Mammals & Birds of Patagonia

Mammals & Birds of Patagonia: Southern Chile Small Group Tour – Max 7 Guests

Prices From £12,045pp
4 MAR, 2027 | Up to 13 nights

Mammals & Birds of Patagonia: Southern Chile Small Group Tour – Max 7 Guests

This small group wildlife journey explores some of the most distinctive and rewarding regions of southern Chile, combining Chiloé Island, Tierra del Fuego and Torres del Paine National Park, with a maximum of just 7 guests. Designed for those keen to observe and photograph Patagonia’s remarkable mammals and birds, the itinerary goes far beyond the classic scenic highlights to focus on the region’s rarer and more localised species. From the lush Valdivian temperate rainforests of Chiloé to the open steppe, alkaline lagoons, windswept coastlines and mountain landscapes of the far south, each stage of the trip reveals a different side of Patagonia’s rich natural heritage.

Wildlife possibilities are exceptional throughout. Boat trips and ferry crossings offer chances for Blue Whale, Chilean and Peale’s Dolphins, South American Sea Lion, Southern Marine Otter and a superb range of seabirds, including albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and storm-petrels. On land, the focus shifts to some of South America’s most sought-after mammals and birds, from Darwin’s Fox, Pudu Deer and possible Kodkod in Chiloé’s forests, to King Penguins in Tierra del Fuego and Puma tracking in the dramatic landscapes around Torres del Paine. With endemic forest birds, rare waders, penguins, foxes, Guanacos and spectacular Patagonian scenery, this is a comprehensive and memorable wildlife expedition through Chile’s southernmost regions.

Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing. Solo travellers can book for a single supplement of $1,686 USD.

Highlights

  • Travel as part of a small group tour, with a maximum of just 7 guests, to uncover southern Chile’s outstanding wildlife and birdlife diversity
  • Track wild Pumas in and around Torres del Paine, one of the best places in Patagonia to observe this iconic predator 
  • Discover the lush Valdivian rainforests of Chiloé in search of Darwin’s Fox, Pudu Deer and endemic forest birds 
  • Enjoy boat trips and ferry crossings searching for whales, dolphins, otters, penguins and spectacular seabirds 
  • Explore the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, home to King Penguins, rare waders and Patagonian steppe birds 
  • Experience the dramatic scenery of southern Chile, from remote island forests to glaciers, lakes and mountain peaks

What's Included

  • Accommodation throughout with breakfast, lunch and dinner included
  • Domestic flights as per itinerary
  • Guided services as per itinerary
  • Private group ground transportation
  • Boat trips and excursions as per itinerary
  • Park entrance fees

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Santiago – Fly to Chiloe Island
1Day

Santiago – Fly to Chiloe Island

Arrive independently to Santiago and join your included flight to Chiloé Island where you will be greeted at the airport to begin your journey into one of Chile’s most distinctive island regions. Known for its deep-rooted traditions, colourful folklore and rich natural heritage, this atmospheric archipelago combines forests, wetlands, coastline and rural landscapes to create a wonderfully varied wildlife destination.

After travelling across the island by road, you will reach the remote Tepuhueico Park, a protected area of pristine Valdivian temperate rainforest. This secluded setting offers an excellent introduction to Chiloé’s wild side, with ancient trees, dense vegetation and peaceful forest trails surrounding your base at Tepuhueico Lodge.

Accommodation: 5 nights at Tepuhueico Lodge with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Exploring Tepuhueico Park
2 - 3Days

Exploring Tepuhueico Park

Spend two full days exploring the unspoilt woodlands of Tepuhueico Park, a beautiful example of the Valdivian temperate rainforest ecosystem. These ancient, moss-draped forests are among the best places in Chiloé to search for the critically endangered Darwin’s Fox, a rare Chilean endemic that survives in small numbers where the dense forest meets the island’s coastal habitats.

