Chile Wildlife Travel Guide: Puma Tracking, Penguin Watching, Whale Tours & Private Trips

Chile is a great country to visit for photographers, biologists, and nature lovers. It's home to some of the unique and varied species in South America. Chile's ecosystems range from the icy fjords of Patagonia to the dry stretches of the Atacama Desert.
The best way to spot animals such as ñandus, guanacos, vicuñas, Andean seagulls, and flamingos is to go on a Chilean wildlife tour, where expert guides will help you read the land, understand habitats, and plan around seasonal movements. This comprehensive guide to Chilean wildlife will lead you to the best regions to see penguins, pumas, whales, and rare high-altitude species, helping you plan a route that capitalizes on the country's remarkable biodiversity.

While the Atacama Desert is renowned for its Martian terrain, geysers and salt flats, it is also home to some of Chile's most extraordinary wildlife. Despite being one of the driest places on Earth, the region is home to a variety of species that have adapted to extreme aridity, high altitude and dramatic temperature fluctuations.

Vizcachas:

These rabbit-like rodents are among the easiest animals to spot in the rocky outcrops of the Atacama Desert. Agile jumpers, vizcachas live in colonies among steep cliffs, where they feed on sparse vegetation and blend seamlessly into the desert terrain.

Andean flamingos:

The shimmering salt flats of the Atacama host three species of flamingo: Andean flamingos, James's flamingos and Chilean flamingos. They gather in shallow lagoons such as Laguna Chaxa to feed on algae and microorganisms.

Andean foxes and desert lizards:

The Andean fox, also known as the culpeo, is another desert resident that is often spotted near lagoons or wandering across open plains in search of insects, birds and small mammals.
Various species of desert lizard also thrive here, having evolved to withstand intense sunlight and minimal moisture.

Vicuñas and alpacas:

The Andean fox, also known as the culpeo, is another desert resident that is often spotted near lagoons or wandering across open plains in search of insects, birds and small mammals. Various species of desert lizard also thrive here, having evolved to withstand intense sunlight and minimal moisture.

Giant coots and Andean geese:

These high-altitude wetlands are also home to giant coots, Andean geese and numerous other bird species that thrive in thin-oxygen, icy environments. During the descent from the El Tatio geysers, we will have further opportunities to observe wildlife in the Puritama and Putana river wetlands, as well as around the high-altitude lagoons of Miniques and Miscanti, where many of these Andean species can often be spotted.

Beyond the dry north, the landscape changes to dense temperate forests, snow-capped volcanoes, and deep blue lakes. This region is a favorite for outdoor lovers and a great spot to observe native Chilean wildlife that flourishes in these ancient ecosystems.

What Wildlife can you see in Araucanía?

Magellanic Woodpecker:

This is one of the region's most famous birds. The male has a bright red crest and a strong beak. It is often seen in old-growth araucaria and coigüe forests. Wildlife photographers love to spot these birds in Conguillío and Huerquehue national parks.

Huemul (South Andean Deer):

Although sightings are sporadic, the huemul—Chile’s national deer and an endangered species—historically lived in this region. Conservation efforts continue in nearby Andean areas. While not guaranteed, the huemul remains a symbol of Araucanía’s wildlife heritage.

Pudú:

The pudú is the world’s smallest deer. This tiny and elusive forest deer sometimes appears in dense vegetation near rivers and forest trails. Its shy nature makes sightings special, especially in the remote parts of reserves around Pucón and Villarrica.
Birdlife around lakes and wetlands

Birdlife Around Lakes and Wetlands:

The lakes of Villarrica and Caburgua and the nearby wetlands attract many birds:

• Black-necked swans, ducks, and grebes.
• Cormorants and Andean gulls.
• Migratory species increase the local bird population in spring and summer.

Patagonia is one of Chile's most famous regions, known for its, granite peaks, strong winds, and massive glaciers. It offers stunning landscapes and is the best place in the country to observe some of South America's most iconic animals: pumas, penguins, and whales.

Pumas – The Icon of Southern Chile:

Patagonia is the only location in Chile where you can regularly see pumas in the wild, especially in and around Torres del Paine National Park. The park's grasslands and rocky slopes provide great hunting grounds. Professional tracking guides can ensure safe and respectful observations. The best times to spot pumas are at dawn and dusk.
Seasonality: Pumas can be seen throughout the year, but the best times for sightings are usually from late autumn to early spring (October to March). During these cooler months, the park is quieter, and the days are shorter.
Pumas are more active and easier to spot in open areas during this period.
You can still see them in the summer (December to February), but sightings are less common because of the increased number of visitors and warmer weather.

Guanacos, rheas, and foxes:

Guanacos are graceful camelids that feed on open plains and near lakes. Darwin’s rhea, also known as the ñandú, is a large, flightless bird resembling a small ostrich. Culpeo and chilla foxes are often seen along roadsides and park trails. These species play an important role in Patagonian food chains and serve as the main prey for pumas.

The Andean condor:

Guanacos are graceful camelids that feed on open plains and near lakes.
Darwin’s rhea, also known as the ñandú, is a large, flightless bird resembling a small ostrich.
Culpeo and chilla foxes are often seen along roadsides and park trails.
These species play an important role in Patagonian food chains and serve as the main prey for pumas.

As you travel south toward the fjords and the Strait of Magellan, you'll discover that Patagonia is a haven for marine wildlife.

Magellanic penguins:

Magellanic penguins nest in large colonies on Magdalena Island during navigation from Punta Arenas Season: October to March, with peak activity from December to February, which is breeding and chick-rearing season.

King penguins:

You can see king penguins year-round at the colony in Parque Pingüino Rey on Tierra del Fuego in Chile. The best time to visit, however, is from October to April, when the weather is better and the reserve is open to visitors.
If you want to see chicks, plan your visit for late January through February. Most eggs hatch during this time, and you can see the fluffy brown juveniles among the adults.
The reserve is located on Useless Bay (Bahía Inútil) in Tierra del Fuego. Most travelers visit on a full-day tour from Punta Arenas.
Tours usually include:

• 1 - an early-morning ferry crossing of the Strait of Magellan
• 2 - A drive across the pampas to the penguin reserve
• 3 - guided visit to designated viewpoints overlooking the penguin colony.
  The day trip from Punta Arenas typically takes 11 to 12 hours, including driving and ferry time.

Whale Watching in Patagonia: Best Seasons and Where to Go

The cold, nutrient-rich waters of Patagonia attract several species of whales:

• Humpback whales
• Sei whales
• Orcas (occasionally)
• Minke whales

The Francisco Coloane Marine Park is one of the best places in Chile for whale watching.
The best time for whale watching in Patagonia is:

• Humpback and Sei Whales - December to April, when they migrate north to feed.
• Minke whales and orcas - can be seen mostly in the summer months, though sightings can vary.
  The summer months (December to March) offer the highest chance of seeing whales.
  Interested in exploring Chile’s wildlife in person?
  
  Take a look at our tours across Chile or contact us, and we’ll be happy to arrange a private, tailor-made experience for you.