Difficulty
Low. Salt flat route: no acclimatization needed. Altiplano route: up to 4,200 m
Duration
4.5 to 5 hours, morning or afternoon. Want both routes in one day? See our full-day birding tour
Where you'll go
Salt flat route: Jere Canyon and Chaxa Lagoon · Altiplano route: Putana, Jauna and Machuca wetlands
Season
Year-round. Best from October to March
Mode
Private · From USD 300 per person
Choose your route: flamingos and oasis birds on the Atacama Salt Flat, or the high Altiplano wetlands in search of the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover
A private half day of birdwatching from San Pedro de Atacama, with two routes to choose from: the salt flat in the morning or the Altiplano in the afternoon. It feels like birding with a local friend who knows the desert, with the safety, equipment and care you expect from Ecordua.
Your naturalist guide carries a spotting scope, binoculars for every guest and field guides, and helps you find and identify each species. The pace is yours: a target bird, photography, or simply a slow, quiet half day in the Andes.
Route 1 — Salt flat and oasis (morning, no acclimatization needed)
Early in the morning, a 40-minute drive south of San Pedro takes us to Jere Canyon, a green oasis next to the village of Toconao where water from the Andes feeds fruit orchards. We walk slowly along the canyon while the oasis birds are most active: the Tamarugo Conebill (spring and summer), the Chiguanco Thrush, two species of cinclodes and the Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail.
We then drive into the Atacama Salt Flat to Chaxa Lagoon, in Los Flamencos National Reserve. In the calm of the morning, with few visitors around, three of the world’s six flamingo species (Andean, Chilean and James’s) feed side by side with Puna Plovers and Andean Avocets. Through the scope, you’ll see how each species feeds and how their diet of algae and tiny crustaceans turns them pink.
This route stays at around 2,400 meters, the same altitude as San Pedro, so it’s a good choice for your first days in Atacama, and you’re back at your hotel by lunchtime.
Route 2 — Altiplano wetlands (afternoon, for acclimatized travelers)
After lunch, we drive north and climb to the Altiplano, stopping among the giant cacti of Guatín Canyon to look for canyon birds.
Then we explore the high Andean wetlands of Putana, Jauna and Machuca, between 4,000 and 4,200 meters. Here we search for the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, one of the most sought-after birds in South America, along with Giant Coots, Andean Geese and seedsnipes. Vicuñas and vizcachas are usually seen, and with luck, culpeo foxes. On the way down, the late-afternoon light falls on the volcanoes.
It’s the best way to see the Altiplano specialties in half a day, without a 12-hour outing.
Not sure which one? Route 1 is ideal for your first days, for families and for anyone who wants flamingos without the altitude. Route 2 is for keen birders who are already acclimatized. Many guests do both, on different days.
Highlights
Itinerary
Pickup at your hotel
7:30 AM for the salt flat route, 1:30 PM for the Altiplano route. Your guide confirms the exact time the day before.
First stop
Salt flat route: a slow walk through Jere Canyon, the oasis next to Toconao, while the birds are most active.
Altiplano route: Guatín Canyon, among giant cacti, looking for canyon birds.
Second stop
Salt flat route: Chaxa Lagoon and its three flamingo species, with time at the spotting scope. Altiplano route: the Putana, Jauna and Machuca wetlands (4,000–4,200 m), home of the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Giant Coots, vicuñas and vizcachas.
Optional
On the salt flat route, the Tambillo tamarugo forest, looking for burrowing owls.
End of the tour
Around 12:00 PM (salt flat) or 6:30 PM (Altiplano).
Customizable
This is a sample itinerary. As this is a private experience, your guide adapts the pace and the time at each stop to your interests, the weather and the birds of the day.