Your time here will be spent on guided walks through forest trails and quietly scanning for some of South America’s most elusive mammals, including Pudu Deer, the world’s second smallest deer, and the rarely seen Kodkod, also known as the Guigna. The birdlife is equally rewarding, with possibilities including Chucao Tapaculo, Black-throated Huet-huet, Magellanic Woodpecker, Des Murs Wiretail, Chilean Pigeon, Patagonian Tyrant and Green-backed Firecrown, making these days a rich introduction to Chiloé’s distinctive wildlife.

Queilen Boat Trip
4Day

Queilen Boat Trip

Today you will travel south to Queilen, a peaceful town on Chiloé’s eastern coast, before heading out by boat into the sheltered waters that separate the island from mainland Chile. This marine excursion offers the chance to look for the recently described Pincoya Storm-Petrel, a little-known seabird endemic to this part of the Chiloé archipelago.

The boat trip also provides excellent opportunities for marine wildlife, with Peale’s Dolphin, Chilean Dolphin and Burmeister’s Porpoise all possible, along with the chance of encountering the immense Blue Whale. Returning to land, the afternoon journey back towards Tepuhueico Lodge allows time for further birding along the coast, around freshwater habitats and through the island’s interior landscapes.

Chepu River Boat Trip
5Day

Chepu River Boat Trip

An early start today takes you to the peaceful Chepu River, one of Chiloé’s most atmospheric waterways. This winding, pristine river flows through lush temperate rainforest, creating a wonderfully tranquil setting for wildlife watching and a chance to experience another of the island’s rich habitats.

As you travel along the river, the focus will be on searching for the critically endangered Southern River Otter, an elusive species that lives in these clear, forest-fringed waters. Patience may also be rewarded with sightings of other notable wildlife, including the rare Rufous-tailed Hawk and the endemic Slender-billed Parakeet.

Puñihuil and Metalqui Island - Llanquihue
6Day

Puñihuil and Metalqui Island - Llanquihue

This morning we will check out of the Tepuhueico Lodge and take a boat journey to explore some of Chiloé’s most productive coastal waters, beginning with the Puñihuil Islets, a superb site for seabirds and marine mammals. Here, Magellanic and Humboldt Penguins share the rocky shoreline with species such as Flightless Steamer Duck, Kelp Goose and Red-legged Cormorant, while the surrounding waters may also reveal the agile Southern Marine Otter.

Continuing south towards the Metalqui Islets, you will look for South American Sea Lions, South American Fur Seals and, with luck, Southern Elephant Seals hauled out along the beaches. The return voyage offers a chance to head into deeper water in search of Blue Whales, which are known to use this region as a nursery area, along with pelagic seabirds such as Black-browed Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel and several shearwater species. Later, you will take a ferry to Puerto Montt and continue by road to the lakeside town of Llanquihue for the night.

Accommodation and Meals: 1 night at Hotel Boutique Casa Werner, Llanquihue. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Maullin River - Fly to Punta Arenas
7Day

Maullin River - Fly to Punta Arenas

This morning you will explore the wide Maullín River Estuary, a vast and scenic wetland where river, coast and open water habitats meet. As you navigate the estuary by boat, there will be time to enjoy the broad landscapes and search for wildlife, with Southern Marine Otter among the key targets, along with both Chilean and Peale’s Dolphins.

In the afternoon, you will return to Puerto Montt Airport for a flight south to Punta Arenas, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia. Set on the northern shore of the legendary Strait of Magellan, this southernmost city marks a dramatic change in scenery as the journey continues towards the wild landscapes at the far end of the South American continent.

Accommodation and Meals: 1 night at Hotel Diego de Almagro. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Tierra del Fuego – Porvenir
8Day

Tierra del Fuego – Porvenir

This morning you will cross the Strait of Magellan by ferry to Tierra del Fuego, a classic Patagonian journey with excellent wildlife watching from the deck. The crossing can be very rewarding for seabird sightings, including Black-browed Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel, Cape Petrel, Southern Fulmar, Sooty Shearwater, Wilson’s Storm Petrel and Magellanic Diving Petrel, while Magellanic Penguins, Chilean Skuas, gulls and South American Terns may also be seen. South American Sea Lions and Peale’s Dolphins are possible in the surrounding waters.

