Argentina Wildlife: Tropical wetlands and Patagonia
12 days from £7,600
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel in the affluent Recoleta district by one of our local representatives.
Buenos Aires is an elegant, cultured and cosmopolitan city famed for its interesting museums and the fascinating port district of La Boca, with its cobbled streets and brightly painted houses. It was here that the tango was born, and Diego Maradona honed his footballing skills.
The centre of town is home to the colonial heartland, government buildings and churches, as well as chic shopping districts, which have a nostalgic Parisian feel. The bohemian quarter of San Telmo is full of quaint old houses interspersed with antiques shops, tango bars and classy restaurants. Slightly further out of the centre is the Recoleta district, even more evocative of the French influence, where Evita Perón was laid to rest.
The comfortable and elegant mid-range Loi Suites Recoleta hotel is on a conveniently located avenue in the well-heeled district of Recoleta, an area brimming with chic cafés, parks and boutiques.
Many of the double-glazed rooms have impressive views over the neighbourhood’s most famous tourist attraction: the beautiful, labyrinthine Recoleta Cemetery, lined with the impressive marble mausoleums of Argentina’s late great and good.
The main entrance leads into an attractive marble lobby and atrium with an indoor ‘winter garden’ and heated pool beneath a large skylight with iron supports.
The hotel has a European feel to its design and architecture, and the décor of the well-equipped guest rooms is led by subtle tones and contemporary style. There’s a buffet breakfast, gym, sauna and sophisticated restaurant.
Your guided city tour takes you along Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest boulevards in the world and studded by the Obelisk, an emblematic symbol of the city. Along this majestic highway is the 19th century Teatro Colón which, in terms of its architecture and design, as well as its excellent acoustics, is considered one of world’s best. On to the Plaza de Mayo, enclosed on 3 sides by the metropolitan cathedral, the town hall and the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace.
The tour continues to bohemian, arty La Boca, which was settled and built by Italian immigrants and has streets lined with brightly painted corrugated iron-clad houses. Visit the district of Recoleta.
The comfortable and elegant mid-range Loi Suites Recoleta hotel is on a conveniently located avenue in the well-heeled district of Recoleta, an area brimming with chic cafés, parks and boutiques.
Many of the double-glazed rooms have impressive views over the neighbourhood’s most famous tourist attraction: the beautiful, labyrinthine Recoleta Cemetery, lined with the impressive marble mausoleums of Argentina’s late great and good.
The main entrance leads into an attractive marble lobby and atrium with an indoor ‘winter garden’ and heated pool beneath a large skylight with iron supports.
The hotel has a European feel to its design and architecture, and the décor of the well-equipped guest rooms is led by subtle tones and contemporary style. There’s a buffet breakfast, gym, sauna and sophisticated restaurant.
Fly to Posadas in the northwest. From there it’s a 4-5hr drive to your lodge in the Esteros de Iberá.
This is a vast wilderness wetland in the province of Corrientes, about half the size of Wales. The open grasslands and marshes afford wonderful birding and wildlife viewing opportunities, especially near the lagoon. The region is home to caiman, capybaras, otters, howler monkeys and over 350 species of birds.
Posada de la Laguna is a welcoming lodge nestled in the heart of the Iberá Wetlands. Surrounded by a rich tapestry of marshes, lagoons, and subtropical forest, the posada offers guests an immersive experience in one of South America’s most biodiverse environments. The posada has simple yet tastefully decorated rooms that blend rustic charm with comfort. Each room is designed with traditional local touches, such as wooden furniture and handcrafted textiles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Private terraces and hammocks encourage guests to relax and soak up the sights and sounds of the wetlands. For further relaxation there’s a small swimming pool amidst its large expanse of lawns dotted with palm trees and subtropical vegetation. The lodge prides itself on warm hospitality and authentic Argentine cuisine. Situated close to the shores of Laguna Iberá, the property is on the outskirts of the rustic settlement of Colonia Carlos Pelligrini.