Everything you need to know
What's included and pricing
Included
- Private birdwatching with a bilingual naturalist guide, first-aid certified
- Private 4×4 transport from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
- Spotting scope and binoculars for each guest
- Field guides and your list of species seen, shared after the tour
- All entrance fees
- Snacks with local products and hot drinks, including rica-rica tea
- Oxygen and pulse oximeter on the Altiplano route
- Accident insurance
- 19% VAT
Not included
- Gratuities (optional)
- Travel insurance
Price – Private tour (total per group)
- 1–2 guests – USD 540
- 3 guests – USD 750
All rates include taxes. Same price for both routes. Maximum 3 guests per departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear or bring?
We recommend comfortable outdoor clothes in neutral colors, walking shoes, a windbreaker and extra warm layers depending on the season. For the Altiplano route, add a down jacket, gloves and a beanie: it’s cold and windy up there, even in summer. Also bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and water (1 to 1.5 liters, ideally in a reusable bottle). If you have your own binoculars or camera, bring them. Before your experience, we’ll send you a pre-tour preparation guide with more details.
Which route should I choose?
If it’s your first or second day in Atacama, or flamingos are your priority, choose the salt flat route. If you’re already acclimatized and want the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover and other Altiplano birds, choose the Altiplano route. We’re happy to help you decide.
Morning or afternoon?
Both routes run in the morning or the afternoon, as you prefer. Tell us what suits your plans when you book.
Do I need birdwatching experience?
No. Valeria will help you find and identify the birds, and will show you how to use the binoculars and spotting scope. Beginners enjoy this tour as much as experienced birders.
Do I need to acclimatize?
Not for the salt flat route. For the Altiplano route, yes: plan at least 24 hours in San Pedro de Atacama first, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol the night before.
Will I see the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover?
Only on the Altiplano route, and we can’t guarantee any species. It lives in these wetlands year-round, and your guide knows them well and takes part in its survey.
Can children join?
Yes on the salt flat route, accompanied by a responsible adult. For the Altiplano route, we recommend a minimum age of 12 because of the altitude. [VERIFICAR con Valeria]
Can I do both routes?
Yes. Book our full-day tour, which combines them, or two half days on different dates.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We go out in almost any weather. From January to March, summer storms can reach the Altiplano, and in winter snow can close the high roads. If conditions aren’t safe, we switch routes, reschedule or give you a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can change your date for free up to 72 hours before the tour, subject to availability. If you cancel more than 72 hours before, we refund 50%. Cancellations within 72 hours and no-shows are non-refundable. If we cancel for weather or safety reasons, you get a full refund or a new date.
Your guide
What should I wear or bring?
We recommend comfortable outdoor clothes in neutral colors, walking shoes, a windbreaker and extra warm layers depending on the season. For the Altiplano route, add a down jacket, gloves and a beanie: it’s cold and windy up there, even in summer. Also bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and water (1 to 1.5 liters, ideally in a reusable bottle). If you have your own binoculars or camera, bring them. Before your experience, we’ll send you a pre-tour preparation guide with more details.
Which route should I choose?
If it’s your first or second day in Atacama, or flamingos are your priority, choose the salt flat route. If you’re already acclimatized and want the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover and other Altiplano birds, choose the Altiplano route. We’re happy to help you decide.
Morning or afternoon?
Both routes run in the morning or the afternoon, as you prefer. Tell us what suits your plans when you book.
Do I need birdwatching experience?
No. Valeria will help you find and identify the birds, and will show you how to use the binoculars and spotting scope. Beginners enjoy this tour as much as experienced birders.
Do I need to acclimatize?
Not for the salt flat route. For the Altiplano route, yes: plan at least 24 hours in San Pedro de Atacama first, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol the night before.
Will I see the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover?
Only on the Altiplano route, and we can’t guarantee any species. It lives in these wetlands year-round, and your guide knows them well and takes part in its survey.
Can children join?
Yes on the salt flat route, accompanied by a responsible adult. For the Altiplano route, we recommend a minimum age of 12 because of the altitude. [VERIFICAR con Valeria]
Can I do both routes?
