This program begins in Punta Arenas, from where we travel to the city of Puerto Natales, and from there to Torres del Paine National Park. After birding in the area, we shall stay in one of the local hotels. We plan also to drive towards El Calafate, in Argentina and on to Los Glaciares National Park. This trip is planned to find some of the most difficult endemic birds of Patagonia such as the Hooded Grebe and the Patagonian Tinamou.  We drive through the pampas to end our trip in Argentina at Rio Gallegos, from where we will return to Punta Arenas.

• 9 days, 8 nights

• Meet: Punta Arenas

• Depart: same

• November to February               

 Birding in Torres del Paine National Park and Argentine Patagonia

 Day 1: Punta Arenas – Puerto Natales. Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales. Lunch en route, birding along the road. Dinner at restaurant to choose. Overnight in Puerto Natales. Lesser Rhea, Chilean Flamingo, Black-necked Swan, Andean Duck, Dolphin Gull, Austral Negrito.

 Day 2: Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine National Park. Transfer to Torres del Paine detouring to Sierra Baguales. Box lunch. Dinner and overnight in Torres del Paine National Park. Andean Condor, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Southern Caracara, Grey-breasted Seedsnipe, Austral Parakeet, Common Miner, Scale-throated Earthcreeper, Yellow-bridled Finch, Guanacos.

 Day 3: Full day on Torres del Paine National Park. During the morning, will drive towards Laguna Azul and during the afternoon will cross towards the west side of the park to visit Grey Lake. Overnight in Torres del Paine National Park. Rufous-tailed Plantcutter, Torrent Duck, Spectacled Duck.

 Day 4: PN Torres del Paine (Chile) – El Calafate (Argentina). Transfer to El Calafate through Rio Don Guillermo (Cancha Carreras) border pass. Box lunch en route. Dinner and overnight in El Calafate. Andean Condor, Cinereus Harrier, Chocolate-vented Tyrant

 Day 5: Full day Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. On the way to the park will visit  Nimes lagoon. Box lunch en route or at  the Park Dinner and overnight in El Calafate. Magellanic Woodpecker, Patagonian Tyrant, White-throated Treerunner,  Andean Condor, Magellanic Tapaculo.

 Day 6: El Calafate – Estancia La Angostura. Long drive to La Angostura ranch.

Box Lunch. Dinner and overnight at Farm in the country. Austral Rail, Hooded Grebe, Patagonian Tinamou

 Day 7: La Angostura – Rio Gallegos. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight at Rio Gallegos. Elegant-crested Tinamou, Magellanic Plover, Tawny-throated Dotterel, Band-tailed Earthcreeper, White-throated Cacholote

 Day 8: Rio Gallegos – Cabo Virgenes. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight in Rio Gallegos. Ruddy-headed Goose, Black-throated Finch, Magellanic Penguin.  

 Day 9: Rio Gallegos (Argentina) – Punta Arenas (Chile). Return to Punta Arenas or transfer to Punta Arenas airport. Box lunch en route. Dinner and overnight in Punta Arenas. (optional).

To view a checklist of this tour click here