Difficulty
Low
Duration
8-9 hours. Short on time? Check our half-day tour here
Where you'll go
Batuco Wetland and Farellones or Mantagua Wetland and Concón coastline
Season
Year-round
Mode
Private · From USD 148 per person
Explore two birding routes with an expert guide and enjoy a Chilean picnic along the way
Discover the remarkable bird diversity of central Chile on a full-day birdwatching experience that combines wetlands, mountains, and diverse landscapes.
This flexible experience offers different routes depending on your interests, combining wetlands and the Andes or focusing on coastal ecosystems rich in birdlife.
We often begin at Batuco Wetland, about an hour from Santiago, home to more than 100 species including the Many-colored Rush Tyrant, herons, ducks, and the Red-fronted Coot.
From there, we continue into the Andes toward Farellones in search of high-Andean birds such as the Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, the Southern Caracara, and often the Andean Condor.
Alternatively, we explore coastal ecosystems such as Mantagua Wetland and the nearby coast of Concón, ideal for observing marine and shoreline birds, including the iconic Inca Tern.
Throughout the day, your expert guide will assist with bird identification using binoculars and field guides, while sharing insights about local ecosystems, wildlife, and the relationship between nature and culture in central Chile.
Midway through the experience, we stop for a relaxed outdoor picnic with Chilean cheeses and wine, a moment to rest, share conversation, and enjoy the landscape before continuing the day.
Further down, you’ll find pricing, inclusions, and everything you need to plan your tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
6:30 AM
Pickup at your accommodation in Santiago
7:30 AM
Arrival at Batuco Wetland, introduction and safety briefing
7:30 - 10:00 AM
Walk along boardwalks identifying different species
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Snacks and transfer to Farellones
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Arrival in Farellones, two hours exploring and identifying species
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Picnic
4:00 PM
Arrival at your accommodation
Customizable
This is a reference itinerary. The experience can be scheduled according to your interests, the season, and the route selected. Please note that wetland access is subject to official opening hours, although earlier entry can often be arranged depending on availability and prior coordination.
Everything you need to know
What's included and pricing
Included
- Bilingual professional guide with scope and binoculars
- Private transport (airport transfers available at extra cost)
- Bird identification guides
- Entrance fees to birdwatching sites
- Picnic
- Accident insurance
- 19% VAT
Not included
- Gratuities
Price – Private Tour (total per group)
- 1 guests USD 495
- 2 guests USD 540
- 3 guests USD 630
- 4 guests USD 670 (SUV). Recommended just for families with children. For 4 adults, we suggest a van for greater comfort on long drives.
- 4 guests USD 810 (Van)
- 5 guests USD 850
- 6 guests USD 890
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
We recommend comfortable walking clothes and shoes, ideally in neutral colors that blend with the environment. Depending on the season, you may also want to bring a warm extra layer.
We also suggest bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, and water (1 to 1.5 liters, ideally in a reusable bottle). Before your experience, we’ll send you a pre-tour preparation guide with more details.
What happens if the weather is unfavorable?
Safety is our priority. If weather conditions prevent the tour (heavy rain, inaccessible terrain), you’ll have the option to reschedule, choose an alternative activity, or receive a full refund.
When is the best time for birdwatching?
Birds can be observed year-round. However, spring and summer offer more activity during the breeding season. Silence and patience are key. We recommend using apps like eBird or Merlin to enrich your experience.
Can children join?
Yes, this tour is suitable for all ages. It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to connect with nature.
Are there shorter options?
If you have less time, we recommend our half-day birdwatching experience near Santiago. It focuses on a single location (Batuco Wetlands or Farellones), allowing for a more relaxed pace while still offering great opportunities to observe local species.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. In cases of force majeure or extreme weather conditions, you’ll also have the option to reschedule or receive a refund.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to help you.
Map
Species You May Observe
Option #1: Batuco Wetlands and Farellones mountain town
The journey begins at the Batuco Wetland, one of the most important wetland ecosystems in the Santiago Metropolitan Region. This freshwater habitat is home to over 100 bird species, including the Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Red-fronted Coot, Snowy Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Silver Teal, Red Shoveler, and Cinnamon Teal. You may also spot raptors like the Chimango Caracara, Variable Hawk, and Harris’s Hawk. Occasionally, Coypus, a semi-aquatic mammal native to central Chile, can be seen swimming through the reeds.
Next, you’ll head up to the Farellones mountain area, where the landscape completely transforms. This high Andean environment hosts unique birdlife such as the Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Southern Caracara, Chilean Mockingbird, Buff-winged Cinclodes, White-sided Hillstar, and, with some luck, the majestic Andean Condor soaring over the valleys. Smaller species like the Gray-hooded Sierra Finch, Cordilleran Siskin, and Common Miner are also commonly observed.
A perfect route for those seeking contrasting ecosystems, rich bird diversity, and breathtaking mountain scenery in a single day.
Option #2: Mantagua Wetlands and Concón coastline
This route starts at the Mantagua Wetland, a coastal ecosystem with high biodiversity where you can spot aquatic and migratory birds across lagoons, reed beds, and coastal scrub. Species often observed include the Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Wren-like Rushbird, Black-crowned Night Heron, Cocoi Heron, Snowy Egret, South American Snipe, and a wide variety of ducks such as the Yellow-billed Pintail, Red Shoveler, and Lake Duck. This wetland is also home to Coypus, which can sometimes be seen swimming among the vegetation.
Then we move on to the Concón area, where the scenery opens up to the Pacific coast. Here you’ll observe seabirds and shorebirds such as the Whimbrel, Gulls, Cormorants, American Oystercatchers, and, in season, the Inca Tern — an endangered and endemic species that nests on rocky shores and coastal cliffs of Chile and Peru. If you’re lucky, you may also spot a Marine Otter (Chungungo), a rare and emblematic mammal that lives among the rocks of the Chilean coastline.
This is an ideal route for those wanting to explore Chile’s coastal biodiversity, enjoy peaceful natural environments, and observe birds across multiple habitats along the Pacific Ocean.
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.
Do you still have doubts?
Don’t worry, we are here to help you.
Write to us and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
Download our brochure with all the details about this tour, including itineraries, recommendations and what you need to know to fully enjoy this experience.
