“The Andean condor doesn’t just inhabit the mountains—it soars above them like an ancient guardian of Patagonia. Watching it rise above the cliffs, gliding effortlessly on the wind, is to witness a moment of natural magic. Its presence inspires silence, awe, and admiration. In these vast and untouched landscapes, the condor transforms the sky into a sacred stage for contemplation and photography.”. ARGENTINA WILD EXPEDITIONS
At Argentina Wild Expeditions, we invite you to discover one of the most thrilling experiences in Chilean Patagonia: observing the majestic Andean Condor at the largest condor roost in the entire Andes Mountain Range — stretching from Venezuela to Patagonia — located on a private estancia just about an hour from Punta Arenas.
In this remote and scenic setting, condors gather at one of the most active roosting sites in the region. Each day offers the opportunity to observe dozens of individuals in flight, taking advantage of the morning and evening thermal currents. It is an exceptional location for both wildlife photographers and birdwatchers from around the world, who can enjoy prolonged and close-up sightings of these magnificent birds.
Within the grounds of the estancia lies the iconic and unique Cerro Palomares, an imposing mountain formation standing 320 meters high. Its cliff, which stretches for 1.22 kilometers in length, has been sculpted by the passage of ancient Patagonian glaciers. This unique rock formation not only enhances the landscape but also provides a natural and safe refuge for the Andean condor, which uses it as a regular roosting and resting site.
A historic record was set at this hill: on May 9, 2025, up to 210 Andean condors were counted roosting simultaneously on its cliffs. This remarkable number makes Cerro Palomares the largest condor roost in the entire Andes mountain range, from Venezuela all the way to Patagonia.
We offer outings of different durations, tailored to the interests and skill levels of each visitor: from gentle walks with observation from elevated viewpoints to more technical experiences for advanced photographers or birders, including the use of telescopes, binoculars, and strategic timing. For those wishing to enjoy a full-day experience, there is also the option to add a traditional Patagonian lunch.
The estancia team will warmly welcome us with coffee, tea, cookies, and access to restroom facilities. Afterwards, they will guide us to the base of Cerro Palomares, where the condor-watching experience begins, supported by high-powered telescopes and binoculars.
The standard visit includes a short walk of approximately 600 meters over semi-flat terrain to the base of an imposing 20-meter-high rocky cliff. This natural formation serves as a regular perch for dozens of Andean condors.
During the activity, the guide will provide explanations about the biology, behavior, and social dynamics of the condors, helping to identify different individuals through the telescope. For those without professional cameras, there is the option to capture photos with a cellphone using the digiscoping technique, achieving stunning images of these majestic birds.
An unmissable experience for those looking to connect with nature, learn about the region’s birds, and enjoy the majestic flight of the condor in the wild.
Target species: Andean Condor, Upland Goose, Crested Duck, Kelp Gull, Chilean Swallow, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Long-tailed Meadowlark, Kelp Goose, Yellow-billed Pintail, Southern Lapwing, Austral Negrito, Patagonian Sierra-Finch, Southern Oystercatcher, White-crested Elaenia, House Wren, Grey-hooded Sierra-Finch, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Pallid Tit-Spinetail, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Fire-eyed Diucon, Austral Blackbird, Black-faced Ibis, Patagonian Tyrant, Black-chinned Siskin, Cinereous Harrier, Chimango Caracara, Austral Parakeet, Lesser Rhea, Chilean Flicker, Patagonian Yellow-Finch, Dolphin Gull, Rock Shag, Imperial Cormorant, Coscoroba Swan, Brown-hooded Gull, Rufous-tailed Plantcutter, Grass Wren, Ashy-headed Goose, Chiloe Wigeon, Red Shoveler, Chilean Flamingo, Buff-winged Cinclodes, Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant, Chilean Skua, Austral Pygmy-Owl, Austral Canastero, Blue-and-white Swallow, Black-necked Swan, Flying Steamer-Duck, Magellanic Steamerduck, American Kestrel, Lesser Horned Owl, Striped Woodpecker, Grey-flanked Cinclodes, Dark-bellied Cinclodes, Cinnamon-bellied Ground-Tyrant
Season: september to march
Duration: Tailored.
Base: Punta Arenas
Air terminals:
Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ), Punta Arenas
Port terminals:
Arturo Prat Pier
José de los Santos Mardones Pier
