With such a diverse wildlife this holiday is for those who really appreciate the natural world. For those who love natural beauty this vacation will take in some of the most beautiful areas in Argentina. For those bird spotters, well you are in for a real treat. Visiting one of the worlds premier bird spotting destinations make sure you bring your binoculars and note book. That said, you do not have to be a bird enthusiast to really enjoy this wonderful holiday.

Price From £2795.00 per person Single Room Supplement £950.00

We can tailor-make a private trip to meet your departure date, time period, group size and budget. Contact us for further information.

There are no fixed departures for this holiday... Let us know your prefered dates and we will make your holiday happen.

Arrival in Buenos Aires . Meeting at Ezeiza's International Airport and transfer to the hotel. The "Queen of the River Plate Basin" or the "Paris of South America, as Buenos Aires City is called, can be a superlative introduction to the exploration of Argentina, from both the cultural and wildlife points of view. What is certain is that this cosmopolitan city, European in appearance, can keep any culture-oriented visitor busy indefinitely. Its intense cultural and commercial life can fill every minute of any visit with pleasant experiences. Afterwards, you will make an exclusive visit of Buenos Aires: the FOUR BALCONIES Tour , in which a guide uses four parks and plazas of Buenos Aires (Plaza de Mayo, Parque Lezama and La Boca, Plaza San Martin and Recoleta) to introduce visitors to Argentina, its history, its contrasts, its contradictions and the characteristic psychology of the "porteños", the inhabitants of Buenos Aires.

Early in the morning, you will be picked up to visit de Ecological Reserve with a naturalist guide. This is an incredible area which developed thanks to Mother Nature, as it covered with its flora and fauna a landfill over the Rio de la Plata which had been abandoned. Abundant Pampa wetland birdlife with Buenos Aires skyline in the background Return to the hotel. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Tigre to discover by kayak the Delta of the Parana River The Parana River delta is a huge forested marshland about 20 miles northeast of Buenos Aires. A vast labyrinth of marsh and trees, the Parana River delta is one of the world's greatest bird-watching destinations. During the kayaking, you will see the contrast between dense forest and wetland marshes. You will go out in double kayaks specially prepared for long trips and built by the coordinator of the program, Ricardo Kruszewski, who was the first Argentinean to go to Cape Horn rowing, besides of being several times in Antarctica. The kayaks are very safe and there's no need to have previous experience. Includes : Double Kayaks (Trade Mark = Tango developed by the kayaker), life vest, full equipment, and safety and introductory briefing. Mineral water, power bar.

Transfer from the hotel to the airport to board your flight to Comodoro Rivadavia . Arrival, meeting at the airport and transfer to Bahía Bustamante. Bahia Bustamante is a small village located in the Northern bank of the Golfo San Jorge (St. George gulf) taking the name of the bay where it has been built. Few places in the world have the abundance and biodiversity of this area. But it is not only a colorful region, deep blue waters, terrestrial birds, sea lions, orcas, dolphins, guanacos, maras (Patagonian hares), a lighthouse and native's cemetery are part of the landscape. The village was built in the 1960s to accommodate the people that arrived to the area to work on the exploitation of the seaweed, natural to the area. The village -built by the Company Soriano- was once a bustling city of more than 400 inhabitants, children's school, a small church, deposits and warehouse - and today it only hosts a few inhabitants but still keeps its original charm. Bahia Bustamante offers four comfortable and simple houses, overlooking the sea. Each house has two rooms, private facilities, living room, kitchen and central heating. As for the fauna: 20% of the sea lions of the gulf breed in Bahia Bustamante (about 3500 individuals). The islands beneath - as well as the geography of the coast - are the ideal nesting site with 21 reproduction colonies, which are sheltered from their natural predators, storms and wind. The local fauna is completed with penguins (Magellanic), cormorants, gulls, egrets, petrels, skuas, among others. The rich wildlife of the area attracts orcas and dolphins and the Southern Right Whale as well as elephant seals can be seen on their migration to and from the Valdes Peninsula. By going around the area, you will always get surprised to see amazing native animals. You can usually find lesser rheas, a large number of sheep and many elegant guanacos. Patagonian hares and lizards usually come across the traveller's way and, occasionally, some restless armadillo or skunk may lean out of a thorny bush. The sunset is the best moment to watch a great variety of fauna. The northern San Jorge Gulf area is particularly rich in marine fauna. As there are more than 70 islands, it provides great shelter for species. Bahía Bustamante and Malaspina Cove's main characteristic lies in the fact that the islands are within the geographical features, especially Malaspina Cove, with some 10 islands that are sheltered by strong winds, swell and land predators such as armadillos, foxes or skunks. You can see a great number and variety of birds that live on these islands, which are a key nesting place. As a result, Bahía Bustamante and Malaspina Cove are an important scientific research center not only for Argentinian biologists, but also for international experts, who have been studying the area for over 20 years. Guests can hire a bird or sea lion biologist who can tour them around Bahía Bustamante and tell them all about the different studies. The coast of Bahía Bustamante and Malaspina Cove has the greatest diversity of seabirds in all Patagonia. There are 21 breeding colonies, made up of around one to seven seabird species. The islands and islets of this region, noted for their diversity of flora and substratum and the richness of the marine fauna, create ideal conditions for the seabirds to breed. From the 12 different seabird species that breed in this area (see table), the Magellan Penguin colony (spheniscus magellanicus) is truly large, and is one of the main tourist attractions of Chubut province. The Magellan Penguin is one of the species with the highest incidental mortality rate, due to trawler nets and hydrocarbon contamination. In this area there are also significant colonies of Blue-eyed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps) and Rock Cormorant (P. magallenicus). The Blue-eyed Cormorant is the main guano producer of the country and their colonies have suffered sporadic extractions during the nineteenth century. This area is also one of the two breeding grounds for the Olrog's seagull (Larus Atlanticus), which is an endemic species. The Olrog's seagull is internationally considered to be a threatened species and it has been included in the first appendix of the Migratory Species Convention, which has been ratified by the Argentine Government. The presence of this species in the area is due to the abundance of crabs, which are its main source of food during breeding periods. These crabs are found along the muddy beaches of the coastline. Another very common species in the area is the Kelp Seagull (Larus dominicanus). This species has increased in number all along the Patagonian coast due to its ability to adapt to almost any environment and feeding habits, including garbage dumps and fishing waste. Apart from marine birds, several coastal birds come to this place to breed, feed and rest during their migration (see table). Some species, like the Great Egret (Egretta alba), breed in mixed colonies, mostly shared with other seabirds. Others, like oystercatchers and ducks, breed regularly all along the coastline. The Chubut Steamer Duck (Tachyeres leucocephalus), for example, is a typical species of the Chubut province, which is plentiful in the San Jorge Gulf coast area. Seven migratory, five neartic and two patagonian species frequent the area. Migratory beach-birds usually stay in large groups and remain in very concentrated areas, which are frequently shared by more than one species. The Bahía Bustamante region, for example, is noted for being one of the main transitory spots on most beach-bird's migratory journey - especially for the Red knot (Calidris canutus), the White-rumped sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) and the Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica) that have their main non-breeding colonies on Tierra del Fuego island.

