Altiplano
A Trip Between the High-Plateau and the Sea
The Atacama Desert, located in the extreme north of Chile, is the driest desert in the world, since there are places where no precipitation has ever fallen. In spite of this, its coastline and transversal valleys have considerable biodiversity as the species that live there have made the necessary adaptations in order to survive in this environment. Moreover, migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere spend the northern winter here. The city of Arica is an excellent starting point for the exploration of the birds of the extreme North of Chile.
We will travel inland, climbing higher, and cross the desert in order to reach the Andean foothills. This environment receives its humidity from the Amazon region and is covered by bushes and offers shelter to diverse species of animals. The village of Putre will serve as our base for a few days, while we visit environmental sites located on higher altitudes.
We will reach the Altiplano (high plateau), which lies above 4,000m (13,100 ft). The ethnic group of the Aymara lives here in little villages. We will find diverse environments, like grasslands, brush and wetlands, each with their very specific birds which have adapted to the rigors of the climate. The harsh environmental conditions with very low temperatures (below zero even in summer) at night and high temperatures and high solar radiation during the day have contributed to the creation of a particularly attractive fauna. |
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Resume:
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Start / End: Santiago / Santiago
Restrictions: We will stay above 3,600m (11,800ft) for 5 days, and occasionally climb to 4,600m (15,100ft). Some people might feel affected by the altitude.
Climate: Hot climate in Arica. The climate turns cold at higher altitudes, especially at night, with sporadic rain.
Dates: The rainy season is in January and February, with possible landslides. The dry season is between June and August, but it tends to be very cold during those months.
Minimum # of participants: 2
Potential # of species: 208
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Outstanding:
1. A trip through parallel 18,5º S, from sea level to an altitude of 4,600m (15,100ft), through various environments where life unfolds.
2. On the coast and in the lowlands: the endemic Seaside Cinclodes, the Grey Gull, and one of the most beautiful terns in the world, the Inca Tern.
3. Possibility of seeing five species of hummingbirds (Sparkling Violet-ear, Andean Hillstar, Oasis Hummingbird, Peruvian Sheartail, Giant Hummingbird and, if we are lucky, the rare Chilean Woodstar).
4. The three species of Flamingo (Chilean, Andean, James's) living in the south of South America.
5. Birds from the Andean environment, like the Puna Ibis, Andean Avocet and the Puna Plover, the Giant Coot, Andean Coot and the Andean Gull.
6. Highly specialised mammals, such as Llama, Alpaca, Guanaco and Vicuña, as well as the Vizcacha, a rabbit-like rodent of the Andes. |
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