Patagonia condor watching trips. The Patagonian ranch Olga Teresa is probably one of the most accessible locations in the world to see and photograph the world’s heaviest flying creature: the majestic Andean Condor. Reachable by car in approximately 60 minutes from Punta Arenas, Chile, the ranch protects, researches, and showcases a population of 100+ Andean Condors that soar, socialize, and sleep at a 20-meter-tall, vertical rock face that itself is embedded in a steep, 200-meter-high (700-foot-high) hill.
In the Patagonian Andes, Andean Condors are a common sight but the conditions at Ranch Olga Teresa are quite extraordinary to document them. We will look for them in the field, watch them while flying or resting on the cliffs, and have excellent photographic opportunities of fly-bys and perched individuals.
There are few preserved places in the world as accessible to watch and photograph Andean Condor as Cerro Palomares. Just about an hour drive from Punta Arenas, Cerro Palomares boasts the largest Condor roost in Chilean Patagonia (nearly a hundred birds strong).
Their observation is best done in the late afternoon and evening, when birds come back to their roost for the night. During this afternoon half day tour, you will have the company of one of our guides who will take you to the best sites for this activity.
We have to address that the photographic opportunities are usually great but you will need a suitable long lens (400mm or larger) for better results. Due to the wind and if works better for you, consider to bring a tripod as part of your photographic gear. All the pictures shown on this trip description were taken with a Canon 100-400mm MK II zoom and a Canon 600mm MKIII lenses.
Experience the feeling of seeing and photographing these colossal birds flying low and at close range amidst the dazzling scenery of the remote Chilean Patagonia; you will be thrilled by their sheer size, their presence and the way they fly and circle above with gracious ease, while you admire one of the most emblematic birds in South America and the world. Patagonia condor watching trips
