Private Afternoon Birding in the Northern Altiplano Wetlands
Search Machuca, Putana and Jauna wetlands for Diademed Sandpiper-Plover and highland birds on a private five-hour afternoon trip with opportunities for photography.
About this tour
Take the northern highland portion of Valeria Heindl's full-day route as a focused afternoon outing. From San Pedro de Atacama, this private birding option concentrates on the Altiplano wetlands of Machuca, Putana and Jauna. It offers a separate choice for visitors whose main interests are high-elevation birds and photography rather than the morning oasis and salt-flat circuit.
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover is a principal search species. Other possibilities include Giant Coot, Horned Coot, sierra finches and seedsnipes. These are birds to look for, not a guaranteed checklist: observations depend on the birds present and on the conditions in the wetlands during the visit.
The afternoon timing is deliberate. Valeria combines highland birding with the softer late-day light that can make observation and photography rewarding. Guests can spend time studying birds through a spotting scope or working with their own cameras while the outing remains centered on the wetland habitats.
This five-hour excursion is one of two shorter birding options for travelers with less time or a smaller budget. The group is private, with a minimum of two and a maximum of three participants. That limit keeps the 4x4 comfortable and gives the guide scope to respond to the group's particular birding interests.
The price is USD 230 per person. Private 4x4 transport, specialist bilingual guiding, park entry fees, snacks, mineral water and field guides are included. Individual binoculars and a Vortex spotting scope are provided for bird observation. Travelers seeking a different combination of sites or a more personalized birding route can discuss a custom itinerary with Valeria through an inquiry.
Highland birding possibilities also include Cream-winged Cinclodes, Red-backed Sierra Finch, Mountain Parakeet, Puna Ibis, Andean Goose and Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant. These complement the wetland specialties on the route; each visit depends on season and conditions.
Guiding is available in English and Spanish.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Chile.
Birds you can spot
Recurvirostra andina
likely
Phoenicoparrus andinus
likely
Chloephaga melanoptera
likely
Agriornis montanus
likely
Phoenicopterus chilensis
likely
Cinclodes albiventris
likely
Phegornis mitchellii
target
Fulica gigantea
target
Fulica cornuta
target
Phoenicoparrus jamesi
likely
Psilopsiagon aurifrons
likely
Plegadis ridgwayi
likely
Anarhynchus alticola
likely
Spatula puna
likely
Idiopsar dorsalis
likely
Itinerary
Day 1
Highland wetland searches in afternoon light
Explore the wetlands of Machuca, Putana and Jauna during the afternoon. Search for Diademed Sandpiper-Plover and other high-elevation possibilities such as Giant and Horned Coots, sierra finches and seedsnipes. Late-day light provides opportunities for photography, with sightings dependent on field conditions.
Locations & map
- Machuca - Chile
- Putana - Chile
- Jauna - Chile
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Included
- Private 4x4 transport
- Specialist bilingual guide
- Park entrance fees
- Snacks
- Mineral water
- Field guides
- Individual binoculars and a Vortex spotting scope
Transport & stays
- Private 4x4 Travel with specialist bilingual birding guidance; the private vehicle carries two to three participants.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.