Day 13 • Torres del Paine Day 14 • Drive to Punta Arenas – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests.

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oin this exciting birdwatching journey to discover the endemics and specialties of this long and narrow, 3,000-mile long biogeographical island and explore (and enjoy) its marvelous landscapes, excellent infrastructure, great cuisine and fabulous wines. Chile is a land of huge contrasts, truly a geographic extravaganza. On this birding adventure we will get intimate with tapaculos, canasteros, tinamous, sandpiper-plovers, condors, tubenoses and many interesting species, some with very restricted distributional ranges and some that are barely known outside of Chile, as we explore Chile’s incredibly diverse habitats and marvel at some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth.

From arid desert to lush rainforests, the windswept steppes of Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia to the impressive lakes and volcanoes of south-central Chile, from the heights of the Andes to the cold waters of the Humboldt Current in our search for the avian specialties of this thin strip of a country.

Day 1 • Flight to Arica – Arica coastal areas Day 2 • Boat trip off Arica – Azapa, Lluta and Chaca valleys Day 3 • Drive to Putre – Putre surroundings Day 4 • Parinacota and Lauca NP Day 5 • Flight to Santiago – Batuco – La Dormida Pass Day 6 • La Campana NP– Aconcagua estuary – Cachagua Day 7 • Pelagic trip off Valparaiso –Cajon del Maipo Day 8 • El Yeso Reservoir &Baños Morales Day 9 • El PeralNR – Maipo estuary – Drive to Vilches Day 10 • Altos del Lircay NR – Drive to Temuco Day 11 • Conguillio NP – Llaima Volcano Day 12 • Drive to Puerto Montt – Boat trip off Reloncavi Sound Day 13 • Alerce Andino NP – Coihuin Bay Day 14 • Flight to Punta Arenas – San Juan Bay Day 15 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King Penguins Day 16 • Ferry to mainland – Pali Aike road Day 17 • Torres del Paine NP Day 18 • Sierra Baguales Day 19 • Drive to Punta Arenas – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina A Unique Adventure Across the Andes Departures 13-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2017: Feb 25 Trip Code: CHL08 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests.

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n this fascinating trip we’ll discover the birdlife and the wines occurring on both slopes of the majestic Andes, by exploring the central regions of Chile and Argentina. Pelagic seabirds in Chile and terrestrial endemics in both countries are only a fraction of the birds you’ll find. We have prepared an in-depth wine tasting programme, visiting the most remarkable and traditional wineries of Maipo, Casablanca and Colchagua valleys in Chile as well as around Mendoza, in Argentina. This trip has been designed for the nature enthusiast wishing to combine some time in the field with wine tasting activities and for the birder alike. The landscapes and the culture of both countries are equally fascinating and you will have the opportunity to learn a lot about Chile and Argentina from your local leader. Salud!

Cheers!

Day 1 • Santiago – Lampa marshes – Visit to Viña Concha & Toro Day 2 • El Yeso Reservoir Day 3 • Drive to Talca – Altos de Lircay NR Day 4 • Lake Colbun – Visit to Viña Santa Cruz Day 5 • Santa Cruz Valley visiting Viñas Montes, Viu Manent & Casa Silva Day 6 • Drive to San Antonio – Maipo river mouth & Laguna El Peral NR – Visit to Viña Matetic – Viña del Mar Day 7 • Pelagic off Valparaiso – Cachagua (Humboldt penguin colony) Day 8 • La Campana NP – Visit to vineyard of Casablanca valley Day 9 • Crossing the Andes via Portillo – Uspallata and birding in the Valley Day 10 • Drive to Mendoza – Visits to Viña Cobos & Norton Day 11 • Birding lowlands towards San Luis – Afternoon visit to Viña Velasco de Baquedano Day 12 • Drive to Santiago over the Andes (Paso Libertadores) – Birding en route Day 13 • End of the trip

Birding Chile An Easy Tour

Bird Chile at a Relaxed Pace Departures 14-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2017: Jan 7 Trip Code: CHL01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests.

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irding Chile is an exciting birdwatching journey aimed to discover the endemics and specialties of this 3,000-mile long and narrow biogeographical island and explore and enjoy its marvelous landscapes, excellent infrastructure, great cuisine and fabulous wines at a relaxed, laid-back pace. Chile is a land of huge contrasts, truly a ‘geographic extravaganza’. On this birding adventure we will explore Chile’s incredibly diverse habitats and marvel at some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth, while enjoying top-class hotels, cuisine and wines. From arid deserts and salt lakes in the high Andean plateau to lush rainforests and coastal marshes, from the windswept steppes of Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia, to the impressive lakes and volcanoes of south-central Chile, our search for the avian specialties of this long and narrow country will take us from the high Andes to the cold and productive waters of the Humboldt Current in the Pacific.

