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 estancia experience with birdwatching in one of the most beautiful places in Patagonia, Peninsula Antonio Varas.
Estancia La Península has more than 19,000 hectares (50,000 acres) with a mix of coastline, mountains, wetland, native forests and pampa (steppe). Thanks to the varied nature and landscape, you will find a big variety of bird species and we have many returning eagles coming back to their nests each year to raise their eaglets.
More than 50 different bird species are registered in a small area around the estancia, and with no other people or cars to bother them, this area is perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the wild Patagonian nature.
Some of the birds that can be observed:
All three woodpeckers of Magallanes (Chilean Flicker, Magellan woodpecker and Striped Woodpecker), different kind of ducks like the Crested Duck, Chiloe Wigeon, and Flying Steamer-Duck, various birds of prey like the Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, the Great Horned Owl, and the Bicolored (Chilean) Hawk. Other interesting birds that have been registered are the Rufous-tailed plantcutter, the Magellan Tapaculo, Ringed Kingfisher and the Chilean national bird, the Andean Condor.
The program is private, and we therefore organize the program according to your interest of birds. We will be moving around, mainly walking to the different sectors of the property. On the last day, we will return to the main estancia, La Península, to do the full day estancia program with lamb barbecue, sheepdog demonstration and shearing of a sheep.
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.
Policies
Read our Terms and Conditions where our cancellation policies and changes are defined. Always remember to plan your trips in advance.