We have designed this itinerary as the only possible combination to visit in a single trip the 7 natural regions of Patagonia. In one tour and traveling around only 540km.
Patagonia has 7 natural regions to explore: Subantarctic forest, Patagonian Steppe, Monte Region (endemic to Argentina), High Andes, Southern Wetlands, Central valley of Chile and the southern cone Coast.
There are also 4 types of forest: the Patagonian Cypress forest, the Araucaria forest -only seen here-, the typical Southern Beech forest (Nothofagus sp.), and the cold Valdivian Rainforest. This itinerary is the only one that allows us to see them all.
In its Lakes District, Patagonia presents the greatest biological diversity, and there is no other possible trip where all its natural ecosystems can be connected, as you can see in the map. Within 500km we can explore 90% of the 400 bird species and all the diversity the area has to offer.
This itinerary allows us to look for birds, as well as unique mammals, cultures, and landscapes that still remain untouched.
Programme
Day 0
Arrival in Buenos Aires to rest, and overnight stay.
Day 1
We fly to Neuquén to begin birding in the Monte scrublands and surrounding arid environments before ending the day in Zapala.
Day 2
A full day around Zapala’s lakes offers excellent birding with highlights such as flamingos, grebes, plovers and ducks.
Day 3
We travel through the Patagonian Steppe to the Collón Curá Valley for highly productive birding and chances of Andean Condor before reaching Junín de los Andes for the night.
Day 4
We explore ancient Araucaria forests inside the National Park, learning about Mapuche culture and observing key forest species before overnighting in San Martín de los Andes.
Day 5
We bird around San Martín de los Andes, visiting Rosales Lake and the Chapelco Hills for forest and high-mountain species.
Day 6
We visit a local wetland reserve before birding along the “7 Lakes” road en route to Villa La Angostura for the night.
Day 7
We cross the Andes via the scenic Puyehue Pass and continue to the Pacific coast to overnight in Pucatrihue.
Day 8
A full day of coastal birding includes several shoreline sites and a possible offshore trip to see seabirds and penguins before returning to Pucatrihue.
Day 9
We head to Puyehue National Park to explore the temperate rainforest, look for tapaculos and other specialties, and optionally enjoy thermal baths before staying in Puyehue.
Day 10
We bird the unique humid forests of Puyehue and ascend to volcanic highlands seeking high-altitude species before another night in Puyehue.
Day 11
We recross the Andes to Argentina, bird Lake Nahuel Huapi and Bariloche’s surroundings, and enjoy dramatic landscapes throughout the day.
Day 12
We ascend a mountain via ski lifts to search for high-altitude species—snow permitting—before having lunch in the high refuges.
Day 13
We enjoy a final morning of birding in Patagonia before flying back to Buenos Aires for optional connecting flights or a farewell dinner.
Day 14
Transfer to the international airport for departure.