We will find many interesting species, some of them with very restricted distributional ranges and some endemic to the country.

Day 1 • Santiago – Farellones Day 2 • Lampa & Batuco – Aconcagua river mouth Day 3 • La Campana National Park – Central coast Day 4 • Pelagic trip from Valparaíso – Laguna El Peral NR Day 5 • El Yeso Valley Day 6 • Drive to Talca & Vilches– Altos de Lircay NR Day 7 • Altos de Lircay NR –Colbun Lake – Drive to Santiago Day 8 • Flight to Puerto Montt– Llanquihue Lake – Drive to Puyehue NP Day 9 • Puyehue NP Day 10 • Drive to Puerto Montt– Coastal mudflats Day 11• Flight to Punta Arenas – San Juan Bay Day 12 • Ferry crossing to Tierra del Fuego – Laguna Verde and Useless Bay Day 13 • Ferry crossing to mainland –Pali Aike road Day 14• Otway Sound –Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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Atacama Desert Explorer The Wildlife & Scenery of the World's Driest Desert Departures 6-day trip from Santiago, Chile Trip Code: CHL03 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants

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his private nature and photo itinerary reveals the scenery, wildlife and cultural riches of the world’s most arid desert, the mythic Atacama, a mosaic of habitats and an open book of rewarding explorations. This nature and photo safari will deliver very different and exciting highlights every day of your journey, from geyser fields to lifeless sand dunes, from flamingo-filled saltpans to an amphitheatre of volcanoes, from highland lakes teeming with wildlife to seldom-visited canyons and ridges. Join us on this trip to northern Chile, with countless highlights for the nature enthusiast and the keen photographer alike.

Birding Northern Chile

Birding the Atacama Desert & Altiplano Departures 5- and 6-day trip from Santiago, Chile Trip Code: CHL02 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Day 1 • Flight to Calama – Drive to San Pedro de Atacama – Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) Day 2 • Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley) – Chaxa and Tebiquinche Salt Lakes Day 3 • Miscanti and Miñiques Lakes – Salar de Talar Day 4 • Pacana Monks – Salar de Tara – Salar de Pujsa Day 5 • El Tatio Geyser Fields – Vado de Putana – Puritama River Day 6 • Pucara de Quitor – Catarpe – Drive to Calama – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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ur journey to the north of Chile will take us to the fringes of the driest desert in the world, the inhospitable Atacama, on the border with southern Peru. Our base locations will be Arica and Putre, Chile’s northernmost cities. This unique area is home to highly diverse species such as the flightless Giant Coot and tiny and threatened Chilean Woodstar.

We will explore the Azapa, Lluta and Chaca valleys and then drive to Putre, situated in the Altiplano at more than 10,500 feet (3,500 m) above sea level.

The altiplano grasslands of Lauca National Park support wild Vicuña and Northern Huemul grazing in small herds, PunaTinamou and Lesser Rhea.

Specialties such as all three Chilean species of flamingoes (Chilean, Andean and James’s), Andean Avocet, Giant and Andean coots, Chilean Woodstar, White-throated Earthcreeper, Black

throated Flowerpiercer and Tamarugo Conebill will be our main targets. There is an optional trip to Surire, one of the most impressive saltpans of the whole Chilean altiplano (highly recommended).

Day 1 • Flight to Arica– Drive to Putre Day 2 • Putre & Socoroma Day 3 • Parinacota & Lauca NP Day 4 • Azapa, Lluta and Chaca oasis valleys Day 5 • Arica – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip Additional day at Salar de Surire (highly recommended)

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Northern Chile Photography Adventure

Photo Safari to the Atacama Desert & the Altiplano Departures Trip Code: CHL12 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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et a unique glimpse into the land, wildlife and people of northern Chile, the Atacama Desert and the Altiplano.

Vast landscapes of strange and imposing beauty, unique birds, mammals and plants, and a cultural heritage that goes back thousands of years beyond the Inca empire, reflected in archaeological treasures like giant geogliphs that were left by the ancient natives in the slopes of hills dominating the valley, mostly depicting scenes reflecting the semi-nomadic life of these ancient herders, like llama caravans, shepherds, birds and other wildlife and hunting scenes. Ethnic and cultural aspects of everyday life like agricultural methods, house building and food, all more than make for superb photography and a travelling experience that will treat your senses.