Your lodge is on the shores of the Iberá Lagoon and is an ideal base in which to view a wide array of South American wildlife visible in the open country of the marshy wetlands. There are daily opportunities to go bird-watching on the lagoon. Excursions are made by motorised boat, canoe or on foot. Horse-riding with a wildlife guide can be organised at extra cost.
Posada de la Laguna is a welcoming lodge nestled in the heart of the Iberá Wetlands. Surrounded by a rich tapestry of marshes, lagoons, and subtropical forest, the posada offers guests an immersive experience in one of South America’s most biodiverse environments. The posada has simple yet tastefully decorated rooms that blend rustic charm with comfort. Each room is designed with traditional local touches, such as wooden furniture and handcrafted textiles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Private terraces and hammocks encourage guests to relax and soak up the sights and sounds of the wetlands. For further relaxation there’s a small swimming pool amidst its large expanse of lawns dotted with palm trees and subtropical vegetation. The lodge prides itself on warm hospitality and authentic Argentine cuisine. Situated close to the shores of Laguna Iberá, the property is on the outskirts of the rustic settlement of Colonia Carlos Pelligrini.
The 4-5 hr journey back to Posadas offers more opportunities for sightings along the way. You may catch a glimpse of a snake crossing the red-earth road, birds in technicolour flight or a stationary stork. The flight to Buenos Aires takes 2 hours; upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Recoleta for one night.
The comfortable and elegant mid-range Loi Suites Recoleta hotel is on a conveniently located avenue in the well-heeled district of Recoleta, an area brimming with chic cafés, parks and boutiques.
Many of the double-glazed rooms have impressive views over the neighbourhood’s most famous tourist attraction: the beautiful, labyrinthine Recoleta Cemetery, lined with the impressive marble mausoleums of Argentina’s late great and good.
The main entrance leads into an attractive marble lobby and atrium with an indoor ‘winter garden’ and heated pool beneath a large skylight with iron supports.
The hotel has a European feel to its design and architecture, and the décor of the well-equipped guest rooms is led by subtle tones and contemporary style. There’s a buffet breakfast, gym, sauna and sophisticated restaurant.
Fly from Buenos Aires to Comodoro Rivadavia, a naval port in southern Patagonia. Continue directly by road for around 3 hours to Bahia Bustamante.
Far off the beaten track, the remote settlement of Bahía Bustamante was founded in 1952 by a family who ear-marked this stretch of Patagonian coastline for extracting colloids from seaweed. The bay soon developed into a small village including a school, boatyard, garage and church. At its peak, it was home to 400 people whose lives revolved around the harvesting of seaweed. During the 1990s business slowed and most of the inhabitants moved away. However in 2004, a member of the original family returned and revived the settlement creating an eco-village of 40 residents, focussing on the area’s marine wildlife, self-sufficient in food and electricity, and the farming of seaweed.
Guest lodging is within oceanfront houses, originally workers’ cottages which have been remodelled as down-to-earth yet very comfortable guest accommodation. Two blocks away is the grocery store where meals are served based on local produce including lamb, guanaco, fish, seafood and of course seaweed. There is a games room, small museum, cosy bar and a living room with plenty of interesting books about Patagonia, local wildlife and the seaweed industry. Penguins and sea lions can even be seen swimming from the restaurant.
The remote settlement of Bahia Bustamante clings to the shoreline in the desolately beautiful wilderness of Argentina’s northern Patagonia. This is among our favourite secret spots in Patagonia. If you’re seeking privileged access to coastal Patagonia’s richly diverse wildlife, accompanied by superb hospitality on a working Patagonian estancia, we think Bahia Bustamante more than rewards the effort it takes to get here.
Accommodation ranges from standalone cabins to loft rooms within the main lodge. Some of the cottages were originally built for the estancia’s working community, lending a certain authenticity to a stay here. Oceanfront houses overlook the beach and the wide bay and you may glimpse the odd swimming penguin from your terrace. All meals are included, prepared with fresh, locally grown produce.
