9 locations rich in wildlife to discover…
This spectacular northern area of dry, high altitude grassland plain and giant volcanoes supports many plants and a few mammals. Temperatures oscillate between -10°C at night and 20°C by day, and rainfall is rare. This is one of the best parks for birding, with many species living around the lakes.
This fertile island lives from farming, fishing and forestry – arriving here is like stepping back in time. The west side is a dense swathe of temperate rainforest, supporting a variety of birdlife. Magellanic and Humboldt penguins live at the southern tip, and blue whales can be sighted between January and April..
This archipelago is situated 680-800kms off mainland Chile. Robinson Crusoe, the main island in the group and the subject Daniel Defoe’s eponymous novel, is covered in sub-tropical forest and is of particular interest to botanists. It has around 120 endemic plants, and three endemic bird species.
This classic two-day trip from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas through the exquisite Lake District skirts Lago Llanquihue past the impressive volcanoes of Osorno and Calbuco to Vicente Perez National Park. After crossing the Andes, the final legs takes you across Lago Nahuel Huapi to San Carlos de Bariloche.
The Chilean portion of Patagonia is called Magellanes after its Portuguese explorer. On the Pacific side glacial action has excavated a complex coastline of fjords and islands. Between the mainland and Tierra del Fuego, the Strait of Magellan has Chile’s first and only marine reserve, Francisco Coloane Marine Park.
Chile’s northern desert comprises virtually lifeless coastal plains divided by dramatic deep gorges, while further east the barren landscape changes as it rises through the Andes. The altiplano is an impressive expanse of alluvial salt flat edged by snow-capped volcanic peaks, home to a surprising variety of wildlife.
The main port and one of the oldest cities in Chile, this delightful UNESCO World Heritage Site is sprawled across the hillsides and cliffs around a wide bay. A variety of seabirds can be seen along the coastline, while inland you will find the renowned wineries of the Casablanca and Colchagua valleys.
Chilean Patagonia’s premier attraction is a scenic mix of craggy peaks, glacial lakes, icefields and green valleys – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The omnipresent Paine Massif, a magnificent set of rocky spires formed from granite and sedimentary rock, dominates the landscape. It is also a photographer’s paradise.
Four adjacent national parks, Vicente Perez Rosales and Puyehue in Chile, plus Nahuel Huapi and Lanin in Argentina, protect this southern region. With snowcapped volcanoes, rushing rivers, tumbling waterfalls, placid lakes and dense forests, it is a place of immense natural beauty and has many interesting tree species.
Chile has a wealth of wildlife to discover but here are the most popular animal species and wildlife events. Let us know the ones you would particularly like to see…
2 related trip ideas. Bear in mind that our trip ideas give you a sense of what’s possible but our strength is in tailoring your itinerary.
Explore the unique and contrasting panoramas and wildlife of the north and south of the country.
This adventure-packed trip combines marine wildlife with mountains, walking and boating.
Dues to its geographical location and size, the differences between north and south are extreme. December to March is best to visit the South, but head north from May to October.
4 related places to stay. But there are more options we can offer, just ask us for more details.
Eco Camp Patagonia is designed to withstand the elements and minimise environmental impact. This complex of dome tents on wooden platforms is a perfect compromise between a hotel and camping.
Within the marine reserve on Carlos III Island,Whale Sound Eco-Camp is a tiny accommodation for a mximum of ten people in comfortable twin bedded double dome tents.
Alto Atacama Hote is a luxurious accommodation in the fertile Catarpe valley beside the San Pedro river and, though only three kms from Quitor, seems a whole world away.
The Singular Patagonia has been meticulously transformed into a stunning, award winning, luxury hotel blending old and new in a triumph of design, and is a national historic landmark.
2 places to go en route to or from a wildlife location…
Rapa Nui, as it is known locally, is a small triangle of volcanic rock in mid-Pacific. Its 600 enigmatic stone faces have always been the subject of intense curiosity and speculation. A stay here will include a sunset boat trip as many thousands of seabirds return to their nests on high cliffs.
Chile’s capital is located in the central valley, with the Andes to the east, and the coastal range to the west. A lively and dynamic place, there is lots to see in the historic downtown area, and a side trip into the Andes will reward you with breathtaking mountain scenery.
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