But it´s not only wildlife photographers that will be delighted, for this site offers superb landscape photography

Coastal Atacama Desert

Rich Seas, Mist and Cacti Departures Trip Code: CHL12 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

as well, with its salt flat, mountains and rock formations, some of the gems of the high Andes that will probably be one of the most enduring memories from your trip to Northern Chile.

Day 1 • Flight to Arica– Drive to Putre Day 2 • Putre & Socoroma Day 3 • Parinacota & Lauca NP Day 4 • Azapa, Lluta and Chaca oasis valleys Day 5 • Arica – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip Additional day at Salar de Surire (highly recommended)

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he Atacama Desert is the driest desert on Earth, and in some inland places there is no record of rain or precipitation of any kind in historical times. There is a strip of desert between the Coastal range and the Andean plateau where there is barely, if any life at all. However, everything changes in the narrow band where the desert meets the Pacific. There is a combination of two main factors that make this a very special habitat; on one hand there is the influence of the cold Humboldt Current that condenses the moisture from the ocean and on the other the topography of the coast, steep cliffs that retain this moisture in the form of a dense mist which crawls inland and makes it possible for the growth of abundant vegetation in the form of many endemic species of cacti and flowering plants. This in turn allows for the presence of insects and other life and of course, birds such as endemic and range-restricted forms of White-throated Tapaculo and Common Diuca Finch, and many other Passerines,

raptors and coastal seabirds associated with the Humboldt cold stream like Inca Tern and Humboldt Penguin. Other fauna here includes foxes, Guanaco and Marine Otter. The weather here is warm and nice, the light is superb for photography and the landscape is of an austere beauty, the perfect framing for your nature trip.

Day 1 • Flight to Antofagasta – Drive to Taltal Day 2 • Paposo Day 3 • Pan de Azucar National Park – Bahia Inglesa Day 4 • Llanos de Challe National Park Day 5 • Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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Birding Central Chile

From the Heights of the Andes to the Pacific Coast

Mediterranean Chile Botanical Tour

Botanizing Endemics from the Andes to the Pacific Departures

Departures 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile

5-day trip from Santiago, Chile.

Trip Code: CHL04

Trip Code: CHL11

This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Available from September until December.

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e will explore a fascinating and contrasting region of Chile holding most of the endemic bird species of the country. In the Andes we’ll look for Diademed SandpiperPlover and Andean Condor while in the coast we will concentrate in the many specialties of the Humboldt Current such as Inca Tern and Humboldt Penguin. In the scrub gullies covered by cacti, Puya bromeliads plus other xeric vegetation, we will look for Chilean Tinamou, Chilean

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Mockingbird and the skulking White-throated and Dusky tapaculos, Moustached Turca, Crag Chilia and Dusky-tailed Canastero.

Day 1 • Santiago – El Yeso Valley & Baños Morales Day 2 • Drive to the Pacific coast: Maipo Estuary – Laguna El Peral NR – Quintero Day 3 • La Campana NP – Cachagua (Humboldt penguin colony) Day 4 •Lampa & Batuco – Farellones Day 5 • End of the trip

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n this journey we will enjoy botanizing one of the areas with the highest degree of plant endemism of the world: Mediterranean Central Chile. This area holds a wealth of species that are not only unique to the country, but are in many cases very restricted in range and threatened due to loss of habitat, as this part of Chile is the most densely populated. Part of the plant rich diversity of this region is due to the different microclimates found across the country as one moves from the coastal plain to the Coastal Range to the central valley up to the Andes, with contrasting conditions and landscapes that rival in beauty with each other.

Coastal communities, mountains with a strong maritime influence, plains and high Andean bogs all harbour unique vegetation formations. A great array of endemic plant genera such as Beilschmiedia, Jubaea, Echinopsis, Mutisia, Rhodophiala or Schizanthus, makes of a botanical tour in Central Chile a great choice if you have an interest in plants.

