Birds & Wine tour. A unique and special journey across the Andes, especially designed to discover the wealth of birds and landscapes of the central regions of Chile and Argentina; this trip also focuses on the wines that have given these New World countries their well-deserved fame into the international scene. From skulking tapaculos to imposing albatrosses, from extraordinary hummingbirds to majestic Andean Condors, from Chilean Carmenere to Argentine Malbec, we will find out that on this land wine literally flows freely. Come and indulge yourself with a taste of Chile and Argentina; its birds and wines are the perfect excuse.

On this fascinating trip we will discover the birdlife (and the wines) occurring on both slopes of the majestic Andes, by exploring the central regions of Chile and Argentina. We will commence our adventure birding along the Pacific coast of Chile and discovering the wealth of shorebirds and seabirds of the rich waters of the Humboldt Current; we will have the unique opportunity to find its more emblematic pelagic seabirds, including many species of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters occurring here. The central region of Chile is characterized by dense ‘matorral’ (equivalent to California’s ‘chaparral’) vegetation where we expect to see the majority of Chile’s terrestrial endemic birds. A short exploration south to the northern limit of Patagonia’s temperate forests, will allow us to find some striking tapaculos and hopefully Magellanic Woodpecker.

An impressive crossing over the Andes will be the grand finale – this will allow us to reach Argentina and its rich and diverse avifauna. We will have the time to explore from the Andean piedmont down to the xeric Monte Desert and its many specialties. But we can’t forget the wine!

 We have prepared an in-depth wine tasting program, visiting the most remarkable and traditional wineries of Maipo, Casablanca and Colchagua valleys in Chile as well as around Mendoza, in Argentina. This trip has been designed for the birder and for the nature enthusiast alike, wishing to combine some time in the field with wine tasting activities.

The landscapes and the culture of both countries are equally fascinating and you will have the opportunity to learn a lot about Argentina and Chile from your local leader. Salud! Cheers! Birds & Wine tour

Detailed Itinerary here.

Day 1 • Birding around Santiago: Lampa and Batuco marshes – Visits to Cousiño Macul and Concha & Toro vineyards – Overnight (O/N) SEL Lodge, San Jose de Maipo (2 nights)

Day 2 • El Yeso Reservoir and Termas del Plomo

Day 3 • Drive to Talca – Altos de Lircay Nature Reserve – O/N Hosteria de Vilches, Vilches (1 night)

Day 4 • Colbun Lake – Visit to Santa Cruz vineyard – O/N Hotel Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz (2 nights)

Day 5 • Colchagua Valley visiting Montes, Viu Manent and Montgrass vineyards

Day 6 • Maipo rivermouth – Visit to Matetic vineyards – Museum of Isla Negra (Pablo Neruda’s house) – O/N Hotel Yachting, Quintero (3 nights)

Day 7 • Pelagic trip off Quintero – Cachagua for Humboldt penguins

Day 8 • La Campana National Park – Visits to Emiliana and Casas del Bosque vineyards, Casablanca Valley

Day 9 • Crossing the Andes into Argentina – Birding Uspallata and Potrerillos – O/N Pueblo del Río, Potrerillos (1 night)

Day 10 • Drive to Mendoza – Visits to Zuccardi and Escorihuela Gascon vineyards – O/N Hotel Huentala, Mendoza (2 nights)

Day 11 • Birding around Mendoza – Visit Krontiras vineyards

Day 12 • Drive to Santiago – Birding on route – O/N Hotel La Reve, Providencia (1 night)

Day 13 • End of trip

• Birding and natural history trip designed for the birder and the wine enthusiast alike, with many cultural and nature highlights for guests with more relaxed interests in the natural world.

• An ideal journey for non-birder spouses.

• In-depth exploration to the best-known wine-producing regions of Chile and Argentina, including visits to several wineries and tasting led by oenology experts and connoisseurs.

• A rich and diverse avian ensemble comprising the birds of very contrasting regions of central Chile and Argentina: from the Humboldt Current and the Pacific coast over impressive mountains to Andean valleys and xeric monte habitats. Birds & Wine tour