A number of activities can be organised, including bird and sea lion spotting, observing Magellanic penguin colonies, horse riding, trekking, mountain biking, or visits to a petrified forest or Patagonian ranch. The schedule is decided on a day-to-day basis, depending on the tides and the weather. Summer days in this part of Patagonia can be surprisingly warm and sunny and there are secluded sandy beaches and coves to enjoy nearby.
Owing to its structure and the abundant wildlife to be seen, Bahia Bustamante makes for a great and unusual stay, both educational and adventurous, particularly well-suited to families with older children.
Bahia Bustamente is a small, self-sufficient eco-village with a school, boatyard, garage and church, focused on welcoming visitors while conserving the area’s marine wildlife. The lodge’s biodynamic garden supplies the restaurant with fruit, vegetables and herbs, while salt and samphire are harvested from the sea. The lodge’s drinking water is sourced from natural springs and electricity is entirely solar-powered.
Bahia Bustamante offers a taste of authentic Patagonia in one of Argentina’s long-forgotten corners. The area has an incredible biodiversity and is rich in seabirds and marine life including the endemic Patagonian steamer duck, Magellanic penguins and a large population of sea lions. 100,000 penguins reside on the offshore islands in peak season (penguins are present between late September and the middle of March). Maras, guanacos and choikes (rhea) are widespread.
It is very peaceful and a wonderful place for nature lovers. Activities which can be organised include boat trips to view sea lions and penguins, horse-riding, a trip to a petrified forest, visiting a Patagonian ranch (with opportunities in season to get involved in shearing, weaning and marking sheep), trekking and mountain biking. There are also secluded sandy beaches to enjoy. It’s very easy to fill a 4 night stay here and what makes the whole experience extra special is being a private reserve there’s practically no one else there.
The remote settlement of Bahia Bustamante clings to the shoreline in the desolately beautiful wilderness of Argentina’s northern Patagonia. This is among our favourite secret spots in Patagonia. If you’re seeking privileged access to coastal Patagonia’s richly diverse wildlife, accompanied by superb hospitality on a working Patagonian estancia, we think Bahia Bustamante more than rewards the effort it takes to get here.
Accommodation ranges from standalone cabins to loft rooms within the main lodge. Some of the cottages were originally built for the estancia’s working community, lending a certain authenticity to a stay here. Oceanfront houses overlook the beach and the wide bay and you may glimpse the odd swimming penguin from your terrace. All meals are included, prepared with fresh, locally grown produce.
A number of activities can be organised, including bird and sea lion spotting, observing Magellanic penguin colonies, horse riding, trekking, mountain biking, or visits to a petrified forest or Patagonian ranch. The schedule is decided on a day-to-day basis, depending on the tides and the weather. Summer days in this part of Patagonia can be surprisingly warm and sunny and there are secluded sandy beaches and coves to enjoy nearby.
Owing to its structure and the abundant wildlife to be seen, Bahia Bustamante makes for a great and unusual stay, both educational and adventurous, particularly well-suited to families with older children.
Bahia Bustamente is a small, self-sufficient eco-village with a school, boatyard, garage and church, focused on welcoming visitors while conserving the area’s marine wildlife. The lodge’s biodynamic garden supplies the restaurant with fruit, vegetables and herbs, while salt and samphire are harvested from the sea. The lodge’s drinking water is sourced from natural springs and electricity is entirely solar-powered.
Farewell to the translucent shores and empty Patagonian steppe of Bahia Bustamante before your transfer back to Comodoro Rivadavia and flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival our local staff will meet you to transfer you to your hotel.
The comfortable and elegant mid-range Loi Suites Recoleta hotel is on a conveniently located avenue in the well-heeled district of Recoleta, an area brimming with chic cafés, parks and boutiques.
Many of the double-glazed rooms have impressive views over the neighbourhood’s most famous tourist attraction: the beautiful, labyrinthine Recoleta Cemetery, lined with the impressive marble mausoleums of Argentina’s late great and good.
