Photo & Nature Journeys | Birding and Wildlife Trips | Adventure Cruises
Expeditions
Inspiring Wildlife Adventures Since 1997
2019/2020
Tour Catalogue
Wildlife Journeys in Patagonia, Chile, Argentina, Antarctica and Beyond!
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Introduction
his year marks our twentieth year of uninterruptedly attending the Bird Fair, twenty years that have not only seen us grow as a company while still remaining true to our origins as enthusiast birdwatchers and nature lovers, but have also witnessed the exponential growth and dramatic rise in popularity of the birdwatching and natureoriented travel market across the world, with an ever increasing flow of customers from every corner of the globe. This growth 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. How do you survive in a growing and increasingly competitive market that constantly demands new and exclusive products, while at the same time keeping the original spirit of the whole enterprise? At Far South Expeditions we have tried to address this vital question in a number of different ways, but it is mostly answered by the way we conceive our programmes as interesting and capturing trips and experiences we enjoy doing ourselves, and by the spirit and love for wildlife that drives our guides and company as a whole.
That´s why, as usual, we have added a number of new tours and opened new destinations that appeal to the wildlife traveller of today, a mixture of wilderness, landscape and cultural aspects that will fulfil the highest of expectations. This year we open Guatemala, with its wonderful wildlife and stunning archaeological treasures as a new destination, and open new tours to South Georgia, Argentina and Brazil, new additions joining our traditional programmes in Chile and southern South America like the Atacama Desert, the Chilean Fjords, Peruvian Amazon, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica. So, as always, we kindly invite you to browse through this our new catalogue and come with us along the journey to be marvelled by the Far South‌ The Far South Expeditions Team Punta Arenas, Chile, August 2018.
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Contents 2 Introduction 3 Trip Index 4 2019/2020 Calendar
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México
Sao Paulo Guatemala
Honduras Patagonia Tours 5 Pumas, Penguins & Whales 6 Birding Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego 7 Quest for the Fuegian Snipe NEW! 8 Patagonia Photo Expedition 9 Mammals and Birds of Patagonia 10 Patagonia Explorer 11 Patagonia Wildlife Adventure 12 Patagonia Botanical Tour 13 Torres del Paine Explorer 14 Pumas of Torres del Paine 15 King Penguins of Tierra del Fuego 16 Humpbacks of the Magellan Straits 17 Whale-watching at Coloane Marine Park 18 The Right Whales of Valdes Peninsula 36 Northern Chile 19 Perito Moreno Glacier & Los Wildlife Adventure Glaciares NP 37 Atacama Desert 20 Mt Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre Explorer 21 Cape Horn Expedition Cruise 38 Coastal Atacama Desert 22 Journey to the Patagonian Fjords 39 Mediterranean Chile 23 Navarino Island & Cape Horn! Botanical Tour 24 Day Tours: Birding the Magellan 40 Araucaria Forests Straits 41 Chiloé Wildlife Adventure Birding the Patagonian Steppes 42 The Tepuhueico Woodlands Mt Tarn Birding and Nature Walk NEW! 25 Day Tours: Penguins of 43 Laguna San Rafael & the Magdalena Island Chilean Fjords Condors of Patagonia 44 Robinson Crusoe Island Punta Arenas Nature & History Explorer Tour 45 Easter Island Explorer 26 Day Tours: Birding Tierra del 46 Day Tours: Birding Chile’s Fuego National Park Central Andes Beagle Channel & Estancia Penguins & Chile Endemics Harberton 47 Day Tours: Coastal Marshes and the Pacific Coast Chile Tours Condors of Farellones 27 Chile’s Best Wildlife 48 Day Tours: Lake District 28 Birding Chile (14 Days) Nature Adventure 29 Chile Birding Adventure (21 Days) Chiloé Island Nature 30 Birds & Wines of Chile & Adventure Argentina 49 Day Tours: Humboldt 31 Birding Northern Chile Current Pelagics 32 Birding Central Chile Pelagic birding off Puerto 33 Birding Chile’s Lake District Montt 34 Seabirds & Whales of Chiloé Pelagic birding off Arica Island 35 Rapa Nui Seabird Expedition w/ Argentina Tours 50 Birding Mendoza NEW! Hadoram Shirihai NEW!
51 Salta Photography Adventure NEW! Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas 52 Falkland Islands Photo Tour 53 Falklands Wildlife Cruise NEW! Antarctica & South Georgia 54 Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica NEW! 55 Atlantic Odyssey NEW! 56 Antarctic Peninsula Air Cruises Brazil Tours 57 Jaguars of the Pantanal Guatemala Tours 58 Grand Guatemala 59 Testimonials 60 About FSE 62 Our Tour Leaders & Guides 63 Conservation & Education
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2019 Trip Calendar Patagonia (Chile/Argentina)
Pumas, Penguins & Whales (11 days): Jan 22 – Feb 01, Apr 04-14, Apr 28 – May 08, Nov 20-30 (p.5) Birding Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego (7 days): Jan 0410, Oct 13-19, Nov 20-26, Dec 22-28 (p.6) Quest for the Fuegian Snipe (3 days): Jan 11-13, Mar 03-08, Nov 27-29, Dec 18-20 (p.7) Patagonia Photo Expedition (7 days): Jan 11-17, Feb 15-21, Apr 21-27, Jun 23-29, Oct 20-26, Dec 15-21 (p.8) Mammals & Birds of Patagonia (12 days): Jan 19-30 (p.9) Patagonia Explorer (9 days): Jan 21-29, Feb 05-13, Mar 01-09, Apr 05-13, Oct 04-12, Nov 08-16, Dec 0311 (p.10) Patagonia Wildlife Adventure (8 days): Apr 13-20, Sep 21-28, Dec 14-21 (p.11) Patagonia Botanical Tour (7 days): Jan 12-18, Dec 0713 (p.12) Pumas of Torres del Paine (6 days): Apr 18-23, Jul 0611, Sep 11-16, Oct 23-28 (p.14) The Right Whales of Valdes Peninsula (5 days): Sep 05-09 (p.18)
Chile
Chile’s Best Wildlife (19 days): Nov 02-20 (p.27) Birding Chile (14 days): Jan 05-18, Dec 07-20 (p.28) Chile Birding Adventure (21 days): Oct 27 - Nov 16 (p.29) Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina (13 days): Feb 23Mar 07 (p.30) Birding Northern Chile (6 days): Oct 26-31 (p.31) Birding Central Chile (7 days): Nov 01-07 (p.32) Birding Chile’s Lake District (4 days): Nov 07-10 (p.33) Northern Chile Wildlife Adventure (6 days): Feb 0207, Sep 30-Oct 05, Nov 02-07 (p.36) Atacama Desert Explorer (6 days): Feb 07-12, Oct 0914 (p.37) Coastal Atacama Desert (5 days): Oct 05-09 (p.38) Mediterranean Chile Botanical Tour (5 days): Nov 27Dec 01 (p.39) Araucaria Forests (4 days): Dec 02-05 (p.40) Chiloé Wildlife Adventure (6 days): Feb 08-13, Nov 0813 (p.41) Robinson Crusoe Island Explorer (5 days): Jan 11-15, Nov 22-26 (p.44) Easter Island Explorer (5 days): Mar 11-15, Nov 01-05 (p.45) Rapa Nui Seabirds with Hadoram Shirihai (5 days): Sep 20-24, Sep 30-Oct 04 (p.35)
Argentina
Falkland Islands Wildlife Cruise (10 days): Nov 0110 (p.53)
Antarctica & South Georgia
Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica (21 days): Nov 03-23 (p.54)
Brazil
Jaguars of the Pantanal (8 days): Oct 17-24 (p.57)
Guatemala
Grand Guatemala (10 days): May 18-27, Sep 14-23 (p.58)
Early 2020 (January to April) Patagonia (Chile/Argentina)
Pumas, Penguins & Whales (11 days): Jan 22 – Feb 01, Apr 04-14 (p.5) Birding Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego (7 days): Jan 04-10 (p.6) Quest for the Fuegian Snipe (3 days): Jan 11-13 (p.7) Patagonia Photo Expedition (7 days): Jan 12-18, Feb 12-18, Apr 19-25 (p.8) Mammals & Birds of Patagonia (12 days): Jan 1829 (p.9) Patagonia Explorer (9 days): Jan 16-24, Jan 28 - Feb 05, Feb 17-25, Mar 13-21 (p.10) Patagonia Wildlife Adventure (8 days): Apr 11-18 (p.11) Patagonia Botanical Tour (7 days): Jan 11-17 (p.12) Pumas of Torres del Paine (6 days): Apr 18-23 (p.14)
Chile
Birding Chile (14 days): Jan 04-17 (p.28) Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina (13 days): Feb 22 - Mar 06 (p.30) Northern Chile Wildlife Adventure (6 days): Feb 0106 (p.36) Atacama Desert Explorer (6 days): Feb 06-11 (p.37) Chiloé Wildlife Adventure (6 days): Feb 12-17 (p.41) Robinson Crusoe Island Explorer (5 days): Jan 1014 (p.44) Easter Island Explorer (5 days): Mar 10-14 (p.45)
Argentina
Birding Mendoza (5 days): Jan 17-21 (p.50) Salta Photography Adventure (10 days): Mar 27 – Apr 05 (p.51)
Birding Mendoza (5 days): Jan 18-22, Nov 16-20, Dec 20-24 (p.50) Salta Photography Adventure (10 days): Mar 27 – Apr 05 (p.51)
Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas
Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas
Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica (19 days): Jan 19 – Feb 6 (p.54) Atlantic Odyssey (25 days): Mar 29 – Apr 22 (p.55)
Falkland Islands Photo Tour (8 days): Jan 19-26, Oct 26-Nov 02 (p.52)
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Falkland Islands Photo Tour (8 days): Jan 11-18 (p.52)
Antarctica & South Georgia
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Pumas, Penguins & Whales Departures 11-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2019: (1) Jan 22 – Feb 01, (2) Apr 0414, (3) Apr 28 – May 08, (4) Nov 20-30 2020: (1) Jan 22 – Feb 01, (2) Apr 04-14 Trip Code: PAT07 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 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 December until April.
