The Republic of Chile occupies a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far south. The Pacific coastline of Chile is 6,435 kilometres (4000 mi). Chilean territory includes the Pacific islands of Juan Fernández, Salas y Gómez, Desventuradas and Easter Island. The shape of Chile is a distinctive ribbon of land 4,300 kilometres long and on average 175 kilometres wide. Its climate varies, ranging from the world's driest desert – the Atacama – in the north, through a Mediterranean climate in the centre, to a rainy temperate climate in the south. The northern desert contains great mineral wealth, principally copper. The relatively small central area dominates in terms of population and agricultural resources, and is the cultural and political center from which Chile expanded in the late 19th century, when it incorporated its northern and southern regions. Southern Chile is rich in forests and grazing lands and features a string of volcanoes and lakes. The southern coast is a labyrinth of fjords, inlets, canals, twisting peninsulas, and islands.

Prior to arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, northern Chile was under Inca rule while the indigenous Mapuche inhabited central and southern Chile. Today Chile is one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations.

ITINERARY FOR 2012

Birding Chile Top to Bottom

With Fabrice Schmitt

February 3 - 23, 2012 

Day 0

Arrive in Santiago We will be met and taken to our hotel in the city.

This is an optional day before the trip officially starts. Some may choose to arrive this day.

City Tour of Santiago exploring the historic and modern sights of Santiago de Chile.

 Day 1

This morning we fly north to the seaside town of Arica, near the Peruvian border.

Driving to Codpa and birding around Codpa Lodge

Day 2

Today we will visit Azapa and Lluta valleys to on our way to Putre according to the road state (possible rains in February)

Day 3

Full day birding at Lauca National Park

Day 4

Today, we will come back to Arica through of Socoroma, Azapa and Lluta valleys

Day 5

A morning visit to the Hummingbird garden plus Azapa Museum, before lunch then out to the Arica airport for a flight back to Santiago.

Day 6

Full day birding in the Andes mountain range (Farellones – Yerba Loca - Valle Nevado)

Day 7

Full day birding the coast between San Antonio and Valparaíso (Maipo estuary, El Peral lake), visit of the Neruda House at Isla Negra. Overnight in Valparaíso.

Day 8

Pelagic trip off Valparaíso and after lunch we will go to Olmué where we will overnight. The group could be divided. Those who don't want to go to sea, can sleep late and do a city tour in the morning (Unesco city, Neruda house, etc...)

Day 9

La Campana NP in the morning, and then drive to Vilches.

Winetasting on the way in Maule valley.

Day 10

Full day birding in Altos de Lircay  Natural Reserve and Colbún lake

Day 11

Drive to Temuco (5h) + Cerro Ñielol Natural Monument

Day 12

Full day birding in Conguillío NP

Day 13

Drive to Chiloé Island , Caullin Bay

Day 14

Visit to Puñihuil i

Island, typical chilote village and wooden churches and stilt houses.

Day 15

Transfer from Caulín Lodge to Puerto Montt airport  to fly to Punta Arenas. (not included)

Arrival in Punta Arenas and bird our way to the hotel

Day 16

Today we cross the historic Strait of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego through three bridges.

Day 17

Transfer from Puerto Porvenir to Puerto Natales birding en route.

Day 18

Full day birding Sierra Baguales

Day 19

Transfer from Punta Arenas to airport for our flight back to Santiago and home.

Information

This trip is organized with the cooperation of Barry Walker and his staff at Manu Expeditions of Cusco, Peru and is all inclusive from Santiago, except international and internal air. A detailed information package will be supplied.

Wildbird Tours organizes exceptional Birdwatching Trips for the novice, the expert and everyone in between. We partner with the best local people to ensure that your trip is an experience of a lifetime - each and every time.

Our destinations are carefully chosen, not only to maximize the number of birds you might see, but also to experience the rich cultures of the wonderful countries we explore. All trips are accompanied by a Tour Leader, Birding Guide and our own bus and boat drivers. Trips are usually limited to a maximum of 10 people.

If group travel is not your cup of tea we can organize custom itineraries with our local partners in Costa Rica, Panama, Peru and Argentina, India and Chile

Wildbird Tours initially started from the collaboration between Canadian, Joe Crichton and Costa Rican Alfredo Scott in 1995.

Their shared passion for the environment and Birding lead to the organization of winter trips to Costa Rica to supplement Joe’s retail bird store and Alfredo’s guiding business. The trips proved so successful that a new venture was formed, leading ultimately to Wildbird Tours - Canada with associates in Peru, Argentina, Chile, India and Belize, forming a company with not only fantastic birders but exceptional organization.

Our philosophy is to offer birdwatching trips of the highest standards, with top calibre guides at reasonable prices. We keep cost down through low overheads and effective partnerships.

We believe in all inclusive pricing so that you know what you are paying for up front - no surprises.