We offer you a trip to the ends of the world in southern Patagonia. Although the diversity is less than in northern Patagonia, and the costs are higher, many observers still prefer to reach this distant point in search of its endemic species and the experience of having visited the southernmost city in the world.
The southern part of Patagonia has several points of interest. We can design different circuits that may include glaciers on the Andes, the southern Atlantic seacoast, the Patagonian steppe and forest, and Tierra del Fuego, with its canals and islands. The trip we offer includes the Glaciers National Park, the Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel up to Penguin Island, the southern Atlantic seacoast and a visit to a typical anglo-argentine “Estancia” (extensive farm ranch).
The stop at Península Valdés allows us to visit this important natural reserve and also the largest colony of penguins during spring (September to November). There, we also have the Atlantic coast, in the north of Patagonia, where the experience can be enriched by adding some species of seabirds and wildlife.
We can also organize special outings in search of some target birds, such as the Hooded Grebe or Austral Rail.
Programme
Calafate to Tierra del Fuego
Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires. Meet and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Buenos Aires.
Day 2: Flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Depending on arrival time, introductory birding around the area. Overnight in Ushuaia.
Day 3: Full day birding around Ushuaia, including Tierra del Fuego National Park and the Beagle Channel area. Southern beech forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats offer excellent opportunities for Patagonian forest birds, waterfowl, and marine species.
Day 4: Cross into Chile and travel to Porvenir on Tierra del Fuego Island. Birding along the way through open steppes, wetlands, and coastal habitats, searching for Patagonian specialties and waterbirds. Overnight in Porvenir.
Day 5: Morning birding before continuing north to Punta Arenas. The route crosses extensive Patagonian grasslands and coastal environments with opportunities for raptors, geese, shorebirds, and other southern specialties. Overnight in Punta Arenas.
Day 6: Boat excursion to Magdalena and Marta Islands. Excellent opportunities to observe Magellanic Penguins, Imperial and Red-legged Cormorants, South American Sea Lions, and a variety of seabirds. Overnight in Punta Arenas.
Day 7: Drive north to Puerto Natales, birding along the way through Patagonian steppes, wetlands, and coastal lagoons. Overnight in Puerto Natales.
Day 8: Full day exploring Torres del Paine National Park. Birding in grasslands, shrublands, lakes, and Andean forests while enjoying one of Patagonia's most spectacular landscapes. Overnight in Puerto Natales.
Day 9: Cross back into Argentina and travel to El Calafate. Birding en route with opportunities for Patagonian steppe species and waterbirds. Overnight in El Calafate.
Day 10: Full day in Los Glaciares National Park, visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier and surrounding habitats. Birding in southern beech forests and Patagonian shrublands. Overnight in El Calafate.
Day 11: Drive to El Chaltén, birding along the scenic route bordering Lago Viedma. Afternoon birding around the town if time permits. Overnight in El Chaltén.
Day 12: Full day exploring the Fitz Roy area. Birding in Andean forests, rivers, and mountain habitats in search of Patagonian forest specialties while enjoying the spectacular scenery. Overnight in El Chaltén.
Day 13: Morning birding around El Chaltén before returning to El Calafate. Overnight in El Calafate.
Day 14: Transfer to the airport and flight to Buenos Aires. End of services.