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Wildlife Icons of Patagonia
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 magni cent 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 and usually elusive in-
habitants, Humpback Whales. We will see these imposing creatures and other marine mammals of the sub-Antarctic 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 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.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine National Park (4 nights) Days 2-4 • Exploring Torres del Paine NP – Puma searches Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP – Transfer to Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 6 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins (1 night) Day 7 • Tierra del Fuego – Straits of Magellan – Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 8 • Boat trip to Carlos III Island – Afternoon looking for Humpback Whales (2 nights) Day 9 • Carlos III Island – Whale Sound Day 10 • Carlos III Island – Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 11 • End of the trip
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Birding Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego Discovering the Birds & Landscapes of the End of the World
Departures 7-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2019: (1) Jan 04-10, (2) Oct 13-19, (3) Nov 20-26, (4) Dec 22-28 2020: (1) Jan 04-10 Code: PAT03 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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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 Black- browed 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, Rufous-chested 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 ying 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.
Itinerary Day 1 • Punta Arenas • Torres del Paine National Park (2 nights) Day 2 • Birding in Torres del Paine National Park Day 3 • Sierra Baguales • Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 4 • Boat trip to Magdalena Island • Drive to Tierra del Fuego • O/N Porvenir (2 nights) Day 5 • Laguna de los Cisnes • Useless Bay for King Penguins • Baquedano Hills Day 6 • Tierra del Fuego • Ferry to mainland • Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 7 • End of the trip
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Quest for the Fuegian Snipe A True ‘Bird of Mystery’: Wanted by so many, observed by so few
Departures 3-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2019: Jan 11-13, Mar 03-08, Nov 27-29, Dec 18-20 2020: Jan 11-13 Trip Code: PAT11 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 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 us on this birding expedition to the southernmost reaches of the Americas in a quest for one of the least-known waders of Chile and the Neotropics. An endemic to southern Patagonia, the elusive Fuegian Snipe is a rare, range-restricted and local snipe, confined to seldom-visited islands of the maritime insular western slope of the Andes, from sea level up to 800m., where it nests in the tussock and other windswept patagonian grasslands and flooded peat bogs. On this expedition, we will explore the suitable boggy habitat of the western branch of the Magellan Straits to look for this poorly-known species. Enjoy the pace of a small group and the expertise and skill of our well-seasoned birding guides, who will also show you other southern Patagonian specialties like Black- browed Albatross, Antarctic Giant Petrel, Chilean Skua, Ashy-headed and Ruddy-headed geese, Magellanic Woodpecker and Austral Parakeet, all with a breathtaking backdrop of islands, channels, forests and snow-capped peaks.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Magdalena Island for Magellanic penguins –Torres del Paine National Park – Torres del Paine (3 nights) Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) – Laguna Amarga and Laguna Azul Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) – Lago Sarmiento – Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Puerto Natales (1 night) Day 5 • Pali Aike road – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins – Porvenir (1 night) Day 6 • Straits of Magellan – Ferry to Punta Arenas – Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 7 • End of the tour
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Patagonia Photo Expedition
Photo Safari to the End of the World Itinerary in Brief
Departures 7-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2019: (1) Jan 11-17, (2) Feb 15-21, (3) Apr 21-27, (4) Jun 23-29, (5) Oct 20-26, (6) Dec 15-21 2020: (1) Jan 12-18, (2) Feb 12-18, (3) Apr 19-25 Trip Code: PAT01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 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 exclusively designed, 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 7 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 – Magdalena Island for Magellanic penguins –Torres del Paine National Park – Torres del Paine (3 nights) Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Boat trip to Grey Glacier Day 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) – Laguna Amarga and Laguna Azul Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) – Lago Sarmiento – Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Puerto Natales (1 night) Day 5 • Pali Aike road – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguins – Porvenir (1 night) Day 6 • Straits of Magellan – Ferry to Punta Arenas – Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 7 • End of the tour
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Mammals & Birds of Patagonia Cetaceans, Penguins and Cats in Southern Chile Departures 15-day trip from Puerto Montt, Chile; ends at Punta Arenas, Chile 2019: (1) Jan 19 – Feb 2 2020: (1) Jan 18 – Feb 1 Code: PAT06 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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his comprehensive itinerary presents us with the unique chance of exploring Patagonia and its mammals and birds. Most of the tours coming to the area are focused on beautiful landscapes and on the bigger animals that are the easiest to watch; with us, besides exploring and admiring the landscapes you will see a signi cant part of the endemic mammals and birds of the region, several of them very rare and/or dif cult to observe. Ferry crossings in Chiloe Island and the Magellan Straits are both very good for seabirds and marine mammals: Blue and 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. Magni cent 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 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 magni cent Magellanic Woodpecker and endemic tapaculos, and rare waders including Magellanic Plover, Tawny- throated Dotterel, Ru-
fous-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.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Puerto Montt – Chiloé Island and Tepuhueico Park (3 nights) Day 2 • Tepuhueico Park for Darwin’s Fox, Pudu deer and woodland birds Day 3 • Tepuhueico and Tantauco Parks Day 4 • Yaldad Inlet boat trip for Chilean Dolphin – Castro (1 night) Day 5 • Chepu river for Southern River Otter - Puñihuil (2 nights) Day 6 • Boat trip to Puñihuil and Metalqui islands for marine mammals and seabirds Day 7 • Caulin Bay – Puerto Montt (1 night) Day 8 • Boat trip off Reloncavi Gulf for Pincoya Storm-Petrel – Flight to Punta Arenas - Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 9 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King Penguins – Porvenir (1 night) Day 10 • Magellan Straits – Drive to Puerto Natales (1 night) Day 11 • Torres del Paine - puma searches (3 nights) Day 12 • Torres del Paine - puma searches Day 13 • Torres del Paine - puma searches Day 14 • Torres del Paine – Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 15 • End of the trip
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Patagonia Explorer Exploring the Remote Regions of Chile & Argentina
Departures 9-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina; ends at Punta Arenas, Chile 2019: (1) Jan 21-29, (2) Feb 05-13, (3) Mar 01-09, (4) Apr 05-13, (5) Oct 04-12, (6) Nov 08-16, (7) Dec 03-11 2020: (1) Jan 16-24, (2) Jan 28 - Feb 05, (3) Feb 17-25, (4) Mar 13-21 Trip Code: PAT02 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 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 Magdalena Island 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.
Itinerary in Brief 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 – Magdalena 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 2019: (1) Apr 1320, (2) Sep 21-28, (3) Dec 14-21 2020: (1) Apr 11-18 Trip Code: PAT05 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 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 providing our guests with an authentic and memorable journey of discovery, and outstanding levels of service. We will spend considerable time exploring the surrounding areas of Puerto Natales, including boat trips to the Chilean Fjords and their striking glaciers, plus in-depth visits to Patagonia’s premier wildlife destination, Torres del Paine National Park. The focus of this trip is to see as much wildlife as possible, and travelling in a small group (up to 6 participants) will also provide the photo enthusiast with great chances of capturing the grandeur of these aweinspiring landscapes. Remota Lodge will be our comfortable base during most of this trip; its remarkable architecture and its unique setting are worthwhile exploring and enjoying. The last portion of the trip will be oriented to visit
Tierra del Fuego and the only continental breeding colony of the stunning King Penguin. A grand finale for the trip of a lifetime.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Magellanic penguins – Puerto Natales (5 nights) 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 (1 night) Day 7 • King penguins – Ferry to Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 8 • End of the trip
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Patagonia Botanical Tour Botanizing at the End of the World Itinerary in Brief
Departures 7-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile 2019: (1) Jan 12-18, (2) Dec 07-13 2020: (1) Jan 11-17 Trip Code: PAT04 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also 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 stun-
Day 1 • Laguna Parrillar – San Juan Bay – Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 2 • Pali Aike road – Puerto Natales (2 nights) Day 3 • Puerto Natales surroundings Day 4 • Torres del Paine (western sector) – Torres del Paine (2 nights) Day 5 • Torres del Paine (eastern sector) Day 6 • Torres del Paine – Drive to Punta Arenas – Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 7 • End of the tour
ning landscapes and pristine areas, and will enjoy the presence of other remarkable and unique wildlife of this part of the world.
