2015 Far South Expeditions Catalogue

Inspiring Wildlife Adventures Since 1997

2015

Photo & Nature Journeys • Birding, Mammal & Botanical Trips • Expedition Cruises

Message from the Founders

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I f you’re flicking through the pages of this catalogue,

chances are you either met us in the 25th Birdfair or have requested for a printed copy through our website, or are maybe browsing through a digital online version of it.Either way, you just might have been toying with the idea of travelling to southern South America, so now that we’ve been introduced, why not visiting us back home and letting us show you why we love this land and nature so much?

Our programmes appeal to a variety of interests, including wildlife watching, birding, photography and history, introducing our visiting friends to these wonders with a genuine passion for what we do.

Eighteen years exploring our wilderness find us expanding our scope beyond the boundaries of Chile and Patagonia, and here we present a new set of tours in neighbouring countries including Peru, Argentina and Brazil, all adding to the broad palette of colours, landscapes, wildlife, history, cultures and food one can experience in this wonderful continent.

We look forward to this upcoming season and going out in the field once again, with renewed enthusiasm and our renowned standard of doing our best to give you a first-class experience.

Far South, the way to go!Enrique Couve y Claudio F. Vidal

Cover: Magellanic Woodpecker, Campephilus magellanicus

This page: Guanaco, Lama guanicoe, with the Towers in the background

‘‘We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Chile. Your country is delightful. The guides, the birds, the scenery and lodging were all first class experiences.’’ - Barbara and Jim Leupold, USA.

‘‘I wanted to write and thank you for your service. We couldn’t be happier and will always cherish our memories of Chile.’’ - Dianne and Jim Gray, USA

‘‘The itinerary was excellent and the accommodation very good. We really enjoyed travelling into areas that main tours don’t visit. The weather was perfect which made for wonderful photographic opportunities.’’ - Jill and John Hawker, Australia.

‘‘I cannot tell you how delighted I am to have seen more of your wonderful country. In fact I feel that I am beginning to know something about it. I can think of nowhere so varied in landscape, in temperature, in altitude, in vegetation, in every respect.’’ - Margaret Shuker, UK.

Testimonials ‘‘We really enjoyed the week, and the company of our guide, and driver. Everything went smoothly, and we were able to see some wonderful wildlife and scenery.’’ - Steve and Lex Lees, Australia.

‘‘Many thanks for a very enjoyable holiday. We enjoyed the wildlife, culture and company plus the fireworks! – Alan and Gill Oliver, UK

‘‘Many thanks for your gracious hospitality and guidance during our stay in Chile. You made the birds ‘come alive’ for us – at least in a whole new way – during our wonderful adventure seeing very different areas of your country. It’s so gorgeous and you’ve been terrific in giving us the history as well as the natural history.’’ - Seacology group, USA

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Unique JourneysWe aim to introduce you to the nature and culture of southern South America and adjacent regions through our unique educational travel experiences with the highest standards of professional service from an expert staff and with superior comfort, with a focus on nature and local culture.As a result of our carefully planned logistics

and excellence of our guides, we also plan and operate trips to this region for the most important

Small GroupsOur party sizes do not exceed 10 participants; even in some like our photo safaris for instance, groups have a maximum size of 6 guests, and we use spacious, comfortable and safe vehicles. We take pride on offering a carefully detailed operation to fulfil your expectations, which is our permanent goal.

Since 1997, we’ve been sharing with our guests what we’ve learned all this time while exploring the wonders of southern South America, Patagonia, Antarctica and Polynesia. Because it’s not just the places, it’s equally about experiencing the feelings it conveys and the intimate contact with the land, the wildlife and the culture.

The Far South Expeditions Difference

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Our LodgingOur accommodations are special places, chosen for their quality of services as for their commitment to personalized attention and detail.We have a long partnership with most of them, which facilitates communication, and although a few are in cities, most of them are located in remote locations, islands of comfort in the wilderness, a concept that we always privilege. Sometimes these cosy lodges in remote locations are the most special and the hardest to leave behind, and all of our lodges and hotels offer fine cuisine, local flavours and, of course, excellent wines.

Our OfficeBased in Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city, in the shores of the mythical Straits of Magellan, at 53”S and 70”W, the long distance is no obstacle in keeping close contact and providing you with assistance in any requirements. Our office staff will be delighted to assist you in planning your trip, and available for any further discussion of details.

Best LocationsThe places we have chosen for our programmes always stand out for their natural and contrasting beauty, from the Atacama Desert to the evergreen Patagonian woods, from Easter Island to Tierra del Fuego and from tropical South American rainforest to the glaciers of Antarctica, always looking for the greatest diversity and richness in both natural history and cultural heritage.

Our Nature Books& Trip MaterialsWe’re proudly involved in the authorship and publication of our own nature resource books and field guides for Chile and Patagonia, having produced more than 20 titles on birds, flora, other wildlife, landscapes and culture of southern South America. We also provide our customers with field checklists and other useful material to enhance their learning experience during our trips.

Our Tour Leaders & GuidesBeing the people who work directly in the field with our customers, and therefore the ones who show them around and interpret for them, the leaders should not just be knowledgeable, enthusiastic, great naturalists and easy-going people, but also careful planners. Our trips have a strong educational component and our guides are truly passionate about wildlife and the natural world; they will be delighted to get out there with you and look for new birds, mammals and other fauna, show you the rarest orchid on a botanical trip,

Claudio F. Vidal, Enrique Couve, Rodrigo Tapia and Cristofer de la Rivera

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or take you to the best spot, in the right light, for your landscape or wildlife photography and telling you about the bird you’re looking at, or the geology of the place, while throwing in any relevant historical or cultural accounts. This is your holiday and our guides will do their best in planning ahead and avoiding any potential trouble, while sorting any inconvenience that could come up the road. You will make the most of the experience by sharing through the eyes of your local, experienced tour leader.

Patagonia• Patagonia Wildlife Adventure – p. 13• Patagonia Photo Expedition – p. 14• Pumas, King Penguins and Humpback Whales – p. 15• Mammals & Birds of Patagonia – p. 16• Patagonia Explorer – p. 17• Patagonia for Connoisseurs – p. 18• Birding Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego – p. 19• Patagonia Botanical Tour – p. 20• Patagonia & the Falkland Islands – p. 21• Los Glaciares National Park – p. 22• Torres del Paine Explorer – p. 23• Torres del Paine Hiker – p. 24• Pumas of Torres del Paine – p. 25• King Penguins of Tierra del Fuego – p. 26• Cape Horn Expedition Cruise – p. 27• Tierra del Fuego Photo Expedition – p. 28• Humpback Whales of the Magellan Straits – p. 29• Day Tours from Punta Arenas, Chile – p. 30• Day Tours from Ushuaia, Argentina – p. 31

Chile • Chile Wildlife Adventure – p. 33• Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina – p. 34• Chile Birding Adventure – p. 35• Birding Chile – An Easy Tour – p. 36• Atacama Desert Explorer – p. 37• Coastal Atacama Desert – p. 38• Northern Chile Photography Adventure – p. 39• Birding Northern Chile – p. 40• Birding Central Chile – p. 41

• Mediterranean Chile Botanical Tour

– p. 42• Araucaria Forests

– p. 43• Lake District & Chiloé

Island – p. 44• Chilean Fjords – p. 45

• Albatrosses & Petrels in the Humboldt Current – p. 46

• Day Tours from Santiago, Chile – p. 47

• Day Tours from Puerto Montt, Chile – p. 48

Islands & Antarctica• Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – p. 50• Robinson Crusoe Island – p. 51

• The Falkland Island – p. 52• Grand Antarctica – p. 53

Argentina• Buenos Aires, Iberá Marshes &

El Palmar – p. 55• Valdés Peninsula & Bahia

Camarones - 56

Peru• Highlights of Peru – p. 57

• Amazon River Cruise – p. 58

Brazil• Jaguars of the Pantanal – p. 59

BRASIL

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Sao Paulo

Our Wildlife Adventures in Patagonia, Chile & South America

Chiloé

2015 Tour Calendar

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PATAGONIA

Patagonia Wildlife Adventure3 January, 7 February, 7 March, 4 April, 3 October, 7 November, 5 December2016: 2 January, 6 February, 5 March, 2 April

Patagonia Photo Expedition25 January, 22 February, 22 March, 26 April, 25 October, 22 November, 27 December2016: 24 January, 28 February, 27 March, 24 April

Pumas, King Penguins & Humpback Whales14 February, 14 March, 11 April • 2016: 13 February, 12 March, 9 April

Mammals & Birds of Patagonia14 February • (2016) 13 February

Patagonia Explorer & Patagonia for Connoisseurs17 January, 14 February, 14 March, 17 October, 14 November, 19 December2016: 16 January, 20 February, 19 March

CHILE

Birds & Wines of Chile & Argentina28 February – 12 March • (2016) 27 February – 10 March

Chile Birding Adventure3 – 21 January, 10 – 28 October • (2016) 9 – 27 January

Birding Chile – An Easy Tour14 – 27 November

PERU

Amazon River Cruise24 July – 1 August

BRAZIL

Jaguars of the Pantanal6 – 14 October

Aplomado Falcon, Falco femoralis

Visit Us Online www.farsouthexpeditions.com

Keeping in touch with our customers has always been of paramount importance to the success of our operation, so no matter how far the distance, we are eager to serve you better and connect with you at all times, pre- and post-tour. Continually updated, our website keeps you updated on all our new tours and programmes, special deals and exciting news both from the field and the office, so you can have all the information you need to choose from our varied offer.

Our Wildlife BlogOur naturalists and guides are periodically delivering short notes accompanying photographs taken in our tours, to let you have a virtual peek into the wonders that we experience first-hand in the field. This material, which is shared through our Wildlife Blog into social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr, is in the format of a brief, easy-to-read “mini-article”, but on the other hand it is intended to be of high quality both visually and in written content, so you can enjoy the photographs while learning a little bit about the natural history of the subject. Join us daily on our glimpses into the awesome wilderness of some of the remotest and most pristine ecosystems in the Planet!

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Our Social Networking

Conservation Supporting Research and Preservation of Patagonian Orchids

It is well known that ecotourism brings many benefits to the local communities and the envi-ronment, but sometimes, when there is a drastic increase in visitors without proper management plans and contingency guidelines, the effects can be catastrophic. During the last decade, Torres del Paine National Park, one of Chile’s Biosphere Reserves and one of the most visited protected areas in Patagonia, has suffered two large-scale fire events, both initiated by tourists. In an area without the occurrence of natural fires, the vegetation has been drastically affect-ed in some parts. As part of our concern about the threatened natural heritage of Patagonia, we are committed to support, logistically and financially, a couple of long-term research initia-tives being carried out in the park by conserva-tion NGO AMA. AMA’s researchers are currently conducting thorough surveys, inventories and studies on the populations of several orchid species, all of them endemic to this region. One of the expected results is the production of a series of publications, educational material and conservation guidelines to be delivered within 2015.

