The natural contrast that Chile offers and its biological diversity make it a privileged destination for lovers of flora, fauna, and iconic landscapes observation.
Enjoy bird watching, native fauna, cetaceans and endemic flora in one of the best places in the world to do it, living an unforgettable experience with unique settings. This way you can see the animals in their natural habitat and learn about their behaviors and ecosystems.
Below, we leave you a complete overview for the observation of flora and fauna in our country.
Birdwatching
Chile has an enormous variety of birds, being a favorite destination for birdwatching lovers. This occurs because of its great diversity of ecosystems, which will allow you to photograph and witness the beautiful birds that inhabit from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia. Check out some places below to enjoy birdwatching in Chile.
1. Batuco Wetland
The Batuco Wetland is one of the most important places for bird watching in the Metropolitan Region. This protected ecosystem of 300 hectares is home to more than 150 species of birds, including some in danger of extinction such as the reed cormorant and the horned tagua. The best time to visit is during spring and summer, as bird activity is at its peak.
- Approximate price: Access is public and free. Guided tours or activities organized by NGOs may have an additional cost
- Find official information here.
2. Los Flamencos National Reserve
In the Antofagasta Region is the Los Flamencos National Reserve, in the middle of the Atacama Desert. This reserve protects several sectors such as the Atacama Salt Flat and the Chaxa Lagoon, where you can see Andean flamingos and other species of birds that inhabit this extreme ecosystem.
- Approximate price: The entrance to the Laguna Chaxa sector (managed by the local community) costs about $10,285 CLP for national adults and $13,714 CLP for foreign adults. Guided tours from San Pedro de Atacama range from $30,000 to $60,000 CLP.
- Check official information here.
Native fauna watching
Chile is home to species as emblematic as the puma, the huemul and the pudú, among many others. Observing them in their natural habitat is a unique experience that must be lived with respect and patience, always remembering that nature should not be intervened.
Below, we show you some of the best places to enjoy wildlife watching in its natural environment.
1. Alerce Andino National Park
Located in the Los Lagos Region, the Alerce Andino National Park is one of the best places to see the puma in its natural environment. Coming across this elusive feline represents a real challenge for park visitors, who will also have the chance to see other mammals such as the pudú and various birds in ancient forests.
- Approximate price: The entrance for national adults starts at $3,700 CLP and for foreign adults from $7,800 CLP. They must be purchased online at pasesparques.cl.
- Check official information here
2. Cerro Castillo National Park
Located in the Aysén Region, this park is a sanctuary for the huemul, the endangered Andean deer that stars in the national shield. The high mountain trails, such as the one that leads to the Cerro Castillo Lagoon, offer the opportunity to observe this animal feeding in lenga forests, especially during the summer (December to March).
- Approximate price: The entrance for national adults starts at $3,700 CLP and for foreign adults from $7,800 CLP.
- Check official information here.
Cetacean watching
Thanks to its extensive coastline, Chile is a true paradise for cetacean watching. It is possible to observe species such as the humpback whale, the Chilean dolphin, the imposing blue whale, the southern right whale and the southern dolphin, among many others. Next, we tell you in detail where to enjoy this wonderful activity.
1. Mejillones Peninsula
This key point in the Antofagasta Region is one of the best in Chile for cetacean watching. It is famous for the migration of the humpback whale in winter (July to October) and for being a usual site to observe the Chilean dolphin, a small endemic cetacean that moves in active groups near the coast.
- Approximate price: Access to the peninsula is free. Whale watching tours have a cost close to $40,000 CLP per person.
Approximate price: Although the entrance to the Mejillones peninsula is free, whale watching tours have a cost close to $40,000 CLP per person.
2. Chiloé
The nutrient-rich waters of the Chiloé Island make it a privileged place for whale and dolphin watching. The Caleta de Puñihuil is the most popular point to see blue whales, southern right whales, dolphins and orcas, on tours that are often combined with a visit to the Humboldt and Magellan penguin colonies. The Chacao Channel is another excellent observation point, especially between December and April.
- Approximate price: Guided tours for cetacean watching in Chiloé range between $60,000 and $80,000 CLP per person. It is recommended to book in advance.
Endemic flora watching
The observation of endemic flora in Chile is a fascinating activity for those who enjoy nature and botany, since the country has a unique diversity of plants that are not found anywhere else in the world. Below, we present in detail the best places for endemic flora watching.
1. Flowering Desert
In the Atacama Region occurs the Flowering Desert, one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. In the most arid desert on the planet, scarce but intense rains can cause thousands of latent seeds to germinate, covering the landscape with a blanket of flowers. This event, which does not occur every year, allows you to observe unique endemic species such as the Lion's Claw and the Añañuca. If you are going to visit it, it is essential that you take care of it and do not step on the flowers.
- Approximate price: Visiting the Flowering Desert independently is free. Guided tours (available during the event) have a cost that ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 CLP per person.
2. La Campana National Park
Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, the La Campana National Park (Valparaíso Region) is famous for protecting the Chilean palm forest, an endemic and endangered species. In addition to the palm, you can find other native species such as the litre and the boldo, being spring (September to November) the ideal time to see the flora in bloom.
- Approximate price: The entrance ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 CLP per person, while guided tours cost between $20,000 to $40,000 CLP.
- Find official information here.
