Birdwatching from Santiago: Andes or Pacific Coast. Flexible Tour
Description
This private birdwatching tour stands out for its flexibility, expert guidance, and unique combination of landscapes. You can choose between a wetland and the high Andes or the Pacific Coast, explore with a passionate naturalist, and enjoy a Chilean picnic surrounded by nature. Ideal for all levels of bird enthusiasts.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Located just 30 minutes from Santiago, Batuco Wetland is one of the most important freshwater wetlands in Central Chile. It’s home to over 100 bird species, including coots, herons, and the colorful Many-colored Rush Tyrant. Its lagoons and reed beds make it an ideal site for observing migratory and resident waterbirds. You can choose between two routes: the Mix Route, combining Batuco Wetland and the Andean highlands of Farellones, ideal for those seeking contrasting ecosystems and species; or the Coastal Route, visiting Mantagua Wetland and Concón, perfect for observing aquatic and marine birds in scenic coastal habitats.
Situated along the Pacific coast near Concón, Mantagua Wetland is a vibrant ecosystem of coastal lagoons, dunes, and native vegetation. It attracts a wide variety of aquatic and migratory birds such as egrets, herons, sandpipers, and numerous duck species, offering excellent opportunities for bird photography. You can choose between two routes: the Mix Route, combining Batuco Wetland and the Andean highlands of Farellones, ideal for those seeking contrasting ecosystems and species; or the Coastal Route, visiting Mantagua Wetland and Concón, perfect for observing aquatic and marine birds in scenic coastal habitats.
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 between two routes: the Mix Route, combining Batuco Wetland and the Andean highlands of Farellones, ideal for those seeking contrasting ecosystems and species; or the Coastal Route, visiting Mantagua Wetland and Concón, perfect for observing aquatic and marine birds in scenic coastal habitats.
A top spot for seabirds such as gulls, cormorants, oystercatchers, and, in season, the Humboldt Penguin and the endangered Peruvian Diving-petrel (Gaviotín Monja). With luck, you may even spot a Chungungo (marine otter) among the coastal rocks. You can choose between two routes: the Mix Route, combining Batuco Wetland and the Andean highlands of Farellones, ideal for those seeking contrasting ecosystems and species; or the Coastal Route, visiting Mantagua Wetland and Concón, perfect for observing aquatic and marine birds in scenic coastal habitats.
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(5)
What a great day! Yes, birdwatching was the original focus- and we did see Condors and other beautiful birds - but the true joy of the day was experiencing Santiago’s nearby Andes on an absolutely beautiful day with a genuinely enthusiastic and experienced guide. Josefina is a gem! Highly recommend this excursion.
Thank you so much! We’re really happy you enjoyed the day beyond just the birdwatching. The Andes have a special way of making every outing memorable. Josefina will be so glad to read this. Hope to see you again soon for another adventure!
We totally enjoyed our full day tour with Josefina! She was so knowledgeable about birds, mammals, geography, Santiago and Chile. We learned a lot of interesting information while spotting over 30 different birds, including 6 cute Burrowing Owls in one den, raptors and the Chilean Condor. We were amazed at the 60 switchbacks on the road up to 3000 metres and our picnic high up in the hills. Highly recommend.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful review! I’m really happy you enjoyed the day with Josefina and all the wildlife sightings. Spotting condors and burrowing owls always makes the day extra special. We’d love to have you back for another adventure in Chile!
We found Ecordua when searching for a birding tour from Santiago. We learned that Ecordua is committed to 1% for the Planet, which is an important responsible travel commitment for us. We were very fortunate to have Joaquin Cordura as our guide. He arrived promptly at our hotel the day of our tour and went over our options for the day. We chose to go to the wetlands and to the Andes. (Joaquin was a very good driver.) What a day! The wetlands were gorgeous and we were thrilled to identify 30 species. Then off to the mountains where we marveled at condors, eagles, and caracaras. Later Joaquin found a scenic overlook for our picnic - wine, appetizers, sandwiches, and chips. A lovely way to end the day. Thanks Joaquin!
Hi! Thank you so much for the thoughtful review. I’m really glad you enjoyed the birding day and that we were able to see so many species together. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I’m happy you enjoyed both the wetlands and the Andes, as well as the picnic to finish the day. I truly appreciate you choosing Ecordua.
Camila brought us to the Batuco wetland nature reserve, where we saw many birds and animals around the water and reeds. We saw two burrowing owls, sietecolores, a coypu (not a bird but a rodent that looks like a beaver), many cormorants, egrets, and birds of prey. We loved walking on the boardwalk over the water and slowly enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and sounds of the birds. Lastly, we enjoyed a picnic lunch with special wine and treats. It as an experience we will remember for a long time, and Camila was a wonderful guide, who taught us many things about Chile and the natural world here.
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful experience. I’m really happy you enjoyed Batuco, the birds, and that peaceful walk on the boardwalk. Camila will be very glad to read your kind words. It means a lot to know this is a memory you’ll keep for a long time
Great day out to the wetlands and the mountains with a variety of bird species. Josefina and Matteus were exceptional guides with an amazing knowledge of the local fauna and flora. We had a really enjoyable day and I highly recommend the trip.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It’s great to hear you enjoyed the wetlands and mountains, and that the variety of birds made the day special. Really appreciate the recommendation.