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Torres del Paine Explorer Exploring Patagonia’s Premier Wildlife Destination Itinerary in Brief iscover Torres del Paine, PataDepartures 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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gonia’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 custom designed 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!
2-day option Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine NP Day 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Lake Grey – Drive to Punta Arenas 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
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Pumas of Torres del Paine A Quest for the Lord of the Andes
Departures 6-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile. 2019: (1) Apr 18-23, (2) Jul 06-11, (3) Sep 11-16, (4) Oct 23-28 2020: (1) Apr 18-23 Trip Code: TDP02 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip 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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trip committed to watch Puma (Mountain Lion or Cougar) in the remote and stunning Patagonian wilderness of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park and the adjacent Ranch Estancia Laguna Amarga. Far South Expeditions as an entirely local Chile-based tour operator have been conducting puma trips here for more than 16 years; join our expert local naturalist guides and puma trackers, in the best place in the world for watching this magnificent and inspiring predator of the Andes. Patagonian pumas, especially around Torres del Paine, are the largest race of the species in the Americas. With an uncommon higher density rate, this national Park and surroundings have become the most sought-after places to watch and photograph wild pumas on Earth. This is mainly due to the stable growing of Guanaco populations in the Patagonian steppes, and the protection that Puma has been granted in the past years. Join us on this quest, to dis-
cover the wildlife of Torres del Paine and one of its most secretive and yet most awe-inspiring inhabitants.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine National Park Days 2-4 • Exploring Torres del Paine – Puma searches Day 5 • An additional day to explore the park searching for pumas plus other interesting mammals such as the elusive Andean or Huemul Deer, Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk and Patagonian Hairy Armadillo Day 6 • Torres del Paine – Transfer to Punta Arenas – Optional transfer to El Calafate, Argentina
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King Penguins of Tierra del Fuego
Encounters with the Lord of Patagonia Departures Option A: Full day trip (8-10 hours) by plane and led by naturalist guide; available year-round (except June) from Tuesday through Friday. Option B: Scheduled 2-day trip by ferry, special for serious photographers and people looking for more field time with the penguins. Available year-round (except June) only on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Trip Code: TDF01a (by plane, Tuesday through Friday) | TDF01b (scheduled, Saturday to Sunday)
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oin us on this unique itinerary to discover the magnificent and awe-inspiring King Penguins of Tierra del Fuego. This tour is suitable for nature enthusiasts as well wildlife photographers of all levels of skills. Among wildlife, few groups call our attention as much as birds, and among birds, few families are as attractive and command such interest as penguins. The King Penguin is the second largest species of penguin after the Emperor, and certainly one of the most colourful and attractive members of the group. Not many 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 and learn about their natural history from our specialized guide. This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Transfers from/to Ushuaia, Argentina, are available. Our trips have a maximum of 6 participants, essential to keep the impact on the small colony that we visit to a minimum.
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Humpbacks of the Magellan Straits
Encounters with the Gentle Giants of Patagonia
Departures 3-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile Trip Code: TDF03 Available from November until May. This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. Check out the updated calendar in our website.
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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.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Board M/V Tanu – Boat ride to Carlos III Island Day 2 • Full day exploring Carlos III Island and Seno Ballena Day 3 • Boat trip to Punta Carrera – Transfer to Punta Arenas – End of the trip
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Whale-watching at Coloane Marine Park
The remarkable Whale Sanctuary of the Magellan Straits Forrest will be the perfect base for our expedition of these famed waters, first explored by Ferdinand Magellan nearly 500 years ago.
Departures 2-night cruise aboard M/V Forrest from Punta Arenas, Chile
Itinerary in Brief
Trip Code: PAT08 Available from December until May. This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. Check out the updated calendar in our website.
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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 recently 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 small yet sturdily-built M/V
Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Embark the M/V Forrest – Sailing the Magellan Straits (2 nights) Day 2 • Full whale watching day at Francisco Coloane Marine Park Day 3 • Early arrival to Punta Carrera – Transfer to Punta Arenas
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The Right Whales of Valdes Peninsula
The Marine Mammals and Seabirds of eastern Patagonia Departures 5-day trip from Trelew, Argentina 2019: Sep 05-09 Trip Code: PAT12 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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he world-famous Peninsula Valdes is located in the Atlantic coast of Argentina, south of Buenos Aires; this location is a magnificent place to watch impressive geology and diverse wildlife such as Southern Right and Killer whales, Southern Elephant Seal, South American Sea Lion, Patagonian Hare, Patagonian Hairy Armadillo, Magellanic Penguin and many others. We will have a comprehensive whale-watching programme around Puerto Piramides, including two boat trips, to enjoy the usually magnificent sightings of the Southern Right Whale population, which occur seasonally (July - December) on the surrounding gulfs. Later, we will head towards Punta Ninfas and enjoy the privacy of Estancia El Pedral. This private nature reserve holds a Magellanic penguin colony and provides access to great breeding rookeries of other seabirds
and mammals. We will have three nights to enjoy this property and its unique wildlife, while experiencing the hospitality of a typical gaucho estancia.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Flight to Trelew – Whalewatching trip – Puerto Piramides (1 night) Day 2 • Whale-watching trip – Drive to Puerto Ninfas – Estancia El Pedral (3 nights) Day 3 • Estancia Pedral – Puerto Ninfas Day 4 • Estancia El Pedral – Puerto Ninfas Day 5 • Drive back to Trelew – Flight to Buenos Aires or El Calafate
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Perito Moreno Glacier & Los Glaciares NP
Glacier and Forests of Argentine Patagonia Departures 3-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina Trip Code: FTE01 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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t the southern tip of South America, the Andes are almost entirely covered by a huge icesheet, the Southern Patagonian IceField. 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 re-
serve and will discover its peculiar flora and fauna adapted to these extreme conditions.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Drive along the old estancias road – Estancia Nibepo – Perito Moreno Glacier – Boat trip in Lago Argentino Optional: Hike to Grande Glacier – El Calafate Day 2 • Los Glaciares National Park: Full day exploring Lago Argentino and Estancia Cristina Day 3 • Morning visit to Laguna Nimez Nature Reserve – End of the trip
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Mt. Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre
The Stunning Surroundings of Patagonia’s Most Famous Peaks
Departures 4-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina Code: FTE02 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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hese jagged granite spires, Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, have inspired explorers and climbers from all over the world due to its collosal dimensions, its stunning shapes and colours and by its very dramatic setting, surrounded by the vast Southern Patagonian Icefield. On this nature photography trip, we will take advantage of the unrivaled location of El Chalten village to document the varied landscapes and wildlife of this section of the huge Los Glaciares National Park, in southern Argentina. We will have dedicated sunrise sessions to photograph the dramatic sunrises and sunsets; walk
part of the extensive trail system leading us to some breathtaking viewpoints and cruise the Viedma lake to appreciate the magnificent front of its homonymous glacier. Join us and feel the remoteness and experience some of the best scenery of one of the most pristine corners of Patagonia.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • El Calafate – Boat trip to Viedma glacier – El Chalten (3 nights) Day 2 • Sunrise at Fitz Roy Mt. viewpoint – Walk to Mirador Laguna Capri or Laguna Torre Day 3 • Sunrise at Fitz Roy viewpoint – Lago del Desierto – Walk to Glacier Huemul Day 4 • Drive back to El Calafate
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Cape Horn Expedition Cruise Departures 4-night cruise options from Punta Arenas, Chile or Ushuaia, Argentina aboard M/V Stella Australis & the brand new M/V Ventus Australis. Trip Code: TDF02a (Punta Arenas – Ushuaia) | TDF02b (Ushuaia – 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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In the Wake of Explorers and Sailors
he Straits of Magellan, Beagle Channel and Cape Horn are important and highly signicant geographic and historical landmarks in the southern tip of the South American continent. Snow-capped mountains, huge glaciers and magnicent 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 signicant 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.
Itinerary in Brief Option A: Fjords of Tierra del Fuego (4 nights) Punta Arenas, Chile – Ushuaia, Argentina | 4-night cruise aboard M/V Stella Australis or M/V Ventus Australis Day 1 • Punta Arenas Day 2 • Ainsworth Bay – Tuckers Islets (*) Day 3 • Pía Glacier – Glacier Alley (**) Day 4 • Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay Day 5 • Ushuaia Option B: Patagonian Explorer (4 nights) Ushuaia, Argentina – Punta Arenas, Chile | 4-night cruise aboard M/V Ventus Australis (Available from January 2018) Day 1 • Ushuaia Day 2 • Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay Day 3 • Pía Glacier – Garibaldi Glacier Day 4 • Agostini Sound – Águila Glacier – Cóndor Glacier Day 5 • Magdalena Island (*) – Punta Arenas
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Journey to the Patagonian Fjords Aboard M/V Skorpios III
Departures 3-night small expedition cruises from Puerto Natales, Chile aboard M/V Skorpios III. Trip Code: PAT09 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants from October until April. Check out our website for updated departure dates.
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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 especifically-built ice-class vessel, we will leave the picturesque town of Puerto Natales towards the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, 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.