The main entrance leads into an attractive marble lobby and atrium with an indoor ‘winter garden’ and heated pool beneath a large skylight with iron supports.
The hotel has a European feel to its design and architecture, and the décor of the well-equipped guest rooms is led by subtle tones and contemporary style. There’s a buffet breakfast, gym, sauna and sophisticated restaurant.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Argentina - Buenos Aires
Discover Argentina’s elegant and energetic capital, where grand European-style architecture, vibrant neighbourhoods, world-class cuisine and the passion of tango come together to create one of South America’s most captivating cities. Dynamic, stylish and nostalgic in equal measure, Buenos Aires is a destination worthy of a trip in its own right.
Argentina - Ibera wetlands
Glide by boat through channels lined with floating islands as caiman bask on the banks and capybara graze at the water’s edge. Watch for marsh deer and hundreds of birds that fill these lagoons. In the far north of Argentina, the Iberá Wetlands are one of South America’s great wildlife destinations.
Argentina - Valdes Peninsula and Atlantic Patagonia
Watch southern right whales surface within metres of your boat, walk among a colony of thousands of penguins. On the Atlantic coast of northern Patagonia, the Valdés Peninsula is one of South America’s great wildlife destinations, a UNESCO-listed reserve of cliffs, bays and windswept plains filled with marine life.
The vast and varied territory of Argentina is home to a huge variety of observable wildlife. This holiday contrasts two of the country’s most important ecosystems, revealing the sub-tropical Iberá wetlands of the north, and the southern Atlantic coastal steppes and islets: Atlantic Patagonia. Relatively hard to reach, these regions make it on to relatively few itineraries and reward visitors with a truly authentic taste of this vast and varied country.
From Buenos Aires, head north to a lodge in the serene Iberá wetlands, where during boat excursions on the lagoons you may spot exotic birds and giant storks, mammals such as the comical capybara, marsh deer, perhaps even howler monkeys as well as alligators. This is remote Argentina; an atmospheric land of rutted roads, sunsets and shimmering reflections. Stay for 3 days on the shores of Laguna Iberá, ideally positioned for wildlife viewing activities.
It’s a dramatic change of scene when you arrive in Patagonia, a wilderness of windswept grasslands, craggy cliffs and Atlantic beaches and host to extraordinary colonies of penguins, sea lions and endemic sea birds which inhabit the off-shore islets alongside the utterly remote seaweed-collecting community of Bahia Bustamante. 4 nights are spent in comfy cottages on a vast private reserve, where you’ll be among the only visitors for miles around.
Our Argentina Wildlife holiday is available between October and March. If you’re travelling in October or November, consider extending your stay to visit the Valdes Peninsula, 5 hours north of Bahia Bustamante, where southern right whales can be easily spotted spouting and frolicking in the Golfo Nuevo.
Sally Dodge
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
4 flights (longest 3hrs); 4 scenic road journeys (longest 5hrs).
- Accommodation
Most of the holiday is spent between our two carefully selected wildlife lodges in the Iberá Wetlands and Bahía Bustamente. As one would expect of such remote settings, both are rustic yet very comfortable. With unique locations, excellent hosts and an authentic feel, the accommodation is part of the attraction of this holiday. In Buenos Aires, you’ll stay at an upper-mid range hotel in an area handy for local restaurants, walking and sightseeing.
- Meals
Breakfast in Buenos Aires, full board in the Iberá Wetlands and Bahia Bustamante.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
12 days, 11 nights: Buenos Aires 2; Iberá wetlands 3; Buenos Aires 1; Bahía Bustamente 4; Buenos Aires 1.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso.
- Daily Spend
A budget of around US$50 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- How To Take It
For our latest currency advice for Argentina please see our FAQs section.
- Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Journey Grade
Given the spectacular size of Argentina, there are large distances to cover on this holiday so for some journeys we have used domestic flights.
