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RESEARCHING THE ANDEAN CONDOR
25 DAYS HOTELS/CAMPING WATCHING AND WORKING IN THE WILDERNESS The Andean Condor has struggled to survive since Europes invasion of the Americas. For years this enormous bird, whose wingspan can reach over three meters, has been targeted by humans who wrongly thought it killed their cattle. The aim of this research project is to give a truer picture of the behavour of this mighty bird. Raptor Research From Santiago we fly to Puerto Montt and take a fantastic lake-crossing journey to Bariloche (Argentina). Sailing through the deep blue waters of three lakes, we'll witness volcanoes, waterfalls and birdlife - the same crossing taken by Che Guevara. For 12 days we will be engaged in a variety of activities monitoring the movements, roosting and feeding patterns of the Andean Condor and other raptors in a variety of locations and camping wild in one of the most remote and breathtaking regions of the world. The Old Patagonia Express & the Argentinean Lake District Heading southwards we continue our exploration of the spectacular Argentinean Lake District. From El Bolson we may take walks in the Lago Puelo National Park, then jump aboard 'La Trochita' - the legendary Old Patagonia Express steam train. The narrow gauge contrasts sharply with the vast immensity of the landscape it traverses. We pause at Cholila, where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid made their hide out, before reaching the magnificent and unspoiled Los Alerces NP. Our journey ends with time in the vibrant capital, Buenos Aires.
Ref VPA
CONSERVATION
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Santiago (Chile). 2 Arrive Santiago; city tour. 3 Fly Puerto Montt. 4 Andean Lake crossing to Bariloche (Argentina). 5 to 17 In Bariloche; condor research project. 18 Drive El Bolson. 19 In El Bolson; optional excursion to Lago Puelo NP 20 Drive via Cholila to . Esquel. 21 La Trochita train to Nahuel Pan; drive via Trevelin to Los Alerces NP 22 In Los Alerces NP; optional . excursions. 23 Fly Buenos Aires; city tour 24 Fly London. 25 Arrive London. Accommodation & Meals: 9nts hotel 13nts camp; 22 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 13 dinners included See p22. Mode of Travel: Bus/Train/Flight/ On foot Comment: Condors are difficult to monitor and a lot of patience is required. Many field hours are needed to draw any conclusions. Conditions when camping will be basic and you may have to carry your own gear from camp to camp. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader, drivers and project staff. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
What are the benefits? Little research has been done into condor behaviour so the time and money we dedicate will be a valuable contribution to improving knowledge on condors in order to establish strategies for its conservation.
DATES AND PRICES Flight Inc 25 days Thu to Sun
REF:VPA
2008 deps flight land Price in £s inc only 04 Dec-28 Dec 2595 1995 2009 Price in £s 29 Jan-22 Feb 2595 1995 Land Only tour: 23 days start Santiago day 2 (Fri), end Santiago day 24 (Sat) Plus Local Payment: US$500 (approx £245) payable Santiago These are guide prices, see p25 for details.
The mighty Condor/GVI
Researching the Andean Condor Ref VPA
Fly from
ARGENTINA
PACIFIC OCEAN
ARGENTINA"CHILE
SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Petrohué BARILOCHE Condor Tronador research 3554m project PUERTO MONTT
Lake Llanquihue
Nahuel Huapi NP Osorno 2652m Peślla Puerto Panuelo
EL BOLSON
Lago Puelo NP
Fly to
BUENOS AIRES
CHILE
Chiloe Island
Welsh village
TREVELIN
LOS ALERCES NP
ESQUEL
Optional walks Nahuel La Trochitasteam train Pan
SANTIAGO DE CHILE
BUENOS AIRES
ARGENTINA
Andes
CHILE
km 0 100
Atlantic
Esquel Ocean
0 km 1000
PUERTO MONTT
Monitoring Condor/GVI
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