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Gavilea lutea, Fam. Orchidaceae

EducationA Guide to the Birds of Chile, Oceanic Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Since 1997, our commitment to environmental education and conservation as a way of life has encouraged us to produce more than 20 field guides and related publications on the birds, wildlife and natural history of Chile and Patagonia. Over the last 10 years, company founders Enrique Couve and Claudio F. Vidal have teamed up with the accomplished Chilean ornithologist and artist Jorge Ruiz to write and illustrate a thorough field guide to the birds of Chile and offshore dependencies, including Juan Fernandez archipelago, Easter Island and Antarctic Peninsula. The research process has been long but prolific, and we expect this work to be delivered within 2015.

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Ornithologist and artist Jorge Ruiz • Austral Rail, Rallus antarcticus • Chestnut-throated Huet-huet, Pteroptochos castaneus • Moustached Turca, Pteroptochos megapodius • Inca Tern, Larosterna inca • Chilean Tinamou, Nothoprocta perdicaria • Chu-cao Tapaculo, Scelorchilus rubecula • Rufous-legged Owl, Strix rufipes

PatagoniaTours

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p. 13 – The Horns in the Paine Massif • Austral Parakeet, Enicognathus ferrugineus • Andean Condor, Vultur gryphus

p. 14 – The Towers in the Paine Massif • Long-tailwed Meadowlark, Sturnella loyca • Paine MassifGuanaco, Lama guanicoe

p. 15 – Puma, Puma concolor • Humpback Whale, Megaptera novaengliae • King Penguin, Aptenodytes patagonicus

This page: Culpeo Fox, Lycalopex culpaeus

A Nature Journey to the End of the World

Join the ultimate nature and photo journey to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Far South Expeditions

and Hotel Remota have joined efforts in designing and operating this superb wildlife adventure to the world's end, with the single purpose of providing our guests with an authentic and memorable journey of discovery, and outstanding levels of service.We will spend considerable time exploring the surrounding areas of Puerto Natales, including boat trips to the Chilean Fjords and their striking glaciers, plus in-depth visits to Patagonia's premier wildlife destination, Torres del Paine National Park. The focus of this trip is to see as much wildlife as possible, and travelling in a small group (up to 6 participants) will also provide the photo enthusiast with great chances of capturing the grandeur of these awe-inspiring landscapes. Remota Lodge will be our comfortable base during most of this trip; its remarkable architecture and its unique setting are worthwhile exploring and enjoying. The last portion of the trip will be oriented to visit Tierra del Fuego and the only continental breeding colony of the stunning King Penguin. A grand finale for the trip of a lifetime.

8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.2015: 3 Jan • 7 Feb • 7 Mar • 4 Apr • 3 Oct • 7 Nov • 5 Dec2016: 2 Jan • 6 Feb • 5 Mar • 2 AprTrip Code: PAT06This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

Departures

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Magellanic penguins – Puerto NatalesDay 2 • Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Sierra BagualesDay 3 • Bernardo O’Higgins National Park: Boat trip to Last Hope Fjord and Balmaceda GlacierDay 4 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – Lagu-na Amarga & Laguna AzulDay 5 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – Boat trip to Grey GlacierDay 6 • Pali Aike NP – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – PorvenirDay 7 • King penguins – Ferry to Punta ArenasDay 8 • End of the trip

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[email protected]

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PatagoniaWildlife Adventure

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www.farsouthexpeditions.com

Patagonia PhotoExpedition

Photo Safari to the End of the World

Landscape and wildlife photography tour to Patagonia led by resident nature photographers. Discover the

best of Patagonia on this exclusively-designed, photo-oriented journey; stay at great nature lodges and historic guest houses, learn about nature photography during our photo workshops, enjoy and document the best wildlife encounters, learn from thorough natural history in-terpretation, and experience the com-fort of travelling in a small group, with a maximum group size of 8 participants.Magellanic and King penguins, flamin-gos, sea lions, glaciers, breathtaking scenery, the mythical Tierra del Fuego Island and Straits of Magellan, the stun-ning Torres del Paine National Park and much more are all part of this, the ulti-mate photo journey to Patagonia.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Otway Sound – Drive to Torres del Paine National ParkDay 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sector) – Boat trip to Grey GlacierDay 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector) – Laguna Amarga & Laguna AzulDay 4 • Torres del Paine NP: Lago Sarmiento – Mylodon Cave Natural Monument Day 5 • Bernardo O’Higgins NP: Boat trip to Ultima Esperanza Fjord & Balmaceda GlacierDay 6 • Pali Aike road – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguinsDay 7 • Straits of Magellan: Ferry to Punta ArenasDay 8 • End of the trip

8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.2015: 25 Jan • 22 Feb • 22 Mar • 26 Apr • 25 Oct • 22 Nov • 27 Dec2016: 24 Jan • 28 Feb • 27 Mar • 24 AprTrip Code: PAT01This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

Departures

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[email protected]

Pumas, King Penguins& Humpback Whales

Wildlife Icons of Patagonia

Frequently praised by visitors from all over the world as one of the

most beautiful and majestic wild places in the planet, Torres del Paine National Park is a remote refuge of life where wildlife is normally quite tame and it’s not rare to see relaxed and inquisitive guanacos, foxes and other animals at close quarters; seeing the lone hunter that dwells in the vast and barren hills, the mighty Puma, is something else. This first section of our three-prong quest has been geared to seek out and contemplate this big and elegant cat in one the wildest places throughout its entire range in the Continent.The King Penguin is the second largest species of penguin after the Emperor and certainly one of the most colorful and attractive members of the group. The second part of our journey takes us to see these magnificent seabirds in their natural habitat. Few places in the world offer good access and chances to see them in the wild like Useless Bay in Tierra del Fuego, making this, the only continental American breeding colony, a very special one indeed.The third part of our trip takes us to Carlos III Island, located at the heart of the recently established Francisco Coloane Marine Park in the mythic Straits of Magellan, to find some of its

11-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.2015: 14 Feb • 14 Mar • 11 Apr2016: 13 Feb • 12 Mar • 9 AprTrip Code: PAT10This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 partici-pants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.This programme is also operated as a cus-tomized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Ar-gentina are available. Available from January until April.

Departures

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Transfer to Torres del Paine National ParkDays 2-4 • Exploring Torres del Paine – Puma searchesDay 5 • Torres del Paine NP – Transfer to Punta ArenasDay 6 • Ferry to Porvenir – Useless Bay for King penguinsDay 7 • Ferry to Punta Arenas – Faro San Isidro LodgeDay 8 • Boat trip to Carlos III Island – Afternoon looking for Humpback WhaleDay 9 • Carlos III IslandDay 10 • Faro San Isidro Lodge – Punta ArenasDay 11 • End of the trip

most charismatic and usually elusive inhabitants, Humpback Whales. We will see these imposing creatures and other marine mammals of the sub-Antarctic region at close quarters, as well as a good diversity of seabirds.

Also, we will visit remote penguin colonies as well as other seabirds’ rookeries. We will be based one night at San Isidro Lodge, located besides the homonymous historic lighthouse, and two nights at the domes of the research facilities at Carlos III Island, the perfect location to see the Humpbacks and marvel at their social behavior and feeding techniques.

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Mammals &Birds of Patagonia

Cetaceans & Pumas in Southern Chile

This comprehensive itinerary presents us with the unique chance of exploring Patagonia

and its mammals and birds. Most of the tours coming to the area are focused on beautiful landscapes and on the bigger animals that are the easiest to watch; with us, besides exploring and admiring the landscapes you will see a significant part of the endemic mammals and birds of the region, several of them very rare and/or difficult to observe. Ferry crossings in Chiloe Island and the Magellan Straits are both very good for seabirds and marine mammals: Blue and Humpback whales and other cetaceans such as Chilean and Peale's dolphins, South American Sea Lion, two species of local and highly range-restricted otters. Magnificent seabirds including several tubenoses like Black-browed Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel, Southern Fulmar and Wilson’s Storm Petrel, and up to three penguin species including Humboldt, Magellanic and King. In land, up to three species of fox including Darwin's, Chilla and Culpeo, Puma and Guanaco, Huemul Deer, Hairy Armadillo, Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk,

11-day trip from Puerto Montt, Chile; ends at Punta Arenas, Chile. 2015: 14-24 Feb2016: 13-23 FebTrip Code: PAT07This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 partici-pants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Departures Patagonian Weasel, and other mammals of the Valdivian temperate rainforest like the tiny Pudu Deer and hopefully Kodkod, one of the world's rarest cats. Forest birds such as the magnificent Magellanic Woodpecker and endemic tapaculos, and rare waders including Magellanic Plover, Tawny-throated Dotterel, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Two-banded Plover and seedsnipes. As you can see, the variety of subjects on this quest for the mammals and birds of Patagonia is almost endless…like the memories you’ll keep of this memorable experience.

Day 1 • Puerto Montt – Drive to Ancud – Puñihuil IsletsDay 2 • Chepu River – Tepuhueico ParkDay 3 • Tepuhueico ParkDay 4 • Boat trip off QuellonDay 5 • Drive to Puerto Montt – Flight to Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine National ParkDays 6-8 • Torres del Paine NPDay 9 • Pali Aike road – Ferry to Tierra del FuegoDay 10 • Useless Bay – Ferry to mainlandDay 11 • End of the trip

Greater Hairy Armadillo, Chaetophractus villosus • Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Aphrastura spinicauda

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[email protected]

Patagonia ExplorerExploring the Remote Regions of Chile & Argentina

Discover the Best of Patagonia on this in-depth nature tour and photo journey; great nature lodg-

es, the best wildlife encounters and thorough nature interpretation. Experi-ence the comfort of travelling in a small group. This itinerary features visits to Patagonia's premier wildlife destina-tions: Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks, in Chile and Argentina respectively, as well as the Straits of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego for King Penguins.Explore colossal glaciers, Perito Moreno in Argentina and Grey in Chile’s Torres del Paine; visit Otway Sound Magellanic penguin colony, and the fascinating paleontological site of Mylodon Cave. Meet the locals while enjoying a shearing show and shepherd dog demonstration at a typical Patagonian farm.

