Wildlife and Landscapes of the High Andes: Northern Chile & Bolivia. December 2026

This expedition is for those who dream of exploring wildlife and habitat in some of the most important high-altitude ecosystems of the Andes across northern Chile and the Bolivian Altiplano. Moving gradually from the coast to the high plateau, the journey follows a natural ecological progression.

The route enters the Altiplano through Lauca National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and one of the most wildlife-rich regions of the high Andes. Here, extensive wetlands and open plains support healthy populations of vicuña, llama and alpaca, while shallow lagoons attract large numbers of flamingos, Andean geese, coots and specialist high-altitude bird species. The combination of water, altitude and open terrain allows for consistent wildlife viewing against a backdrop of volcanic peaks.

Continuing south and east, the journey passes through Las Vicuñas National Reserve, Surire National Monument and Isluga National Park, all key conservation areas that protect fragile Andean habitats. These regions are particularly important for flamingo breeding and feeding, and the route provides repeated opportunities to observe wildlife moving naturally across wide, uninterrupted landscapes rather than in confined or managed settings.

Crossing into Bolivia, the expedition explores the remote Coipasa Salt Flat before entering the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, widely regarded as one of the finest high-altitude wildlife areas in South America. Here, vividly coloured lagoons such as Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde host significant flamingo populations, while the surrounding desert supports species uniquely adapted to extreme conditions. Active geothermal fields, high-altitude wetlands and saline lakes create a mosaic of habitats rarely experienced in a single journey.

The final stages of the itinerary are based in the Atacama Desert, where visits to the Altiplanic Lagoons, Tatio Geysers and surrounding salt flats add further wildlife interest, particularly for birdlife, while illustrating how species survive in one of the driest environments on Earth.

Key Wildlife Highlights

• Vicuña, Llama and Alpaca
  Regularly encountered across the open plains and wetlands and often seen moving freely against dramatic volcanic backdrops.

• Flamingos (Andean, James’s and Chilean)
  Large concentrations observed at high-altitude lagoons with opportunities to see feeding and breeding behaviour.

• High-Andean Birdlife
  A rich variety of species adapted to extreme altitude, including Andean geese (guallatas), coots, gulls, lapwings, and other wetland and grassland specialists found around saline lakes and high-altitude wetlands.

• Specialist Altiplano Species
  Wildlife uniquely adapted to harsh conditions, where geothermal fields, salt flats and desert basins support life in one of the most extreme environments in South America.

The carefully paced route allows time for acclimatisation, meaningful exploration and genuine immersion in some of South America’s least-visited regions. For travellers drawn to wild landscapes, high-altitude wildlife and a strong sense of place, this is a journey that rewards curiosity, patience and a spirit of exploration.