Argentina Wildlife: Tropical wetlands and Patagonia

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.