Departures

Day 1 • El Calafate, Argentina – Perito Moreno Glacier & Los Glaciares National ParkDay 2 • Lago Argentino & Estancia ‘Cristina'Day 3 • Drive to Cerro Castillo, Chile – Torres del Paine NPDay 4 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – Boat trip to Grey GlacierDay 5 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – Laguna Amarga & Laguna AzulDay 6 • Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Gaucho farm – Punta Arenas Day 7 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguinsDay 8 • Flight to Punta Arenas – Otway Sound for Magellanic penguinsDay 9 • End of the trip

9-day trip from El Calafate; ends at Punta Arenas, Chile.2015: 17 Jan • 14 Feb • 14 Mar • 17 Oct • 14 Nov • 19 Dec2016: 16 Jan • 20 Feb • 19 MarTrip Code: PAT02This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

Photographing the Horns • Guanaco, Lama guanicoe • Grey Fox, Lycalopex griseus • Grey Lake with icebergs

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Patagonia forConnoisseurs

Exploring and Cruising a Land of Legends

Discover the essence of Patagonia through this in-depth nature trip and photo journey which combines

the best of a land expedition and a comfortable cruise; great nature lodges, the best wildlife encounters and thorough nature interpretation. Experience the comfort of travelling in a small group. This itinerary features Patagonia’s premier wildlife destinations: Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares national parks, in Chile and Argentina respectively, as well as the most important and highly significant geographic and historic landmarks in the southern tip of the South American continent, the Straits of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego, the Beagle Channel and Cape Horn.In the first, terrestrial par of our trip, we’ll explore colossal glaciers, Perito Moreno in Argentina and Grey in Chile’s Torres del Paine; visit Otway Sound Magellanic Penguin colony, and the fascinating paleontological site of Mylodon Cave. Meet the locals while enjoying a shearing show and shepherd dog demonstration at a typical Patagonian farm.During the second, ship-based part of this journey we will sail through a significant part of the Straits of Magellan, learning about the fascinating history of the indigenous people and the explorers of the Fuegian fjords and channels, and following in the footsteps of Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle.

12-day trip from El Calafate; ends at Ushuaia, Argentina.2015: 17 Jan • 14 Feb • 14 Mar • 17 Oct • 14 Nov • 19 Dec2016: 16 Jan • 20 Feb • 19 MarTrip Code: PAT08This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.This programme is also operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

Departures Snow-capped mountains, huge glaciers and magnificent forests, all add to the peculiar beauty of this landscape of peaks, woods, fjords and remote islands sculpted by the strong westerly winds and the powerful waters of the Pacific Ocean. We’ll see active breeding colonies of penguins and sea lions, and enjoy the elegant flight of the majestic albatross. Finally, we shall reach the southernmost part of our journey at the mythical and feared Cape Horn.

Day 1 • El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier & Los Glaciares National ParkDay 2 • Lago Argentino & Estancia ‘Cristina'Day 3 • Drive to Cerro Castillo, Chile – Torres del Paine NPDay 4 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – Boat trip to Grey GlacierDay 5 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – Laguna Amarga & Laguna AzulDay 6 • Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Gaucho farm – Punta Arenas Day 7 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguinsDay 8 • Flight to Punta Arenas – Otway Sound – Board M/V Stella AustralisDay 9 • Tierra del Fuego: Ainsworth Bay – Tucker Islets Day 10 • Beagle Channel: Pia Glacier – ‘Avenue of Glaciers’Day 11 • Cape Horn – Wulaia BayDay 12 • Arrival to Ushuaia

The Paine Massif • Menonvillea sp., Fam. Brassicaceae

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[email protected]

Birding Patagoniaand Tierra del Fuego

Discovering the Birds & Landscapes of the End of the World

Join this exclusive birding journey and discover the

unique bird diversity in the remote regions and dazzling landscapes of Chilean Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego. Enjoy the pace of a small group and the expertise and skill of our well-seasoned birding guides. Seabirds like Black- browed Albatross, Antarctic Giant Petrel, Magellanic Diving Petrel and Chilean Skua, waterfowl like Upland, Ashy-headed and Ruddy-headed geese, stunning waders including Magellanic Plover, Two-banded Plover, Rufous- chested Dotterel, Tawny-throated Dotterel and several seedsnipes, King and Magellanic penguins, remarkable forest-dwelling birds such as Magellanic Woodpecker, Austral Parakeet and Chilean Hawk, will be part of this trip, with the occasional presence of the imposing Andean Condor, largest of terrestrial flying birds, soaring above our heads. Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful national parks. A large

7-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: PAT03This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

Departures

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Laguna de los CisnesDay 2 • Useless Bay for King penguinsDay 3 • Ferry to mainland – Pali Aike road – Drive to Puerto NatalesDay 4 • Torres del Paine National ParkDay 5 • Sierra Baguales – Drive to Punta ArenasDay 6 • San Juan Bay – Otway Sound & Rio VerdeDay 7 • End of the trip

diversity of habitats in the park includes steppes, scrub and sub-Antarctic forests, all set between mountains and glaciers in dramatic landscapes of extraordinary beauty.

Ruddy-headed Goose, Chloephaga rubidiceps • Darwin’s Rhea, Pterocnemia pennata • Birding in Patagonia

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PatagoniaBotanical Tour

Botanizing at the End of the World

Nature journey de-signed exclusive-ly for botanists,

plant enthusiasts and flower photographers willing to discover the surprising diversity of flora and vegetation in the southernmost re-gions of Patagonia. On this trip you will visit Chile's impressive and world-famous Biosphere Reserve Torres del Paine National Park and the wind-swept steppes, sub-Antarctic forests and Andean moor-lands of Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego, at the south end of South America's mainland, looking for endemic species in the genera Adesmia, Alstroemeria, Gavilea, Nassauvia, Primula or Senecio, and others with highly restricted distri-butional ranges. We will explore a wide range of habitats, amidst stunning land-scapes and pristine areas, and will enjoy the presence of other remarkable and unique wildlife of this part of the world.


Trip Code: PAT04This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants, from late October until early January. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

Departures

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Laguna Parrillar Nature Reserve – San Juan BayDay 2 • Otway Sound NR – Drive to Puerto NatalesDay 3 • Cerro BenitezDay 4 • Torres del Paine National Park (western sector)Day 5 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector)Day 6 • Sierra BagualesDay 7 • Pali Aike road – Drive to Punta ArenasDay 8 • End of the trip

Chloraea magellanica, Fam. Orchidaceae • Gavilea litoralis, Fam. Orchidaceae • Botanizing in Patagonia

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[email protected]

Patagonia &the Falkland Islands

The Southern Andes & the 'Galapagos' of the South

Combine the best nature and photo journey to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego with a visit to the Falkland

Islands. We’ll spend the first half of this journey exploring the surrounding areas of Puerto Natales, including boat trips to the Chilean Fjords and their striking glaciers, plus in-depth visits to Patagonia's premier wildlife destination, Torres del Paine National Park. Remota Lodge will be our comfortable base during most of this part of the trip; its remarkable architecture and its unique setting are worthwhile exploring and enjoying. The last portion of the trip will be oriented to visit Tierra del Fuego and the only continental-breeding colony of the stunning King Penguin. We’ll then board a plane and fly east into the South Atlantic to discover the wildlife and natural history of a remarkable and remote group of islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, the Falklands. The archipelago comprises more than 700 small islands (most of them uninhabited) and is located about 350 miles northwest of Cape Horn, east of mainland South America. The Falklands are simply the most accessible place in the world to observe breeding colonies of sub-Antarctic wildlife such as tame Black-browed Albatrosses,


Trip Code: PAT09This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

Check out our website for updated departure dates.

Departures Rockhopper and King Penguins and marine mammals such as Southern Elephant Seals.

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Magellanic penguins – Puerto NatalesDay 2 • Mylodon Cave Natural Monument – Sierra BagualesDay 3 • Bernardo O’Higgins National Park: Boat trip to Last Hope Fjord and Balmaceda GlacierDay 4 • Torres del Paine NP (east) – Laguna Amarga& Laguna AzulDay 5 • Torres del Paine NP (west) – Boat trip to Grey GlacierDay 6 • PaliAike NP – Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – PorvenirDay 7 • King penguins – Ferry to Punta ArenasDay 8 • Flight to the Falklands – Drive to Port StanleyDay 9 • Volunteer PointDay 10 • Flight to Carcass IslandDay 11 • Carcass Island – Optional boat trip to West Point IslandDay 12 • Carcass Island – Flight to Sea Lion IslandDay 13 • Sea Lion IslandDay 14 • Sea Lion Island – Flight to DarwinDay 15 • Flight to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile

Southern Elephant Seal, Mirounga leonine • Black-browed Albatross, Thalassarche melanophris

Perito Moreno Glacier • Dwarf Armadillo, Zaedyus pichiy • Lake Torre

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Los GlaciaresNational Park

Glaciers and Forests of Argentine Patagonia

Los Glaciares National Park is a world heritage site near the town

of El Calafate, southern Argentina. At the southern tip of South America, the Andes are almost entirely covered by a huge ice-sheet, the Southern Patagonian Ice-Field. This vast mass of ice feeds many glaciers and massive lakes in this part of Patagonia. Into one of these lakes, Argentino, flows one of the most famous glaciers in Patagonia, the grand Perito Moreno. It is by far the most imposing glacier of the whole park, and is a feature of stunning beauty. On this photographic and natural history journey we will explore the temperate forests, wind-swept steppes, emerald-coloured lakes and the ancient glaciers of this incredible nature reserve and will discover its peculiar flora and fauna adapted to these extreme conditions.

5-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina.

Trip Code: PAT05This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Transfers from/to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, Chile, are available.

Departures

Day 1 • El Calafate, Argentina – Laguna NimesDay 2 •Los Glaciares National Park (south): LagoArgentino & Estancia ‘Cristina’Day 3 •Full day at El ChalténDay 4 •Perito Moreno GlacierDay 5 • End of the trip

The Paine Range, Torres del Paine National Park • Culpeo Fox, Lycalopex culpaeus • Laguna Amarga

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Torres del PaineExplorer

Exploring Patagonia's Premier Wildlife Destination

Discover Torres del Paine, Patagonia's premier wildlife destination, at its best. This

is a completely private wildlife and photo safari, entirely led by a naturalist guide from our company. This custom-designed itinerary includes private transportation and guide services throughout the length of the trip, park entry fees, hotel-based accommodation and all meals. This package provides you with privacy and full flexibility to pursuit your particular interests; you will get in-depth nature interpretation and enjoy the best wildlife encounters with your experienced naturalist guide.If you are a nature photographer, a nature enthusiast, a birder, a botanist, a hiker with an interest in the natural world, or simply an adventurer, this journey of discovery is for you!

2 to 5-day options from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: TDP01This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

Departures 2-dayoptionDay 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine National ParkDay 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sec-tor) – Lake Grey – Drive to Punta Arenas

3-dayoptionDay 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine NPDay 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sec-tor) – Lake Grey –Boat trip to Grey GlacierDay 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sec-tor) – Drive to Punta Arenas

4-dayoptionDay 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine NPDay 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sec-tor) – Lake Grey – Boat trip to Grey GlacierDay 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector)Day 4 • Torres del Paine NP– Drive to Punta Arenas

5-dayoptionDay 1 • Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine NPDay 2 • Torres del Paine NP (western sec-tor) – Lake Grey – Boat trip to Grey GlacierDay 3 • Torres del Paine NP (eastern sector)Day 4 • Torres del Paine NPDay 5 • Torres del Paine NP – Drive to Punta Arenas

The base of the Towers • Anemonae multifida, Fam. Ranunculaceae • Hikers at the “W” Trail

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Torres del PaineHiker

Trekking the W Trail

Ultimate hiking vacation to Torres del Paine, Chile, Patagonia's pre-mier trekking destination.

