-
Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.
Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
Argentina/Chile (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Cauquen
- Start date
albatross02
Well-known member
Nice to read that, I want to visit Baritu national parc.
Last time I rent a car in Salta, but all car rentals do not allow to enter to Bolivia.
The rangers in Calilegua told me the unique chance to visit Baritu NP is, cross the border to Bolivia and come back to Argentina from north.
Do you have any idea how to visit Baritu NP by car ( rented ), public transport or other possibility for a single person ?
Last time I rent a car in Salta, but all car rentals do not allow to enter to Bolivia.
The rangers in Calilegua told me the unique chance to visit Baritu NP is, cross the border to Bolivia and come back to Argentina from north.
Do you have any idea how to visit Baritu NP by car ( rented ), public transport or other possibility for a single person ?
Cauquen, and anyone else in the know,
I'm hoping to make inroads into Argentina and Chile over the next few years. I want to approach it logically making a small number of 2 or 3 week trips. I don't need to see every species, but I do want to see most plus all the iconic species if possible. Any South Atlantic Islands close by can be included but I need to avoid long boat trips and rough Pelagics. Don't want much, do I!
Can anyone sketch out the trips I ought to aim for?
Many thanks,
Andy
I'm hoping to make inroads into Argentina and Chile over the next few years. I want to approach it logically making a small number of 2 or 3 week trips. I don't need to see every species, but I do want to see most plus all the iconic species if possible. Any South Atlantic Islands close by can be included but I need to avoid long boat trips and rough Pelagics. Don't want much, do I!
Can anyone sketch out the trips I ought to aim for?
Many thanks,
Andy
Andy Adcock
Worst person on Birdforum
I've looked in to trip Andy that would take 3-4 weeks travelling South to Patagonia from the capital. You'd also be able at the right time of year (April time I think) be able to see Killer Whales taking Elephant Seals by beaching.
Be prepared to spend mucho Dinaro, car hire was about $100 per day when I looked last year.
Theses are the places I've started with on my outline, I'm sure there's more though. Just a pipedream at the moment, cost put us of but hope to do it soon.
San Antonia Oeste (SAO)
Puerto Madryn and Trelew area (PMT) 4 nights
Whales and seals, Guanaco, Mara and Hairy Armadillo all possible as well as birds.
Puerto Piramides and Punte Norte for Sheathbill.
Punta Tombo
One Million Magellenic Penguins.
Punta Cantor
Southern Elephant Seal, Killer Whale.
Calafate (C) 3 nights
Tierra del Fuego (TdF) 5 nights
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Andy
There is a trip report in the vacation section for a trip of about 3 weeks to Chile that my wife and I did a few years ago. We did not get to the salt lakes in the Atacama region for at least one more coot and a couple of additional flamingos, and we should also have had more time in Putre and surroundings. We had the minimum time in Chilean Patagonia, a couple of days more would have been nice (and we did not cross into Argentina even though that could have added a few species). Finally, we did not spend time by Puerto Mont/Chiloe island at all, that could easily have been another week.
Looking at the report and these comments could hopefully aid you in planning.
Niels
Looking at the report and these comments could hopefully aid you in planning.
Niels
Thanks for the above, guys. Useful starters for 10. Killer Whales taking seals will definitely be included if I can manage it, great tip off. And a very useful trip report, Niels.
What I really want is a strategy though:
Is it logical to visit Chile once only and simply on its own?
Or is it more sensible to visit sites in north Chile on the same trip as sites in north Argy?
Same Q for the south.
Can the Falklands and South Georgia be visited economically by plane?
How long does each warrant?
I see that BQ offer these 4 trips:
Chile
N Argy
S&C Argy
Falklands and S Georgia
So perhaps that is the answer… Anyone with excellent knowledge of the region have an opinion? I am a bit surprised that visiting Chile in just one long, thin (!) hit is the best strategy.
What I really want is a strategy though:
Is it logical to visit Chile once only and simply on its own?
