Our
Eco-Tours in Patagonia
Expediciones Chile’s commitment to environmental conservation and Patagonia eco-tourism has extended over the twenty years of our company’s existence. Ecological tourism, where the word “ecological” has both environmental and societal connotations lies at the core of our belief system. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people". For Expediciones Chile, eco-tourism means developing trips and eco-tours that focus on local cultures, wilderness areas, and flora and fauna of the region while creating a sustainable, economic, minimally consumptive business model to maintain the viability of the resource. We make a point of hiring guides, naturalists and employees from the local communities whenever we can and to help the communities themselves recognize the valuable resources over which they have stewardship. Hydro-electric development now threatens many of the southern regions of Chile and we believe that developing eco-tours in Patagonia is a more viable economic model and one that preserves this spectacular wilderness resource. You can read more about our eco-tour efforts in the Futaleufu River Valley by visiting our environmental policy webpage.
Over the years we have worked with educational groups to develop customized trips with an eco-emphasis. Our partners have included high schools, universities and even the prestigious Explorer’s Club. If you or your organization are planning a Patagonia eco-tour and are looking for a partner to help develop your trip please contact our office.
In
addition to the trip on this page, we offer
a full menu of eco-friendly multisport activities
from which to choose, including: whitewater
rafting and kayaking, sea kayaking, kayak
school, river guide school, trekking, fly
fishing, horseback riding, canyoning, mountain
biking and more formal eco-tours in Chile
like the one you see here. We also offer trekking
trips to Torres del Paine, Cerro FitzRoy and
other spectacular destinations in South America.
"These Activities are conducted by local companies"
Bird
Watching Menu
Birds
of the Sea Coast
/ Birds of the Marshes
and Rivers / Birds
of the Woodlands, Forests and Meadows
/ Birds of the Mountains
/ Birds of the Patagonia
Steppe/ Bird Watching
Field Guide / Trip
Itinerary / Pricing
& Calendar
Bird
Watching / Eco-Patagonia Tour Itinerary
Day
1, Wednesday:
Leave from your hometown city on an over night
flight to Santiago, Chile.
Day
2, Thursday: Arrive
in Santiago International Airport, Chile,
clear customs, and transfer to a connecting
flight to Puerto Montt Chile. Spend the rest
of the day in the coastal Chilean city of
Puerto Montt, the gateway to Patagonia, located
on the Golfo Corcovado. The city of Puerto
Montt is ringed by magnificent volcanic peaks,
including the still active Volcan Orsorno.
Enjoy shopping at the Angelmo Market for Chilean
wool goods, or stroll the harbor area for
coastal birds. Enjoy a salmon dinner at the
Club de Yates restaurant and spend the night
in the luxurious El Presidente hotel.
Day
3, Friday:
Early breakfast at your hotel
and ground transport to the harbor. This morning
we will take a spectacular five-hour Catamaran
ride across the Golfo Corcovado. We often
spot Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins and
numerous coastal varieties like, Albatross,
Petrels and Shearwaters on this trip. We arrive
in the small coastal fishing village of Chaiten
and drop our baggage off at the Hotel Mi Casa,
overlooking the bay, and then head off to
the famous Parque Pumalin for a several hour
trek to see the old-growth giant alerce trees,
and experience a unique coastal rainforest
environment. The Parque Pumalin rainforest
is home to a wide variety of bird species
including the magellenic woodpecker. We return
to Hotel Mi Casa and eat dinner overlooking
the Chaiten harbor and scenic bay below.
Day
4, Saturday:
A hearty breakfast
in Chaiten before setting out on a short bird
watching hike along the Chaiten harbor and
Santa Barbara beach coastline. After lunch
we board a comfortable Safari bus and drive
up the river valley along the Carreterra Austral,
through a spectacular lake/fjord eco-system.
We will cross the scenic Rio Yelcho, viewing
snow-capped mountains, extinct volcanoes,
glaciers, and the magnificent Lago Yelcho.
We will finish this day's journey at our lodge,
with wine and cheese, in the little alpine
village of Futaleufu, where we will spend
the night. The birds and wildlife we will
encounter will be as varied as the habitats
we travel through. As the day begins keep
an eye out for Biterns, Egrets, Cormorants,
Herons and Ibis' followed by Condors, Eagles
and Falcons as we traverse the high mountain
passes.