This hiking package explores the fa-mous 'W' hiking circuit, a fantastic trail for both experienced and novice hikers, keen nature photographers and natu-ralists alike. On this unparalleled trail you will explore the remotest regions of Patagonia, enjoy spectacular views of towering granite mountains, awe-in-spiring glaciers, emerald-colored lakes and breathtaking skies at sunrise and sunsets.The programme includes full-board accommodation at up to 4 of the mountain huts (refugios) found along the trail, and related logistics including bus and boat transport arrangements. A guided option for solo travellers, couples or small private groups is also available.

Trip Code: TDP02This programme is operated as a self-guided trip, with a minimum of 1 participant. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

Departures

6-day optionDay 1 • Bus journey to Torres del Paine National Park – Transfer to Refugio Torre CentralDay 2 • Full day hike to the base of Las Torres (The Towers) Day 3 • Hike to Los Cuernos (The Horns) – Lake NordenskjöldDay 4 • Full day hike to Valle del FrancésDay 5 • Hike to Grey GlacierDay 6 • Pehoe Lake – Catamaran trip to Pudeto – Bus journey to Puerto Natales – End of the trip

7-day optionDay 6 • Southern Patagonian Icefield | Hike to Pehoé LakeDay 7 • Pehoe Lake | Catamaran boat trip to Pudeto | Bus journey to Puerto Natales – End of the trip

Puma, Puma concolor

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Pumas ofTorres del Paine

A Quest for the Lord of the Andes

A trip committed to watch the Puma in the re-

mote and stunning Pa-tagonian wilderness of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.Frequently praised by visitors as one of the most beautiful and majestic wild places in the planet, Torres del Paine National Park is a remote refuge of life where wildlife is nor-mally quite tame and it's not rare to see relaxed and inquisitive guanacos, foxes and other animals at close quarters; seeing the lone hunter that dwells in the vast and barren hills, the mighty Puma, is something else. This expedition has been geared to seek out and contemplate this big and elegant cat in one the wildest places throughout its entire range in the Continent. Join us on this quest, to discover the wildlife of Torres del Paine and one of its most secretive and yet most awe-inspiring inhabitants.

5- and 6-day options from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: TDP03This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Transfers from/to El Calafate, Argentina are available.

Departures

Day 1• Punta Arenas – Drive to Torres del Paine National ParkDays 2-4• Exploring Torres del Paine – Puma searchesDay 5• Torres del Paine – Transfer to Punta Arenas – Optional transfer to El Calafate, ArgentinaDay 6• An additional day to explore the park searching for pumas plus other interesting mammals such as the elusive Andean or Huemul Deer, Geoffroy's Cat, Patagonian Weasel and Patagonian Hairy Armadillo.

King Penguin, Aptenodytes patagonicus • At Useless Bay

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King Penguins ofTierra del Fuego

Encounters with the Lord of Patagonia

The King Penguin is the second larg-est species of penguin after the Emperor and certainly one of the

most colorful and attractive members of the group. Few places in the world offer good access and chances to see them in the wild, making this, the only conti-nental American breeding colony, a very special one indeed. By joining our pen-guin photo journey, you will be able to see these magnificent seabirds in their natural habitat. You can join our depar-tures, either by plane or ferry across the Straits of Magellan, from the Chilean city of Punta Arenas.Our trips have a maximum of 6 participants, essential to keep the impact on the small colony that we visit to a minimum.

Day trip, or 2-day trip, from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: TDF01This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Transfers from/to Ushuaia, Argentina, are available.

Departures

Option A: 1-day, by PlaneAvailable any day of the week, except on Sundays.On this option, we leave Punta Arenas on the earliest flight (8.15am) and fly back to Punta Arenas on the afternoon (5.20pm). Flying time approximately 12 minutes. Availability for this option is limited, booking in advance is advised.

Option B: 2-day, by FerryAvailable any day of the week, except on Sundays and Mondays. The ferry normally leaves from Punta Arenas to Porvenir at 9am and returns from Porvenir to Punta Arenas, the following day at 2pm; these timings may be changed / modified by the ferry managing company or due to weather conditions. The ferry crossing takes about 2 hours, either way.

M/V Stella Australis • Leopard Seal, Hydrurga leptonyx • White-bellied Seedsnipe, Attagis malouinus

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Cape HornExpedition Cruise

In the Wake of Explorers & Sailors

The Straits of Magellan, Beagle Channel and Cape Horn are im-portant and highly significant geo-

graphic and historical landmarks in the southern tip of the South American con-tinent. Snow-capped mountains, huge glaciers and magnificent forests, all add to the peculiar beauty of this landscape of peaks, trees, fjords and remote islands sculpted by the strong westerly winds and the Pacific Ocean.During this journey we will sail through a significant part of the Straits of Magellan, learning about the fascinating history of the indigenous people and the explorers of the Fuegian fjords and channels, and following in the footsteps of Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle in the 1830s. We‘ll explore the cultural remnants of the world’s southernmost people, the Yamana, and learn how they survived and adapted to this extreme geography and climate. We’ll see active breeding colonies of penguins and sea lions, and enjoy the elegant flight of the majestic albatross. Finally, we shall reach the southernmost part of our journey at the mythical and feared Cape Horn.Sail with us in the wake of Cook, Darwin, Fitzroy and many other explorers.

3- & 4-night cruise options from Punta Arenas, Chile or Ushuaia, Argentina aboard M/V Stella Australis and M/V Via Australis

Trip Code: TDF02This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants.Check out our website for updated departure dates.

Departures

4-night cruise options: Day 1 • Departure from Punta Arenas, ChileDay 2 • Tierra del Fuego: Ainsworth Bay – Tucker Islets Day 3 • Beagle Channel: Pia Glacier – ‘Avenue of Glaciers’Day 4 • Cape Horn – Wulaia BayDay 5 • Arrival to Ushuaia, Argentina

Day 1 • Departure from Ushuaia, ArgentinaDay 2 • Cape Horn – Wulaia BayDay 3 • Beagle Channel: Pia Glacier –Garibaldi GlacierDay 4 • Tierra del Fuego: Piloto, Nena Glaciers – DeAgostini Sound, Aguila GlacierDay 5 • Magellan Straits: Magdalena Island – Arrival to Punta Arenas, Chile

Southern Elephant Seal, Mirounga leonina • Chilean Fire-bush, Embothrium coccineum • M/V Forrest

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Tierra del FuegoPhoto Expedition

Photo Cruise to the Land of Fire

Tierra del Fuego is a huge island territory of Pata-gonia, encompassing the

archipelagos located south of the Straits of Magellan. On this photo journey and nature cruise we will explore it aboard the comfortable 86-ft M/V 'Forrest'.Our programme has been designed for photo and nature enthusiasts of all skill levels willing to travel in a small group (with a maximum of 10 participants) and taking advantage of the great landscape and wildlife photography opportunities.This itinerary offers spectacular wildlife highlights including feeding pods of Humpback Whales, up to 4 dolphin species and 4 seals and sea lions.We will have the chance to visit breeding colonies of penguins, albatrosses and cormorants and during the zodiac landings we will explore the lush sub Antarctic southern beech forests.Join us on this unique journey of discovery and follow the footsteps of Magellan, Darwin and Fitz-Roy among so many explorers, here at the Ends of the Earth.

8-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile


Departures

Day 1 • Reception at Punta Arenas Airport – Transfer to hotelDay 2 • Otway Sound –Riesco Island – Departure to the Magellan StraitsDays 2&3 • Straits of Magellan & Francisco Coloane Marine Park (Carlos III Island - Seno Ballena - Rupert Island)Day 4 • Tierra del Fuego: Gabriel Pass –Admiralty Sound – Ainsworth BayDay 5 • Tierra del Fuego: Admiralty Sound – Albatross Island – Parry FjordDay 6 • Alberto De Agostini National Park: Tucker Islets – De Agostini Fjord –Aguila GlacierDay 7 • Port Famine – Punta ArenasDay 8 • End of the trip

Humpback Whale, Megaptera novaengliae • Imperial Cormorants, Phalacrocorax atriceps

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Humpback Whales of the Magellan Straits

Encounters with the Gentle Giants of Patagonia

Humpback Whales of the Magellan Straits is a fascinating journey

designed to discover some of the best-kept secrets of this imposing region of south-ern South America. This is a comprehensive natural his-tory and nature photography journey to Carlos III Island, located at the heart of the re-cently established Francisco Coloane Marine Park in the mythic Straits of Magellan, to find some of its most char-ismatic and usually elusive inhabitants, Humpback Whales. We will see these grand creatures and other marine mammals of the sub-Antarctic re-gion at close quarters, as well as a good diversity of seabirds. We will also visit remote penguin colonies as well as oth-er seabirds’ rookeries. We will be based one night at San Isidro Lodge, located besides the homonymous historic light-house, and two nights at the domes of the research facilities at Carlos III Island, the perfect location to see the Hump-backs and marvel at their social behavior and feeding techniques.



Departures

Day 1 • Punta Arenas – Afternoon drive to Port Famine (6pm) – Zodiac trip to San Isidro Lodge – Hike to Bahía El Aguila (old whaling station remains) and San Isidro historic lighthouseDay 2 • Boat trip to Carlos III Island – Afternoon trip looking for Humpback Whales Day 3 • Full day exploring Carlos III Island surroundingsDay 4 • Faro San Isidro Lodge – Punta Arenas – End of the trip

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Day Tours fromPunta Arenas, Chile

Penguins and CondorsTrip Code PUQ01 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from October to March.

Full day nature and photo journey to see two true wildlife icons of the Andes and Patagonia: the Andean Condor and the Magellanic Penguin. Great opportunities to see other wildlife, including rheas, dolphins and guanacos, and to learn about the history (and pre-history) of Patagonia and see the local rural life amidst the magnificent and remote

landscapes in the end of the world. Private transportation and naturalist guide services.

Penguins of Magdalena IslandTrip Code PUQ02 • Half-day tour (6 hours) from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from October to March.

This trip is an excellent opportunity to observe penguins in their natural habitat and learn more about their natural history and breeding strategies. We will sail the mythic waters of the Straits of Magellan, in Patagonia, towards Magdalena Island. This protected area holds a huge Magellanic Penguin colony, holding more than

120,000 individuals. Besides the penguins, several other species of seabirds such as King Cormorant, Chilean Skua and South American Tern nest here. En route to the island, we will be escorted by magnificent Black-browed Albatross and playful pods of Peale’s Dolphin.

Birding the Straits of Magellan Trip Code PUQ03 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Punta Arenas, Chile • Available from September to March.

On this full day birding journey along the mythical Straits of Magellan, we will explore a great variety of habitats, from the Patagonian coasts and wetlands, to sub-Antarctic woodlands and windswept steppes. We will discover the birdlife of Patagonia and its many endemic species, including the charismatic Magellanic Woodpecker, plus a large array

of waterfowl and range-restricted passerines. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced birding guide. This tour is highly recommended for cruise passengers on a tight schedule in transit at the port of Punta Arenas.

