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 some of 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 Puna Ibis, Chilean Tinamou, Peruvian Martin, Tamarugo Conebill, Chilean Woodstar, Rufous­bellied Seedsnipe, Andean Avocet, Rufous-legged Owl, appropriately named Giant Hummingbird, Puna Tinamou and thousands of flamingos of three species.

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