Atacama
Birds of the Silent Land

The city of San Pedro de Atacama is located in the north of Chile, between the desert and the foothills of the Andes. It is populated by the Atacama ethnic group. This race of shepherds and peasants achieved considerable cultural development before the arrival of the Incas in the 14th century. We will set up our camp in this oasis, which is the meeting point of various environments, which will enable us to get to know birds from the desert and the Andes mountain range.
The privileged location of the town will allow us to visit various environments that are very different from each other, and we will even get close to the border with Bolivia and Argentina in our search for local birds. Our trip will take us to high altitude locations, with majestic landscapes and where magnificent birds have adapted surprisingly well to such adverse living conditions.
We will be in a diversity of environments like the biggest salt flat in Chile, rivers and lakes located at altitudes of over 4.000m (13.100 ft) and wetlands close to them, where we will find a wide range of wildlife.

Resume:

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Start / End: Santiago / Santiago
Restrictions: The trip takes place at over 2,500m (8,200ft) above sea level, with 2 excursions to 4.500m (14.760ft), above sea level.
Climate: Hot in San Pedro de Atacama, cold in higher locations, especially at nightfall.
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: 97

More info

Outstanding:

1. Visit to the Atacama salt flat, the biggest in Chile, and the surrounding desert, considered to be the driest in the world.
2. On the Andean lakes you can see the Horned Coot, which is only found in the Altiplano, as well as the Andean Avocet and the Puna Plover.
3. The Red-backed Sierra-Finch, is found exclusively in this sector of the Andes of Chile, Bolivia and Argentina.
4. The three flamingo species of the south of South-America: Chilean, Andean and James's.
5. The rare and surprising Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and Puna Snipe.