"Birdwatching in Southern Patagonia is a fascinating experience, where the diversity of species from different families turns each sighting into an exciting checklist that enriches our understanding of biodiversity and connects us with the wonder of nature." ARGENTINA WILD EXPEDITIONS.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL / PUERTO MADRYN + VALDÉS PENINSULA
Arrival at Marcos A. Zar Airport in Trelew (REL). Pick-up at the airport and start of the birdwatching day through the Patagonian steppe in the surroundings of Puerto Madryn, continuing to Puerto Pirámides, our first nightbase site within the Valdés Peninsula (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
We visit the Punta Pirámides Protected Natural Area with its colony of South American sea lions. This day offers an introduction to the characteristic birds of the Patagonian steppe and coast, from mimetic species like furnarids, raptors, and finches, to coastal birds associated with sea lion colonies, such as the Dolphin Gull and the Snowy Sheatbill, among others.
DAY 2: VALDÉSPENINSULA + PUERTO MADRYN
Full day of birdwatching throughout the Valdés Peninsula, visiting Salina Chica and Caleta Valdés.
With 42 meters below sea level, Salina Chica is a salt flat that showcases a unique landscape where we will search for species such as the Chilean Flamingo, plovers, furnarids and sandpipers, among others.
We will birdwatch along the internal roads of the peninsula, reaching the famous Caleta Valdés. This area protects a colony of Magellanic Penguins and southern elephant seals. It's ideal for spotting northern and southern giant petrels, cormorants, and other seabirds. High tides might surprise us with sightings of orcas. The journey will end at the Punta Loma reserve in Puerto Madryn, where we'll closely observe a colony of Magellanic Cormorants and southern sea lions, among other species such as the Dolphin Gull, Snowy Sheathbill, swallows, Patagonian Mockingbird, finches and terns. Night in Puerto Madryn.
DAY 3: DOLPHIN WATCHING + ELEPHANT SEAL COLONY + PENGUIN COLONY
We will enjoy a unique experience in Puerto Madryn by embarking on a dolphin-watching excursion in the stunning Nuevo Gulf. There, we will be on the lookout for fish schools where dolphins feed, as well as marine birds such as shearwaters, skuas, terns, cormorants, among others.
We will explore Isla Escondida Beach, home to southern elephant seals during their breeding AND molting season, as well as coastal birds, including the endemic White-headed Steamer Duck.
We will continue our journey towards the penguin colony at Punta Tombo, where we will witness life in one of the world's largest Magellanic penguin colonies. Night in Puerto Madryn.
DAY 4: COMMERSON'S DOLPHIN WATCHING + CHUBUT RIVER LOWER VALLEY
We will start the day by embarking at the mouth of the Chubut River to take a tour to observe Commerson's Dolphin in the Argentine Sea. In addition to these small and little-known dolphins with black and white coloring, we will have the opportunity to observe coastal and marine birds. The sea always surprises us!"
The Lower Valley of the Chubut River is a transition zone between the arid lands of the steppe and the wetlands of the valley. Ideal for seeking species from various bird families found in lagoons, shallow waters, crop fields, and grasslands. One of the most important spots is the Ornithologist's Lagoon, where around 120 species have been documented (almost 25% of the species in Argentine Patagonia). The day will end with enjoying a traditional Welsh tea, typical of the Welsh culture of the valley. Night in Puerto Madryn.
Bird check list of the Valdés Peninsula
Bird check list of the Chubut River Lower Valley
Bird check list of Punta Tombo
DAY 5: DEPARTURE TO EL CALAFATE
Transfer to Trelew Airport (REL) to take our flight to EL Calafate (FTE). Arrival and transfer to hotel in El Calafate.
DAY 6: EL CALAFATE AND SURROUNDING AREAS
We will start the day by venturing into the surroundings of Calafate. From the beautiful Nimez lagoon to the vicinity of Lake Roca, we will explore a variety of habitats, from shrubby steppe to grasslands. During the tour, we will have the opportunity to spot a wide range of birds, both permanent residents and migratory, including ducks, flamingos, swans, birds of prey, and many other fascinating species. Night in Calafate.
Bird check list of El Calafate
DAY 7: LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK + HOYA DE CHINGÜE
In addition to the stunning view of the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, this day will offer spectacular sightings of Patagonian birds. In the forest, we may encounter everything from hummingbirds to woodpeckers and owls; species such as ducks, grebes, coots, and swans inhabit freshwater bodies, and simply looking up at the sky may reveal the majestic Andean Condor and some birds of prey. Night in Calafate.
Optional: Add two nights at Estancia La Angostura in search of the critically endangered Hooded Grebe and the Ausrtal Rail.
Bird check list of Los Glaciares National Park
DAY 8: DEPARTURE TO USHUAIA
Early departure and transfer to El Calafate Airport (FTE) to catch our next flight to the southern city of Ushuaia (USH).
DAY 9: BEAGLE CHANNEL TOUR + USHUAIA SURROUNDING AREAS
In the morning, we will embark on an exciting excursion sailing through the famous Beagle Channel, where impressive southern landscapes and historical and natural points of interest await us. During the journey, we will have the opportunity to spot some of the most emblematic marine birds of southern Patagonia, such as the Southern Fulmar, the Magellanic Steamer Duck, the Magellanic Oystercatcher, the Black-browed Albatross, and many more. Afternoon birdwatching in the surroundings of Ushuaia. Night in Ushuaia.
Bird check list of the Beagle Channel
Bird check list of Ushuaia
DAY 10: TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK
Tierra del Fuego National Park offers a wide variety of environments to search for birds. It's an ideal place to spend a full day exploring trails through the dense Lenga Forest. It's home to the Magellanic Woodpecker, the White-throated Treerunner, and the Thorn-tailed Rayadito. There are good opportunities to spot ducks in rivers and lakes, such as the Spectacled Duck. It's also possible to spot the Upland Goose, the Southern Fulmar, and the king of the Andes, the Andean Condor. Night in Ushuaia.
Bird check list of Tierra del Fuego National Park
DAY 12: HARBERTON RANCH + MARTILLO ISLAND
At Estancia Harberton, we will board a zodiac towards the Penguin Colony on Martillo Island. It's an ideal place to observe Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins up close, and occasionally some King Penguins. Night in Ushuaia.
Bird check list of Martillo Island
Bird check list of Harberton Ranch
DAY 12: RÍO GRANDE
Full day dedicated to spot the Ruddy-headed Goose and Magellanic Plover, as well as being able to find nice species of the Patagonian steppe.
DAY 13: DEPARTURE TO BUENOS AIRES
Transfer to Ushuaia aiport (USH). End of services.
Season: September to March (Dolphin watching in Puerto Madryn starting from December).