After arriving near Porvenir, you will explore the local coastline for species such as Crested Duck, Chiloe Wigeon, Magellanic Oystercatcher, Dark-bellied Cinclodes and a variety of shorebirds. Later, visits to the alkaline lagoons east of town focus on the distinctive Magellanic Plover, an unusual and highly sought-after wader, alongside possibilities including Two-banded Plover, Wilson’s Phalarope, Short-billed Miner, Austral Negrito and numerous White-rumped Sandpipers.

In the late afternoon we’ll check into a local hotel.

Accommodation: 2 nights at Hotel Barlovento, or similar, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Useless Bay
9Day

Useless Bay

Today you will travel east across Tierra del Fuego towards the broad sweep of Useless Bay (Bahía Inútil) an evocative coastal landscape rich in seabirds, waterbirds and open-country wildlife. Along the way, you will keep watch for raptors such as Variable Hawk, Aplomado Falcon and Peregrine Falcon, with the chance of Magellanic Horned Owl in suitable ravines.

The main focus of the day is the area’s King Penguin colony, a remarkable site where these magnificent birds gather year-round and have successfully established a breeding population. Before returning to Porvenir, you will explore the shrubby slopes and moorlands of the Baquedano Hills, searching for specialist species such as Rufous-chested Dotterel, Austral Canastero and the striking White-bridled Finch.

Drive to Torres del Paine
10Day

Drive to Torres del Paine

Today you will drive across the wide, windswept landscapes of Patagonia, where open steppe, roadside pools and big skies create superb conditions for wildlife watching. The journey offers chances to look for Patagonian specialities such as Ruddy-headed Goose, Least Seedsnipe, Tawny-throated Dotterel, Short-billed Miner, Band-tailed Earthcreeper and Chocolate-vented Tyrant, while wetlands may hold Chilean Flamingos, Coscoroba Swans, Upland Geese, Silver Teal and a variety of waders including Wilson’s Phalarope, Baird’s Sandpiper and White-rumped Sandpiper.

A short ferry crossing returns you to the mainland, with the possibility of Commerson’s Dolphins appearing in the wake, before continuing towards Torres del Paine National Park. As the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, you may encounter Guanaco, Southern Grey Fox and Patagonian Skunk, along with your first Southern Beech forests. On entering the park, the valleys and towering rock formations provide a spectacular introduction to one of Patagonia’s most iconic landscapes, with time to appreciate the geology behind the famous Paine massif. Upon arrival, you will check into Hosteria Pehoe for your 4 night stay.

Accommodation: 4 nights at Hosteria Pehoe, or similar, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Torres del Paine - Puma Tracking & More!
11 - 13Days

Torres del Paine - Puma Tracking & More!

Likely to be one of the highlights of your whole trip, over the next three days you will focus on one of Patagonia’s most sought-after wildlife experiences…tracking wild Pumas in and around Torres del Paine. Using a 4x4 vehicle and walking at a slow, steady pace where needed, you will explore the eastern side of the park and the private lands of Estancia Laguna Amarga, an area known for holding one of the highest concentrations of Pumas in the wild. Activities are timed around the cats’ most active periods, with morning and evening sessions spent scanning hunting grounds, shorelines and open steppe for individuals moving through their territories, resting, interacting or searching for Guanaco and other prey.

There will also be plenty of time to enjoy the wider wildlife and scenery of Torres del Paine. Wetlands and lagoons may hold Spectacled Duck, Chiloe Wigeon, Speckled Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Black-necked Swan, Great Grebe and, with luck, Austral Rail, while rivers will be checked for Torrent Duck. Woodland areas offer chances for Chilean Flicker, Austral Pygmy Owl, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, White-throated Treerunner, Austral Parakeet and Magellanic Woodpecker, and the skies may reveal Cinereous Harrier or Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle. A visit to Lake Grey adds another dramatic highlight, with blue icebergs, sub-Antarctic forest and the spectacular mountain backdrop of Torres del Paine completing these memorable days.

