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Esteros del Ibera and the Wildlife of Patagonia

17 days from £5950 per person

Argentina offers some of the best wildlife viewing and spectacular wilderness areas of the South American continent. This itinerary combines the little-visited Esteros del Ibera wetlands close to the Brazilian and Paraguayan borders with the mighty Patagonian coast. Starting in Buenos Aires, time will be spent birdwatching at the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve and the remarkable Tigre Delta before heading north to the Esteros del Ibera. Here search for howler monkey and numerous rare birds before travelling south to Atlantic Patagonia which is home to vast colonies of Magellan penguin and sea lion. This is also the ideal location to watch the migration of the southern right whale.

Route: Buenos Aires – Esteros del Ibera – Buenos Aires – Bahia Bustamante – El Pedral – Buenos Aires

Itinerary Highlights

Soak up the atmosphere in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. Admire iconic buildings, savour delectable foods and let out your inner passion as you tango in milongas.

Visit Esteros del Ibera, an 18,000 hectare wetland reserve and natural habitat to a wide variety of wildlife including alligators, howler monkeys and hundreds of species of birds.

Experience the local way of life in rural Argentina during your stay at Bahia Bustamante, an eco-retreat surrounded by spectacular natural beauty and serenity.

Itinerary: Esteros del Ibera and the Wildlife of Patagonia

This evening transfer to London Heathrow for the overnight flight with British Airways to Buenos Aires. (N)
Arrive into Buenos Aires in the morning where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. In the afternoon explore the city with a guide. Places of interest include the Plaza de Mayo, the bohemian quarter of San Telmo, noted for its colonial buildings, old churches and lively cafes and the colourful port area of La Boca where tango dancers perform and artists exhibit their work. (N)
Accommodation in Buenos Aires: The Brick Hotel Buenos Aires MGallery (or similar)
This morning leave your hotel and visit the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve which is located a short drive from the centre of Buenos Aires along a bank of the Rio de la Plata. The 350 hectares of marsh, grassland and woods are home to over 220 species of bird including black-necked swan, white-necked heron, black-hooded parakeet, yellow-billed cardinal and golden-breasted woodpecker. Reptiles, lizards and turtles are also common. (B)
Accommodation in Buenos Aires: The Brick Hotel Buenos Aires MGallery (or similar)
Today visit the Tigre Delta. The sediments of the Parana and Uruguay rivers, flowing from the northern tropical regions give birth, almost on the threshold of Buenos Aires, to one of the continent’s largest deltas. A labyrinth of islands, channels and streams, all thick with vegetation, are a refuge to a great diversity of birds – many of them rare. Spend the day exploring the delta then return to Buenos Aires in the afternoon. (B)
Accommodation in Buenos Aires: The Brick Hotel Buenos Aires MGallery (or similar)
After breakfast transfer to the airport and fly to Posadas. A system of streams, marshes, lagoons and swamps, the Esteros del Ibera wetlands cover a vast area, is one of Argentina’s largest nature reserves and home to countless endangered animals. (B)
Accommodation in Esteros del Ibera: Estancia Puerto Valle (or similar)
Over the next two days explore the Esteros del Ibera with your guide. Search for howler monkey, marsh deer, coypu, otter and capybara and bird watch in the Paranaense Forest – one of the finest places to do so on the continent. Over 350 different species of bird have currently been recorded and include kingfisher, hummingbird, egret, heron and vulture. There will also be an opportunity to visit Yacare Pora which leads an important caiman breeding project. (B)
Accommodation in Esteros del Ibera: Estancia Puerto Valle (or similar)
Today return by road to Posadas Airport and fly to Buenos Aires. The remainder of the day will be at leisure. (B)
Accommodation in Buenos Aires: The Brick Hotel Buenos Aires MGallery (or similar)
This morning you will be met and transferred back to the airport for the flight south to Comodoro Rivadavia. On arrival you will be met and driven to Bahia Bustamante for a three night stay. A traditional sheep ranch and collection of eleven simple cottage homes, Bahia Bustamante offers the chance to experience authentic Atlantic Patagonia in a region of spectacular natural beauty and marine wildlife. There are a range of activities on offer during your stay at Bahia Bustamante and those shown on Days 10 and 11 are a selection of these and more can be suggested. (B)
Accommodation in Bahia Bustamante: Bahia Bustamante Patagonia (or similar)
After breakfast sail to Malaspina Cove to visit the resident sea lion and seabird colonies. Pass seaweed fields and mussel crops to arrive at the Vernacci Islands which are home to vast sea lion colonies – over 4,000 during the breeding season – and Magellan penguins which can number close to 100,000 from October to March. Returning to the shore travel by 4X4 to the Petrified Forest to experience a landscape over 60 million years old. Hike to the ‘Pyramid’ to see steppe fauna then return to the ranch in the late afternoon. (B)
Accommodation in Bahia Bustamante: Bahia Bustamante Patagonia (or similar)
This morning visit Penguin Island which is home to a small colony of Magellan penguins. During low tide it is possible to reach the island on foot, so it is possible to observe the penguins and their nests closely. In the afternoon drive to Aristizabal Cape with its beautiful coastal landscape and nesting area for many different kinds of marine birds. (B)
Accommodation in Bahia Bustamante: Bahia Bustamante Patagonia (or similar)
Today drive north to El Pedral Lodge which is located close to Puerto Madryn and the Peninsula Valdes. Set right on the spectacular Patagonian coast, the views over the Atlantic are unrivalled and access to the wildlife of the region unsurpassed. El Pedral Lodge is over 100 years old and has eight comfortable rooms. (B)
Accommodation in El Pedral: El Pedral Lodge (or similar)
This morning walk to an important natural home of the elephant seal close to the Punta Ninfas lighthouse. The elephant seals can be observed in small groups throughout the year and it will be possible to walk along the beach so as to watch them closely. Later in the afternoon return to the shore to see Magellan penguin colony which, currently, numbers close to 5,000. (B) 
Accommodation in El Pedral: El Pedral Lodge (or similar)
Today you are at leisure to further explore El Pedral and the surrounding region under your own arrangements. Depending on the time of the year – from June to December – you should be able to watch southern right whales from the beach and, if lucky, will even spot killer whale. There are also numerous walks that can be undertaken and bikes can be hired. (B)
Accommodation in El Pedral: El Pedral Lodge (or similar)
Today transfer to Puerto Madryn Airport and fly to Buenos Aires. The remainder of the day will be at leisure. (B)
Accommodation in Buenos Aires: The Brick Hotel Buenos Aires MGallery (or similar)
In the early afternoon return to Buenos Aires airport and depart by British Airways to London. (B)
Arrive back into London Heathrow early in the morning. (N)
**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What To Do Next?

We design unique, tailor-made holiday itineraries to suit you, by combining your ideas with our knowledge and experience. Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, or if you require some advice, please call us or complete the enquiry form online for a quotation.

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What's included

  • International flights from the UK
  • Private car and driver
  • Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
  • Wildlife viewing with local naturalist
  • Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

  • Cost of visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

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