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.

Our Comprehensive Birds, Wildlife & Andean Landscapes birding tour covers the highlights of this fabulous country as we search for its numerous specialties 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 during our Chile birding tour will no doubt be the highly sought-after Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, while other no less desirable species include James’s Flamingo, Puna Ibis, Chilean Tinamou, Rufous-­bellied Seedsnipe, Andean Avocet, Rufous-legged Owl, Slender-billed Parakeet, Magellanic Woodpecker, White-throated Treerunner and the appropriately named Giant Hummingbird. During our Chile birding tour, 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 Viscacha. 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.

Our pre-tour Arica Extension takes us to the country’s far north, where we explore the scenic, varied habitats ranging from the Atacama Desert oasis valleys (thousands of feet deep!), and venture up the desolate west face of the Andes to the high Puna. Coastal birds such as Grey Gull and beautiful Peruvian Tern grace the beaches, while Peruvian Martin, Tamarugo Conebill, Peruvian Sheartail and Oasis Hummingbird occur within the Oasis Valleys. Other highlights of our tour might include Puna Rhea, Puna Tinamou and three species of flamingo.

The Chile & Argentina - Birds & Wine tour offers fantastic birding opportunities during our visit to some of the country’s most famous sites for a range of specialities and endemics. Ample time will also be spent enjoying the fabulous wine country where the Malbecs shine and the Cabernet’s show class and style. Highlights from a birding point of view range from the giant Andean Condor to the highly prized Diademed Sandpiper-Plover. Other sought-after specials include the unique Chilean tapaculos called huet-huets and turcas, Rufous-legged Owl, Magellanic Woodpecker, White-throated Treerunner, Grey-breasted Seedsnipe, Sandy Gallito 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. Accommodations, meals and wines are excellent throughout the tour and the Chilean and Argentinian people offer warm hospitality, which combined with outstanding scenery, makes our birds and wine tour of Chile & Argentina an extremely memorable experience!

Our new Budget tour takes in the best of Arica and the central valley area around Santiago. Our exploration should uncover a fascinating range of species including Andean Condor, Chilean Woodstar, various huet-huets and turcas, the highly prized Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Tamarugo Conebill, Rufous­-bellied Seedsnipe, appropriately named Giant Hummingbird and thousands of flamingos of three species.