A long finger of land on the west coast of Latin America, Chile is difficult to match in its geographical diversity. Encompassing one of the driest deserts on Earth, and the Patagonian fjords and the Andean peaks, the scenery is, in a word, epic. As you might have guessed, Chile is also home to a curious collection of animals — so go on, take a look at our guide to Chile’s wildlife and add a few more species to your bucket list.
Atacama Desert
An arid landscape marked by furious geysers and enormous salt flats, we’ll forgive you for thinking that nothing could survive in the Atacama Desert. However, you can spot the very cute vizcacha (a small, chinchilla-like mammal) as well as flocks of Andean flamingo who gather at the sky-blue lagoons. Visit Los Flamencos National Reserve for the greatest chance of seeing them.
Central Chile
Speaking of feathered creatures, over 430 species of birdlife can be seen across Chile including 11 that are found nowhere else on Earth. Big names include the American kestrel, Austral pygmy owl, bay-winged hawk, black-necked swan, burrowing parrot, Chilean mockingbird, giant hummingbird and, of course, the majestic Andean condor. On Chiloe Island, migratory birds congregate in large concentrations, while the dense forests in central Chile are also rife with birdlife.
You can also spy the world’s smallest deer, the pudu, specifically around Chiloe Island and in the countryside surrounding Puerto Montt, along with the elusive kodkod cat and huemul deer.
Chilean Patagonia
Some of Chile’s most spectacular wildlife can be found in Patagonia. First on our wishlist is the puma, especially if you find one whilst on foot. Then, in Torres del Paine National Park and along the Carretera Austral, have your binos ready for Culpeo foxes, guanaco, huemul and pudu deer, Humboldt’s hog-nosed skunk and dwarf armadillo.
Off the coast of Punta Arenas, the waters hold a bevy of marine life from whales to dolphins and not forgetting the Southern elephant seal. Nearby islands are home to groups of Humboldt penguins while Tierra del Fuego is known for its colony of king penguins.
