Birdwatching in the South of Chile

Chile's southern region of lakes and volcanoes is an expression of nature's inimitable aesthetic and startling exuberance. Between volcanic cataclysms, glacial sculpting, torrential rivers and massive temperate rainforests, this is very much a landscape in flux, modeling and remodeling itself before our eyes.

The dense temperate rainforests of southern Chile's Lakes and Volcanoes region provide habitat for the endemic Slender-Billed Parakeet and Chestnut-Throated huet-huet, the huge Magallanic Woodpecker, and numerous southern cone species including the White-Throated Hawk, Chilean Pigeon, Des Murs' Wiretail, and Patagonia Tyrant. Abundant waterfoul include Black-Necked Swans, Flightless and Flying Steamer-Ducks, Torrent Ducks, and several species of Andean geese.

Day 1
Afternoon arrival in Valdivia. Reception by the guide, transfer to Santa Maria Lodge. This will be a highlight in our trip. Especially designed for birdwatchers, the itinerary provides the best opportunity to see most of the wetland, prairie and forest bird species of Central-South Chile. Lunch and lodging. Overnight Santa Maria.

Day 2
Today we visit the Río Cruces and Valdivian Rainforest, ending up in the resort village of Frutillar. During this day we’ll have the opportunity to see some of the most representative species of this RAMSAR site such as the Black-necked Swan, Great Grebe, Snowy-crowned Tern, White-necked Heron, Red-gartered, Red-fronted and White-winged Coots. We’ll see reproductive colonies of Olivaceous Cormorants, Black-faced Ibis and several egret species. After lunch, we’ll explore different habitats present on Santa María farm. During this afternoon we expect to see a wide range of wetland, prairie and forest birds and several endemics, including Slender-billed parakeet, Chilean Tinamou and Chilean Mockingbird. In the native forest patches we will have the opportunity to see most of the Tapaculos inhabiting in the Region: Black-throated Huet-huet, Andean and Ochre-flanked Tapaculos plus other species like the tiny Des Murs` Wiretail, Austral Parakeet, Chilean Pigeon and White-throated Treerunner. On open areas we have a good chance of watching the Correndera Pipit, Black-chinned Siskin, Long-tailed Meadowlark and the Grassland Yellow-Finch. Near the shoreline and wetland areas were we should be able to watch the Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, the Wren-like Rushbird and the Yellow-winged Blackbird. Transfer to Frutillar. Dinner at El ciervo restaurant. Check in Hotel Elún. Overnight Frutillar

Day 3
Topday we visit Llanquihue and various river sites. The tour begins at “Cecinas Llanquihue” Industrial Park.

Floating the Maullín River.we descenc the river and see native species such as Cormorant Colonies, Black Faced Ibis and other types of Herons is possible, as well as Black Necked Swans that inhabit this marsh. Next we enter a private native forest of 62 hectares with a wide variety of flora and fauna associated with the river and marsh,. Here several kinds of birds coexist. We enjoy observation trails with special decks for the installation of birdwatching and photographic equipment. Finally a scenic stroll leads to the Pichilaguna –Small Lagoon- where besides Black Necked Swans, species like Chiloe Wigeon, Cinammon Teal, Speckeld Teal and Spectacled Duck cam be seem. Following our outdoor Barbacue we gp back to Frutillar. Dinner included. Overnight in Frutillar.