THE DESTINATION: Chile’s Southern Patagonia is the last frontier of the American continent – a land of wind, wilderness, and stunning landscapes. During this wildlife expedition, we’ll have the chance to spot a wide array of birds and mammals, including endemics and quasi-endemics unique to this part of the world. We’ll visit the only colony of charismatic King Penguins found close to mainland South America. We’ll search for spectacular albatrosses and condors flying overhead.
We’ll also spend three full days searching for pumas, the feline stars of this wildlife expedition. In this remote corner of South America, pumas numbers are on the rise. Legendary Torres del Paine National Park, a land of jagged peaks, raging rivers, alpine lakes, and open grasslands, provides the ideal realm for this apex predator. It’s also home to a diverse suite of mammals including guanacos, the preferred prey of pumas, foxes, armadillos, skunks, and more.
Our entire journey will offer stunning landscapes that change in color and shape as we make our way from Tierra del Fuego to Torres del Paine National Park. We carefully crafted this itinerary to maximize chances for incredible wildlife viewing throughout. Join Reefs to Rockies as we head to Southern Patagonia.
Chip Clouse, Reefs to Rockies Naturalist Guide, is thrilled to lead this unique wildlife expedition with local naturalist guides and our puma tracker-guide. Timing for this trip was developed with an emphasis on getting you into the “right place at the right time” for exceptional sightings. Together, they’ll take you to some of the region’s best locations for wildlife viewing with an emphasis on finding charismatic species including penguins, pumas, guanacos, condors, owls, and an array of other regional specialties.
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Afternoon arrival to Punta Arenas where we’ll meet our local hosts to start our Patagonian adventure at this European-style city at the shore of the Strait of Magellan. We’ll take advantage of extended daylight at this time of year with a visit to area wetlands and lagoons during our first birding excursion. Get to know fellow travelers this evening at our Welcome Dinner and briefing. Suggested arrival time – 3 pm or earlier.
Accommodations: Hotel Jose Nogueira
Meals: Dinner