Looking to the skies can bring some of the most rewarding and captivating views in nature, and all the more so when the astronomical events in question happen once in a blue moon.
2020 and 2021 bring the promise of three total solar eclipse tours in South America and the Antarctic Peninsula – an opportunity that astronomy enthusiasts will not want to miss.
Wildlife holiday expert Naturetrek offers three exciting eclipse itineraries allowing small groups to witness these rare marvels under the expert guidance of experienced astronomer guides. On these out-of-this-world tours, eclipse viewing is combined with opportunities for wonderful wildlife spotting, exploring dramatic landscapes and seeing the natural world in all its diverse splendour.
Chile’s Lake District and Chiloé
Snow-capped, conical volcanoes reflected in the deep-blue waters of Chile’s Lake District make a perfect setting for viewing a total solar eclipse. This two-week tour explores two contrasting areas of the magnificent lake region and the lush island of Chiloé. Enjoy a city tour of vibrant capital Santiago, travel to Valparaíso and the Casablanca Valley to discover historical buildings and vineyards, and explore the picturesque Lake District with its volcanoes, waterfalls and profoundly blue lakes.
Next comes Chiloé, with its rolling green hills and time-honoured folk traditions, where a visit to the Puñihuil penguin colony and chances to see Kelp Gulls, Marine Otters, and more, await, before journeying up the rugged Pacific coast from the arty German-influenced city of Valdivia, taking in snowy landscapes and temperate forests. And while all good things must come to an end, the trip finishes on a spectacular high, witnessing the solar eclipse from the shores of Lago Budi, where reduced cloud presence makes this one of the best spots for eclipse viewing in the country.
Departing 4 December 2020, this 14-day trip costs from £6,495 pp (two sharing), including BA flights (Heathrow), internal flights and transfers, 12 nights’ B&B, nine lunches, five dinners, excursions, and expert naturalist guides. Two overnight flights.*
Chilean Patagonia, across the Andes, and a taste of Buenos Aires
A comprehensive Chilean showcase, this 16-day tour exposes wildlife and natural world enthusiasts to the very best this country has to offer, spending time in Patagonia, the Lake District, Chiloé and the Andean Crossing, before finishing in Buenos Aires. The Grey Glacier near Punta Arenas, the Monkey Puzzle trees unique to the volcanoes around Lake Villarrica, Valparaiso’s UNESCO listed architecture, a tango show in Buenos Aires, the flora and fauna and rock paintings in Torres del Paine National Park, Andean Condor spotting above the snow-capped mountains of Punta Arenas, and time in Chile’s capital Santiago, all feature on this extensive cultural itinerary.
The trip reaches its apex – the solar eclipse – halfway through the tour and, as the group makes its way back through the Chilean Lake District and over the Andes, thoughts of this astronomical image will accompany them on their journey, and no doubt for the rest of their lives.
Departing 7 December 2020, this 16-day trip costs from £7,795 pp (two sharing), including BA flights (Heathrow), internal flights and transfers, 14 nights’ B&B, nine lunches, eleven dinners, excursions, and expert naturalist guides. Two overnight flights.*
Antarctica, The Falklands and South Georgia – 2021 Solar Eclipse
This epic 24-day wildlife holiday combines a 19-night exclusive Naturetrek voyage from Ushuaia in Patagonia to the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula with witnessing the total solar eclipse in the Weddell Sea. Aboard the MV Ortelius (an impressive 116 berth, ice-strengthened vessel) in the middle of the breeding season in the southern hemisphere, the group will go in search of Humpback Whales, Orcas and a King Penguin colony at St Andrew’s Bay, alongside a wide array of wildlife in the icy regions of the south.
Alongside these natural phenomena, the group will visit the exciting cities of Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. Astonishing landscapes made up of colossal glaciers, frozen shores and snowy mountains will be overshadowed only by the viewing of the solar eclipse from the ship on 4 December 2021.
Departing 22 November 2021 this 24-day trip costs from £16,595 pp (two sharing), including BA flights from Heathrow, internal flights and transfers, two nights’ hotel B&B, 19 nights’ full-board on cruise, excursions and expert naturalist guides. Two overnight flights.
To book any of the above itineraries, to speak to the experts for more information on any of Naturetrek’s wildlife itineraries, or to request a copy of the new 2020 brochure, call 01962 733051 or visit www.naturetrek.co.uk.