Wildlife & Nature Around the Magellan Straits

Beagle Channel and Estancia HarbertonTrip Code USH01 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Ushuaia, Argentina • Available from October until March

Full day nature and photo journey to the famed Beagle Channel, in southern Tierra del Fuego. On this trip we will follow the wake of Charles Darwin and Captain Robert Fitz Roy’s Beagle and its survey of the area in the 1830s. We will visit sea lion and seabird breeding colonies,

including cormorants and penguins. The highlight of the trip will be Estancia Harberton, a historic location that will tell us about the origins of the ill-fated early inhabitants of the island and the first ‘white’ pioneers that colonized this remote part of the world.

Birding Tierra del Fuego National ParkTrip Code USH02 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Ushuaia, Argentina • Available from October until March.

During this full day birding journey we will explore the sub-Antarctic forests and montane grassland ecosystems of Tierra del Fuego National Park, searching for a wealth of specialties of southern Patagonia. We will spend several hours looking for woodland birds such as Magellanic Woodpecker, Austral Pygmy Owl, Austral Parakeet, Magellanic Tapaculo, White-throated Treerunner and Fire-eyed Diucon, among several others. The alpine moorlands above Ushuaia are the ideal habitat for range-restricted and special birds such as White-bellied Seedsnipe, Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant

and Yellow-bridled Finch. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced birding guide. This tour is highly recommended for cruise passengers on a tight schedule in transit at the port of Ushuaia.

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Day Tours fromUshuaia

Wildlife & Nature Around the Beagle Channel

ChileTours

p. 30: Flightless Steamer Duck, Tachyeres pteneres & Magellanic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax magellanicus • Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Anairetes parulus • Magellanic Penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus • Kelp Goose, Chloephaga hybrida

p. 31: Catamaran in the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia • South American Sea Lion, Otaria flavescens & Imperial Cormorant, Phalacrocorax atriceps • Magellanic Penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus

This page: Vizcacha, Lagidium viscacia

Chilean Palm, Jubaea chilensis, La Campana National Park • Austral Pygmy Owl, Glaucidium nanum • Puna Tinamou, Tinamotis pentlandii

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Chile WildlifeAdventure

A Geographical Extravaganza

On this trip you will discover the wildlife riches of this long and narrow country, extending along

the west coast of South America. You will have the unique chance to explore the magnificent Andes and to see how these impressive mountains have mold-ed contrasting habitats that will be evi-dent as we move in latitude; from oasis valleys to puna bogs in the northern An-dean plateau, from lakes, snow-capped volcanoes and lush rainforests to calv-ing glaciers and wind-swept steppes in Patagonia. These varied ecosystems hold a unique set of wildlife and we will be privileged to observe an iconic array of animals; from guanacos and vicuñas to foxes and dolphins plus a great variety of birds ranging from the mighty Andean Condor to King Penguin.We will explore the world’s driest desert, the Atacama, and Lauca National Park, one of Chile’s gems. This impressive park is also a World Biosphere Reserve and

14-day trip from Santiago, Chile

Trip Code: CHL10This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Departures

Day 1 • Flight to Arica – Azapa ValleyDay 2 • Boat trip Arica harbor – Drive to PutreDay 3 • Putre and SocoromaDay 4 • Parinacota – Lauca National ParkDay 5 • Flight to Puerto Montt – Puerto VarasDay 6 • Alerce Andino National Park – Coihuin BayDay 7 • Chiloe Island – Puñihuil isletsDay 8 • Chepuriver – Caulin BayDay 9 • Flight to Punta Arenas – Otway SoundDay 10 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King penguinsDay 11 • Ferry to mainland – PaliAikeroad – Puerto NatalesDay 12 • Torres del Paine – Grey GlacierDay 13 • Torres del PaineDay 14 • Drive to Punta Arenas – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

teeming with wildlife in spite of the altitude. Further south, the land breaks into hundreds of islands and fjords. Finally Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, a remote land crowned with granite peaks, colossal glaciers and mythic waterways, is home to penguins, cetaceans and the impressive Puma.

Day 1 • Santiago – Lampa marshes – Visit to Viña Concha & ToroDay 2 • El Yeso ReservoirDay 3 • Drive to Talca – Altos de Lircay NRDay 4 • Lake Colbun – Visit to Viña Santa CruzDay 5 • Santa Cruz Valley visiting Viñas Montes, Viu Manent & Casa SilvaDay 6 • Drive to San Antonio – Maipo river mouth & Laguna El Peral NR – Visit to Viña Matetic – Viña del MarDay 7 • Pelagic off Valparaiso – Cachagua (Humboldt penguin colony)Day 8 • La Campana NP – Visit to vineyard of Casablanca valleyDay 9 • Crossing the Andes via Portillo – Uspallata and birding in the ValleyDay 10 • Drive to Mendoza – Visits to Viña Cobos & NortonDay 11 • Birding lowlands towards San Luis – Afternoon visit to Viña Velasco de BaquedanoDay 12 • Drive to Santiago over the Andes (Paso Libertadores) – Birding en routeDay 13 • End of the trip

A cellar at Concho & Toro vineyard, Chile • Southern Lapwing, Vanellus chilensis • Wandering Albatross, Diomedea exulans

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Birds & Wines ofChile & Argentina

A Unique Adventure Across the Andes

On this fascinating trip we’ll discov-er the birdlife and the winesoccurring on both slopes of

the majestic Andes, by exploring the central regions of Chile and Argentina. Pelagic seabirds in Chile and terrestrial endemics in both countries are only a fraction of the birds you’ll find. We have prepared an in-depth wine tasting programme, visiting the most remarkable and traditional wineries of Maipo, Casablanca and Colchagua valleys in Chile as well as around Mendoza, in Argentina. This trip has been designed for the nature enthusiast wishing to combine some time in the field with wine tasting activities and for the birder alike. The landscapes and the culture of both countries are equally fascinating and you will have the opportunity to learn a lot about Chile and Argentina from your local leader. Salud! Cheers!


2015: 28 February – 12 March

2016: 27 February – 10 March

Trip Code: CHL08

This program is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests.

Departures

Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Phegornis mitchellii • Peruvian Sheartail, Thaumastura cora • Chiloe Wigeon, Anas sibilatrix

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Day 1 • Flight to Arica – Arica coastal areas Day 2 • Boat trip off Arica – Azapa, Lluta and Chaca valleysDay 3 • Drive to Putre – Putre surroundingsDay 4 • Parinacota and Lauca NPDay 5 • Flight to Santiago – Batuco – La Dormida PassDay 6 • La Campana NP– Aconcagua estuary – Cachagua Day 7 • Pelagic trip off Valparaiso –Cajon del MaipoDay 8 • El Yeso Reservoir &Baños MoralesDay 9 • El PeralNR – Maipo estuary – Drive to VilchesDay 10 • Altos del Lircay NR – Drive to TemucoDay 11 • Conguillio NP – Llaima VolcanoDay 12 • Drive to Puerto Montt – Boat trip off Reloncavi Sound Day 13 • Alerce Andino NP – Coihuin BayDay 14 • Flight to Punta Arenas – San Juan Bay Day 15 • Ferry to Tierra del Fuego – Useless Bay for King Penguins Day 16 • Ferry to mainland – Pali Aike roadDay 17 • Torres del Paine NPDay 18 • Sierra BagualesDay 19 • Drive to Punta Arenas – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

ChileBirding Adventure

A Quest for the Birdlife of a Land of Extremes

Join this exciting birdwatching jour-ney to discover the endemics and specialties of this long and narrow,

3,000-mile long biogeographical island and explore (and enjoy) its marvelous landscapes, excellent infrastructure, great cuisine and fabulous wines. Chile is a land of huge contrasts, truly a ge-ographic extravaganza. On this birding adventure we will get intimate with tapaculos, canasteros, tinamous, sand-piper-plovers, condors, tubenoses and many interesting species, some with very restricted distributional ranges and some that are barely known outside of Chile, as we explore Chile’s incredibly diverse habitats and marvel at some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth. From arid desert to lush rainforests, the windswept steppes of Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia to the impressive lakes and volcanoes of south-central Chile, from the heights of the Andes to the cold waters of the Humboldt Current in our search for the avian specialties of this thin strip of a country.


2015: 3 – 21 January • 10 – 28 October

2016: 9 – 27 January

Trip Code: CHL09

This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests.

Departures

Chilean Flamingo, Phoenicopterus chilensis, Puna Flamingo, Phoenicoparrus jamesi & Andean Flamingo, Phoenicoparrus andinus • Ornate Tinamou, Nothoprocta ornata

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Birding Chile -An Easy Tour

Bird Chile at a Relaxed Pace

Birding Chile is an exciting bird-watching journey aimed to discov-er the endemics and specialties of

this 3,000-mile long and narrow biogeo-graphical island and explore and enjoy its marvelous landscapes, excellent in-frastructure, great cuisine and fabulous wines at a relaxed, laid-back pace.Chile is a land of huge contrasts, truly a 'geographic extravaganza'. On this birding adventure we will explore Chile's incredibly diverse habitats and marvel at some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth, while enjoying top-class hotels, cuisine and wines. From arid deserts and salt lakes in the high Andean plateau to lush rainforests and coastal marshes, from the windswept steppes of Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia, to the impressive lakes and volcanoes of south-central Chile, our search for the avian specialties of this long and narrow country will take us from the high Andes to the cold and productive waters of the Humboldt Current in the Pacific. We will find many interesting species, some of them with very restricted distributional ranges and some endemic to the country.

14-day trip from Santiago, Chile2015: 14-27 NovemberTrip Code: CHL01This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 10 guests.

Departures Day 1 • Santiago – FarellonesDay 2 • Lampa & Batuco – Aconcagua river mouthDay 3 • La Campana National Park – Central coastDay 4 • Pelagic trip from Valparaíso – Laguna El Peral NRDay 5 • El Yeso ValleyDay 6 • Drive to Talca & Vilches– Altos de Lircay NRDay 7 • Altos de Lircay NR –Colbun Lake – Drive to SantiagoDay 8 • Flight to Puerto Montt–Llanquihue Lake – Drive to Puyehue NPDay 9 • Puyehue NPDay 10 • Drive to Puerto Montt– Coastal mudflatsDay 11• Flight to Punta Arenas – San Juan BayDay 12 • Ferry crossing to Tierra del Fuego – Laguna Verde and Useless BayDay 13 • Ferry crossing to mainland –Pali Aike roadDay 14• Otway Sound –Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

Lake Miscanti with Miscanti Volcano • Giant Coot, Fulica gigantea • Photographing Vicuña, Vicugna vicugna

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Atacama DesertExplorer

The Wildlife & Scenery of the World's Driest Desert

This private nature and photo itin-erary reveals the scenery, wildlife and cultural riches of the world's

most arid desert, the mythic Atacama, a mosaic of habitats and an open book of rewarding explorations. This nature and photo safari will deliver very differ-ent and exciting highlights every day of your journey, from geyser fields to life-less sand dunes, from flamingo-filled saltpans to an amphitheatre of volca-noes, from highland lakes teeming with wildlife to seldom-visited canyons and ridges. Join us on this trip to northern Chile, with countless highlights for the nature enthusiast and the keen photog-rapher alike.