Or is it more sensible to visit sites in north Chile on the same trip as sites in north Argy?
Same Q for the south.
Can the Falklands and South Georgia be visited economically by plane?
How long does each warrant?
I see that BQ offer these 4 trips:
Chile
N Argy
S&C Argy
Falklands and S Georgia
So perhaps that is the answer… Anyone with excellent knowledge of the region have an opinion? I am a bit surprised that visiting Chile in just one long, thin (!) hit is the best strategy.
Andy Adcock
Worst person on Birdforum
Going to Arg from the UK is only possible on an RAF flight out of Brize Norton I believe and I think all air links from Argentina are suspended due to their economic blockade of the islands.
They don't even allow cruise ships to dock in Arg if they've been to the Falklands.
Andy
They don't even allow cruise ships to dock in Arg if they've been to the Falklands.
Andy
You would have to do some searching yourself, because I am not sure whether there are flights from Arica to any north Argentina areas without going through (at least) Santiago. A place where crossing the border in a vehicle seems relatively easy (but I did not actually do that) would be Patagonia.
For a couple of itineraries, take a look a the tours Alvaro's Adventures does: http://alvarosadventures.com/tour/
Niels
PS: I forgot to mention: have you considered a anti-sea sickness patch to wear on a pelagic? I did not know about those when visiting Chile, and got on a rough pelagic so got sea sick, but it still is an experience I remember fondly. It would have been so much better with a patch.
For a couple of itineraries, take a look a the tours Alvaro's Adventures does: http://alvarosadventures.com/tour/
Niels
PS: I forgot to mention: have you considered a anti-sea sickness patch to wear on a pelagic? I did not know about those when visiting Chile, and got on a rough pelagic so got sea sick, but it still is an experience I remember fondly. It would have been so much better with a patch.
Last edited:
Andy Adcock
Worst person on Birdforum
Andy Adcock
Worst person on Birdforum
Nohatch
Mad scientist
Hi Andy,
You can currently fly to the Falkland Islands directly from the UK from Brize Norton. This is a standard commercial plane chartered by the MOD and fairly regular (see http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/faqs.cfm). They do one way trips and have the added feature of stopping at Ascension Island. The stopover is only an hour or two and they don't let you out of the airport - so a stay on the island is needed to see any birds. Up to you whether you are happy to spend a week in the middle of nowhere for Ascension Frigatebird
The other way to fly to the Falklands is with LAN from Punta Arenas (once a week I believe). Punta is a lovely little town with great birding nearby and within striking distance of Torres del Paine etc.
Once at the Falklands there are loads of good sites (e.g. Volunteer Point), especially on the smaller islands (e.g., Carcass).
There are no flights to South Georgia so you're stuck with a cruise. It's an amazing place but to see most of the species you'll need to do a pelagic and visit the smaller islands (for ducks, pipit etc.). Things should start to improve now that the rats have been eradicated though.
Cheers,
Joost
You can currently fly to the Falkland Islands directly from the UK from Brize Norton. This is a standard commercial plane chartered by the MOD and fairly regular (see http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/faqs.cfm). They do one way trips and have the added feature of stopping at Ascension Island. The stopover is only an hour or two and they don't let you out of the airport - so a stay on the island is needed to see any birds. Up to you whether you are happy to spend a week in the middle of nowhere for Ascension Frigatebird
The other way to fly to the Falklands is with LAN from Punta Arenas (once a week I believe). Punta is a lovely little town with great birding nearby and within striking distance of Torres del Paine etc.
Once at the Falklands there are loads of good sites (e.g. Volunteer Point), especially on the smaller islands (e.g., Carcass).
There are no flights to South Georgia so you're stuck with a cruise. It's an amazing place but to see most of the species you'll need to do a pelagic and visit the smaller islands (for ducks, pipit etc.). Things should start to improve now that the rats have been eradicated though.
Cheers,
Joost
HabbinAlan
Well-known member
Andy A
Where did you get your information on Argentina not allowing Falklands/South Georgia cruise ships to dock?