Itinerary in Brief
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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Navarino Island & Cape Horn Epic Journey to the End of the Americas
Departures 4-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile Trip Code: PAT10 This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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n this trip we explore Navarino Island, right on the shores of the Beagle Channel, and the stunning and pristine surroundings of the world’s most southerly village, Puerto Williams. Commencing from Punta Arenas, Chile, we will take a short, scenic flight over the huge and beautiful island of Tierra del Fuego and the Darwin Range, southernmost portion of the Andes. Based at Lakutaia Hotel, we have many activities to carry out, including interpretation trails into the southern beech woodlands, back-horse riding options, hikes to the moors with commanding views of the surrounding waterways and mountain scenery, and short walks to discover the abundant and peculiar birdlife and flora occurring in one of the most southerly island of the American continent. Something you can consider to do is a scenic flight over the feared Cape Horn and the vast Drake Passage
extending southwards. Follow the footsteps of many explorers and join us on this adventure of a lifetime.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Flight to Puerto Williams – Beagle Channel Day 2 • Omora Park – Walk to Punta Gusano Day 3 • Walk to Cerro Bandera Day 4 • Flight to Punta Arenas – End of the trip Optional: Sightseeing flight to Cape Horn
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Day Tours from Punta Arenas, Chile
Wildlife & Nature Around the Magellan Straits
Birding the Magellan Straits
Trip Code: PUQ03 • Day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available year-round. On this full day birding journey along the mythical Straits of Magellan, we will explore a great variety of habitats; from the Patagonian shorelines and wetlands, to sub-Antarctic woodlands and wind-swept steppes. We will discover the birdlife of Patagonia and its many endemic species, including the Lesser Rhea, Andean Condor and 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 with restricted time at the port of Punta Arenas.
Birding the Patagonian Steppes
Trip Code: PUQ01 • Day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available year-round. 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.
Mount Tarn: Birding & Nature Hike
Trip Code: PUQ05 • Day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from November until March. A moderately demanding but very rewarding hike up Mount Tarn, a conspicuous peak south of Punta Arenas. Located in the south-eastern edge of the Brunswick Peninsula, literally at the end of the southernmost road in the American continent, it was climbed by none other than Charles Darwin in 1834, and it was here that he found the first Ammonites fossils known to South America. This hike will present us with fantastic vistas of the Magellan Straits, the southernmost shores of the Americas and the nearby islands, and we´ll enjoy a great sample of Patagonian flora, from sub Antarctic temperate forest to alpine bogs and other open mountain habitats. Above the snowline we will look for one of the least known birds of the area, the rare White-bellied Seedsnipe, plus other Andean specialties like Yellow-bridled Finch.
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Day Tours from Punta Arenas, Chile
Wildlife & Nature Around the Magellan Straits
Penguins of Magdalena Island
Trip Code: PUQ02 • Half-day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from October through March. 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
Condors of Patagonia
Trip Code: PUQ04 • Half-day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available year-round.
Olga Teresa Ranch features the most accessible location in the world to see and photograph the world’s heaviest flying creature: the famous and majestic Andean Condor. Reachable by car in only 60-70 minutes from Punta Arenas, Chile, the ranch protects, researches, and showcases a population of 100 Andean Condors that soar, socialize, and sleep at a 20-meter-tall, vertical rock face that itself is embedded in a steep, 200-meter-high (700-foot-high) hill.
Punta Arenas Nature & History Tour
Trip Code: PUQ06 • Day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available year-round. Oldest and largest settlement in Patagonia, Punta Arenas is also the southernmost city in Chile. A medium-sized, friendly city, it offers glimpses into the past through its impressive, well-preserved old mansions from mid-19th and early 20th centuries, as well as through its interesting museums. On this day tour, we will dip ourselves into the rich history and pre-history dating back to times when bands of hunter-gatherers roamed the vast steppes and sailed the icy archipelagos, to the several ages of exploration and famous names such as Magellan, Drake and Fitz Roy. We will also learn about impressions from conspicuous visitors from both the past and contemporary times, such as Charles Darwin and travel writer Bruce Chatwin.
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Day Tours from Ushuaia, Argentina
Wildlife & Nature Around the Beagle Channel
Birding Tierra del Fuego National Park
Trip Code: USH02 • Day tour from Ushuaia, Argentina • Available from October through April.
Beagle Channel & Estancia Harberton
Trip Code: USH01 • Day tour from Ushuaia, Argentina • Available from September through May. 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 pioneers that colonized this remote part of the world.
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.
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Chile’s Best Wildlife
The Ultimate Wildlife Photography Adventure in a Thin Country Itinerary in Brief n this trip you will discover the Departures widlife riches of this long and Day 1 • Fligth to Arica – Azapa Valley 19-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2019: (1) Nov 02-20 Trip Code: CHL10 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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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. Further south, the land breaks into hundreds of islands and fjords. We will have a comprehensive exploration of Chile’s Lake District and the picturesque and diverse Chiloé Island. 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.
Day 2 • Boat trip to Arica harbour – Drive to Putre Day 3 • Parinacota & Lauca National Park Day 4 • Surire salt flat Day 5 • Parinacota – Drive to Arica Day 6 • Flight to Santiago and Puerto Montt – Puerto Varas Day 7 • Ferry to Chiloé Island – Boat trip off Puñihuil Day 8 • Boat trip off Chiloé Island – Caulin Bay Day 9 • Boat trip Chepu River – Drive to Tepuhueico Day 10 • Tepuhueico Park Day 11 • Tepuhueico Park – Drive to Castro Day 12 • Flight to Punta Arenas Day 13 • Magdalena Island – Drive to Torres del Paine Day 14 • Torres del Paine for pumas and other wildlife Day 15 • Torres del Paine for pumas and other wildlife Day 16 • Grey Glacier – Drive to Puerto Natales Day 17 • Pali Aike NP – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Porvenir Day 18 • King penguins – Ferry to Punta Arenas – Condors of Rio Verde Day 19 • End of the trip
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Birding Chile (14 days) A Quest for Endemics and Specialties of Chile 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.
Departures 14-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2019: (1) Jan 05-18, (2) Dec 07-20 2020: (1) Jan 04-17 Trip Code: CHL01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests.
Itinerary in Brief
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irding Chile is an exciting birdwatching journey aimed to discover the endemic 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 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
Day 1 • Farellones and Valle Nevado Day 2 • Lampa & Central Coast – Aconcagua rivermouth Day 3 • La Campana National Park Day 4 • Pelagic trip off Valparaiso – Laguna El Peral Day 5 • El Yeso Valley Day 6 • Altos de Lircay Nature Reserve – O/N Alto Vilches Day 7 • Colbun Lake Day 8 • Flight to Puerto Montt – Puyehue NP Day 9 • Puyehue National Park Day 10 • Boat trip off Puerto Montt – Coastal mudflats Day 11 • Flight to Punta Arenas – San Juan Bay Day 12 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay Day 13 • Pali Aike National Park Day 14 • Magdalena Island – Flight to Santiago
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Chile Birding Adventure Departures 21-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2019: (1) Oct 27 – Nov 16 Trip Code: CHL09 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests.
A Quest for the Birdlife of a Land of Contrasts Itinerary in Brief oin this exciting journey to
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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 – Overnight (O/N) Arica (2 nights) Day 2 • Azapa, Chaca and Camarones valleys – Lluta River mouth Day 3 • Pelagic trip off Arica – Drive to Putre – Putre surroundings – O/N Putre (3 nights) Day 4 • Putre – Polylepis forests and specialties Day 5 • Parinacota – Lauca National Park Day 6 • Surire – Drive to Arica – O/N Arica (1 night) Day 7 • Flight to Santiago – Lampa – Batuco – O/N Olmue (1 night) Day 8 • La Campana National Park – Cachagua – Mantagua – O/N Quintero (1 night) Day 9 • Pelagic trip off Quintero – Drive to Cajon del Maipo – O/N Cajon del Maipo (2 nights) Day 10 • El Yeso Reservoir and Baños Morales Day 11 • Maipo River estuary and El Peral Reserve – Colbún – Drive to Vilches – O/N Vilches (1 night) Day 12 • Altos de Lircay Nature Reserve – Drive to Temuco – O/N Temuco (2 nights) Day 13 • Conguillio National Park – Llaima Volcano Day 14 • Drive to Puerto Montt – Alerce Andino National Park – O/N Puerto Montt (2 nights) Day 15 • Ferry ride to Chiloe Island – Pelagic trip off Chiloe Day 16 • Pelagic trip off Reloncavi Sound – Flight to Punta Arenas – San Juan Bay – O/N Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 17 • Ferry ride to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King Penguins – O/N Porvenir (1 night) Day 18 • Laguna Verde – Ferry to mainland – Pali Aike road – O/N Puerto Natales (2 nights) Day 19 • Torres del Paine National Park Day 20 • Sierra Baguales – Drive to Punta Arenas – O/N Punta Arenas (1 night) Day 21 • Punta Arenas – Flight to Santiago
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Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina A Unique Adventure Across the Andes
Departures
Itinerary in Brief
13-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2019: (1) Feb 23-Mar 07 2020: (1) Feb 22 Mar 06 Trip Code: CHL08 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests.