Departures

Day 1 • Flight to Calama – Drive to San Pedro de Atacama – Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)Day 2 • Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley) – Chaxa and Tebiquinche Salt LakesDay 3 • Miscanti and Miñiques Lakes – Salar de TalarDay 4 • Pacana Monks – Salar de Tara – Salar de PujsaDay 5 • El Tatio Geyser Fields – Vado de Putana – Puritama RiverDay 6 • Pucara de Quitor – Catarpe – Drive to Calama – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

Puna Ibis, Plegades ridgwayi • Golden-billed Saltator, Saltator aurantiirostris • Puna Flamingo, Phoenicoparrus jamesi

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BirdingNorthern Chile

Birding the Atacama Desert & Altiplano

Our journey to the north of Chile will

take us to the fringes of the driest desert in the world, the inhospitable Atacama, on the border with southern Peru. Our base locations will be Arica and Putre, Chile's northernmost cities. This unique area is home to highly diverse species such as the flightless Giant Coot and tiny and threatened Chilean Woodstar. We will explore the Azapa, Lluta and Chaca valleys and then drive to Putre, situated in the Altiplano at more than 10,500 feet (3,500 m) above sea level. The altiplano grasslands of Lauca National Park support wild Vicuña and Northern Huemul grazing in small herds, PunaTinamou and Lesser Rhea. Specialties such as all three Chilean species of flamingoes (Chilean, Andean and James's), Andean Avocet, Giant and Andean coots, Chilean Woodstar, White-throated Earthcreeper, Black-

5- and 6-day trip from Santiago, Chile


Departures

Day 1 • Flight to Arica– Drive to PutreDay 2 • Putre & SocoromaDay 3 • Parinacota & Lauca NPDay 4 • Azapa, Lluta and Chaca oasis valleys Day 5 • Arica – Flight to Santiago – End of the tripAdditional day at Salar de Surire (highly recommended)

throated Flowerpiercer and Tamarugo Conebill will be our main targets.There is an optional trip to Surire, one of the most impressive saltpans of the whole Chilean altiplano (highly recommended).

FALTA

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Coastal AtacamaDesert

Day 1 • Flight to Antofagasta – Drive to TaltalDay 2 • PaposoDay 3 • Pan de Azucar National Park – Bahia InglesaDay 4 • Llanos de Challe National ParkDay 5 • Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

Rich Seas, Mist and Cacti

The Atacama Desert is the driest desert on Earth, and in some inland places there is

no record of rain or precipitation of any kind in historical times. There is a strip of desert between the Coastal range and the Andean pla-teau where there is barely, if any life at all.However, everything changes in the narrow band where the desert meets the Pacific. There is a combination of two main factors that make this a very special habitat; on one hand there is the influence of the cold Humboldt Current that condenses the moisture from the ocean and on the other the topography of the coast, steep cliffs that retain this moisture in the form of a dense mist which crawls inland and makes it possible for the growth of abundant vegetation in the form of many endemic species of cacti and flowering plants. This in turn allows for the presence of insects and other life and of course, birds such as endemic and range-restricted forms of White-throated Tapaculo and Common Diuca Finch, and many other Passerines,


Departures

raptors and coastal seabirds associated with the Humboldt cold stream like Inca Tern and Humboldt Penguin. Other fauna here includes foxes, Guanaco and Marine Otter.The weather here is warm and nice, the light is superb for photography and the landscape is of an austere beauty, the perfect framing for your nature trip.

Blooming Calandrinia, Llanos de Challe N.P., Atacama • Garra de León, Leontochir ovallei • Copiapoa cacti at coastal desert

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Vicuña, Vicugna vicugna • Andean Gull, Chroicocephalus serranus • Surire salt lake at dawn

Northern Chile Photography Adventure

Photo Safari to the Atacama Desert & the Altiplano

The Atacama Desert is the driest desert on Earth, and in some inland plac-

es there is no record of rain or precipitation of any kind in historical times. There is a strip of desert between the Coastal range and the Andean plateau where there is barely, if any life at all.However, everything changes in the narrow band where the desert meets the Pacific. There is a combination of two main factors that make this a very special habitat; on one hand there is the influence of the cold Humboldt Current that condenses the moisture from the ocean and on the other the topography of the coast, steep cliffs that retain this moisture in the form of a dense mist which crawls inland and makes it possible for the growth of abundant vegetation in the form of many endemic species of cacti and flowering plants. This in turn allows for the presence of insects and other life and of course, birds such as endemic and range-restricted forms of White-throated Tapaculo and Common Diuca Finch, and many other


Departures

Passerines, raptors and coastal seabirds associated with the Humboldt cold stream like Inca Tern and Humboldt Penguin. Other fauna here includes foxes, Guanaco and Marine Otter.The weather here is warm and nice, the light is superb for photography and the landscape is of an austere beauty, the perfect framing for your nature trip.

Day 1 • Flight to Arica– Drive to PutreDay 2 • Putre & SocoromaDay 3 • Parinacota & Lauca NPDay 4 • Azapa, Lluta and Chaca oasis valleys Day 5 • Arica – Flight to Santiago – End of the tripAdditional day at Salar de Surire (highly recommended)

Mountain Caracara, Phalcoboenus megalopterus • Inca Tern, Larosterna inca • Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Phegornis mitchellii

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Day 1 • Santiago – El Yeso Valley & Baños MoralesDay 2 • Drive to the Pacific coast: Maipo Estuary – Laguna El Peral NR – QuinteroDay 3 • La Campana NP – Cachagua (Humboldt penguin colony)Day 4 •Lampa & Batuco – FarellonesDay 5 • End of the trip

BirdingCentral Chile

From the Heights of the Andes to the Pacific Coast

We will explore a fascinating and contrasting region of Chile holding most of the endemic

bird species of the country. In the Andes we’ll look for Diademed Sandpiper-Plover and Andean Condor while in the coast we will concentrate in the many specialties of the Humboldt Current such as Inca Tern and Humboldt Penguin. In the scrub gullies covered by cacti, Puya bromeliads plus other xeric vegetation, we will look for Chilean Tinamou, Chilean



Departures

Mockingbird and the skulking White-throated and Dusky tapaculos, Moustached Turca, Crag Chilia and Dusky-tailed Canastero.

Bipinnula fimbriata, Fam. Orchidaceae • Alstroemeria pelegrina, Fam. Alstroemeriaceae • Puya berteroana, Fam. Bromeliaceae

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Mediterranean Chile Botanical Tour

Botanizing Endemics from the Andes to the Pacific

On this journey we will enjoy botanizing one of the areas with the highest degree

of plant endemism of the world: Mediterranean Central Chile. This area holds a wealth of species that are not only unique to the country, but are in many cases very restricted in range and threatened due to loss of habitat, as this part of Chile is the most densely populated. Part of the plant rich diversity of this region is due to the different microclimates found across the country as one moves from the coastal plain to the Coastal Range to the central valley up to the Andes, with contrasting conditions and landscapes that rival in beauty with each other. Coastal communities, mountains with a strong maritime influence, plains and high Andean bogs all harbour unique vegetation formations. A great array of endemic plant genera such as Beilschmiedia, Jubaea, Echinopsis, Mutisia, Rhodophiala or Schizanthus, makes of a botanical tour in Central Chile a great choice if you have an interest in plants.

5-day trip from Santiago, Chile.

Trip Code: CHL11This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants. Available from September until December.

Departures

Day 1 • Santiago – Farellones and Yerba Loca Nature ReserveDay 2 • El Yeso Reservoir & Baños MoralesDay 3 • La Campana National ParkDay 4 • Los MollesDay 5 • End of the trip

Araucaria, Araucaria araucana, Conguillio N.P. • Green-backed Firecrown, Sephanoides sephaniodes • Shooting alpine flora at the southern Andes

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Day 1 • Flight to Temuco – Drive to Conguillio National ParkDay 2 • ConguillioNPDay 3 • Drive to Puyehue NPDay 4 • Puyehue NP – Drive to Puerto VarasDay 5 • Lahuen Ñadi Nature Reserve – Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

Araucaria ForestsThe Magical Forests of the Southern Andes

On this private nature and pho-tography journey we will visit Chile's Lake District. Magnificent

temperate woodlands, reminiscent of the distant forests of New Zealand and Tasmania, grow here covering extensive regions of the southern Andes foothills; these forests are very unique due to their ancient geographical isolation. Between the woody elements we will see spe-cies of the genera Araucaria, Fitzroya, Nothofagus or Drimys, as well as a high diversity of members of the Mirtaceae family. The undergrowth is very dense and is also dominated by woody species and several herbs and is the realm for ground-dwelling tapaculos and very rare



Departures

endemic mammals.Keen birders and botanists as well as nature photographers will have delightful subjects to observe and study during this comprehensive wildlife tour. The areas to be visited are surrounded by magnificent scenery dominated by spectacular volcanoes and lakes.

Petrohue falls with Osorno Volcano in Vicente Perez Rosales N.P. • Asteranthera ovata, Gesneriaceae • Darwin’s Fox, Lycalopex fulvipes

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Lakes, Volcanoes & Island Traditions

Lake District &Chiloé Island

Chile’s Lake District is well known for its incredible

mountain landscapes, impressive and ancient rainforests and by being the starting point of a huge archipelagic labyrinth extending southwards to the wild regions of western Patagonia. This is a land connecting two worlds, the mountains and the sea. This is a comprehensive nature journey to magnificent volcanoes, forests and lakes interspersed along the Andean foothills; here we will have splendid opportunities for landscape photography and to discover the flora and fauna of the lush Valdivian Temperate Forest, a unique ecosystem and a world’s biodiversity hotspot. We will dedicate two full days to explore the fascinating and enigmatic Chiloé Island. This island and associated archipelagoes will reveal their unique natural and cultural riches, from penguins to otters, from elusive tapaculos to raucous parakeets,



Departures

Day 1 • Flight to Puerto Montt – Alerce Andino National ParkDay 2 • Vicente Perez Rosales NPDay 3 • Chiloe Island: Chacao Channel –Puñihuil Islets – Drive to CastroDay 4 • Chepu River – Caulin Bay – Drive to Puerto MonttDay 5 • Flight to Santiago – End of the trip

from dolphins to sea lions. We’ll also have the chance to appreciate the lifestyle and customs of the islanders - the Chilotes, by visiting their towns, wooden churches, fishing boats and stilt houses.

