Andean Condor research holiday, Argentina
| country: | Argentina |
| departures: | 2008: 5 Dec 2009: 30 Jan |
| price: | From £2595 (25 days) including flights from the UK. Price includes transport, accommodation, meals and activities. Local payement US $500. This trip can also be booked without flights |
the amazing things you'll be doing
25 days researching the Andean condor and exploring the Argentinean lake district.
The Andean Condor has struggled to survive since Europe's 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 behaviour of this often misunderstood 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.
The Andean Condor has struggled to survive since Europe's 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 behaviour of this often misunderstood 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.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Fly London - Santiago (Chile). |
| Day 2: | Arrive Santiago, city tour. |
| Day 3: | Fly Puerto Montt. |
| Day 4: | Andean Lake crossing to Bariloche (Argentina). |
| Day 5-17: | In Bariloche, condor research project. |
| Day 18: | Drive El Bolson. |
| Day 19: | In El Bolson, optional excursion to Lago Puelo NP. |
| Day 20: | Drive via Cholila to Esquel. |
| Day 21: | La Trochita train to Nahuel Pan, drive via Trevelin to Los Alerces NP. |
| Day 22: | In Los Alerces NP, optional excursions. |
| Day 23: | Fly Buenos Aires, city tour. |
| Day 24: | Fly London. |
| Day 25: | Arrive London. |
a taste of volunteering trip - what's it all about?
This type of trip is ideal for people who are unable to take very long periods off work but who are interested in volunteering to work with communities in need, or in wildlife conservation. These shorter trips combine volunteering with an opportunity to see the main sights in destinations. Find out more about 'taste of volunteering'how this holiday makes a difference
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Little research has been conducted on the endangered Andean condor. We will be collecting data to improve the knowledge on condors in order to be able to establish strategies for its conservation. Note a US $50 per person donation to the project, on top of operational costs, is included in your tour price. During the touring part of our trip, we use locally owned suppliers and tour leaders, ensuring our visit delivers the maximum economic benefit from tourism.
As well as the above, we support a variety of charities and projects worldwide which support vulnerable communities and habitats including Friends of Conservation, Hope Worldwide and Send A Cow. We are also actively engaged with UK travel industry bodies which promote best practice in responsible tourism, such as Tourism Concern, The Travel Foundation and AITO. Our commitment to responsible tourism is not limited to our overseas operation and we have measures to ensure our UK office operates according to our responsible tourism policy. Carbon offsets for all flights booked with us are included in the tour cost. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |