Puerto Natales
Birdwatching at the estancia
Antonio Varas peninsula
- Equipment
Recommend equipment for low tempetures. - Important
Recommend travel insurance. - Available from
October to April.
Overview
Combine a unique stay experience with bird watching in one of the most beautiful and pristine environments in Patagonia, the Antonio Varas Peninsula. This experience takes place at Estancia La Península, a territory of more than 19,000 hectares that includes coast, mountains, wetlands, native forests, and Patagonian steppe, offering an exceptional setting for bird watching and connecting with nature.
Thanks to the diversity of landscapes and its remote, tranquil, and pollution-free nature, more than 50 bird species have been recorded in a small area around the estate. Among them, numerous eagles stand out, returning each year to their nests to raise their chicks, making this place a privileged spot to enjoy the wildlife of Patagonia.
During the program, it is possible to observe the three Magellanic woodpeckers, the Magellanic Woodpecker, and the White-throated Treerunner, as well as various species of ducks such as the Crested Duck, the Silver Teal, and the Flying Steamer Duck. Birds of prey such as the Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, the Cinereous Harrier, and the White-throated Hawk can also be spotted, along with other species recorded in the area such as the Austral Rail, the Thorn-tailed Rayadito, the Kingfisher, and Chile's national bird, the Andean Condor.
The program is private and organized according to each traveler's specific bird watching interests. Movements are mainly done by walking to different areas of the property. On the last day, we will return to the main estate to continue with a full day that includes a spit-roast barbecue, sheepdog demonstration, and sheep shearing.
Book your bird watching experience on the Antonio Varas Peninsula and enjoy an exclusive stay in the heart of wild Patagonia.
Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up in Puerto Natales (shared transportation) from 8.30 am. At 9.00 am we are sailing from Puerto Natales towards the peninsula Antonio Varas and the estancia. There will be a short welcome with some tea, coffee and sopaipilla (typical fried bread) and time to prepare the first departure. You will be outside most of the days and therefore have lunch outside, a delicious picnic with something warm to drink. Going back to the house in the afternoon, the guide will prepare dinner while you have time to relax and take a shower. If there is some energy left, there will be some time (while the sun is still out) to do some shorter birdwatching around the house.
Day 2: The day starts early to catch the first morning activities. Depending on your interest, the guide will take you to the sectors where the birds typically can be seen. At 12.30 pm you will be back at the main estancia, La Península, where the Full Day Estancia activities starts: you will try a delicious local lamb barbecue together with a good Chilean wine and then the demonstration with the dogs and the sheep starts. At 4 pm we will be returning back to Puerto Natales.
If you wish to have any extra days, the activities of day 2 will be on the last day while all other days will be dedicated to birdwatching only.
Included
- Bilingual guide.
- Transport (Boat ride) to the estancia.
- Equipment depending on your excursion.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
FAQs
You will be able to observe more than 50 registered species, including the three Magellanic woodpeckers, different species of ducks, birds of prey such as the black-chested buzzard-eagle and the mountain caracara, and other endemic birds such as the chucao, the thorn-tailed rayadito, the kingfisher, and the Chilean condor.
The base program lasts 2 days and 1 night. Additional days can be added to focus entirely on bird watching, while keeping the last day with the traditional activities of the stay.
Includes accommodation, all meals (breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner), specialized bilingual guide, boat transportation to and from Puerto Natales, and equipment according to the excursion.
The program is private and personalized. Your guide will communicate before departure to understand your interests, physical level, and expectations, and thus plan the best sectors to visit during your stay.
The last day a complete life experience of stay is carried out, which includes a barbecue on a stick, demonstration of sheepdogs and sheep shearing.
We recommend clothing for low temperatures, waterproof clothing, and trekking shoes. Part of the equipment may be provided by the lodge.
It is not necessary. The guide will adapt the experience according to your level of knowledge and interest, whether you are a beginner or an experienced enthusiast.
You can book through our website. Once the reservation is confirmed, your guide will contact you for a pre-information session and itinerary customization.
Starting place
Before departure: your guide will contact you to do a short briefing and accommodate expectations for the coming days regarding which birds you are interested seeing, your physical level, equipment etc. to prepare the program.
Excursion also known by the following names
- • Bird watching tour at Estancia La Península from Puerto Natales.
- • Birdwatching excursion in a Patagonian ranch with bilingual guide.
- • Bird watching safari at the ranch with over 50 species in Patagonia.
- • Bird watching experience at Estancia La Península.
- • Guided tour of bird watching with transportation and meals.
- • 2-day birdwatching tour to see native birds in the Antonio Varas Peninsula.
- • Birdwatching in Patagonia with traditional stay and activities included.
- • Birdwatching tour in wetlands, forests, and southern pampas.
- • Naturalistic excursion on a ranch to see condors, woodpeckers, and ducks.
- • Birdwatching adventure at a ranch with personalized guide.
Policies
Read our Terms and Conditions where our cancellation policies and changes are defined. Always remember to plan your trips in advance.