Endemic birds of Southern Patagonia

Southern Patagonia is one of the most remote areas in the continent, and has a truly amazing wilderness. These barren steppes, highland plateaux, majestic mountains and intricate coastline also hold very special wildlife. Upon arrival in El Calafate we move to El Chaltén, a village located right on the foothills of the stunning and legendary Torre and Chaltén towers. Special birds to be found here include Magellanic Woodpecker, Rufous-tailed Plantcutter and Spectacled Duck. The following day we will take on the gravel road towards a typical Estancia in the middle of the dryness of Patagonia. Here, the Rio Chico is like an oasis, and its extensive marshes are home to a variety of birds, most notably the elusive and difficult to see Austral Rail.

Uphill from here are the lakes of the Strobel Plateau, above 1,000 m. Here we have the greatest chances to find two very special birds, Magellanic Plover and the mythical Hooded Grebe. Cutting through the centre of Santa Cruz province towards the coast we will have a chance to encounter the Patagonian Tinamou and Band-tailed Eremobius. Once on the coast, we will see the virgin and seldom visited beaches of Monte León National Park. Besides the great scenery, the colonies of sea mammals are a main attraction, with Snowy Sheathbills sometimes present. Three species of dolphin are also possible.

Further south, at the very tip of the actual continent, we will search for the specialities of the humid Magellanic steppes: White-bridled Finch, Rufous-chested Dotterel, and the rare Ruddy-headed Goose. Later that day we will return to Río Gallegos to catch the connecting flight.