Drive to Punta Arenas - Fly to Santiago
14Day

Drive to Punta Arenas - Fly to Santiago

After breakfast, we will leave Torres del Paine and travel south across Patagonia towards Punta Arenas Airport. The drive offers a final chance to take in the wide-open landscapes of southern Chile, with sweeping steppe, distant mountains and the possibility of last wildlife sightings along the way. On arrival at the airport, you will check in for your flight back to Santiago, where you can connect with onward international flights home.

A view from Above

Accommodation Options

Tepuhueico Lodge

Tepuhueico Lodge is a peaceful nature retreat set within Tepuhueico Park, a 20,000-hectare conservation area in the heart of Chiloé Island. Built from native mañío and Guaitecas cypress wood, the contemporary lodge sits on the shores of Lake Tepuhueico, around 45 km south of Castro, with panoramic views across the water, forest and surrounding parkland.

With just nine ensuite bedrooms overlooking a native garden, the lodge feels intimate and calm, offering a cosy lounge, restaurant, café and hot tub for unwinding after a day outdoors. Activities range from self-guided trekking and photography to sailing, fishing, horse riding and guided nature tours, with routes stretching through forest, mountains and towards wild Pacific beaches. Food is a highlight too, with signature dishes inspired by Chiloé’s local ingredients and traditions. Rooted in conservation, solar energy, recycling, composting and biodegradable amenities, Tepuhueico Lodge is an ideal base for travellers wanting to connect deeply with Chiloé’s landscapes while supporting sustainable tourism.

Hotel Boutique Casa Werner, Llanquihue

Hotel Boutique Casa Werner is a characterful heritage stay in Llanquihue, just a short drive from Puerto Varas, set within a beautifully restored German-style mansion built in 1916 from native Alerce and Mañío wood. Surrounded by flower-filled gardens and the peaceful El Loto wetland, it combines old-world architecture, polished timber interiors and warm southern Chilean hospitality with a calm, nature-focused setting.

Rooms and suites are individually styled, with private bathrooms, heating, WiFi and views across the gardens, lagoon or surrounding landscape. Guests can enjoy a generous German-style breakfast, homemade Chilean cooking in the restaurant, a well-stocked bar, cosy lounge spaces and outdoor hot tubs beside the wetland. With birdwatching, rowing boats, garden walks and private access to a beach on Lake Llanquihue, Casa Werner is a charming base for exploring Puerto Varas, Frutillar, Petrohué, Osorno Volcano and the wider Chilean Lake District.

Hotel Diego de Almagro, Punta Arenas

Hotel Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas is a comfortable, well-located base in one of the world’s southernmost cities, set on the shores of the Strait of Magellan with impressive views across the coast and ocean. Its position makes it a practical choice for exploring Punta Arenas, discovering the region’s maritime history, or beginning and ending adventures deeper into Patagonia.

The hotel offers 181 spacious single and double rooms, with queen or king-size beds, heating and either city or ocean views in selected categories. After a day out in the Patagonian elements, guests can return to the restaurant, gym, sauna and heated indoor pool, open until late. Simple, reliable and convenient, Hotel Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas is a comfortable stopover for travellers heading through Chile’s far south.

Hosteria Pehoe, Torres del Paine

Hostería Pehoé enjoys one of the most spectacular settings in Torres del Paine, perched on a small island in Lake Pehoé with unforgettable views of the Paine Massif and the iconic Horns of Paine. Surrounded by windswept water, rolling hills and extraordinary Patagonian scenery, it feels both peaceful and dramatic, and offers a wonderful base for travellers who want to stay immersed in the national park’s natural beauty.

The accommodation offers 25 heated standard and superior rooms, all with private bathrooms and a simple, comfortable feel that lets the scenery take centre stage. There’s a large lounge, a bar and café, and a restaurant with panoramic lake views serving regional flavours and hearty Patagonian dishes. Warm hospitality and an unbeatable location make Hostería Pehoé a memorable stay for anyone exploring Torres del Paine.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Chile adventure for you.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

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Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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