This holiday is suitable for all able, reasonably fit visitors with an interest in wildlife-spotting. If you are travelling alone or have a disability or other special requirement, please do call us.
- Climate
Buenos Aires and the pampa plains have similar weather conditions – they are hottest January-March (very humid with tropical showers, occasionally over 40°C during the day). They can be cold and cloudy July-August, so weather conditions are best for a visit in spring and autumn.
In the Iberá wetlands most rain falls Oct-Apr. Temperatures range from 30°C in January down to 20°C in July. Wildlife can be viewed throughout the year but is more subdued in cooler days in winter (Jun-Aug). However, winter is the only time when sightings may occur of neo-tropical otter and yellow anaconda. Bird-watching is at its best Sep-Mar.
In Atlantic Patagonia wildlife is present throughout the year (sea-lions, elephant seals, dolphins, seabirds). Penguins congregate on the beaches Sept-Mar. Rain falls March-Jul when the temperature dips to 16°C from a high of up to 30°C in summer.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
The southern hemisphere summer will be hot, therefore for Buenos Aires take loose-fitting light clothing for maximum comfort at this time. An umbrella is a good idea in case of a tropical shower. Spring and autumn are milder and less predictable.
The Iberá wetlands will be very hot and humid in summer, bring clothing appropriate to safari-style excursions including light trousers and shorts, short and long sleeved shirts (there may be insects) and a wide-brimmed hat. Bring mosquito repellant and sun block.
Appropriate day-to-day wear in Patagonia will vary a little according to season, temperatures range from chilly to hot but the wind often blows so a wind-proof layer will add to your comfort. In the southern winter bring some warm clothing including hat scarf and gloves; a light fleece jacket and a Gore-Tex outer shell is a good combination.
South America’s dress code is in informal in general and you won’t need clothes appropriate for formal dining but you may wish to take some smart casual wear for dining at the estancias or at top of the range restaurants.
Don’t forget your binoculars and a camera with a long lens and large capacity memory cards if you are interested in wildlife photography.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; yellow fever; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Do I need a visa to visit Argentina?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Argentina from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires in about 13.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, São Paulo and other hubs, taking roughly 16 to 17 hours depending on the routing. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Argentina?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, and most routes connect through Buenos Aires. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions, while self-driving works well in the Lake District, Mendoza and parts of Patagonia, where the roads are good, and the scenery is spectacular.
- What currency does Argentina use?
The official currency is the Argentine peso. US dollars are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and it’s worth carrying some. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns but can have low withdrawal limits, and credit cards are taken in hotels and restaurants in the main destinations. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Argentina?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Buenos Aires with Iguazú and Patagonia, or with Mendoza and the lake district. To go further and add the northwest, Península Valdés or an estancia stay, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Argentina?
Spanish is the official language, spoken with a distinctive Argentine accent and plenty of Italian influence. English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few basic Spanish phrases go a long way.
- Is Argentina safe for travellers?
Argentina is generally safe for visitors, especially in the main tourist areas. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Buenos Aires: keep an eye on your surroundings, avoid flashy valuables, and use licensed taxis or ride apps. Our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to the regions you’re visiting.
- What can I combine with Argentina?
Argentina pairs naturally with Chile, crossing the Andes from Mendoza, taking the lake crossing from Bariloche or linking a Patagonia trip across both countries. Brazil is a popular add-on to Iguazú Falls; Uruguay is a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires; and Peru pairs well with a broader South America itinerary. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
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Iberá is a vast wilderness wetland in the province of Corrientes in Northern Argentina. Wildlife has resurged, with caiman, otters, swamp deer, capybaras, wolves, howler monkeys and over 400 species of bird thriving in this undisturbed natural environment.
An unusual and rewarding chance to stay in an oceanfront house within a tiny eco-village in Argentina’s desolately beautiful wilderness of northern Patagonia, an area rich in marine wildlife.
A well-located hotel with delightful atrium, contemporary interior design and impressive views of the famous Recoleta Cemetery.
Papagaio
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