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n this fascinating trip we will 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 will 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 • Birding around Santiago – Visit to Viña Concha & Toro vineyards Day 2 • El Yeso Reservoir and Baños Morales Day 3 • Drive to Talca – Altos de Lircay Nature Reserve Day 4 • Lake Colbun – Visit to Santa Cruz vineyards Day 5 • Colchagua Valley visiting Viu Manent, Montes and Casa Silva vineyards Day 6 • El Peral Nature Reserve – Visit to Matetic vineyards – Isla Negra (Neruda’s house) Day 7 • Pelagic trip off Valparaiso – Cachagua for Humboldt penguins Day 8 • La Campana National Park – Visit to Loma Larga & William Cole vineyards, Casablanca Valley Day 9 • Crossing the Andes into Argentina – Birding Uspallata area Day 10 • Drive to Mendoza – Visit to Cobos vineyards Day 11 • Birding in Mendoza area– Visit Zuccardi and Escorihuela Gascon vineyards Day 12 • Drive to Santiago – Birding on route Day 13 • End of tour
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Birding Northern Chile The Impressive Wildlife of the Atacama and the Altiplano
Departures 6-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2019: (1) Oct 26-31 Trip Code: CHL02 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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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).
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Flight to Arica – Lluta Valley – Drive to the highlands – Putre (3 nights) Day 2 • Exploring Putre surroundings Day 3 • Surire salt flats Day 4 • Lauca National Park: Parinacota and Chungará Lake – Drive back to Arica – Arica (2 nights) Day 5 • Pelagic trip off Arica (4 hours) – Azapa and Chaca oasis valleys Day 6 • Flight to Santiago – End of the tour
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Birding Central Chile From the Heights of the Andes to the Pacific Coast
Departures 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile • Optional 2-day extension to the beech forests of Altos de Lircay 2019: (1) Nov 01-07 Trip Code: CHL04 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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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 Mockingbird and the skulking White-throated and Dusky tapaculos, Moustached Turca, Crag Chilia and Dusky-tailed Canastero.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Full day exploring the Andes: El Yeso Valley – Santiago (1 night) Day 2 • Drive to the Pacific coast: Maipo Estuary – Laguna El Peral Nature Reserve – Quintero (2 nights) Day 3 • La Campana National Park – Cachagua (Humboldt Penguin breeding colony) Day 4 • Lampa marshes – Farellones and Valle Nevado – Santiago (1 night) Day 5 • End of the trip Optional 2-day extension to the Nothofagus beech forests of Altos de Lircay Nature Reserve. Day 5 • Drive to Vilches – Colbun Lake Day 6 • Altos de Lircay Nature Reserve – Drive to Santiago Day 7 • End of the trip
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Birding Chile’s Lake District The Ultimate Wildlife Photography Adventure in a Thin Country
Departures 4-day trip from Puerto Montt, Chile 2019: (1) Nov 07-10 Trip Code: CHL06 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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omprehensive birding and nature tour to Chile’s Lake District. This trip features in-depth visits to the lush temperate forests of the scenic Puyehue and Vicente Pérez Rosales National Parks, where we will bird amid magnificent snow-capped volcanoes, ancient trees and blue lakes interspersed along the Andean foothills; here we will look for the specialties and endemics of the lush Valdivian temperate Forest, a unique ecosystem and a world’s biodiversity hotspot. The woodlands of these protected areas will offer good chances to spot Rufous-tailed Hawk, Chilean Pigeon, Austral Parakeet, Magellanic Woodpecker, together with a variety of Patagonian songbirds such as Black-throated Huet-huet, Chucao, Ochre-flanked and Magellanic Tapaculos, Des Murs’s Wiretail, Fire-eyed Diucon, Patagonian Tyrant, Austral Blackbird and Black-chinned Siskin.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Flight to Osorno – Puyehue National Park (2 nights) Day 2 • Puyehue National Park Day 3 • Vicente Perez Rosales NP – Puerto Varas (1 night) Day 4 • End of the trip
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Seabirds & Whales of Chiloé Island
The diverse marine wildlife of Northern Patagonia
Departures 3-day trip from Puerto Montt or Castro, Chile Trip Code: CHL13 This trip is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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hiloé Island is located in the north-western corner of the vast territory called Patagonia. The surrounding seas are very productive and its dramatic coastline is affected by the nutrient-rich waters of the north-bound Humboldt Current, hence its rich diversity of seabirds and marine mammals. On this dedicated itinerary we will have ample opportunities to study and photograph a great array of seabirds, including Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins, Flightless Steamer-Duck, Kelp Goose, and Peruvian Pelican. While exploring the rugged coast we will have great chances of interesting marine mammals such as Peale’s and Chilean Dolphin, Marine Otter and large numbers of South American Sea Lion. The highlight of this programme is a pelagic trip aim to find the recently-split Pygmy Blue Whale, which occurs around the archipelago during the southern summer months (December through February); Humpback Whales and often see as well as a great diversity of tubenoses such as Black-browed Albatross, Southern Gi-
ant Petrel, Pink-footed and Sooty Shearwaters and the poorly-known Little (Subantarctic) Shearwater, which probably breeds along this remote, heavily forested part of the island. If you are a pelagic birder or a dedicated whale-watcher, this trip is for you!
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Puerto Montt (or Castro) – Ferry to Chiloé Island – Boat trip off Puñihuil Day 2 • Boat trip off Chiloé Island – Caulin Bay Day 3 • Boat trip off Puñihuil – Drive to Puerto Montt (or Castro) – End of the trip
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Rapa Nui Seabird Expedition with Hadoram Shirihai Departures 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2019: (1) Sep 20-24, (2) Sep 30-Oct 04 Trip Code: CHL04 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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Moai Heritage & the Pacific Gadfly Petrels
oin world’s seabird authority and photographer Hadoram Shirihai on a unique quest for the gadfly petrels of eastern Polynesia and the extraordinary moai heritage of the breathtaking Easter Island (Rapa Nui), one of world’s most remote islands. In the company of Hadoram Shirihai and Enrique Couve, one of Chile’s foremost ornithologists, we will look for five “mega rarities” of the eastern Pacific, including Henderson, Herald, Kermadec, Murphy’s and Phoenix Petrels plus several other oceanic birds visiting or breeding at Rapa Nui. We will also have the opportunity to visit the many extraordinary archaeological sites of this superlative island, in company of our seasoned and knowledgeable local guides.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island (*) – 1st pelagic (**) Day 2 • Exploring Easter Island – 2nd pelagic Day 3 • Exploring Easter Island – 3rd pelagic Day 4 • Exploring Easter Island Day 5 • Free morning – Flight back to Santiago (*): Guests should arrive to Santiago the day before the trip starting date and overnight at a Santiago airport hotel. (**): The schedule and duration of the boat trips need to be flexible due to weather and ocean conditions.
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Northern Chile Wildlife Adventure Photo Safari to the Atacama Desert & the Altiplano
Departures 6-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2019: (1) Feb 02-07, (2) Sep 30-Oct 05, (3) Nov 02-07 2020: (1) Feb 01-06 Trip Code: CHL07 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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et a unique glimpse into the land, wild- life 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 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.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Morning flight to Arica – Azapa and Lluta valleys – Anthropological museum and geoglyphs – Arica (1 night) Day 2 • Boat trip south of Arica for seabird and sea lion colonies – Drive to the highlands: Pukará de Copaquilla – Putre (3 nights) Day 3 • Putre and surroundings – Socoroma Day 4 • Los Flamencos National Wildlife Reserve: Surire salt flat Day 5 • Lauca National Park: Parinacota, Bofedal de Caquena and Chungará Lake – Arica (1 night) Day 6 • Flight to Santiago de Chile – End of the tour
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Atacama Desert Explorer The Wildlife & Scenery of the World’s Driest Desert
Departures 6-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2019: (1) Feb 07-12, (2) Oct 09-14 2020: (1) Feb 06-11 Trip Code: CHL03 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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his nature and photo itinerary reveals the dramatic 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 photographic journey 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.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Drive to San Pedro de Atacama – Valle de la Luna (Moon’s Valley) – San Pedro de Atacama (5 nights) Day 2 • Petrogliph Field – Valle del Arcoiris (Rainbow Valley) – Chaxa and Tebiquinche lagoons Day 3 • Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoos – Salar de Talar Day 4 • El Tatio geyser fields – Vado de Putana – Puritama river Day 5 • Pakana Monks – Salar de Tara – Salar de Pujsa Day 6 • Pukara (fortress) de Quitor – Catarpe – Drive to Calama
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Coastal Atacama Desert Rich Seas, Mist and Cacti
Departures 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2019: Oct 05-09 Trip Code: CHL12 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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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.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Flight to Antofagasta – Drive to Taltal (2 nights) Day 2 • Paposo Nature Reserve Day 3 • Pan de Azucar National Park – Bahia Inglesa (2 nights) Day 4 • Llanos de Challe National Park Day 5 • Surroundings of Bahia Inglesa – Afternoon flight to Santiago – End of the trip
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Mediterranean Chile Botanical Tour
Botanizing Endemics from the Andes to the Pacific
Departures 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2019: (1) Nov 27-Dec 01 Trip Code: CHL11 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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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.