Although there are (and will be) major tensions that impact on trade and supplies for the Falklands, I thought that the cruise business from Ushuaia was still thriving. We did the "trip of a lifetime" Falklands, South Georgia, South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula cruise a couple of years ago. We combined it with some great birding around Ushuaia and around Buenos Aires.
We enjoyed Argentina and the Argentines so much that we've just got back from a month in the NE, NW and finishing in NE Patagonia that far surpassed our expectations - for the birding, the experience and our various hosts/guides.
Where did you get your information on Argentina not allowing Falklands/South Georgia cruise ships to dock?
Although there are (and will be) major tensions that impact on trade and supplies for the Falklands, I thought that the cruise business from Ushuaia was still thriving. We did the "trip of a lifetime" Falklands, South Georgia, South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula cruise a couple of years ago. We combined it with some great birding around Ushuaia and around Buenos Aires.
We enjoyed Argentina and the Argentines so much that we've just got back from a month in the NE, NW and finishing in NE Patagonia that far surpassed our expectations - for the birding, the experience and our various hosts/guides.
HabbinAlan
Well-known member
Andy/Andy
We're just back from an effort at a "Best of Argentina Birding" trip that went exceedingly well.
I need to sort out photos, lists and follow ups with our local hosts and guides now the laundry has been done but I can probably offer some suggestions and local contacts in the coming days/weeks.
Our itinerary, developed with/by our local contact, Marcelo Gavensky, who we met on our previous visit to BA, was:
Fly into BA
Day to settle in
Night Coach to Mercedes (Corrientes)
transfer to Colonia Pellegrini - Ibera birding
transfer to Estancia Virocay, NE Corrientes - grassland/wetland birding
Misiones - La Araucaria PP, Cruce Caballero PP, Urugua PP, Iguazu NP and Falls, Karadya private reserve, Surucua private reserve.
Flight to Salta then transfer to Ecoportal de Piedra (nr Palma Sol, Jujuy)
Birding around local area nr Santa Barbara Mountains
Calilegua NP, Potrero de Yala PP, Tilcara, Abra Pampa, Yavi
Drive back to Jujuy and flight to BA then Trelew
Punta Tombo, Puerto Madryn, Las Grutas, San Antonio Bay, Cerro Banderita, El Jahuel, El Condor, Rio Negro Valley, Valdes Peninsula
I'll be able to fill that out a bit when I've got more time. BA and local day trips were done 2 years ago, as was Tierra del Fuego.
Timing off the trip was based on seeing the endemics and local breeders and it worked for the birding. The Southern Right Whales (lots of pics from shore and boat) were still off Puerto Madryn (mainly mothers and calves) and the Orcas are off Valdes Peninsula but we didn't see them - you need high tide and Elephant Seal pups, we had the seals but not the tide timing.
We're just back from an effort at a "Best of Argentina Birding" trip that went exceedingly well.
I need to sort out photos, lists and follow ups with our local hosts and guides now the laundry has been done but I can probably offer some suggestions and local contacts in the coming days/weeks.
Our itinerary, developed with/by our local contact, Marcelo Gavensky, who we met on our previous visit to BA, was:
Fly into BA
Day to settle in
Night Coach to Mercedes (Corrientes)
transfer to Colonia Pellegrini - Ibera birding
transfer to Estancia Virocay, NE Corrientes - grassland/wetland birding
Misiones - La Araucaria PP, Cruce Caballero PP, Urugua PP, Iguazu NP and Falls, Karadya private reserve, Surucua private reserve.
Flight to Salta then transfer to Ecoportal de Piedra (nr Palma Sol, Jujuy)
Birding around local area nr Santa Barbara Mountains
Calilegua NP, Potrero de Yala PP, Tilcara, Abra Pampa, Yavi
Drive back to Jujuy and flight to BA then Trelew
Punta Tombo, Puerto Madryn, Las Grutas, San Antonio Bay, Cerro Banderita, El Jahuel, El Condor, Rio Negro Valley, Valdes Peninsula
I'll be able to fill that out a bit when I've got more time. BA and local day trips were done 2 years ago, as was Tierra del Fuego.
