NEW! Southern Argentina Short Break

We are pleased to announce this special pre-voyage ‘Short Break’ to complement our cruise 'Antarctica including the Falklands and South Georgia'. After a very long journey by air, we feel a few days birding on dry land might be perfect preparation for an exciting sea voyage for many Heatherlea clients! Please note however that numbers are necessarily restricted to just 12 participants.

Lying at the extreme southern tip of South America, Ushuaia boasts a range of habitats, from the rugged coast through beech forests to snow-capped mountains. As a great introduction to mainland Argentinian birding, we enjoy the birding delights of Tierra del Fuego National Park, where our key target is Magellanic Woodpecker, a large 'pecker found here in good numbers. On a day exploring the mountains we plan to search for White-bellied Seedsnipe, with mighty Andean Condor perhaps soaring overhead or around snow-capped peaks. At the coast we may see Fuegian and Flying Steamer Duck as well as a host of other range restricted species, and although many of these might be seen during your voyage, this is an opportunity to become familiar with them at the start of your holiday.

This short tour is the perfect birding break to complement our Antarctica cruise, or it can also be joined independently, please contact us for details.

Enjoy your complimentary pre-flight overnight hotel before your holiday begins. Full details from our office! Read more about our Pre-flight Service here.

Day 1: Tue 7 November 2023 - Depart London Heathrow
After relaxing in our complimentary VIP Airport Lounge, we depart London Heathrow on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Day 2: Wed 8 November - Arrive Ushuaia and first birding
Arriving at Buenos Aires early-morning we transfer to our onward flight to Tierra del Fuego and specifically Ushuaia. This is the world’s southernmost large settlement, found on the barren shores of the island of Tierra del Fuego. 

On arrival we transfer to our comfortable hotel and depending on time of arrival, the afternoon is free to explore the town or begin birding. At the harbour front, and on nearby ponds you may see Kelp and Dolphin Gull, Upland and Kelp Goose, Fuegian and Flying Steamer Duck and South American Tern. Chimanga Caracara are overhead, and you may also see Southern Lapwing, Magellanic and Blackish Oystercatcher, Red Shoveler, Black-crowned Night Heron and Chilean Skua. The first Southern Giant Petrel and Great Grebe may be seen at sea, and landbirds could include Austral Thrush, House Wren, Austral Negrito, Chilean Swallow, Black-chinned Siskin and Rufous-collared Sparrow. 

Day 3: Thur 9 November - Tierra del Fuego National Park
Tierra del Fuego National Park was created to protect a vast relict of Southern Beech forest and is home to a range of special wildlife. Around 90 species of birds are resident, many of which are range restricted to the Patagonian region. A day devoted to exploring the forests our main target will be the impressive Magellanic Woodpecker, a highly desirable species which can be found in good numbers here. Austral Pygmy-Owl and Magellanic Tapaculo are also targets and birding the area through the day we may also encounter Turkey Vulture, Variable Hawk, Black-faced Ibis, Austral Parakeet, Ringed Kingfisher, White-throated Treerunner, White-crested Elaenia, Fire-eyed Diucon, Austral Negrito, Patagonian Tyrant, Patagonia Sierra Finch and others. Among the possible mammal species, Fuegian or Culpeo Fox is especially notable while on the coasts awe may find Southern Sea-Otter and Southern River Otter.

Day 4: Fri 10 November - The Southern Andes
We plan to head into the hills, hiking above the tree-line to search for White-bellied Seedsnipe. Note this species can be tricky to find, often requiring a lengthy walk up into higher altitudes. On a fine day the views can be spectacular, and amidst dramatic mountainous scenery we look out for soaring iconic Andean Condor, the largest bird in the world! Also possible are Yellow-bridled Finch, Ochre-naped and Dark-faced Ground Tyrant and Buff-winged Cinclodes, plus a range of species at lower altitides and in less montane habitats.

Day 5: Sat 11 November – Final birding and boarding for our Antarctic cruise
We are scheduled to board MV Janssonius, our home for the next 18 nights, around mid-afternoon so we have the morning free to further explore Ushuaia. There may even be time to return to Tierra del Fuego National Park to search for Magellanic Woodpecker and others again. In the afternoon our Ushuaia short-break ends. Many will embark on the exciting next leg of your adventure, sailing the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.

What's included in your holiday price:

• full-board accommodation for three nights in Ushuaia, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and all excursions, talks and reports provided by Expedition Leaders.
• return scheduled flight from London Heathrow - Buenos Aires - Ushuaia, airport taxes, baggage and hand luggage up to airline-included limit.
• airport transfers in Ushuaia and hotel transfers for the Antarctic cruise if joining that tour.
• the Heatherlea Pre-Flight Service offers organisation of everything you need at the airport, and your holiday price includes pre-flight hotel and VIP Lounge. We also organise car parking, regional flights and upgrades, which are chargeable.
• the services of your Leaders.

What's not included in your holiday price:

• holiday insurance, drinks etc

More holiday information

Accommodation: is in a city hotel within Ushuaia. All rooms are comfortable to a good standard with en-suite facilities. en suite. Guests are never expected to share. 
Food: Breakfast is usually a wide choice of both hot and cold options. Dinner usually features traditional local dishes. For convenience, we will often take packed lunches when in the field. Meals include water/soft drink, and snacks and beverages during outings. Vegetarian and other diets are welcome.
Walking is generally light/moderate for lower level excursions, but more strenuous for the hike up into the hills in order to search for White-bellied Seedsnipe. There is some uphill track and road walking, and an average level of fitness is required. We suggest to bring comfortable walking boots and perhaps a walking pole.
Weather varies considerably. our visit is in late spring/early summer and it can often be surprisingly warm, though much cooler in the mornings and evenings, and also in the mountains perhaps as low as 5-10ºC  
Biting insects are possible so we suggest bringing a repellent just in case.
Group size is restricted to 12 clients maximum.
Flights: from London Heathrow are included. Local flights can be arranged from any airport linked to Heathrow. We will of course be happy to make personal arrangements for your convenience.