Day 1 • Santiago – Farellones and Yerba Loca Nature Reserve Day 2 • El Yeso Reservoir & Baños Morales Day 3 • La Campana National Park Day 4 • Los Molles Day 5 • End of the trip

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Araucaria Forests The Magical Forests of the Southern Andes Departures

Lake District Lakes, Volcanoes & Island Traditions Departures

5-day trip from Santiago, Chile

3-day trip from Santiago, Chile

Trip Code: CHL05

Trip Code: CHL06

This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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n this private nature and photography journey we will visit Chile’s Lake District. Magnificent temperate woodlands, reminiscent of the distant forests of New Zealand and Tasmania, grow here covering extensive regions of the southern Andes foothills; these forests are very unique due to their ancient geographical isolation. Between the woody elements we will see species of the genera Araucaria, Fitzroya, Nothofagus or Drimys, as well as a high diversity of members of the Mirtaceae family. The undergrowth is very dense and is also dominated by woody species and several herbs and is the realm for ground-dwelling tapaculos and very rare

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endemic mammals. Keen birders and botanists as well as nature photographers will have delightful subjects to observe and study during this comprehensive wildlife tour. The areas to be visited are surrounded by magnificent scenery dominated by spectacular volcanoes and lakes.

Day 1 • Flight to Temuco – Drive to Conguillio National Park Day 2 • ConguillioNP Day 3 • Drive to Puyehue NP Day 4 • Puyehue NP – Drive to Puerto Varas Day 5 • Lahuen Ñadi Nature Reserve – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

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hile’s Lake District is well known for its incredible mountain landscapes, impressive and ancient rainforests and by being the starting point of a huge archipelagic labyrinth extending southwards to the wild regions of western Patagonia. This is a land connecting two worlds, the mountains and the sea. This is a comprehensive nature journey to magnificent volcanoes, forests and lakes interspersed along the Andean foothills; here we will have splendid opportunities for landscape photography and to discover the flora and fauna of the lush Valdivian Temperate Forest, a unique ecosystem and a world’s biodiversity hotspot. We will dedicate two full days to explore the fascinating and enigmatic Chiloé Island.

This island and associated archipelagoes will reveal their unique natural and cultural riches, from penguins to otters, from elusive tapaculos to raucous

parakeets, from dolphins to sea lions. We’ll also have the chance to appreciate the lifestyle and customs of the islanders - the Chilotes, by visiting their towns, wooden churches, fishing boats and stilt houses.

Day 1 • Flight to Puerto Montt – Alerce Andino National Park – Puerto Varas (2 nights) Day 2 • Vicente Perez Rosales NP Day 3 • Drive to Puerto Montt – Flight to Santiago or Punta Arenas – End of the trip

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Chiloe Island The Magical Green Island Departures 5-day trip from Puerto Montt or Castro, Chile.

Trip Code: CHL14 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. Check out our website for updated departure dates.

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Exploring Patagonia’s Northern Archipelago

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hiloé Island is a land of myths, legends and history, with countless and outstanding natural and cultural riches.

It’s still a well-kept secret located across a channel south of Puerto Montt, in Chile’s Lake District, in the north-western corner of Chilean Patagonia, a magical realm with its own traditions, customs, legends, food and music where time has stood still since the first Spaniard settlers arrived and mixed with the native people back in the XVI (16th) century.

This green island is filled with picturesque countryside and maritime landscapes, colourful stilt houses, fishermen’s boats and wooden churches in scattered villages and small towns nestled among the fields and rolling hills, everything framed in beautiful and dramatic natural settings, a place where people still build houses, churches and boats using the materials and ancient techniques passed from one generation to the next, and live off fishing, collecting seafood and

Laguna San Rafael National Park

Departures 5-night cruise from Puerto Montt, Chile.

Trip Code: CHL17

farming cattle and sheep and growing crops like potatoes, of which this island is one of the main centers of origin and dispersion in the world, with dozens of varieties grown here.

Day 1 • Flight to Puerto Montt – Ferry to Chiloe Island – Puñihuil Isles – Castro (2 nights) Day 2 • Chepu river trip – Churches of Chiloe Island Day 3 • Quinchao Island – Drive to Tepuhueico (2 nights) Day 4 • Tepuhueico Park Day 5 • Drive to Castros – Flight to Santiago or Punta Arenas

This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. Check out our website for updated departure dates.

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et on board the comfortable M/V Skorpios II and enjoy a spectacular, scenic and comfortable cruise to the gorgeous Laguna San Rafael National Park, in the heart of the Chilean Fjords.