Itinerary in Brief 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 4-day trip from Temuco, Chile 2019: Dec 02-05 Trip Code: CHL05 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also 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 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.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Temuco – Drive to Conguillio National Park (3 nights) Day 2 • Conguillio National Park Day 3 • Conguillio National Park Day 4 • Drive to Temuco – End of the trip
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Chiloé Wildlife Adventure Departures 6-day trip from Puerto Montt or Castro, Chile. 2019: (1) Feb 08-13, (2) Nov 08-13 2020: (1) Feb 12-17 Trip Code: CHL15 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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The Magical Green Island
hiloé 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. We will dedicate five full days to explore the fascinating and enigmatic Chiloé; 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. 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 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.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Flight to Puerto Montt (or Castro) – Ferry to Chiloé Island – Boat trip off Puñihuil Day 2 • Boat trip off Chiloé Island – Caulin Bay Day 3 • Boat trip Chepu River – Drive to Tepuhueico Day 4 • Tepuhueico Park Day 5 • Tepuhueico Park – Drive to Castro Day 6 • Flight back to Santiago
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The Tepuhueico Woodlands Stronghold of Chile’s Most Endangered Mammals
Departures 4-day trip from Castro, Chile. Trip Code: CHL19 Fixed departures: Monday through Thursday. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Ask for custom departures.
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n this specially-crafted wildlife adventure, we will explore the pristine and secluded woodlands of the western regions of Chiloé Island, specifically at one of its largest and most important parks, Tepuhueico. Our base during the whole length of the program, will be the award-winning, shingle-sided, homonymous wooden lodge. Here, we will thoroughly enjoy the island’s local flavors and hospitality; also we will have the opportunity to discover the unique array of wildlife that few visitors to Chiloé have the privilege to watch. Mammals such as Pudu Deer, Kodkod Cat and Darwin’s Fox are the main cast of poorly-known and endangered mammals which frequent the surroundings of the lodge – they all are very rare and challenging to spot, but we will do our very best in finding them. The birdlife is also unique and varied, and we expect to see most of Chile’s tapaculos plus
intriguing species such as the endemic Slender-billed Parakeet, Rufous-legged Owl, Magellanic Woodpecker and Chilean Pigeon.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Flight to Castro – Drive to Tepuhueico – Tepuhueico Lodge (3 nights) Days 2/3 • Exploring the Tepuhueico woodlands Day 4 • Drive back to Castro – End of the trip
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Laguna San Rafael & the Chilean Fjords
Exploring Patagonia’s Northern Archipelago
Departures 5-night cruise from Puerto Montt, 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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et onboard 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 hotsprings at Quitralco Fjord, to later depart for Chiloé Island and navigate upstream to the picturesque town of Dalcahue, 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.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Puerto Montt – Chiloé Island Day 2 • Moraleda Channel – Puerto Aguirre – Pilcomayo Channel Day 3 • Tempanos Channel – Laguna San Rafael – Fiordo Quitralco Day 4 • Quitralco hotsprings – Moraleda Channel Day 5 • Corcovado Gulf – Chiloé Island – Dalcahue Day 6 • Puerto Montt – End of the trip
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Robinson Crusoe Island Explorer An Island of Castaway Natural Treasures
Departures 3 and 4-night trip from Santiago, Chile 2019: (1) Jan 11-15, (2) Nov 22-26 2020: (1) Jan 10-14 Trip Code: CHL18 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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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 Defilippi’s, Stejneger’s,
Kermadec and Juan Fernandez petrels as well as Pink-footed 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!
Itinerary in Brief 3-night program (leaving every Tuesday) Day 1 • Flight to Robinson Crusoe Island (c. 2 hours) – Boat shuttle to San Juan Bautista (c. 1.5 hours) Day 2 • Forests of Robinson Crusoe Island – Walk to Alexander Selkirk viewpoint Day 3 • Pelagic trip off Cumberland Bay Day 4 • Boat shuttle to El Padre Bay – Flight to Santiago 4-night program (leaving every Friday) Day 1 • Flight to Robinson Crusoe Island (c. 2 hours) – Boat shuttle to San Juan Bautista (c. 1.5 hours) Day 2 • Forests of Robinson Crusoe Island – Walk to Alexander Selkirk viewpoint Day 3 • Pelagic trip off Cumberland Bay Day 4 • Forests of Robinson Crusoe Island – Walk to Plazoleta El Yunque Day 5 • Boat shuttle to El Padre Bay – Flight to Santiago
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Easter Island Explorer Departures 3- to 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile 2019: (1) Mar 11-15, (2) Nov 01-05 2020: (1) Mar 10-14 Trip Code: CHL17 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
Unveiling the Mysteries & Legacy of Rapa Nui Itinerary in Brief his is our comprehensive cul-
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tural, archaeological and nature 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 – Welcome at Mataveri – 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 islets or motus Day 3 • Morning tour to Orongo village and Vinapu – Fly to Santiago 4-day option Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island – Welcome at Mataveri – 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 5-day option Day 1 • Fly to Easter Island – Welcome at Mataveri – 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 islets or motus Day 4 • Half day tour Anakena and Puna Pau – Optional boat trip to the ‘motus Day 5 • Free morning – Fly to Santiago
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Day Tours from Santiago or Valparaiso, Chile Wildlife & Nature Around the Heart of Chile
Penguins and Chile Endemics
Trip Code: SCL02 • Full day tour from Santiago de Chile or Valparaiso • Available year-round. Birding and nature photography trip to the Coastal Range and the Pacific Coast, in search of the endemics and specialties of Mediterranean Chile. We will explore the broad-leaf woods, scrubland and cacti-covered slopes, looking for 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.
Birding Chile’s Central Andes
Trip Code: SCL01 • Full day tour from Santiago de Chile • Available from October until March. 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.
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Day Tours from Santiago or Valparaiso, Chile Wildlife & Nature Around the Heart of Chile
Condors of Farellones
Trip Code: SCL04 • Full day tour from Santiago de Chile or Valparaiso • Daily departures from August to May. We will have a full day exploring the road to Farellones and Valle Nevado that winds up the Andean foothills, where we’ll hopefully be rewarded with sightings of the Chile endemics Crag Chilia, Moustached Turca and Chilean Mockingbird plus our first Andean Condors, up in the mountain valleys we’ll look for Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Mountain Caracara and several other Andean specialties such as Black-winged Ground-Dove, Grey-flanked Cinclodes, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, Yellow-rumped Siskin, Mountain Parakeet and many others.
Coastal Marshes & the Pacific
Trip Code: SCL03 • Full day tour from Santiago de Chile or Valparaiso • Available from September until 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.
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Day Tours from Puerto Montt, Chile Wildlife & Nature Around Chile’s Lake District
Chiloé Island Nature Trip
Trip Code: PMC02 • Full day tour from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, Chile • Available from September to March.
Lake District Nature Trip
Trip Code: PMC01 • Full day tour from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, 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 Ochreflanked 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.
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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Humboldt Current Pelagics Departures Day trip (c. 8 hours) from Valparaiso or Quintero, Chile Trip Code: CHL16 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. Check out our website for updated departure dates.
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Pelagic Trips off Valparaiso, Chile
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 Island 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.
Pelagic Birding off Puerto Montt
Pelagic Birding off Arica
Early morning with the first light of the day, we will take a boat trip into the Reloncavi Sound to look for seabirds, particularly the recently discovered Pincoya Storm Petrel, a new species to science, overlooked during many years because of its strong similarities to sympatric Wilson’s Storm Petrels. The range of this species seems to be very local and restricted to the nearby waters south of Puerto Montt and between Chiloé Island and the Continent.
Early morning we will take a boat trip off Arica to continue our search for the endemic seabirds of the Humboldt Current. We will look for Peruvian Diving Petrel and we may also find Elliot’s and Markham’s Storm Petrels. The delightful Inca Tern will be a common sight around the harbour plus Common and South American Terns. The endangered and local Peruvian Tern is another potential species for the morning.
Trip Code: PMC03 • Day trip (c. 8 hours) from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, Chile • Available year-round.
Trip Code: ARI01 • Half-day trip (c. 6 hours) from Arica, Chile • Available year-round.