Timing off the trip was based on seeing the endemics and local breeders and it worked for the birding. The Southern Right Whales (lots of pics from shore and boat) were still off Puerto Madryn (mainly mothers and calves) and the Orcas are off Valdes Peninsula but we didn't see them - you need high tide and Elephant Seal pups, we had the seals but not the tide timing.
HabbinAlan
Well-known member
Andy
Our friend Marcelo is currently working for Aves Argentina but aspires to developing his birding business full time. He has a lot of contacts, as well as being an excellent guide, as his specialist area of interest is developing eco-tourism.
He has been tempting us with one itinerary that starts in Patagonia and finishes in Chile.
More info at http://www.birdingbuenosaires.com/
alan
Our friend Marcelo is currently working for Aves Argentina but aspires to developing his birding business full time. He has a lot of contacts, as well as being an excellent guide, as his specialist area of interest is developing eco-tourism.
He has been tempting us with one itinerary that starts in Patagonia and finishes in Chile.
More info at http://www.birdingbuenosaires.com/
alan
albatross02
Well-known member
@amears
"I see that BQ offer these 4 trips:
Chile
N Argy
S&C Argy
Falklands and S Georgia"
For Chile I used "Birding in Chile" from Mark Pearman.
I hired a car and never booked accomodation in advance.
In some national parks tent is recommanded.
River mouths often very good.
In north Argentina I travelled ones from Tucuman to north ( Laguna los Pozuelas ) and than via Chaco and Mburucuya to Iguazu.
Second time I started similar route from Salta, but this time north part of Chaco.
Because the complete different regions like deep land, higher areas, very hig alpine area, yungas, dry Chaco, wet Chaco, Ibera wetlands, Selva, You can expect many different birds.
Because missing or much lower hunting than in Europe, You can come much closer to birds like in Europe.
In diferent case I stopped the car, went out and went until 50 meters near to raptors, they does not flight away.
In the Selva near Iguazu is Gay Cox. It is recommended to make birding tours with him.
Fly to Salta, Tucuman and so on, You will arrive Buenos Aires international.
You need transfer to national. I take depended of traffic 1,5 - 3 hours, in worst case maybe more.
From Iguazu You go by taxi to Forz de Iguazu in Brasil.
Fly back is possible via Sao Paulo. If You fly from Foz de Iguazu to Sao Paulo international, no airport change is needed.
"I see that BQ offer these 4 trips:
Chile
N Argy
S&C Argy
Falklands and S Georgia"
For Chile I used "Birding in Chile" from Mark Pearman.
I hired a car and never booked accomodation in advance.
In some national parks tent is recommanded.
River mouths often very good.
In north Argentina I travelled ones from Tucuman to north ( Laguna los Pozuelas ) and than via Chaco and Mburucuya to Iguazu.
Second time I started similar route from Salta, but this time north part of Chaco.
Because the complete different regions like deep land, higher areas, very hig alpine area, yungas, dry Chaco, wet Chaco, Ibera wetlands, Selva, You can expect many different birds.
Because missing or much lower hunting than in Europe, You can come much closer to birds like in Europe.
In diferent case I stopped the car, went out and went until 50 meters near to raptors, they does not flight away.
In the Selva near Iguazu is Gay Cox. It is recommended to make birding tours with him.
Fly to Salta, Tucuman and so on, You will arrive Buenos Aires international.
You need transfer to national. I take depended of traffic 1,5 - 3 hours, in worst case maybe more.
From Iguazu You go by taxi to Forz de Iguazu in Brasil.
Fly back is possible via Sao Paulo. If You fly from Foz de Iguazu to Sao Paulo international, no airport change is needed.
Similar threads
