Half-Day Birdwatching Santiago: Wetland or Mountain
Description
Discover the rich birdlife surrounding Santiago on this private half-day birdwatching experience. Choose between two unique routes: explore Batuco Wetland, a haven for migratory and aquatic species, or head into the Andes to spot high-mountain birds like the majestic Andean Condor. Your expert naturalist guide will provide binoculars, field guides, and a checklist to help you identify and learn about the behavior, habitats, and calls of local birds. Enjoy a Chilean picnic with cheese, fruit, and wine in a peaceful natural setting before returning to the city. This flexible experience is ideal for travelers who want to connect with nature, photograph local wildlife, or simply enjoy a few hours discovering the unique avifauna of Central Chile. Choose Ecordua for authentic, small-scale experiences guided by passionate naturalists committed to sharing Chile’s biodiversity in a warm, personal way.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Located just 30 minutes from Santiago, Batuco Wetland is one of the most important freshwater wetlands in Central Chile. It is home to over 100 bird species, including coots, herons, and the colorful Many-colored Rush Tyrant. Its lagoons and reed beds offer excellent opportunities to observe migratory and resident waterbirds. You can choose to visit Batuco if you’d like to focus on aquatic and freshwater birds, or Farellones if you prefer a variety of high Andean species and contrasting mountain landscapes.
Farellones is a mountain village in the Andes, about an hour from Santiago, surrounded by high-altitude landscapes. It’s a unique habitat where you can spot iconic Andean birds like the Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Southern Caracara, and, with luck, the majestic Andean Condor soaring above the cliffs. You can choose to visit Batuco if you’d like to focus on aquatic and freshwater birds, or Farellones if you prefer a variety of high Andean species and contrasting mountain landscapes.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
The rate includes transportation from hotels in Santiago’s eastern area, specifically within a 5 km radius of the Costanera Center. For other locations, additional charges apply.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(8)
We were met by Joaquin exactly on time. He was so knowledgeable and had many years experience of the Andes and wildlife. He gave a very interesting and informative talk throughout the experience and we learned such a lot. The hairpin bends on the roads were hairy but Joaquin was a great driver and looked after us extremely well, especially as I was carrying a knee injury and needed to be careful. The scenery was fantastic and there were wonderful views throughout the afternoon, especially as we reached over 3000metres. We saw a few birds and even saw a Condor albeit from a distance. On the way down, Joachin and his wife prepared a picnic off the road in the most beautiful spot, right by a waterfall and with incredible views across the Andes. The picnic was lovely, with cheese, crackers, cold meats, fresh strawberries and crisps. It was a wonderful experience, the highlight of our entire trip and we really couldn’t have had a better time and with such warm, friendly and knowledgeable guides. I highly recommend this tour, it’s a must. We hope to return to Santiago and will be sure to book any future tours with this company. First class!
Wow, thank you for such a thoughtful review. I’m really glad you felt safe and well looked after, especially with your knee. That day had everything, mountains, wildlife, and a proper Andes picnic. Hope to see you back here someday.
I had the best time with Ecordua. The booking process was extremely easy. The birdwatching trip was well planned with meticulous service. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner bird watcher or an expert, you will see soooo many birds of Chile like I did.
Thank you!! I’m really happy you enjoyed the birdwatching trip. Batuco is such a special place! We’d love to have you back anytime for more Chilean birds.
Magical day at Batuco wetlands. We saw countless bird species, all identified by our incredible guide. We also got to see many Nutria, which was a highlight! I would do this tour again.
Thanks a lot for recommending us!
I benefited from Josefina’s expert ornithological guidance in the swamps of northern Santiago and the Andes. The guide was adorable, expert, alert, good driver and helped me see all the birds I hoped for while listening to me at all times. Her English is perfect, she spared no effort to make this day an unforgettable moment and I can only recommend. I had the pleasure of joining Josefina for expert birdwatching in the marshes north of Santiago and in the Andes. She was absolutely wonderful: knowledgeable, attentive, kind, and an excellent driver. Thanks to her expertise, I was able to see all the birds I had hoped for, and she was always attentive to my interests and pace. Her English is excellent, and she went above and beyond to make the day truly unforgettable. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Thank you so much for this lovely review. We’re very happy you had such a memorable day with Josefina and that you saw all the birds you hoped for. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with her 😊
My husband and I had the most delightful day in the Farellones area. We were in town for a wedding and wanted to do something outside of Santiago. We found this company and Camila and she showed us beautiful rustic wild landscapes. After driving roads with Switchback curves and snow-covered mountains we wound up in a field having a memorable picnic. Highly recommend
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m really happy you chose to spend your free day with us and that Camila could show you those landscapes and create such a memorable picnic. Farellones truly is a special place. Thanks a lot for the recommendation 😊
We refer to Joaquín as the ‘mountain goat’. He ascends the mountainside lickety split. Then he kindly waits when he realizes we are not ascending at his speed. He is patient and very thoughtful, expounding on his local beloved flora and fauna. The vegetarian snack was delicious: tea sandwiches, strawberries, and hot mint tea, from his garden!
Thank you so much. I’m really glad the pace felt comfortable and that you enjoyed learning about the local plants and wildlife. Happy the homemade snack hit the spot too. Hope to see you on another trail soon.
Booking and communication went absolutely smoothly. Camila and Josefine picked us up on time. Both speak excellent English, are very friendly and communicative. Birdwatching in the wetlands was great: lots of different species, the landscape and vegetation beautiful! Our highlight was the know-how of our two guides - they really had a profile ready for each bird, just as we wanted. The picnic was perfectly prepared and a small feast for the eyes against a beautiful natural backdrop. A runum successful day - unqualified recommendation from us!
Thank you so much for this lovely review. We’re really glad you enjoyed the day and the birdwatching. Camila and Josefine will be happy to hear your words. Great to know the experience was just what you were hoping for. You’re always welcome back!
We had a very enjoyable and fruitful morning birding with Joaquin at the Batuco wetland. A good diversity of water birds and bush birds, including a Burrowing Owl that was a highlight and several sightings of the Many-colored Rush-Tyrant. Joaquin was well prepared and very knowledgeable to identify the birds. We didn’t get to go to the mountains in the afternoon due to the weather, but Camila at Ecordua was very flexible on the day converting our full day booking into a half day and promptly refunding the difference. We can highly recommend Ecordua
Thank you so much! 🐦 We’re so glad you enjoyed birding at Batuco and spotted some amazing species! It was a pleasure sharing the morning with you, and we truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation. 🌿