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Birding Mendoza Discovering the Bird Riches of the Cuyo region Departures 5-day trip from Mendoza, Argentina. 2019: (1) Jan 18-22, (2) Nov 16-20, (3) Dec 20-24 2020: (1) Jan 17-21 Trip Code: ARG01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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endoza province holds a fascinating mosaic of habitats with a fantastic bird diversity. It is located at the heart of the Cuyo region in western Argentina, and is renowned all over the world for the excellent quality of its wines. On this trip we will explore the Monte ecosystem, looking for specialties such as Chaco Eagle, Spotwinged Falconet, and a delightful cast of passerines including Chaco Earthcreeper, Salinas Monjita, Sandy Gallito, Crested Gallito, White-throated Cacholote, Rufous-warbling Finch and the endangered Yellow Cardinal. We will also explore the impressive foot-
hills of the Andes mountains to look for White-collared Swift, the striking Redtailed Comet, White-winged Black-Tyrant, Steinbach’s Canastero, Patagonian Mockingbird and White-tipped Plantcutter among several other species.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Mendoza – General Alvear (1 night) Day 2 • San Rafael – Mendoza (2 nights) Day 3 • Tulumaya Day 4 • Potrerillos – Uspallata (1 night) Day 5 • Potrerillos – Mendoza – End of the trip
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Salta & Jujuy
Photographic Journey to the north-west of Argentina Departures 8-day trip from Salta, Argentina 2018: Sep 9 – 16 Trip Code: ARG01 This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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n this photographic expedition we will aim to capture the grand landscapes and intriguing wildlife of one of the most scenic regions of Argentina, the spectacular North-West. The geology of these vast and remote Andean regions is overwhelming and provides fantastic opportunities for landscape photography. We have a unique pre-extension to explore the locality of El Peñón and its unusual and surreal ash deposits and pumice fields; we will also explore the picturesque town of Cafayate, its colourful canyons and fantastic vineyards. During the main trip we will visit one of the most northerly regions of Argentina, the colourful Jujuy province, the dramatic and colourful gorges of Humahuaca valley and the vast salt flats of Salinas Grandes. Later we will explore the remote salt flat of Arizaro and the most unusual highly eroded setting of Los Colorados for spectacular sunrise and sunset shooting sessions. Join us on a truly unique photographic trip to the wild North Western regions of Argentina!
Itinerary in Brief Pre-extension: Cafayate - El Peñón Pumice fields Day 1 • Fly to Salta – Drive to Cafayate Day 2 • Drive to El Peñón Day 3 • Pumice field Day 4 • Drive to Cafayate – Wine tour Day 5 • Drive to Salta Main Trip: Salta & Jujuy Day 1 • Fly to Salta - Overnight Salta Day 2 • Drive to Purmamarca – Sunset at Salinas Grandes Day 3 • Explore the Humahuaca valley – Sunset at Salinas Grandes Day 4 • Drive to San Antonio de Los Cobres Day 5 • Drive to Tolar Grande - Sunset at Los Colorados Day 6 • Explore Arizaro salt flat Drive to San Antonio de Los Cobres Day 7 • Drive to Salta Day 8 • End of the trip
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Falkland Islands Photo Tour
Encounters with Penguins
Departures 8-day trip from Santiago or Punta Arenas, Chile. 2019: Jan 19-26, Oct 26-Nov 02 2020: Jan 11-18 Trip Code: FKI01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum group size of 7 guests. This trip is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.
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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 / Malvinas. 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. Exceptional nature photography and wildlife tour, featuring visits to huge penguin colonies and other seabirds including cormorants and albatrosses; elephant seal and sea lions rookeries; dolphin and possibly orca sightings; land-rover tours to remote wildlife spots in the outlying islands of the archipelago, scenic flights within the archipelago and the remarkable hospitality of the Kelpers, our hosts
throughout the trip. If you are a nature photographer, a birder, a botanist, or simply a nature enthusiast or hiker, this journey of discovery is for you!
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Flight to the Falklands – Transfer to Port Stanley (2 nights) Day 2 • Volunteer Point Day 3 • Flight to Carcass Island (2 nights) Day 4 • Carcass Island – Boat trip to West Point Island Day 5 • Carcass Island – Flight to Sea Lion Island (2 nights) Day 6 • Sea Lion Island Day 7 • Sea Lion Island – Flight to Darwin (1 night) Day 8 • Flight to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile
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Falklands Wildlife Cruise Discover the secret wildlife treasures of the Malvinas Departures 9-night cruise. Starts: Puerto Madryn, Argentina / Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina Vessel: M/V Plancius 2019: Nov 1-10 Tour Leader: Enrique Couve & M/V Plancius Staff Trip Code: FKI02
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nother great addition to our 2019 trip portfolio, this is a dedicated wildlife expedition to the remote Falkland Islands. In the company of Far South Exp Founder, Enrique Couve, you will be visiting some of the most secluded corners of this incredible archipelago, located in the South Atlantic. Starting from Puerto Madryn, in Argentina, you will be able to see Southern Right Whales and several other cetaceans,not to mention the wealth of pelagic seabirds! Once we reach the islands, we will be
visiting places such as Steeple Jason, Carcass and West Point Islands, all teeming with penguins, seabirds and pinnipeds. Gentoo, Magellanic, Rockhopper and King penguins will be a common sight while we circumnavigate the archipelago. Eventually we will visit Port Stanley – the island’s capital - and Sea Lion Island, with its impressive Southern Elephant Seal colony with over 2,000 individuals.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Puerto Madryn Day 2/3 • Southern Ocean Days 4/8 • Falkland Islands Day 9 • Southern Ocean Day 10 • Ushuaia
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Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica The Superb Wildlife of the Southern Ocean Departures Cruise 1 20-night cruise. Starts: Puerto Madryn, Argentina / Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina Vessel: M/V Hondius 2019: Nov 03-23 Tour Leader: Rodrigo Tapia & M/V Hondius Staff Trip Code: ANT03 Cruise 2 18-night cruise. Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina / Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina Vessel: M/V Plancius 2020: Jan 19 – Feb 06 Tour Leader: Claudio F. Vidal & M/V Plancius Staff Trip Code: ANT04
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e have added two exciting and very special expeditions to our 2019-2020 trip portfolio, exploring the sub-Antarctic islands along the Scotia Arc and the always awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula. The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are always a great introduction to the Southern Ocean marine wildlife and we will have the opportunity to explore Carcass and Saunders with its Rockhopper and Gentoo penguins and its Black-browed Albatross rookeries. Right after that, a couple of days sailing over the Scotia Sea will offer encounters with outstanding seabirds and cetaceans before reaching everybody’s favourite, the South Georgia Islands! This is truly one of the world’s greatest nature spectacles as every corner of their coasts is literally teeming with wildlife. Vast penguin colonies, albatrosses, petrels and elephant seals will be a true delight as we explore Prion Island, Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews and Fortuna Bays and the historic whaling station of Grytviken. The last portion of these expeditions will be devoted to explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and its mind-blowing pristine landscapes. We will have several days to sail from the
South Shetland Islands all the way south to the scenic Lemaire Channel, in the company of penguins and other seabirds, whales and hopefully Orcas.
Itinerary in Brief
Cruise 1 Day 1 • Puerto Madryn Days 2/3 • Southern Ocean Days 4/5 • Falkland Islands Days 6/7 • Southern Ocean Days 8/11 • South Georgia Day 12 • Southern Ocean Day 13 • South Orkney Island Day 14 • Southern Ocean Day 15-18 • Antarctic Peninsula Days 19/20 • Drake Passage Day 19 • Ushuaia – End of the trip Cruise 2 Day 1 • Ushuaia Day 2 • Southern Ocean Days 3/4 • Falkland Islands Days 5/6 • Southern Ocean Days 7/10 • South Georgia Day 11 • Southern Ocean Day 12 • South Orkney Island Day 13 • Southern Ocean Day 14-16 • Antarctic Peninsula Days 17/18 • Drake Passage Day 19 • Ushuaia – End of the trip
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Atlantic Odyssey with Enrique Couve
The Ultimate Seabird Cruise to the world’s remotest islands!
for its Northern Rockhopper penguin and Yellow-nosed Albatross rookeries. Join Enrique on his quest for the world’s rarest seabirds, learn first-hand from him and share his passion for marine birding on the boat trip of a lifetime.
Departures 24-night cruise. Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina / Ends: St. Helena Vessel: M/V Plancius 2020: Mar 29 – Apr 22 Tour Leader: Enrique Couve & M/V Plancius Staff Trip Code: ANT05
Itinerary in Brief
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his is truly a unique seafaring expedition, a fantastic exploration of the Southern Ocean and some of its more formidably seabird-rich islands: South Georgia, Gough and Tristan da Cunha. Enjoying the company of Far South Expeditions Founder and Chilean ornithologist/ author Enrique Couve, we will explore and discover the nutrient rich waters of the Antarctic and Sub-antarctic to look for a wealth of rare tubenoses and penguins as well as seldom-seen cetaceans. South Georgia will deliver a great sample of Antarctic seabirds including delicate Light-mantled Sooties, Wanderers, prions and Blue Petrels. Heading north, we will explore some of world’s most remote islands, including Gough and Tristan da Cunha
Day 1 • Ushuaia Day 2/5 • Southern Ocean Days 6/8 • South Georgia Day 9/13 • Southern Ocean Day 14 • Gough Island Days 15/18 • Tristan da Cunha Days 19/22 • Subtropical Seas Days 23/25 • St. Helena
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Antarctic Peninsula Air Cruises A Unique Cruise to the White Continent
Departures 8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile Trip Code: ANT01 Vessels: M/V Ocean Nova, M/V Hebridean Sky or brand new M/V Magellan Explorer This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. Check out our website for updated departure dates. Available from Dec until Feb.