Departing from Puerto Montt, capital of Chile`s Lake District, we sail through Llanquihue Archipelago and abeam Chiloé Island, to land at Puerto Aguirre and continue navigating the maze of channels and fjords to enter the glacial lake which is the gateway into Laguna San Rafael National Park, where we can contemplate the huge glacier front and witness the active calving of huge icebergs. After this we’ll visit some natural hot springs at Quitralco Fjord, to later depart for Chiloé Island and navigate upstream to the picturesque town of Castro, where you´ll land and visit its most typical corners to get an impression of the island´s culture, peculiar architecture and tradition. Back on board we´ll navigate through the channels back to Puerto Montt, where the trip ends after our arrival at the port.

Day 1 • Puerto Montt – Chiloe Island Day 2 • Moraleda Channel – Puerto Aguirre – Pilcomayo Channel Day 3 • Tempanos Channel – Laguna San Rafael – Fiordo Quitralco Day 4 • Uitralco hotspings – Moraleda Channel Day 5 • Corcovado Gulf – Chiloe Island – Castro Day 6 • Puerto Montt – End of the trip

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Robinson Crusoe Island An Island of Castaway Natural Treasures Departures 3 and 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile.

Trip Code: ISL03 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with no minimum of participants. Check out our website for updated departure dates.

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uan Fernandez is a fascinating archipelago of volcanic origin, situated about 400 miles off Valparaiso, central Chile. Robinson Crusoe, the main island of the group, is a 2-hour flight journey from Santiago, Chile. Its rich history dates back to its discovery by Portuguese explorer Juan Fernandez in 1574, but its fame relates to the prolonged residence of the Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk who was marooned there between 1704 and 1709. His epic survival story served as an inspiration source for Daniel Defoe’s famous novel. The critically endangered temperate sub-tropical woodlands of the island, the Fernandezian forests, holds a large, diverse and rich array of flora represented by more than 130 endemic species, most of them regarded as Critically Endangered. During this trip, we shall explore these forests searching for its endemic landbirds: the remarkable Juan Fernandez Firecrown and the Juan Fernandez Tit-tyrant. We will also have the opportunity to explore the rugged coastline by boat, where we will look for its rare seabirds, including the petrels and shearwaters that nest in burrows in the secluded forests. The

sub-tropical waters are very productive and we hope to find Defillipi’s, Stejneger’s, Kermadec and Juan Fernandez petrels as well as Pinkfooted Shearwater. Join us on this birding and natural history journey to this unique and special destination, to seek the natural treasures of the island of Robinson Crusoe!

3-nights programme (leaving every Tuesday) Day 1 • Santiago – Flight to Robinson Crusoe Island – Boat trip to San Juan Bautista Day 2 • Forests of Robinson Crusoe I. – Walk to Alexander Selkirk viewpoint Day 3 • Pelagic trip off Cumberland Bay Day 4 • Boat trip to El Padre Bay – Flight back to Santiago 4-night programme (leaving every Friday) Day 1 • Santiago – Flight to Robinson Crusoe Island – Boat trip to San Juan Bautista Day 2 • Forests of Robinson Crusoe I. – Walk to Alexander Selkirk viewpoint Day 3 • Pelagic trip off Cumberland Bay Day 4 • Walk to Plazoleta El Yunque Day 5 • Boat trip to El Padre Bay – Flight back to Santiago

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Unveiling the Mysteries and Heritage of the 'Navel of the World' Departures 3- to 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile or Lima, Peru.

Trip Code: ISL01 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with no minimum of participants.

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his is our comprehensive cultural, archaeological and photography journey to Earth’s most remote inhabited location, Rapa Nui. During this trip you will study and experience the unique archaeological heritage of this island. This small triangle of volcanic rock, located in Polynesia, right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, has always been subject of curiosity, study and speculation. Many explorers, researchers and travellers have attempted to unveil its secrets, but still important missing pieces remain to be discovered.

What are the origins of the islanders?

How did they transport their massive moai stone heads from the quarry locations to the their platforms? Why is Rongo Rongo the only written language in Oceania? You will have extraordinary local guides, who will show you the best locations and provide all the known scientific background and interpretation.

You will also have the rare chance of sharing their points of view and expectations about the future of the island and its people. Rapa Nui - past, present and future ... join us on this journey of discovery into an island of mysteries!

