Flora and Fauna

With its unique and intriguing ecosystems, Chile’s many native species will ensure your journey overflows with color, nature and energy! When the climactic conditions are right, witness the remarkable phenomenon of the desert in flower: over 200 wild species bloom and transform the Atacama with their intense hues, shapes and smells. You’ll love springtime in the north of Chile!

Discover the amazing northern wildlife: you’ll meet llamas, vicunas, alpacas, guanacos and rheas. See flamingos and other Andean birds display their ‘dance moves’. Plants including cacti, tamarugos and yaretas will provide a constantly changing backdrop to your northern adventure.

Native Chilean palm trees are beautifully showcased at the La Campana National Park, a World Biosphere Reserve located close to Valparaiso.

You might be fortunate enough to spot the magnificent puma that stalks furtively throughout the Andes Mountains. Perhaps you’ll be rewarded in the south with a glimpse of native deer species; the elusive pudu, the world’s smallest deer, or the majestic huemul.

In the Conguillio, Villarrica, Huerquehue and Alerce Andino national parks you’ll find acres of larch trees and elegant araucaria pines. If you’re planning a trip along the Pacific Coast, keep a keen watch for whales and dolphins and delight in the antics of penguins in the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, on Chiloé or close to Punta Arenas.