M/V Skorpios II with San Rafael Glacier in the Background • Southern Giant Petrel, Macronectes giganteu • Leopard Seal, Hydrurga leptonyx

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Chiloe Island & Laguna San Rafael National Park

Magical Islands & Stunning Glaciers

Get on board the comfortable M/V Skorpios II and enjoy a spectacu-lar, scenic and comfortable cruise

to the mythic Chiloé Island and the gor-geous Laguna San Rafael National Park, in the heart of the Chilean Fjords. Depart-ing from Puerto Montt, capital of Chile`s Lake District, we sail through Llanquihue Archipelago and abeam Chiloé Island, to land at Puerto Aguirre and continue nav-igating the maze of channels and fjords to enter the glacial lake which is the gateway into Laguna San Rafael Nation-al Park, to contemplate the huge glacier front and witness the active calving of huge icebergs.After this we’ll visit some natural hot springs at Quitralco Fjord, to later depart for Chiloé Island and navigate upstream

5-night cruise from Puerto Montt, Chile.

Trip Code: CHL14This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants.Check out our website for updated departure dates.

Departures

Day 1 • Puerto Montt – Chiloe IslandDay 2 • Moraleda Channel – Puerto Aguirre – Pilcomayo ChannelDay 3 • Tempanos Channel – Laguna San Rafael – Fiordo QuitralcoDay 4 • Uitralco hotspings – Moraleda ChannelDay 5 • Corcovado Gulf – Chiloe Island – CastroDay 6 • Puerto Montt – End of the trip

to the picturesque town of Castro, where you´ll land and visit its most typical corners to get an impression of the island´s culture, peculiar architecture and tradition.Back on board we´ll navigate through the channels back to Puerto Montt, where the trip ends after our arrival at the port.

Northern Giant Petrel, Macronectes halli and Southern Giant Petrel, Macronectes giganteus • Cape Petrel, Daption capense • Northern Royal Albatross, Diomedea sanfordi

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Albatrosses & Petrels in the Humboldt Current

Pelagic Trips off Valparaiso

The Humboldt Current draws cold water from the Antarctic and pumps it north along the west

coast of South America, lifting nutrients from the deep sea bottom in the form of upwelling and making these waters not only the richest, most productive marine ecosystem in the Planet, but also one of the top destinations for Pe-lagic Birding in the world, too. On this pelagic trip, we expect to see a great variety of tubenoses such as Northern Royal, Antipodean, Salvin's, Buller's and Black-browed albatrosses. Chatham Is-

Day trip (c. 8 hours) from Valparaiso or Quintero, Chile

Trip Code: CHL07This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 20 guests.

Check out our website for updated departure dates.

Departures

land and Antipodean albatrosses are regularly recorded as well as Southern Royal Albatross. We should also find Southern and Northern Gi-ant Petrels, Southern Fulmar, White-chinned, Westland and Pintado petrels, Pink-footed, Sooty and Buller's shearwaters, and Pterodro-ma or gadfly petrels, including Juan Fernandez and Masatierra petrels. Small tubenoses of other families include Wilson's Storm Petrel and Peruvian Diving Petrel. Other seabirds we may encounter are Guanay Cormorant, Red-legged Cormorant, Humboldt Penguin, Inca Tern, Chilean Skua and Grey (Red) Phal-arope.

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Day Tours fromSantiago, Chile

Birding Chile’s Central AndesTrip Code SCL01 • Full day tour (10-12 hours) from Santiago de Chile • Daily departures from October to March.

Birding and nature photography trip, exploring the imposing and scenic Andes dominating Santiago de Chile to discover their wealth of avian specialties. Covering most of the bird families originated around the Andes - from miners and canasteros to ground tyrants, from seedsnipes to hillstars - this comprehensive birding trip will surely be a rewarding

experience for both the seasoned and novice birder alike.

Penguins and Chile EndemicsTrip Code SCL02 • Full day tour (10-12 hours) from Santiago de Chile or Valparaiso • Daily departures throughout the year.

Birding and nature photography trip to the Coastal Range and the Pacific Coast, in search of the endemics and specialties of Mediterranean Chile. We will explore the broad-leaf woods, scrubland and cacti-covered slopes, looking for skulking tapaculos, tinamous and canasteros. Along the shore we will concentrate in finding the endemic Seaside Cinclodes and coastal seabirds of the Humboldt

Current, including Guanay Cormorant, Inca Tern and Humboldt Penguin. This moderate tour is suitable for cruise passengers on a tight schedule at the ports of call.

Coastal Marshes & the Pacific Trip Code SCL03 • Full day tour (8-12 hours) from Santiago de Chile or Valparaiso • Daily departures from September to April.

Birding and nature photography tour, visiting the lowland marshes and the Pacific coast south of Valparaiso. On this tour you will discover the wealth of waterfowl and aquatic birds of Chile plus a good sample of the specialties and endemics of the coastal region of Mediterranean

Chile. This easy to moderate tour is suitable for cruise passengers on a tight schedule at the ports of call.

Wildlife & Nature Around the Heart of Chile

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Lake District – Birding & Photo TourTrip Code PMC01 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Puerto Montt, Chile • Available from September to March.

On this full day birding journey to AlerceAndino National Park and the Temperate Rainforest, we will discover the birdlife of Chile’s Lake District and its avian specialties, like Chucao and Ochre-flanked tapaculos and Black-throated Huet-huet,

all framed in snow-capped volcanoes and serene, blue lakes. Stopping on our way back at the exposed sandy beach of Coihuin Bay we’ll look for flocks of migrating shorebirds. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced guide. This tour is highly recommended for cruise passengers on a tight schedule at the port of Puerto Montt.

Day Tours fromPuerto Montt, Chile

Chiloé Island – Birding & Photo TourTrip Code PMC02 • Full day tour (8-10 hours) from Puerto Montt, Chile • Available from September until March.

On this full day photography and wildlife excursion to the picturesque Chiloé Island, with its old customs and peculiar villages, boats and churches, we’ll take a boat trip to have close views of a mixed colony of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins, plus some marine waterfowl like Flightless Steamer Duck and Kelp Goose and some marine mammals and other wildlife. Later we’ll visit a bay, which is an important stop for migrating shorebirds. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced guide. This tour is highly recom-mended for cruise passengers on a tight schedule at the port of Puerto Montt.

Wildlife & Nature Around Chile's Lake District

Islands &Antarctica

Tours

p. 47: Striped Woodpecker, Veniliornis lignarius • Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Phegornis mitchellii • Moustached Turca, Pteroptochos megapodius • White-cheeked Pintail, Anas bahamensis

p. 48: Southern River Otter, Lontra provocax • Humboldt Penguin, Spheniscus humboldti • Fire-eyed Diucon, Xolmis pyrope

This page: Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island

Red-tailed Tropicbird, Phaeton rubricauda • Moai statues

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Easter Island(Rapa Nui)

Unveiling the Mysteries and Heritage of the 'Navel of the World'

This is our comprehensive cultural, archaeological and photography journey to Earth's most remote in-

habited location, Rapa Nui.During this trip you will study and expe-rience the unique archaeological heri-tage of this island. This small triangle of volcanic rock, located in Polynesia, right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, has always been subject of curiosity, study and speculation. Many explorers, re-searchers and travellers have attempted to unveil its secrets, but still important missing pieces remain to be discovered. What are the origins of the islanders? How did they transport their massive moai stone heads from the quarry lo-cations to the their platforms? Why is Rongo Rongo the only written language in Oceania?You will have extraordinary local guides, who will show you the best locations and provide all the known scientific background and interpretation. You will also have the rare chance of sharing their points of view and expectations about the future of the island and its people. Rapa Nui - past, present and future ... join us on this journey of dis-covery into an island of mysteries!

3- to 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile or Lima, Peru.

Trip Code: ISL01This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 1 participant.

Departures 3-day optionDay 1 • Fly to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Half day tour to Ahu Tahai and AkiviDay 2 • Full day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki and Anakena beach – Optional afternoon trip to the 'motus'Day 3 • Morning tour to Orongo village and Vinapu – Fly to Santiago or Lima

4-day optionDay 1 • Fly to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Half day tour to Ahu Tahai and AkiviDay 2 • Full day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki and Anakena beach – Optional afternoon boat trip to the 'motus'Day 3 • Full day tour to Orongo village, Vinapu and Puna PauDay 4 • Free morning – Fly to Santiago or Lima

5-day optionDay 1 • Fly to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Half day tour to Ahu Tahai and AkiviDay 2 • Full day tour to Moai quarry of Rano Raraku and Ahu TongarikiDay 3 • Full day tour to Orongo village and Vinapu – Optional boat trip to the 'motus'Day 4 • Half day tour Anakena and Puna Pau – Optional boat trip to the 'motus'Day 5 • Free morning – Fly to Santiago or Lima

Rugged coastline of Robinson Crusoe Island • Juan Fernandez Firecrown, Sephanoides fernandensis

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Easter Island(Rapa Nui) Robinson Crusoe Island

An Island of Castaway Natural Treasures

Juan Fernandez is a fascinating archipelago of volcanic origin, situated about 400 miles off

Valparaiso, central Chile. Robinson Crusoe, the main island of the group, is a 2-hour flight journey from Santiago, Chile. Its rich history dates back to its discovery by Portuguese explorer Juan Fernandez in 1574, but its fame relates to the prolonged residence of the Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk who was marooned there between 1704 and 1709. His epic survival story served as an inspiration source for Daniel Defoe's famous novel.The critically endangered temperate sub-tropical woodlands of the island, the Fernandezian forests, holds a large, diverse and rich array of flora represented by more than 130 endemic species, most of them regarded as Critically Endangered. During this trip, we shall explore these forests searching for its endemic landbirds: the remarkable Juan Fernandez Firecrown and the Juan Fernandez Tit-tyrant. We will also have the opportunity to explore the rugged coastline by boat, where we will look for its rare seabirds, including the petrels and shearwaters that nest in burrows in the secluded forests. The sub-tropical waters are very productive

3 and 5-day trip from Santiago, Chile.

Trip Code: ISL03This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 1 participant.Check out our website for updated departure dates.

Departures

3-nights programme (leaving every Tuesday)Day 1 • Santiago – Flight to Robinson Crusoe Island – Boat trip to San Juan BautistaDay 2 • Forests of Robinson Crusoe I. – Walk to Alexander Selkirk viewpointDay 3 • Pelagic trip off Cumberland BayDay 4 • Boat trip to El Padre Bay – Flight back to Santiago

4-night programme (leaving every Friday)Day 1 • Santiago – Flight to Robinson Crusoe Island – Boat trip to San Juan BautistaDay 2 • Forests of Robinson Crusoe I. – Walk to Alexander Selkirk viewpointDay 3 • Pelagic trip off Cumberland BayDay 4 • Walk to Plazoleta El YunqueDay 5 • Boat trip to El Padre Bay – Flight back to Santiago

and we hope to find Defillipi's, Stejneger's, Kermadec and Juan Fernandez petrels as well as Pink-footed Shearwater.Join us on this birding and natural history journey to this unique and special destination, to seek the natural treasures of the island of Robinson Crusoe!