3-day option Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Half day tour to Ahu Tahai and Akivi Day 2 • Full day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki and Anakena beach – Optional afternoon trip to the ‘motus’ Day 3 • Morning tour to Orongo village and Vinapu – Fly to Santiago or Lima 4-day option Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Half day tour to Ahu Tahai and Akivi Day 2 • Full day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki and Anakena beach – Optional afternoon boat trip to the ‘motus’ Day 3 • Full day tour to Orongo village, Vinapu and Puna Pau Day 4 • Free morning – Fly to Santiago or Lima 5-day option Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Half day tour to Ahu Tahai and Akivi Day 2 • Full day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki Day 3 • Full day tour to Orongo village and Vinapu – Optional boat trip to the ‘motus’ Day 4 • Half day tour Anakena and Puna Pau – Optional boat trip to the ‘motus’ Day 5 • Free morning – Fly to Santiago or Lima

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Day Tours from Santiago, Chile

Wildlife & Nature Around the Heart of Chile

Birding Chile’s Central Andes

Trip Code SCL01 • Full day tour (10-12 hours) from Santiago de Chile • Daily departures from October to March.

Albatrosses & Petrels in the Humboldt Current

Pelagic Trips off Valparaiso Departures

Birding and nature photography trip, exploring the imposing and scenic Andes dominating Santiago de Chile to discover their wealth of avian specialties.

Covering most of the bird families originated around the Andes - from miners and canasteros to ground tyrants, from seedsnipes to hillstars - this comprehensive birding trip will surely be a rewarding experience for both the seasoned and novice birder alike.

Day trip (c. 8 hours) from Valparaiso or Quintero, Chile

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Trip Code SCL03 • Full day tour (8-12 hours) from Santiago de Chile or Valparaiso • Daily departures from September to April.

Birding and nature photography tour, visiting the lowland marshes and the Pacific coast south of Valparaiso. On this tour you will discover the wealth of waterfowl and aquatic birds of Chile plus a good sample of the specialties and endemics of the coastal region of Mediterranean Chile. This easy to moderate tour is suitable for cruise passengers on a tight schedule at the ports of call.

Condors in the Andes above Santiago

Trip Code: CHL07 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 20 guests.

Check out our website for updated departure dates.

Coastal Marshes & the Pacific

Trip Code SCL03 • Full day tour (8-12 hours) from Santiago de Chile or Valparaiso • Daily departures from September to April.

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he Humboldt Current draws cold water from the Antarctic and pumps it north along the west coast of South America, lifting nutrients from the deep sea bottom in the form of upwelling and making these waters not only the richest, most productive marine ecosystem in the Planet, but also one of the top destinations for Pelagic Birding in the world, too. On this pelagic trip, we expect to see a great variety of tubenoses such as Northern Royal, Antipodean, Salvin’s, Buller’s and Black-browed albatrosses. Chatham Is-

Birding and nature photography tour, visiting the lowland marshes and the Pacific coast south of Valparaiso. On this tour you will discover the wealth of waterfowl and aquatic birds of Chile plus a Trip Code SCL02 • Full day tour (10-12 hours) from Santiago de good sample of the specialties and endemics of the coastal Chile or Valparaiso • Daily departures throughout the year. region of Mediterranean Chile.

Birding and nature photography trip to the Coastal Range and This easy to moderate tour is the Pacific Coast, in search of the endemics and specialties suitable for cruise passengers of Mediterranean Chile. We will explore the broad-leaf on a tight schedule at the ports woods, scrubland and cacti-covered slopes, looking for of call. skulking tapaculos, tinamous and canasteros. Along the shore we will concentrate in finding the endemic Seaside Cinclodes and coastal seabirds of the Humboldt Current, including Guanay Cormorant, Inca Tern and Humboldt Penguin. This moderate tour is suitable for cruise passengers on a tight schedule at the ports of call.

Penguins and Chile Endemics

land and Antipodean albatrosses are regularly recorded as well as Southern Royal Albatross.

We should also find Southern and Northern Giant Petrels, Southern Fulmar, White-chinned, Westland and Pintado petrels, Pink-footed, Sooty and Buller’s shearwaters, and Pterodroma or gadfly petrels, including Juan Fernandez and Masatierra petrels. Small tubenoses of other families include Wilson’s Storm Petrel and Peruvian Diving Petrel. Other seabirds we may encounter are Guanay Cormorant, Red-legged Cormorant, Humboldt Penguin, Inca Tern, Chilean Skua and Grey (Red) Phalarope.

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South America Tours Day Tours from Puerto Montt, Chile Wildlife & Nature Around Chile's Lake District

Lake District – Birding & Photo Tour Trip Code PMC01 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Puerto Montt, Chile • Available from September to March.

