Estancia Olga Teresa and the Cerro Palomares area offer one of the most accessible and privileged experiences for observing the majestic Andean condor in its natural habitat—one of the largest and most iconic flying birds in the world. Just 80 kilometers from Punta Arenas, this protected territory is home to one of the highest concentrations of condors in Chilean Patagonia, with close to a hundred individuals using the rocky cliffs as perches, resting areas, and social gathering points.
The excursion takes you into the wide-open landscapes of the Patagonian pampa, characterized by vast plains, strong winds, and low vegetation that provides excellent visibility for wildlife spotting. During the tour, visitors may observe not only condors, but also guanacos, culpeo foxes and gray foxes, rheas, flamingos, black-necked swans, hares, and various birds of prey such as the black-chested buzzard-eagle, as well as more elusive species like the piche (dwarf armadillo), the peludo (hairy armadillo), and the chingue (Patagonian hog-nosed skunk).
The experience includes an easy hike to the base of a large rock wall that serves as a natural refuge for condors. With the support of specialized local guides and the use of binoculars and spotting scopes, it’s possible to observe these birds’ behavior up close—either soaring overhead or perched along the cliffs.
Lasting approximately five hours, this excursion is ideal for those seeking an authentic nature experience and is also an excellent alternative on windy days or when rough sea conditions prevent boat trips to penguin or sea lion colonies. An unforgettable journey into the heart of Patagonian wildlife—where the Andean condor rules the skies.
Season: Year-round.