Day
5, Sunday:
Wake up to
a hot breakfast in the little alpine village
of Futaleufu. before starting out to the headwaters
of the Espolon river on mountain bikes and/or
horses that will be waiting in front of the
lodge to take you on this journey. The trails
we will take wind along the turquoise blue
Espolon river, across small bridges, and white
sand beaches, before reaching the spectacular
waterfalls below Lago Espolon. The Futaleufu
and Rio Espolon valleys are at the center
of a unique rain-shadow microclimate ecosystem
that provides a home to numerous bird species
from different habitats. After viewing the
falls we will board rafts and journey down
the clear blue Espolon back to the village
of Futaleufu. Our previous guests have compared
this raft trip to a "magic carpet ride"
as the water is so clear you feel you are
floating in the air above the river bottom.
There are some exciting, but easily negotiated
class II-III whitewater sections on this trip.
We spend another night in the village lodge.
Day
6, Monday:
We start our
horseback or trekking trip down the roadless
upper Futaleufu river valley along the senderos
used by the local Chileans. Horses carry our
gear through forests and farmland ecosystems.
We traverse the Class 5 Infierno Gorge of
the Rio Futaleufu. Coming out of the Las Escalas
Valley we go through an old growth Coihue
forest to our remote tent camp at an isolated
ranch. This is the half-way point of the Futaleufu
River Valley trail. There will be ample opportunity
for birding, sight seeing and photography
throughout the day. This is a location very
few people ever visit and is a real glimpse
of a world that is that is quickly disappearing
- a journey back in time. When night falls
we use candles and lanterns to light our way,
and finally settle down to sleep under the
southern stars.
Day
7, Tuesday:
After breakfast we continue trekking or riding
in the valley to the thundering Throne Room
rapid, the most powerful rapid on this Crown
Jewel of rivers, and one of the largest rapids
in the world. We will spend some time bird
watching and sight seeing, and if we arrive
at the right time we may see some intrepid
world class kayakers descending this mighty
cataract. The ecosystems of this day will
vary between forests and farmlands to riparian
as we meander along the Futaleufu river. We
continue along the "Wild Mile" rapids
till we come to a spectacular confluence of
two rivers under the gaze of the Tres Monjas
peak. We cross a high foot bridge over the
Futaleufu river to discover the rustic but
luxurious riverside Tres Monjas eco-camp.
This camp is so spectacularly located that
many of our guests have declared it a combination
of Yosemite and Glacier National Parks. At
this camp we have hot showers, a wood sauna,
and masseuse to soothe your tired muscles.
Here you will have an opportunity to explore
the Rio Azul valley, do more birding, or just
relax on a white sand beach along the caribbean-blue
Futaleufu river.
Day
8, Wednesday:
We wake up at to the sounds
of two rivers flowing around the peninsula
of Campo Tres Monjas. As we walk down the
forest path, toward the dining lodge for breakfast,
we look across the beach and the river to
a view of the sun rising over the Tres Monjas
peaks. Today we will get an introduction to
sea kayaking on the nearby protected, and
mountain ringed, Lonconao Lake. Partners are
selected as we introduce paddling and rescue
techniques before setting out on the lake.
Our stable two man kayaks are very forgiving
for the first time kayaker and allow us to
concentrate on the scenery and wildlife in
this spectacular place. Paddling under your
own power, on such clean water, in a pristine
setting, will be an experience you will not
soon forget.
Day
9, Thursday:
This is an optional multisport ala-carte day
to enjoy the beach, masseuse, sauna, and the
incredible views. On this day we offer optional
adventure activities for those that want them:
fly fishing, sit on top kayaking, world class
whitewater rafting, mountain bike riding,
and a learn to kayak clinic. The bird watching
from the camp is also very good and includes
three different habitats: riparian, farmland,
and temperate forests. This night we have
a Chilean lamb barbeque.
Day
10, Friday:
On this
morning we will divide into two groups; the
most adventurous group will get an early start
crossing the Futaleufu river, to climb to
the base of the Tres Monjas spires for one
of the most spectacular and rewarding views
of both the Futaleufu and Rio Azul valleys.
This is an all day trek that will involve
climbing above tree line and possibly into
the snow line, depending on the season. On
this trek we will likely encounter Andean
Condors that live along the cliffs of the
Tres Monjas Peaks. A lighter trek or horseback
ride to the world class Terminator rapid is
an option for those that want a more relaxing
day. This secondary ride is as equally spectacular.
On the banks of the Terminator rapid is an
enchanting coihue forest that will provide
us more bird watching opportunities. We will
have a riverside lunch along side this powerful
and spectacular rapid and then return to camp.
Day
11, Saturday:
We get an early start this morning to head
back to Chaiten, to catch flights to Puerto
Montt and a connecting flight to Santiago.
In the evening you will board a flight from
Santiago, Chile, to your hometown.