On this full day birding journey to AlerceAndino National Park and the Temperate Rainforest, we will discover the birdlife of Chile’s Lake District and its avian specialties, like Chucao and Ochre-flanked tapaculos and Black-throated Huet-huet, all framed in snow-capped volcanoes and serene, blue lakes. Stopping on our way back at the exposed sandy beach of Coihuin Bay we’ll look for flocks of migrating shorebirds. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced guide. This tour is highly recommended for cruise passengers on a tight schedule at the port of Puerto Montt.

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Chiloé Island – Birding & Photo Tour

Trip Code PMC02 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Puerto Montt, Chile • Available from September until March.

On this full day photography and wildlife excursion to the picturesque Chiloé Island, with its old customs and peculiar villages, boats and churches, we’ll take a boat trip to have close views of a mixed colony of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins, plus some marine waterfowl like Flightless Steamer Duck and Kelp Goose and some marine mammals and other wildlife. Later we’ll visit a bay, which is an important stop for migrating shorebirds. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced guide. This tour is highly recommended for cruise passengers on a tight schedule at the port of Puerto Montt.

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Peru: Highlights of Peru

The Heart of Peru & the Ancient Inca Empire Departures 8-day trip from Lima, Peru Trip Code: PER01 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

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ar South Expeditions has joined forces with Inkaterra, owner of some of the best nature lodges in South America, to develop an all-new programme aimed to offer an unforgettable journey to the heart of one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity and richest bird life in the world: Peru, cradle of the ancient Inca Empire and the perfect mixture of lush wildlife and cultural heritage. This trip will take you from the Pacific coastal marshes to the gateway of Amazonia and the heights of the Andes to witness and enjoy both nature and history at their best, while indulging yourself in the comfort of world-class nature lodging. Lima, Pantanos de Villa, Puerto Maldonado, Reserva Amazónica, Cusco and Macchu Picchu are the main attractions of this exciting tour to the heart of Peru and the ancient Inca Empire.

Peru: Amazon River Cruise

A Pristine Rainforest Frozen in Time Departures 9-day trip from Lima, Peru 2017: May 13, Jun 3 Trip Code: PER02 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants.

Day 1 • Lima - Pantanos de Villa - Lima (1 night) Day 2 • Lima - Flight to Puerto Maldonado - Reserva Amazonica (3 nights) Day 3 • Reserva Amazonica Day 4 • Lake Sandoval - Reserva Amazonica Day 5 • Puerto Maldonado - Flight to Cusco - Machu Picchu (3 nights) Day 6 • Machu Picchu Day 7 • Machu Picchu Day 8 • Train to Cusco - Flight to Lima End of the tour

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oin us on a fantastic journey experiencing the natural history and cultural highlights of the largest wilderness in Earth, the Amazon. Traverse the Peruvian Amazon on board the fine Estrella Amazonica, with naturalist and photographer Claudio F. Vidal in this epic nature journey offered jointly with International Expeditions, world leader in nature travel. The Amazon Basin ignites the imagination of explorers, hinting at an adventure like no other. After originating as a trickle high in the Andes Mountains, the Amazon River winds more than 4,200 miles through South America, playing host to 3,000 fish species — more than described for the entire Atlantic Ocean.

Be amazed in this wilderness beyond the untamed frontier along the river’s edge, walk jungle paths and discover the se-

crets hidden along narrow tributaries as you cruise the calm waters of Earth’s most legendary river.

Day 1 • Flight to Lima, Peru – Lima Day 2 • Flight to Iquitos – Embark M/V “La Estrella Amazonica” (7 nights) Days 3-8 • Exploring the Amazon river and tributaries Day 9 • Iquitos – Flight to Lima – End of the trip

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Argentina: Valdés Peninsula

Whales & Penguins in the Atlantic Coast

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eninsula Valdes Located in the Atlantic coast of Argentina south of Buenos Aires, this location is a 5-day trip from Trelew, magnificent place to watch impressive Argentina geology and diverse wildlife such as Trip Code: ARG02 Southern Right and Killer whales, Southern Elephant Seal, South American This programme Sea Lion, Patagonian Hare, Patagonian is operated as a Hairy Armadillo, Magellanic Penguin customized, private trip, with a minimum and many others. Enjoy our programme to this unique place with the expert of 2 participants. guidance of our tour leaders, and let them unveil all these natural wonders for you.

