Lago azul nature tour
Overview
Laguna Azul Geological Reserve is located about 37 miles (60 km) from Río Gallegos in the Pali Aike volcanic field which occurs in the south of Santa Cruz and part of the Magellanic Region of Chile.
The Geological Reserve protects an ancient volcano crater currently occupied by a deep lagoon. The path of this area allows you to walk down to the wetland and get good views of a landscape which was originated about 200 thousand years before the present. It is one of the closest natural sites to Rio Gallegos and also one of the most visited by locals and tourist
Punta Loyola is the second stop on this tour where you will see the open Atlantic Sea and its attractions and riches. Some pelagic birds can be found there every year such as penguins, cormorants or petrels and also South American Sea Lion, Commerson’s Dolphin, Peale´s Dolphin and more. Join us and find out for yourself.
Tour details
Laguna Azul bird highlights - Number of expected species: 35 - 40.
Lesser Rhea, Flying Steamer-Duck, Chilean Flamingo, Tawny-throated Dotterel, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Two-banded Plover, Magellanic Oystercatcher, Baird's Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Magellanic Snipe, Least Seedsnipe, South American Tern, Magellanic Penguin, Southern Giant-Petrel, Cinereous Harrier, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Short-eared Owl, Peregrine Falcon (South American, included “pallid” form), Austral Canastero, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Chocolate-vented Tyrant, Chilean Swallow, Patagonian Yellow-Finch.
Mammal highlights
Guanaco, South American Gray Fox, Humboldt´s Hog-nosed Skunk, Large Hairy Armadillo.
Itinerary
08 AM: Hotel pick-up. Transfer to Laguna Azul Geological Reserve with some photo stops.
09 AM: Visit to the protected area and surroundings.
10:30 AM: Transfer to Punta Loyola.
12 PM: Lunch. Visit to the coast, Migratory Shorebirds Reserve and nearby areas.
01 PM: Transfer back to Rio Gallegos. Drop off. End of the tour.
Notes
Itinerary can be changed due to force majeure and accommodation availability.
Extra information
Habitats
Sea coast, shrublands and grasslands
(Argentine Sea and Patagonian Steppe).
Climate
Cold, semi-arid
Tour category
Nature tour, with good opportunities to take photographs.
Max group size
3 + 1 local guide (ask for larger groups)
Physical requirements
The physical difficulty of this tour is low (easy to moderate terrain).
Equipment required
Woolly hat, cap, sunscreen (+30), polarized sunglasses, warm and waterproof clothing, trekking shoes.
Tour includes
This tour includes:
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All ground transportations
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Guided services
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Spotting scope: Vortex Diamondback HD 65mm
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Box lunch
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Drinking water for refill private bottles
Tour does not include
It does not include:
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Flight tickets
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Alcoholic drinks
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Personal insurances
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Tips or anything not mentioned in this page
Departures
This tour is available anytime from October to March. It requires previous 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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Cabo Vírgenes nature tour (full day tour)
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Birding in Río Gallegos (full day tour)
