Chile Pumas and Penguins
Overview:
Spanning nearly 2,700 miles from the border with Peru to the end of the continent, Chile is a land of rugged landscapes, from the arid Atacama Desert in the North to the towering spine of the Andes Mountains, and the Humboldt Current waters where the Pacific meets the Southern Ocean. Chile is famous for the massive, protected swaths of land that comprise the region of Patagonia, one of the world's most successful conservation stories. It is a land of contrasts where gaucho culture is integrated with predator conservation and pink flamingos wade in frozen lakes beneath granite mountainscapes. This sample itinerary is designed to showcase fantastic birding and wildlife of Southern Chile blended with hiking, cuisine, history, and culture. Explore from the Lakes District to the iconic Torres del Paine to the end of the continent in Tierra del Fuego fjords where you’ll immerse in nature and quaint local towns that showcase the true character of the destination.
Itinerary Summary:
Days 1 – 5 – Lakes District
Days 6 – 10: Torres del Paine
Days 11 – 15: Tierra del Fuego
Day 15 - Depart
The Essentials:
Seasonality: Best in November through March with higher chances of observing penguins and whales from December through February, but stunning fall colors into April
From $9,000 per person (based on two travelers)
Includes four and five star accommodation, breakfast, meals on the cruise, meals in Torres del Pain, guided tours with local birding specialists, and transfers
Iconic landscapes without the problematic overtourism density
Itinerary:
Lakes District – Puerto Varas and Chiloe Island – 4 Nights
Explore the “City of Roses” set on the banks of Lake Llanquihue and beneath the towering Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes. Set out each day with a local naturalist guide to hike in surrounding national parks in search of the abundant bird life along paths laid by ancient lava flows and in dense temperate rainforest favored considered a bird life hotspot in Chile with over 120 species. Return in the evenings to the unique character and cuisine of the German inspired town. Continue by road and ferry to the island of Chiloe, famous for its UNESCO Heritage Site collection of hand-built wooden churches, its colorful folklore, and lively rookeries of Puñihuil which harbor breeding colonies of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins. The island is also a critical habitat for the world’s smallest deer, the Pudu, and critically endangered Darwin fox.
Torres del Paine National Park – 5 Nights
Continue south by plane to reach Torres del Paine National Park for a stay in luxury yurts where Chilean cuisine is elevated to gastronomic excellence and views across the lake immerse in the majesty of the Paine Massif. This is the perfect place to soak in nature away from the crowds, quiet enough to attract Magellanic woodpeckers and close enough to explore the prime regions of the park. Explore by kayak or guided hikes before continuing to the eastern plains filled with guanacos, rheas, crested caracaras, and pumas for a stay on a working estancia with unbeatable views of the Towers to learn about gaucho culture and spearheading conservation efforts.
Tierra del Fuego – 4 Nights
Embark on a small ship cruise through the fjords of the Magellan Straight to the edge of the continent, home to incredible marine life. Set out on zodiacs to observe southern elephant seals and thousands of nesting Magellan penguins. Explore on land excursions through beaver habitat to hidden waterfalls, enjoy frequent sightings of various seabirds, trek on the Pia Glacier, and navigate through the Beagle Channel, learn about the indigenous people who first inhabited the Tierra del Fuego, and continue to the Cape Horn Monument, demarcating the southernmost tip of the fjords and overlooking the turbulent Drake Passage before arriving to Ushuaia, Argentina for your departure.
Please call us on +1 720 494 1530 or email Travel@grtexp.com to discuss this trip further with a travel expert. We would be happy to discuss ways to tailor this itinerary to your personal preferences. Click below to submit your contact details and we'll be in touch to follow up to discuss your preferences and availability.
