This itinerary is designed for wildlife aficionados who want to experience Argentina’s brilliant biological diversity while exploring some of the more remote, less-visited parts of the country. Both eco-lodges featured on this itinerary are former ranches that have been re-wilded to bring back native species and promote ecotourism, allowing guests to directly participate in conservation while enjoying exceptional wildlife experiences.
The windblown steppes, rocky cliffs, and coastal lagoons of Patagonia’s Valdes Peninsula provide a dramatic backdrop to some of the best marine wildlife watching in the world. Guanacos, ostrich, and armadillos roam the windswept landscape while penguins, elephant seals, sea lions, and whales populate the boundless waters. Hike to hidden beaches and watch newborn seal pups dozing in the sun. Scan the horizon in search of mighty orcas, the sentinels of the seas, and learn about their highly specialized hunting techniques from your naturalist guide. Each day on safari in this remote and pristine paradise reveals astonishing abundance and natural beauty in one of the most scenic corners of South America.
Spanning 1.3 million hectares of protected swamps, marshes, streams, and lagoons, the Ibera Wetlands are Argentina’s largest protected area and one of the best places in South America for wildlife viewing. The sapphire waters and emerald marshes provide pristine habitat for over 4000 species of plant and animal species, comprising 30% of Argentina’s biodiversity. Successful rewilding efforts have made it possible to spot collared peccaries, anteaters, and pampas deer, in addition to capybara, swamp deer, foxes, vizcachas, and howler monkeys. Exceptional birding opportunities exist due to the diversity of grassland, forest, and wetland habitats, with the chance to see rare species like the yellow cardinal, crowned eagle, and jabirú. With options to seek out nocturnal species on night drives and to explore by kayak, motorboat, bike, horseback, or foot by day, there are endless opportunities to spot wildlife and immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of this magical place.
Welcome to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina! You will be met upon arrival and escorted to your boutique hotel by private vehicle. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Overnight Legado Metico Hotel.
After breakfast you will enjoy a city tour with your private guide, taking in the history, culture, and sights of Buenos Aires. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before you sip fine Argentine wine and dine upon a gourmet dinner while enjoying an evening tango show. Overnight Legado Metico Hotel.
This morning you will fly to Trelew, where you will then transfer by vehicle to the spectacularly scenic Peninsula Valdes. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the private beach and meandering pathways at your lodge. Overnight Estancia Rincon Chico.
Welcome to the remote and rugged Patagonian coast of the Valdes Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of the world’s greatest destinations for encountering marine wildlife. You will have three full days to partake in various excursions in search of wildlife, with options to hike, bike, ride horses, birdwatch, and stargaze with your expert naturalist guide. Based from a secluded family-run lodge with just eight rooms, you will enjoy the genuine warmth and hospitality of your hosts while discovering incredible natural wonders in an exclusive setting. Overnight Estancia Rincon Chico.
Head back to Trelew this morning to catch your flight to Posadas, with your flight transferring through Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Posadas, you will be met at the airport and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Batista.
Today you will enjoy a private vehicle transfer across the vast landscapes of the Corrientes Province as you head southward to the lush panoramas of the Ibera Wetlands (flight transfer available – please inquire). Enjoy an afternoon at leisure at your eco-lodge and take the time to enjoy watching the resident foxes, capybara, and rhea that roam freely on the property. Overnight Rincon del Socorro.
Spend three full days exploring the palm groves, savannahs, gallery forests, and waterways of Ibera with your expert naturalist guide. Each day you will choose your own adventure. Paddle across the placid waterways by canoe, roam across the grasslands on horseback, or sit back and relax as you motor across the marshes by boat. Watch the evening sky transform around you with hues of amber, coral, and gold before embarking on an evening night drive in search of elusive nocturnal species like eagle owls and maned wolves. Enjoy up-close encounters with diverse wildlife during your excursions or even from the comfort of the pool. Overnight Rincon del Socorro.
Today you bid the Ibera farewell as you transfer back to Posada to catch your flight back to Buenos Aires. From there you will journey onward to return home.