Andean Condor ( Vultur gryphus )
Magellanic Woodpecker ( Campephilus magellanicus )
Lesser Rhea ( Pterocnemia pennata )
Olivaceous Cormorant ( Phalacrocrox olivaceus )
Chilean Flamingo ( Phoenicopterus chilensis )
Peruvian Penguin ( Spheniscus humboldti )
Ringed kingfisher (Ceryle torquata)
Birds of the Sea Coast
You will begin your bird watching adventure vacation from the Chilean coastal city of Puerto Montt, the gateway to Patagonia. There you will board a Catamaran Ferry and travel across the Golfo Corcodova to the seaside fishing village of Chaiten. Birds that we usually sight on this crossing, and on the beaches of Chaiten typically include: Albatross, Petrels, Prions, Shearwaters, Penguins, Boobys, Pelicans, Cormorants, Biterns, Oyster Catchers, Yellowlegs, Plovers, Whimbrels, Godwits, Sandpipers, Surfbirds, Skuas, Gulls, Sanderlings, Turnstones and Terns.
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Birds of the Marshes and Rivers
As we journey inland from the coastal village of Chaiten the scenery changes dramatically and so does the bird watching. We drive on the Carreterra Austral, Chile's southern highway, following lower lying rivers and lakes before climbing upward toward the high Andes. The birds of this ecosystem typically include: Grebes, Cormorants, Egrets, Herons, Ibis', Storks, Flamingoes, Coscorobas, Geese, Ducks, Pintails, Rails, Galinules, Coots, Snipes, Skimmers, King Fishers, Cinclodes, Teals and Shovelers.
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Birds of the Woodlands, Forests and Meadows
After a few hours journey along the Carreterra Austral we turn off the southern highway and head up a secondary road toward the Futaleufu Valley. The terrain becomes less marshy and more mountainous and we begin to sight different species of birds: Harriers, Hawks, Caracaras, Kestrels, Owls, Doves, Pigeons, Plant Cutters, Parakeets, Woodpeckers, Flickers, Wiretails, Tree Runners, Tyrants, Swallows, Wrens, Lap Wings, Finches, Cowbirds, Mockingbirds, Black Birds, Meadowlarks, Siskins and Sparrows.
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Birds of the Mountains
Finally we enter the high mountainous areas of the Andes surrounding the Futaleufu river valley. This is the spectacular habitat of the Andean Condor. Bird watching in this region is exciting as we spot:: Vultures, Eagles, Hawks, Canasteros, Earth Creepers and Miners.
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Birds of the Patagonian Steppe
After spending a few days birding in the Futaleufu Valley we head over the Argentinean border to the dry side of the Andes Mountains. This is the steppe region that includes the famous Parque Nacionale Los Alerces of Argentina. Some of the birds that we encounter in this arid region include: Rheas, Tinamous, Harriers, Eagles, Caracaras, Quail, Seed Snipes, Parrots, Nightjars, Hillstars, Miners, Earth Creepers, Canasteros, Finches and Tyrants.
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Birding Watching Field Guide
We have developed an abbreviated bird watching field guide that lists family, common name, latin name, habitat, and provides spaces for sighting information. To download this pdf file click here: Bird Watching
We recommend the following guide: The Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica, by Maurice Rumboll & Martin de la Pena.
Bird
Watching / Eco-Patagonia Tour Itinerary
Day
1 Saturday: Futaleufu
Arrival & Introductions
Arrive in Futaleufu via Esquel or Bariloche
Argentina the gateway to Futaleufu Patagonia.
Connect with our transportation representative
and travel to the remote riverside village
of Futaleufu, surrounded by majestic mountains.
You will find your accommodations at our
comfortable lodge, and unwind from your
trip with a hearty welcome dinner at the
Futaleufu Adventure Center.
Day 2, Sunday: Wake
up to a hot breakfast in the little alpine
village of Futaleufu. After orientation
we will head out to the headwaters of the
Espolon river on mountain bikes and/or horses
that will be waiting in front of the lodge
to take you on this journey. The trails
we will take wind along the turquoise blue
Espolon river, across small bridges, and
white sand beaches, before reaching the
spectacular waterfalls below Lago Espolon.
The Futaleufu and Rio Espolon valleys are
at the center of a unique rain-shadow microclimate
ecosystem that provides a home to numerous
bird species from different habitats. After
viewing the falls we will board rafts or
if you are more adventurous Sit on Top Kayaks,
and journey down the clear blue Espolon
back to the village of Futaleufu. Our previous
guests have compared this short river trip
to a "magic carpet ride" as the
water is so clear you feel you are floating
in the air above the river bottom. There
are some exciting, but easily negotiated
class II whitewater sections on this trip.
We spend another night in our lodge.
