The best wildlife spotting in Chile

April 16 • 2024

Planning an adventure holiday to Chile and want to tick off as much incredible wildlife as possible? Curious to explore the best wildlife holidays in Chile? Here we take a look at the where you can spot the best wildlife in this hugely varied and beautiful country. And specifically and how to include wildlife highlights in your tailor-made journey. Chile is a perfect holiday destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts as the terrain, Eco systems and landscapes offer a protected home for its wildlife.

A safari veteran or first time bird -spotter?

Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or if this is your first wildlife holiday, we actively encourage slow travel. Specifically taking longer trips to include more areas in depth and spending quality time in each destination. By doing so you undoubtedly discover the best wildlife of Chile.

See Magellanic Penguins in remote Southern Chile

1. Penguins Penguins Penguins

Chile is home to the highest number of Penguin species in the world – 9 out of 18. This is due in no small part to the many protected areas where Penguins breed and roam. Countrywide there have been significantly more conservation efforts. Visit Chiloe to see the only known place where Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins live side by side. After your adventures in Patagonia visit the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument near Punta Arenas and witness a huge colony of Penguins in their natural habitat. A magical sight. And then for the most spectacular place on earth to witness Penguins, depart Chile for Antarctica for a once in a lifetime wildlife holiday

Treat yourself to some new Binoculars for your bird watching adventures in The Lake District, Chile

2. Bird Watching in the Lake District

The Chilean Lake District is a paradise for bird lovers. Equally for experienced twitchers or first-timers with a fresh set of binoculars, eager to spot some amazing and varied birds. The region is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna specifically due to its lush forests and Eco systems.

What birds will you see?

If time allows, spend longer here to enjoy spotting a wide variety of native birds as well as migratory birds. Then you may be lucky enough to see the Chucao (Scelorchilus rubecola) or listen to the Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus). For some real wow factor luxury as part of your bird watching adventure, stay at one of our favourite places in The Lake District; the world class Vira Vira Hotel

Try something really different and thrilling on a Puma Photo Safari

3. Puma Photo Safari

Patagonia has the highest concentration of Pumas in the country and is the best place to base yourself for Puma spotting. We offer a fantastic range of Puma adventures, so there is something for everyone. From day trips with a guide and vehicle, to longer more adventurous point-to-point Puma trekking for those who enjoy a challenge and being completely away from other humans.

A really unique activity

One of our top Puma activities is a Photo Safari, which is perfect for both nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. With your expert local guide you start early to soak up the sunrise and wait for news from the Puma trackers…then make your move. A thrilling and totally different way to enjoy these amazing creatures and take in stunning Patagonian landscapes.

June and July are amazing months for whale spotting around the Islands

4. Whale Watching

For something really different and away from the masses, we can include a visit to Cape Froward. This is the southernmost point in The Americas which is home to a vast number of Humpback Whales. Between December and March offers the highest chance to see these amazing creatures, which is also the best time to travel to Chile more generally. Enjoy a full day boat trips where you will witness incredible landscapes, forests, glaciers and untouched areas of the world. Have your camera ready for the moment a Humpback occasionally leaps from the water. Unquestionably a once in a lifetime experience. A true Travel Differently place to include on your holiday to Chile.

The mighty Condor, the national bird of Chile.

5. Majestic Condors of Patagonia

The mighty Condor is the national bird of Chile. There are several places in Chile to witness this spectacular bird up close, such as the Ascencio Valley and Cerro Condor in Torres Del Paine. Furthermore and quite remarkably in recent years due to ongoing conservation efforts, Condors can be seen from the capital of Chile, Santiago.

Our top tip destination for Condors

But in our opinion the best and most beautiful place to see Condors in a unique and different way, is at Estancia Olga Teresa in the Patagonia region. With our guides you will take a road journey to the base of a steep hill, continue by foot, and wait. Condors will usually be found resting or flying around the hill. A peaceful and unique experience away from hoards of tourists, seeing this exquisite national bird in all its glory.

Summary

As you can see, Chile offers a rich array of wildlife spotting opportunities. From trekking in Patagonia and adding on a Puma Safari, to extending into Chiloe to visit one of the worlds largest Penguin colonies, to Humpback Whale watching in the remote wilds, anything is possible.

If time allows we really recommend spending longer in Chile, travelling slower and deeper. Not missing the rare birds and enjoying longer wildlife treks, basically spotting things you may otherwise miss. So be patient rather than rushed and be rewarded by beautiful wildlife sightings. Speak to our team today about how to best include your wildlife ‘wishlist’ and take a look at our best Chile holiday ideas.