Yes. Book our full-day tour, which combines them, or two half days on different dates.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We go out in almost any weather. From January to March, summer storms can reach the Altiplano, and in winter snow can close the high roads. If conditions aren’t safe, we switch routes, reschedule or give you a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can change your date for free up to 72 hours before the tour, subject to availability. If you cancel more than 72 hours before, we refund 50%. Cancellations within 72 hours and no-shows are non-refundable. If we cancel for weather or safety reasons, you get a full refund or a new date.
Responsible birdwatching
At Ecordua, we care about keeping the desert’s wetlands and their birds undisturbed.
Your guide is part of the local bird surveys, including the flamingo and shorebird census and the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover survey. Birding with her is also a way to learn how these species are studied and protected.
Chaxa Lagoon and Jere Canyon are managed by the Atacameño (Lickanantay) community of Toconao, and your entrance fee supports the community.
The high Andean wetlands (bofedales) are fragile and sustain life in the Altiplano, from vicuñas to flamingos. We stay on established tracks, keep a respectful distance from nesting birds and visit in small private groups.
The species we see are recorded on eBird, a global database used by scientists and conservation projects.
One percent of every Ecordua booking goes to environmental organizations through 1% for the Planet.
Species You May Observe
Route 1: Salt flat and oasis
In Jere Canyon, the oasis next to Toconao, water and fruit trees attract the Tamarugo Conebill (spring and summer), Chiguanco Thrush, Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail, Cream-winged and White-winged Cinclodes, West Peruvian Dove and Rufous-collared Sparrow. On the optional stop at the Tambillo tamarugo forest, Burrowing Owls can turn up.
At Chaxa Lagoon, on the Atacama Salt Flat, the stars are the Andean, James’s and Chilean Flamingos, feeding side by side. Around them you can find Puna Plovers, Andean Avocets, Andean Gulls and, from spring to early autumn, migrant shorebirds from North America such as Baird’s Sandpiper and Greater Yellowlegs.
A route for anyone who wants flamingos up close and a first look at desert birdlife, without the altitude.
Route 2: Altiplano wetlands
On the way up, the giant cacti of Guatín Canyon hold Black-hooded Sierra Finches and other canyon birds.
Between 4,000 and 4,200 meters, the wetlands of Putana, Jauna and Machuca are home to the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, the bird many birders travel here for. You may also see Giant Coots on their floating nests, Slate-colored Coots, Andean Geese, Crested Ducks, Puna Teals, Puna Ibis, White-tufted Grebes and two seedsnipes: Rufous-bellied and Gray-breasted.
The open puna around the wetlands adds Lesser Rheas, Puna Tinamous, Mountain Caracaras, several ground-tyrants, the Andean Negrito, the Cordilleran Canastero and finches such as the Red-backed and Ash-breasted Sierra Finches, Black Siskin and Greenish Yellow-Finch.
Mammals: vicuñas and vizcachas are usually seen, and with luck, a culpeo fox.
A route for acclimatized birders who want the Altiplano specialties in half a day.
Our full-day tour combines both routes. On a recent full day with Valeria, guests recorded 49 species.
Practical details
Duration | 4.5 to 5 hours |
|---|---|
Schedule | Morning or afternoon, confirmed the day before |
Pickup location | Your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama |
Group | Private, maximum 3 guests |
Minimum age | Salt flat route: no minimum age · Altiplano route: 12 years |
Max. altitude | Salt flat route: about 2,400 m · Altiplano route: 4,200 m, 24 h acclimatization required |
Season | Year-round |
Languages | English, Spanish, Portuguese |
Fitness | Low |
Payment | Full payment at booking |
Price | From USD 300 per person |
Map
Documentation for the National Tourism Service
All our adventure tourism experiences are registered with Chile’s National Tourism Service (SERNATUR). This registration ensures that we comply with the official safety and quality standards for adventure tourism, including technical sheets, prevention protocols, and emergency response plans.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Write to us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Download our brochure with the itinerary, recommendations and everything you need to know before your tour.
Have more days in Atacama? Add the other route on another day, make it a full day, or let us plan your whole trip.
