One of four extant South American camelids, the charismatic guanaco (Lama guanicoe) is the most common and widespread species.  I encountered this one near Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.

I have long wanted to see Darwin’s Rheas (Pterocnemia pennata) on the Patagonian steppe, and my dream was realized when I visited fabulous Chilean Patagonia last February!  I took this photo north of Puntas Arenas.  Darwin had been seeking this species, also known as the Lesser Rhea, during his travels in southern South America during the voyage of HMS Beagle. … More Darwin’s Rhea