Day 3, Monday:
We start our trekking trip down the oxcart
trails of the upper Futaleufu river valley.
These are the senderos used by the local
Chileans. Our destination is our remote
off the grid working ranch that we call
"Benidictos." We drop into the
Futaleufu valley through an old growth forest,
and cross the Futaleufu river on a swinging
bridge. After crossing the river we renter
an old growth forest on a horse trail where
we come to the remote ranch. This is the
half-way point of the Futaleufu River Valley
trail. There will be ample opportunity for
birding, sight seeing and photography throughout
the day. This is a location very few people
ever visit and is a real glimpse of a world
that is that is quickly disappearing - a
journey back in time.
Day 4, Tuesday:
Tuesday we wake up at the remote ranch,
where we eat a breakfast with fresh eggs
from the chickens, fresh milk from the cows
and fresh scones and honey. We will be immersed
in the culture of an off the grid working
ranch. Our hosts are charming. Today is
a day spent exploring from the ranch. Horses
are available for a ride up another side
valley up in to the Andes, and search for
Condors. From the ranch a twenty minute
hike takes us to the river to bird watch.
Again dinner and a night back in time around
the wood stove.
Day 5, Wednesday:
After breakfast we trek
(or ride) down valley to the thundering
Throne Room rapid, the most powerful rapid
on this Crown Jewel of rivers, and one of
the largest rapids in the world. We will
spend some time bird watching and sight
seeing, and if we arrive at the right time
we may see some intrepid world class kayakers
descending this mighty cataract. The ecosystems
of this day will vary between forests and
farmlands to riparian as we meander along
the Futaleufu river. We continue along the
"Wild Mile" rapids till we come
to a spectacular confluence of two rivers
under the gaze of the Tres Monjas peak.
We cross a high foot bridge over the Futaleufu
river to discover the rustic but luxurious
riverside Tres Monjas eco-camp. This camp
is so spectacularly located that many of
our guests have declared it a combination
of Yosemite and Glacier National Parks.
At our Campo Tres Monjas we will be sleeping
in sleeping bags in tents or primitive cabins.
However we have hot showers, a wood sauna,
and masseuse to soothe your tired muscles.
Here and early arrival will give you an
opportunity to explore the Rio Azul valley,
do more birding, or just relax on a white
sand beach along the caribbean-blue Futaleufu
river.
Day 6, Thursday:
This is your day at the camp. Enjoy the
beach, masseuse, sauna, and the incredible
views. During the day the camp is usually
empty. What a time to read a book on the
beach, or go for a short hike. You will
enjoy the home cooked meals.
Day 7, Friday: Today
we have a choice between a moderate river
valley hike downstream to the complex Terminator
rapid. (5.5 hours rt) This riparian environment
will provide us more bird watching opportunities.
We will have a riverside lunch on smooth
contured rocks along side this powerful
and spectacular rapid. Aftewards we return
to camp. A second option is a more difficult
up hill hike in a valley behind the Tres
Monjas Peak near the Argentine border. (6.5
hours rt) In route we will visit a neighbors
ranch that look like it is right of the
story "Heidi" a simple and beautiful
ranch set under the Tres Monjas peak. A
third option for those fit and ready to
tackle 5,000 vertical feet in one day we
can get an early start crossing the Futaleufu
river, to climb to the base of the Tres
Monjas spires for one of the most spectacular
and rewarding views of both the Futaleufu
and Rio Azul valleys. This is an all day
trek (up to 14 hours rt) that will involve
climbing above tree line and possibly into
the snow line, depending on the season.
On this trek we will likely encounter Andean
Condors that live along the cliffs of the
Tres Monjas Peaks.
Day 15 Saturday: Futaleufu
Valley Departure
Today we wake up for an early breakfast
for the departure to Bariloche, Argentina
or if you are flying out of Esquel, Argentina
you can relax for a couple of hours and
take our shuttle.
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Birding Vacation Pricing
Our season in Chile runs from 15 Nov - 15 April. The months of January and February correspond to July and August in the Northern Hemisphere. The season tends to start-out wetter and becomes drier as we move through summer and autumn. Typically our bird watching tours run from Thursday to Saturday, for a total of ten days.
The price of a ten day bird watching/adventure vacation is $2995.00. This price includes transportation to and from Puerto Montt, all local transportation, guides, horses and most equipment and gear, (see our packing list for specifics), meals and lodging. Binoculars and Field Guides are not included.
Because of the logistics involved in running bird watching tours in this region of the world we typically like to run our trips with a minimum of four or more people. If you have a group of this size and are iterested in visiting this area of Patagonia please contact our office for more information.
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