Punta Tombo is located in the Atlantic coast of Argentina south of Peninsula Valdes, this location is great for watching wildlife such as Southern Right and Killer whales, Dusky Dolphin, Southern Elephant Seal, South American Sea Lion, Patagonian Hare, Patagonian Hairy Armadillo, Magellanic Penguin and many others. Take advantage of the relative isolation of this spot, which is seldom visited, meaning that with our programme you can practically have the place for yourself and enjoy at your own pace.

Departures

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Brazil: Jaguars of the Pantanal

The Spirit of the South American Jungle Departures Departures 6-day trip from Sao Paulo, Brazil 2017: Sep 3 Trip Code: BRA01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

Day 1 • Buenos Aires – Trelew Days 2-3 • Valdés Peninsula Days 4 • Punta Tombo Days 5 • Buenos Aires or El Calafate

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he Northern Pantanal is the location for the first half of this amazing trip, more specifically at the very end of the famous Transpantaneira road, where the Cuiabá River meets the Piquiri, TrêsIrmãos and some other smaller rivers. This meeting of waters coming from varied areas create a mix of different ecosystems and an incredibly rich food chain. As a result you will see wildlife everywhere: hawks and ospreys, king vulture, toucans, macaws, kingfishers, colourful birds, herons, egrets and other waders, the gigantic jabiru stork, families of giant otters, peccaries, tapirs, capybaras, caimans and, of course, the enigmatic Jaguar, the third largest cat in the world, our main target species. But before heading deep into jaguar territory we will spend a couple days at a comfortable lodge at the Transpantaneira, where we will have the opportunity to photograph numerous birds, monkeys and other mammals. All of the real action, however, happens at the river, shooting from our spacious and very stable boats. Once a cat is found you can start shooting right away while the driver positions and anchors

the boat, finely adjusting position for the best angle. On some occasions you will find a jaguar resting at the riverbank, especially on hot days when the riverbank is cooler, and you will be able to photograph that cat for several hours!

On other occasions you will find what we call a “roaming cat”, one that is just walking along the shoreline, appearing here and there once in a while and providing different photo opportunities. With a bit of luck you may also find a pair of mating jaguars, or a female jaguar with cubs. But the Northern Pantanal has many things to offer besides jaguars, and the hours spent looking for one are not empty for there are numerous other photo opportunities just waiting at the next river bend.

Day 1 • Sao Paulo – Flight to Cuiabá– Drive to the Pantanal Days 2/5 • In the Pantanal photographing birds and animals - Boat trips and Jaguar searches Day 6 • Drive back to Cuiabá – Flight to Sao Paulo – End of the trip

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Antarctica Tours

Grand Antarctica Unique Air - Cruise to the White Continent

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he Antarctic Peninsula is a promontory of land and ice that 7-day trip from Punta breaks the apparent radial Arenas, Chile. symmetrical shape of the Trip Code: ISL04 White Continent. It begins This programme is approximately at 75°S, operated on a fixed extending northwards to departure date, 62°S, almost reaching the with no minimum of southern tip of South Amerparticipants. ica. Therefore, the PeninCheck out our website sula is the most accessible for updated departure region of the Antarctic and dates. until recently one needed Available from Dec to navigate for two whole 2016 until Feb 2017 days and nights through the & Dec 2017 until Feb rough seas of the infamous 2018. and feared Drake Passage.

This was before this programme was designed! We now offer you the chance of visiting the most pristine corner on Earth via this unique itinerary, which combines a short and comfortable 2-hour flight from Punta Arenas (southern Chile) to the South Shetland Islands, and the comfort of a small 68-passenger expedition cruise across the calm waters of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Join us on the most innovative circuit to discover the landscapes and wildlife of the White Continent.

Departures

Day 1 • Arrival to Punta Arenas, Chile – Introductory briefing – Overnight at Punta Arenas Day 2 • Flight over the Drake Passage to King George Island, South Shetlands – Board M/V Ocean Nova Days 3-6 • Exploring along the western Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands aboard M/V Ocean Nova Day 7 • Flight back to Punta Arenas – End of the trip

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Far South Expeditions P.O. Box 920, Punta Arenas, CP 6202473, CHILE Phone: +56 61 261 5793 tours@farsouthexpeditions.com www.farsouthexpeditions.com Cover photograph © J.P. Rider All texts and photographs © Far South Expeditions, unless otherwise indicated. No photographs may be reproduced in any form without permission.