Six full birding days by the amazing high altitude ecosystems (Prepuna, Puna and high Andes) of the Andes mountain range. The itinerary focuses on a BirdLife’s Endemic Bird Area (B. and Argentine high Andes) present in the northernmost provinces (Jujuy and Salta) of Argentina, while it foresses to visit to several nature reserves such as the Quebrada de Humahuaca (World Heritage by UNESCO), the Lake Pozuelos Natural Monument (Ramsar Site & Biosphere Reserve), and several Important Bird Areas (BirdLife), as well as some of the last of Polylepis tree remnants in the region. Amazing geological landscapes, lodging in picturesque rural communities, and excellent opportunities for nature photography.
Day-by-day
Day 1: Arrive at the Jujuy or Salta airports (JUJ or SLA). Overnight: Jujuy city.
Day 2: Quebrada de Humahuaca. Overnight: Humahuaca or Abra Pampa.
Day 3: Lake Pozuelos Natural Monument & Ramsar Site. Overnight: Santa Catalina.
Day 4: Polylepis tree grove of Santa Catalina. Overnight: Yavi or La Quiaca.
Day 5: Lizoite mountain pass. Overnight: Santa Victoria.
Day 6: Lizoite mountain pass & Yavi. Overnight: La Quiaca or Yavi.
Day 7: Quebrada de Humahuaca. Overnight: Jujuy city.
Day 8: Transfer out to the airport (JUJ or SLA).
Bird species
Puna Rhea, Puna Teal, Chilean, Andean and James’ flamingos, Andean Avocet, Puna Ibis, Puna Plover, Diademed Sandpiper Plover, Andean and Giant Coots, Bare-eyed Ground-Dove, Bare-faced Ground-Dove, Golden-spot Ground-Dove, Giant Hummingbird, Andean Hillstar, Andean Flicker, Citron-headed Yellow-Finch, Wedge-tailed Hillstar, Straight-billed Earth-Creeper, Plain-breasted Earth-Creeper, Rufous-banded Miner, Creamy-bellied Canastero, Cordilleran Canastero, Puna Miner, Tawny Tit-Spinetail, Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant, White-tipped Plantcutter, Brown-backed Mockingbird, Rufous-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Mourning Sierra-Finch; Band-tailed Sierra-Finch, Black-headed Sierra Finch, Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch, Mourning Sierra-Finch, Short-tailed Finch, Red-backed Sierra-Finch, among many others.
Difficulty
For people in good health conditions. The expedition involves an aprox. 1,200 kilometers itinerary mostly by slow drive dirt roads. Short slow-pace walks over 4,000 meters above sea level are included.
Requirements
Basic birding skills and previous experience is expected. We will provide participants with further information.
Services
Included:
- Professional birding and nature guide.
- Use of spotting-scope.
- Bird books for consulting.
- Transfer in-out.
- Transportation in comfortable vehicule.
- Accommodation -in some places the lodging may be basic-.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (not alcoholic drinks).
Seasonality
From late April to early December. However, the birding high season usually lasts from September to December.
Start & finish
Start and/or finish places are the city of Jujuy or Salta cities or their airports (JUJ or SLA).