King Penguins, Aptenodytes patagonicus • South American Fur Seal, Arctocephalus australis • Gentoo Penguins, Pygoscelis papua

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Day 1 • Flight to the Falklands – Drive to Port StanleyDay 2• Volunteer PointDay 3 • Flight to Carcass IslandDay 4 • Carcass Island – Optional boat trip to West Point IslandDay 5 • Carcass Island – Flight to Sea Lion IslandDay 6 • Sea Lion IslandDay 7 • Sea Lion Island – Flight to DarwinDay 8 • Flight to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile

The Falkland IslandsEncounters with Penguins in the 'Galapagos' of the South

On this journey we will discover the wildlife and natural history of a remarkable and remote group of

islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, the Falklands. The archipelago comprises more than 700 small islands (most of them uninhabited) and is locat-ed about 350 miles northwest of Cape Horn, in mainland South America. The Falklands are simply the most accessible place in the world to observe breeding colonies of sub-Antarctic wildlife such as tame Black-browed Albatrosses, Rock-hopper and King Penguins and marine mammals such as Southern Elephant Seals and Orcas.

8-day trip from Santiago or Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Code: ISL02This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of 1 participant. Check out our website for updated departure dates.

Departures

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Day 1 • Arrival to Punta Arenas, Chile – Introductory briefing – Overnight at Punta ArenasDay 2 • Flight over the Drake Passage to King George Island, South Shetlands – Board M/V Ocean NovaDays 3-6 • Exploring along the western Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands aboard M/V Ocean NovaDay 7 • Flight back to Punta Arenas – End of the trip

Grand AntarcticaUnique Air - Cruise to the White Continent

The Antarctic Penin-sula is a promontory of land and ice that

breaks the apparent radial symmetrical shape of the White Continent. It begins approximately at 75°S, extending northwards to 62°S, almost reaching the southern tip of South Amer-ica. Therefore, the Penin-sula is the most accessible region of the Antarctic and until recently one needed to navigate for two whole days and nights through the rough seas of the infamous and feared Drake Passage. This was before this programme was designed! We now offer you the chance of visiting the most pristine corner on Earth via this unique itinerary, which combines a short and comfortable 2-hour flight from Punta Arenas (southern Chile) to the South Shetland Islands, and the comfort of a small 68-passenger expedition cruise across the calm waters of the Antarctic Peninsula.Join us on the most innovative circuit to discover the landscapes and wildlife of the White Continent.


Trip Code: ISL04This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with no minimum of participants. Check out our website for updated departure dates. Available from Dec 2013 until Feb 2014 & Dec 2014 until Feb 2015.

Departures

Icebergs with Adèlie Penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae • Wandering Albatross, Diomedea exulans • Humpback Whale, Megaptera novaengliae

SouthAmericaTours

Monk Saki, Pithecia monachus

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Yacare, Caiman yacare • Pampas Viscacha, Lagostomus maximus • Yatai Palm, Butia yatay

Argentina: Bs. Aires,Iberá, El Palmar

Day 1 • Buenos Aires – OtamendiDays 2-3 • El Palmar National ParkDays 4-6 • Iberá MarshesDay 7 • Buenos Aires

Endless Wetlands & Ancient Palm Forests

Iberá Marshes

With an extension of around 15,000 sq km, the Iberá wet-lands are the second largest in

the world, and hold an incredibly diverse and abundant wildlife, represented by hundreds of species of birds, mammals (including Capibara, the largest rodent in the world), reptiles and a lush vegeta-tion nurtured by the vast, interconnect-ed network of marshes, ponds and rivers that form this ecosystem.This exciting new programme takes you to the heart of this aquatic world to feast your senses on the impressive neotropical wilderness of this seemingly endless body of water, come and experience one of the wonders of nature with us.

7-day trip from Buenos Aires, ArgentinaTrip Code: ARG01This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.Reemplazar texto en Recuadro

Departures

El Palmar National Park

This savanna ecosystem, just 3 hours from Buenos Aires, was created to protect the few remaining groves of the Yatai Palm,

and is an open environment that lends itself perfectly to watch wildlife such as Greater Rhea, several woodpeckers, screamers, foxes and Capibara, largest of all rodents.Join us in this programme, and enjoy natural beauties just a few hours from one of the busiest South American capitals.

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Argentina: Valdés Peninsula& Bahia Camarones

Day 1 • Buenos Aires – TrelewDays 2-3 • Valdés PeninsulaDays 4 • Drive to Bahia CamaronesDays 5-6 • Bahia CamaronesDay 7 • Buenos Aires

Whales & Penguins in the Atlantic CoastPeninsula Valdes

Located in the Atlantic coast of Ar-gentina south of Buenos Aires, this location is a magnificent place to

watch impressive geology and diverse wildlife such as Southern Right and Killer whales, Southern Elephant Seal, South American Sea Lion, Patagonian Hare, Patagonian Hairy Armadillo, Mag-ellanic Penguin and many others.Enjoy our programme to this unique place with the expert guidance of our tour leaders, and let them unveil all these natural wonders for you.

Bahia Camarones

Located in the Atlantic coast of Ar-gentina south of Peninsula Valdes, this location is great for watching

wildlife such as Southern Right and Kill-er whales, Dusky Dolphin, Southern El-ephant Seal, South American Sea Lion, Patagonian Hare, Patagonian Hairy Ar-madillo, Magellanic Penguin and many others.Take advantage of the relative isolation of this spot, which is seldom visited, meaning that with our programme you can practically have the place for yourself and enjoy at your own pace.

7-day trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina

Trip Code: ARG02

This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Departures

Southern Right Whale, Eubalaena australis • Carbonated Sierra-Finch, Phrygilus carbonarius • Chubut Steamer-Duck, Tachyeres leucocephalus

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu • Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Rupicola peruviana • Birding in a canopy trail

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Day 1 • Lima - Pantanos de Villa - Lima (1 night)Day 2 • Lima - Flight to Puerto Maldonado - Reserva Amazonica (3 nights)Day 3 • Reserva AmazonicaDay 4 • Lake Sandoval - Reserva AmazonicaDay 5 • Puerto Maldonado - Flight to Cusco - Machu Picchu (3 nights)Day 6 • Machu PicchuDay 7 • Machu PicchuDay 8 • Train to Cusco - Flight to Lima - End of the tour

Peru: Highlightsof Peru

The Heart of Peru & the Ancient Inca Empire

Far South Ex-peditions has joined forces

with Inkaterra, owner of some of the best nature lodges in South America, to de-velop an all-new programme aimed to offer an unfor-gettable journey to the heart of one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity and richest bird life in the world: Peru, cradle of the ancient Inca Empire and the perfect mixture of lush wildlife and cultural heritage.This trip will take you from the Pacific coastal marshes to the gateway of Am-azonia and the heights of the Andes to witness and enjoy both nature and his-tory at their best, while indulging your-self in the comfort of world-class nature lodging.Lima, Pantanos de Villa, Puerto Maldo-nado, Reserva Amazónica, Cusco and Macchu Picchu are the main attractions of this exciting tour to the heart of Peru and the ancient Inca Empire.

8-day trip from Lima, PeruTrip Code: PER01This programme is operated as a customized, private trip, with a minimum of 2 participants.

Departures

M/V Estrella Amazónica in the Amazon River • Peruvian Night Monkey, Aotus miconax • Blue-and-yellow Macaw,

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Day 1 • Flight to Lima, Peru – Lima Day 2 • Flight to Iquitos – Embark M/V “La Estrella Amazonica” (7 nights)Days 3-8 • Exploring the Amazon river and tributariesDay 9 • Iquitos – Flight to Lima – End of the trip

Peru: Amazon River Cruise

A Pristine Rainforest Frozen in Time

Join us on a fan-tastic journey experiencing

the natural history and cultural high-lights of the largest wilderness in Earth, the Amazon.Traverse the Peruvi-an Amazon on board the fine Estrella Am-azonica, with natu-ralist and photogra-pher Claudio F. Vidal in this epic nature journey offered joint-ly with International Expeditions, world leader in nature travel.The Amazon Basin ignites the imagina-tion of explorers, hinting at an adventure like no other.After originating as a trickle high in the Andes Mountains, the Amazon River winds more than 4,200 miles through South America, playing host to 3,000 fish species — more than described for the entire Atlantic Ocean.Be amazed in this wilderness beyond the untamed frontier along the river’s edge,

9-day trip from Lima, Peru

2015: 24 July – 1 August

Trip Code: PER02

This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants.

Departures

walk jungle paths and discover the secrets hid-den along narrow tributaries as you cruise the calm waters of Earth’s most legendary river.

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Day 1 • Sao Paulo – Flight to Cuiabá– Drive to the PantanalDays 2&3 • First lodge in the Pantanal photographing birds and animalsDay 4 • Transfer to second lodge in the PantanalDays 5-8 • Boat trips and Jaguar searchesDay 9 • Drive back to Cuiabá – Flight to Sao Paulo – End of the trip

Brazil: Jaguars of the Pantanal

The Spirit of the South American Jungle

The Northern Pantanal is the loca-tion for the first half of this amaz-ing trip, more specifically at the

very end of the famous Transpantaneira road, where the Cuiabá River meets the Piquiri, TrêsIrmãos and some other smaller rivers. This meeting of waters coming from varied areas create a mix of different ecosystems and an incredibly rich food chain. As a result you will see wildlife everywhere: hawks and ospreys, king vulture, toucans, macaws, kingfish-ers, colourful birds, herons, egrets and other waders, the gigantic jabiru stork, families of giant otters, peccaries, tapirs, capybaras, caimans and, of course, the enigmatic Jaguar, the third largest cat in the world, our main target species.But before heading deep into jaguar territory we will spend a couple days at a comfortable lodge at the Transpantaneira, where we will have the opportunity to photograph numerous birds, monkeys and other mammals. All of the real action, however, happens at the river, shooting from our spacious and very stable boats. Once a cat is found you can start shooting right away while the driver positions and anchors

9-day trip from Sao Paulo, Brazil 2015: 6 – 14 OctoberTrip Code: BRA01This programme is operated on a fixed departure date, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum group size of 8 guests.

Departures the boat, finely adjusting position for the best angle. On some occasions you will find a jaguar resting at the riverbank, especially on hot days when the riverbank is cooler, and you will be able to photograph that cat for several hours! On other occasions you will find what we call a “roaming cat”, one that is just walking along the shoreline, appearing here and there once in a while and providing different photo opportunities. With a bit of luck you may also find a pair of mating jaguars, or a female jaguar with cubs. But the Northern Pantanal has many things to offer besides jaguars, and the hours spent looking for one are not empty for there are numerous other photo opportunities just waiting at the next river bend.

Juaguar, Panthera onca © Octavio Campos Salles

Huemul Deer, Hippocamelus bisulcus

Far South ExpeditionsP.O. Box 920, Punta Arenas, CP 6202473, CHILE

Phone: +56 61 261 [email protected] www.farsouthexpeditions.com

All texts and photographs © Far South Expeditions, unless otherwise indicated. No photographs may be reproduced in any form without permission.

Documents

2015 Far South Expeditions Catalogue