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he Antarctic Peninsula is a promontory of land and ice that breaks the apparent radial symmetrical shape of the White Continent. It begins approximately at 75°S, extending northwards to 62°S, almost reaching the southern tip of South America. Therefore, the Peninsula is the most accessible region of the Antarctic and until recently one needed to navigate for two whole days and nights through the rough seas of the infamous 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 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.
Itinerary in Brief 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 Antarctic vessel (5 nights) Days 3/6 • Cruising and exploring along the western Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands Day 7 • Flight back to Punta Arenas Overnight at Punta Arenas Day 8 • End of the trip
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Jaguars of the Pantanal The Spirit of the South American Jungle
Departures 8-day trip from Sao Paulo, Brazil 2019: Oct 17-24 Trip Code: BRA01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size o
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e will explore the vast northern section of the Pantanal on our quest for Jaguar, America’s largest cat. We will explore the very end of the famous Transpantaneira road, where the Cuiabá meets the Piquiri, Três Irmãos 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 adusting position for the best
angle. On some occassions 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.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Sao Paulo – Flight to Cuiabá – Drive to the Pantanal Days 2 & 3 • First lodge in the Pantanal photographing birds and animals Day 4 • Transfer to second lodge in the Pantanal Days 5-7 • Boat trips and Jaguar searches Day 8 • Drive back to Cuiabá – Flight to Sao Paulo – End of the trip
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Grand Guatemala Birds, Nature & Archaeology Departures 10-day trip from Guatemala City, Guatemala 2019: May 18-27, Sep 14-23 Trip Code: GUA01 This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.
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uatemala is such a fascinating, intriguing and diverse country in many respects. Its northely location in Middle America has provided Guatemala with an extraordinary and unique biodiversity, additionally enriched by its ancient Mayan heritage. During this trip we will aim to discover the natural riches and cultural highlights of Guatemala, in terms of its amazing birdlife, diverse ecosystems and unique archaeology. During the first half of this trip we will explore its lush rainforests, volcanoes, coffee plantations and ancient towns and markets. Later we will devote ourselves to explore the most secluded regions of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, at the remote Las Guacamayas Biological Station, to visit one of the least known Mayan sites, El Peru-Waka’, - which is still been excavated! Later we will have a comprehensive visit to explore the breathtaking Mayan citadel of Tikal, a grand finale to our journey of discovery to this extraordinary and friendly nation.
Itinerary in Brief Day 1 • Guatemala City – Drive to Antigua Day 2 • Antigua – Drive to Los Tarrales Day 3 • Exploring Los Tarrales – Drive to Santiago Atitlan Day 4 • Walk to San Pedro Volcano Day 5 • Drive to Antigua Day 6 • Flight to Flores – Drive to Las Guacamayas Biological Station Day 7 • Walk to El Peru-Waka’ ruins Day 8 • Las Guacamayas Biological Station – Drive to Tikal Day 9 • Tikal citadel Day 10 • Drive to Guatemala City – Connecting flights – End of the trip
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Testimonials ‘I just wanted to tell you we could not have asked for a better guide, Jorge and driver on our tour. We really enjoyed what we saw and Jorge and the driver. So much personality and knowledge. We could not have seen so many birds without him.’ E. & B. Tarbox, Texas, USA ‘Hi once again! We made your King Pinguin Trip today with Rodrigo Tapia! I just want to tell you that he is a very good professional, answered all of our questions and we spent a wonderful time with him by the Pinguins! Thank you! ‘ S. Hayvazov, Dortmund, Germany ‘Hi Cecilia! I wanted to begin by saying a special thanks to YOU for all the effort you put into making our trip just great! I will tell you about our experience with Sebastian, he was FANTASTIC!! He knows his birds and where to find them! He made sure that Wijbren photographed everything on his list! I cannot say enough good things about him or how he does his job! Our trip could not have been better and we will remember it for always! And again to YOU Cecilia …Thanks a million times for all you did to set up our trip!! Also give our regards to Claudio, and tell him how pleased we were with everything! Take care! Best! Carol ‘ C. Wood and W. Huisman, New Jersey, USA ‘Hi Cecilia, we have arrived back here in Costa Rica. It was a fabulous trip......everything went well. Your country is just amazing. We especially loved Torres del Paine and the hotel there along with Norman, Sebastian and Jorge. What an experience......16 pumas in 5 days!!!! And the lamb barbecue was so much fun. We will be returning without a doubt. Easter Island and the hotel there was also beyond our expectations. Tierra del Fuego was also great. I think we each gained five pounds on the trip with all the good food and wine. Thank you so so much for all your help in making this trip a reality. Come visit us here someday in Monteverde!!!! The Very Best Regards ‘ P. & S. Leh Indiana, USA
‘Hi Cecilia, I just want to thank you for all of your work in making our day tours run smoothly. All of the guides were excellent, and payed attention to our target species list. Thank you for answering all of my emails too, as I know there were many! I will have Far South Expeditions in mind for future tours in South America. All the best ‘ S. Watson, Ontario, Canada ‘Dear Cecilia, At last I am writing to you to thank all at Far South Expeditions for every aspect of the organisation and implementation of the tour I recently took part in (Birding Chile - 06Jan-19Jan 2018) and to thank you personally for the extremely efficient way you kept me informed and upto-date with the tour arrangements. I would also like to add a special ‘thank you’ to Rodrigo, who was not only an excellent guide with regard to bird-finding and identifying each species for us, but he was also extremely personable, being very helpful and friendly at all times. He was also willing to answer our questions (almost continual on some days!) during the time we were travelling. All-in-all, he’s a star! This trip has encouraged me to go on more guided birding holidays around the world though I know that it will be difficult for any company to match your efficiency and Rodrigo’s guiding skills. Once again, Thank you very much, Yours sincerely ‘ R. Pyefinch Lancashire, England `Greetings Cecilia, Dallas and I have just got back to New Zealand after a most enjoyable holiday and a wonderful introduction to the wildlife of Chile. Many thanks for all your help in arranging this trip. All the transport arrangements worked well and we were most appreciative of your prompt and helpful replies to our emails. Ana Maria and Rodrigo were both great hosts as well as having an in depth knowledge of Chilean birds. We must not forget the drivers Rodolfo and Christian – they were much more than just drivers. They certainly added to the enjoyment of our time in Chile. We would not hesitate in recommending Far South Expeditions to those wanting to see Chilean wildlife. Regards’ G. de Lisle and Dallas Bishop, New Zealand
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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 8 participants; even in some like our photo safaris and birding groups for instance, have a maximum size of 7 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.
Unique Journeys
Our Lodging
We 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 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. excellent wines.
Best Locations 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.
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Our Nature Books & Trip Materials
Helder González, Cecilia Faúndez and Rodrigo Pérez
Oir Office
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.
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.
“Working at Far South Expeditions during these eight 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, Operations Dept.
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Rodrigo Tapia, Jorge Valenzuela, Sebastián Saiter, Matías Ballarini, Ana María Venegas, Flavio Martínez, Cecilia Vedelago, Jorge Cárdenas, Enrique Couve y Claudio F. Vidal.
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 a nd 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.
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Conservation & Education
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onservation and Environmental Education have always been pillars of our vision as a Nature-inspired company, and this year is no exception, finding us actively helping in conservation and educating the community by turning attention to endangered species through field observation and the publishing of bird and wildlife books and articles. Also, by amassing valuable distribution and breeding data that scientists can use, we further help in the priceless endeavor of trying and helping to protect them and their sometimes fragile ecosystems. Following in this line of work, we have renewed our commitment to the efforts aimed to protect the critically endangered continental populations of the Ruddy-headed Goose, Chloephaga rubidiceps, of which only around 20 breeding pairs still exist. We have been helping along with this goal for years through the gathering of accurate distributional, breeding and presence data that have helped local researchers and conservationists to assess the status of the species, and for a couple of years now part
of our profits goes to finance the captive breeding, monitoring and habitat recovery programmes that are trying to revert this critical condition. This year we have also created a bond to a local conservation NGO, Agrupaciรณn Ecolรณgica Patagรณnica, who are striving to preserve several urban wildlife sanctuaries around the city of Punta Arenas, and besides from monetary support donated from our proceeds, we will be publishing some of their books and other material that is mainly aimed to educate and create awareness in the community, especially schools and children, of the problematics that our wilderness faces nowadays. We also support conservation and the further knowledge and better understanding of our birdlife and wildlife in general through our partnerships with both Aves Chile, the national network of ornithologists and bird enthusiasts whose Ornithological Bulletin we finance, and on a global sphere, with BirdLife International, both powerful associates in our goals of helping to preserve our natural treasures and spread the conservationist ethos that is our guide into the community.
Far South Expeditions P.O. Box 920, Punta Arenas, CP 6202473, CHILE Phone: +56 61 261 5793 tours@farsouthexpeditions.com www.farsouthexp.com Cover photographs Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Phegornis mitchellii | Back cover photograph: Humboldt’s Hog-nosed Skunk, Conepatus humboldtii © both by Jorge Valenzuela, Far South Expeditions. All texts and photographs © Far South Expeditions, unless otherwise indicated. No photographs may be reproduced in any form without permission Proud member
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