Overview

Chile occupies a 2,650-mile-long narrow ribbon of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, and stretches from north of the Atacama Desert to Cape Horn, the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Chile is one of South America’s most stable and prosperous nations and our tour covers the highlights of this fabulous country as we search for its numerous specialities and endemics. These range from the giant Andean Condor to the tiny Chilean Woodstar and include the unique Chilean tapaculos called huet-huets and turcas.

One of our primary targets will no doubt be the highly prized Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, while other no less desirable species include James’s Flamingo, Puna Ibis, Chilean Tinamou, Grey-breasted Seedsnipe, Andean Avocet, Rufous-legged Owl, Slender-billed Parakeet, Magellanic Woodpecker, White-throated Treerunner and the appropriately named Giant Hummingbird.

We will also undertake an exciting pelagic excursion in search of the region’s seabirds, including the rare Peruvian Diving Petrel and Chilean Skua, while mammal possibilities include herds of stately Vicunas, the range-restricted Marine Otter and the bizarre Southern Mountain Viscachas.

Accommodations, meals, and wines are excellent throughout the tour and the Chilean people offer warm hospitality. Combined with the outstanding scenery of high-altitude Puna lakes and snow-capped volcanoes, excellent coastal desert and rich Patagonian Forest, this is without doubt one of South America’s most memorable birding destinations!

Tour Facts Top Birds
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover; Magellanic & Rufous-chested Plovers; Magellanic Woodpecker; Moustached Turca; Magellanic, White-throated, Dusky, Chucao & Ochre-flanked Tapaculos; Chestnut-throated & Black-throated Huet-huets; Crag Chilia; Green-backed Firecrown; Slender-billed & Mountain Parakeets; Grey-breasted & Least Seedsnipes; Andean Condor; Pincoya Storm Petrel; Magellanic Penguin; Chocolate-vented Tyrant; Elegant Crested, Chilean & Patagonian Tinamous; Ticking Doradito; Rufous-legged & Austral Pygmy Owl; Chilean Mockingbird; Black-winged Ground Dove; Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant; Giant Hummingbird; Chilean Elaenia; Chilean Pigeon; Thorn-tailed Rayadito; Burrowing Parrot; Des Murs’s Wiretail; Rufous-tailed Hawk; Patagonian Tyrant; Tawny-throated Dotterel; Lesser (Darwin’s) Rhea; Magellanic Oystercatcher; Ruddy-headed, Kelp, Upland & Ashy-headed Geese; Dolphin Gull; Fuegian Steamer Duck; Rock & Imperial Shags; Black-browed & Salvin’s Albatrosses; De Filippi's (Masatierra), White-chinned & Westland Petrels; Pink-footed & Sooty Shearwaters; Peruvian & Magellanic Diving Petrels; Rufous-banded Miner; Sharp-billed, Austral & Dusky-tailed Canasteros; Greater, Grassland & Patagonian Yellow Finches; Black-fronted, White-browed & Rufous-naped Ground Tyrants; Grey-flanked Cinclodes, Yellow-rumped Siskin, Band-tailed Earthcreeper, White-bridled & Yellow-bridled Finches; Black-faced Ibis; Austral Blackbird; Chilean Flicker; Rufous-tailed Plantcutter; South American Tern.
Top Mammals
Southern Mountain Viscacha; Guanaco; Vicuna; Culpeo; Argentine Grey Fox; Marine Otter; Dusky, Peale’s, Chilean & Commerson’s Dolphins; South American Sea Lion
Habitats Covered
mountains, forests, lakes, ocean, sea shore, coastal desert, marshes
Expected Climate
warm to cool, but colder in the highlands
Max Group Size
12 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local leader
Tour Pace & Walking
relaxed
Accommodation
comfortable
Ease of Birding
mostly easy with some trickier species
Number of Species Expected
250-270
Other Attractions
spectacular scenery, friendly people, pristine landscapes, great food & wine
Photographic Opportunities
good to excellent
Tour Route Map Route Map Client Testimonials

We had a rewarding Chilean birding and landscape adventure in December 2018 on a Rockjumper trip led by Rich Lindie, an excellent experienced guide.

We found Rich Lindie to be knowledgeable, friendly and attentive to our needs and wishes. The tour was excellent and we achieved all that we hoped.

Rich Lindie is an excellent guide with loads of patience and knowledge. He worked very hard to show us the birds and wildlife of Chile and would try and make sure everyone in the group saw all of the birds, when possible.

Rich Lindie is an amazing guide. He seems to see and hear everything. The birds were even better than I imagined. I enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Chile. The group on this tour were great, all being experienced birders.

I could not have been happier with our guides Adam is a terrific birder, good at getting the participants views of the birds, and a lot of fun to travel with.

Dates, Leaders and Pricing
2023 DEPARTURES
2024 DEPARTURES
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