Specialties in fall
Migrations | Secluded tour | Iconic birds
Trip overview
Río Gallegos is one of the southernmost cities of the South American Continent and it houses more than 120 species of birds. It is located at the confluence of the Río Gallegos and Chico rivers, in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina.
These rivers form a rich estuary where the tides condition biodiversity. Wide marshes are developed on its south coast covered with Sarcocornia sp. and Suadea spp. Grassland and shrubs occupy the higher terrains.
Patagonian, Nearctic, and Antarctic birds can be found in this mosaic of environments and many of them entail a particular interest for both conservation and birding such as Ruddy-headed Goose, Hooded Grebe, Magellanic Plover, Red Knot and Austral Canastero.
Therefore, the entirety of Río Gallegos estuary is an IBA (BirdLife International) and it is also recognized as an International Important Site of the WHSRN.
J. La Grotteria
Tour details
Target birds for the area
Lesser Rhea, Flying Steamer-Duck, Chilean Flamingo, Silvery Grebe (Patagonian), Hooded Grebe, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Two-banded Plover, Magellanic Oystercatcher, White-bellied Seedsnipe, Magellanic Penguin, Southern Giant-Petrel, Southern Fulmar, Cinereous Harrier, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Short-eared Owl, Peregrine Falcon (South American, including the “pallid” form), Band-tailed Earthcreeper, Austral Canastero, Patagonian Yellow-Finch, White-bridled Finch.
Number of expected species: 35 - 40.
Mammal highlights
Guanaco, South American Gray Fox, Humboldt´s Hog-nosed Skunk, South American Sea Lion, Commerson’s Dolphin.
What’s included?
This tour includes:
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All ground transportations in a private vehicule
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Guided services: local birding guide
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Spotting scope: Vortex Diamondback HD 65mm
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Accommodations: 4-star hotel
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Three meals a day: breakfast, box-lunch and dinner (3-course meal)
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Drinking water for refill private bottles
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Personal insurances
It does not include:
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Flight tickets
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Alcoholic drinks
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Tips or anything not mentioned in this page
J. La Grotteria
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at RGL.
Arrival at Río Gallegos International Airport “Piloto Civil Norberto Fernández” (IATA: RGL). Transfer to the Hotel and check-in. Birding in Río Gallegos and surroundings. Dinner. Night in Río Gallegos.
Day 2: Exploration in the Coyle area. Overnight in RGL.
Morning transfer to the Coyle estuarine area. Look for the Hooded Grebe from the coast. Lunch. Full day birding in the Coyle area. Then, transfer back to Río Gallegos. Dinner. Night in Río Gallegos.
Day 3: Adventure South of RGL.
Morning birding south of Río Gallegos. Then, visit to Loyola Harbor in search of the Magellanic Plover and other shorebirds. Lunch. Full day birding in the zone. Dinner. Night in Río Gallegos.
Day 4: End of the tour.
Search for the Hooded Grebe from the Rio Gallegos seacoast with spotting scope. Lunch. Half day birding in the area. Transfer to the RGL Airport. Drop off. End of the tour.
Notes
Itinerary can be changed due to force majeure and accommodation availability.
More information
Habitats
Sea coast, marshes, lagoons, shrublands, grasslands
(Argentine Sea and Magellanic Steppe)
Climate
Cold, semi-arid
Tour category
Birdwatching, with good opportunities to take photographs
Max group size
6 + 1 local guide (ask for larger groups)
Physical requirements
The physical difficulty of this tour is low (easy to moderate terrain).
Recommended equipment
Woolly hat, cap, sunscreen (+30), polarized sunglasses, warm and waterproof clothing, trekking shoes.
Departures
This tour is available anytime from April to May. It requires prior reservation.
Price
If you want a quote for this tour, please send an email to: info@southernpatagoniatours.com
Combined with
This tour can be combined with:
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Patagonian forest tour (4 days / 3 nights) | Read more