Days at leisure to enjoy the place and the activities offered. Among the activities they offer: visits to the Petrified Woods (within the property), navigation of the Atlantic coast to visit interesting fauna rookeries, visit the seaweed exploitation as well as a few archaeological areas, horse rides, hiking trails, mountain bike trails.

Sample Program:

· You will get on the boat and sail along Malaspina Cove to not only observe seabird breeding colonies (Magellan Penguin, Blue-eyed Cormorant, Rock Cormorant, Kelp gull, Olrog's Gull, Antarctic Skua, Ducks, etc.), but also visit a one hair sea lion colony. Then return to the village.

· You will head towards the Petrified Forest, called "The Piramid". On the way, you will be able to see varied kinds of steppe birds (turkey vulture, crested caracara, tawny-throated dotterel, hawks, etc.), and fauna (guanaco, lesser rheas, foxes, and armadillos). After walking around the forest, you will have lunch at the Piramid and then walk back to the village. Free afternoon with the possibility to visit a traditional Patagonian ranch and participate in our gauchos' daily activities. Dinner.

Transfer from the hotel to Cabo Dos Agujas, where you will visit a Penguin Rockery . Then you will continue to Trelew to visit the Paleontological Museum. Transfer to the hotel located in Gaiman, a typical Welsh community.

Transfer to the airport to board your flight to Buenos Aires (Aeroparque) where you will connect to Iguazu. Arrival, meeting at the airport and transfer to Hotel. The Amazon jungle reaches into Argentina along the bank of the major rivers (Parana, Uruguay and Paraguay, etc). As we travel north from Buenos Aires the network of jungle-bordered rivers constitutes a biological corridor through which fauna moves. The highlight of the region are the Iguazu Falls, considered by many the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls in the world, perhaps because of the 200 streams that suddenly appear from the rainforest to form a myriad of gorgeous falls, large and small, which mingle and blend so graciously with the surrounding vegetation. For this reason they have been declared a "World Heritage Site". A thick jungle envelops all of eastern and southern Brazil, running from the Cordillera de la Costa (Serras do Mar, da Mantequeira and da Espinhaco) to the Parana River, including the States of Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, Parana, Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo, the eastern portion of Paraguay, and the northeast of Argentina. An extension of the Atlantic Mat, the Southern Brazilian Jungle covers most of the Misiones Province where, as in the rest of the region, so -called "civilized man" has done massive deforestation. From a botanical point of view, this bioma is known as the Province of Parana, and is, together with the Yungas or Mountain Jungle of Northeastern Argentina, one of the richest regions of the country in terms of biological diversity. No other region can boast a comparable number of plant or animal species, i.e. more than 2000 classified vascular plants and over 420 bird species (more than one third of total Argentine species). Although relatively poorer than the Amazon Jungle, the Parana or Misiones Jungle, has the same characteristics as the large warm rain forests of this planet. High temperatures, humidity and longer daylight hours allow nature to flourish exuberantly. The generally warm subtropical climate, with no dry season, has larger temperature fluctuations between daytime and nighttime than between summer and winter. The average temperature is around 59°F (15°C) in June and July (winter) and 77° F (25°C) in December and January (summer). Winds originating in the Atlantic Anticyclone bring precipitation of approximately 79 inches (2000 mm), uniformly distributed throughout the year. The Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Spa is ideally situated in the heart of the Iguazu National Park, within walking distance of the spectacular Iguazu waterfalls and face the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Gorge).

This day, you will visit the Argentine side of the Falls , that has three circuits: Upper, Lower and Devil's Throat. The Lower and Upper Circuit Catwalks are close enough from the Sheraton Hotel to go walking. The Lower takes one hour while the Upper takes 50 minutes approximately to visit them. You will have the chance to literally touch the waterfalls. The access to San Martin Island is through the Lower Circuit catwalks. This visit will last 1 ½ hour. As a matter of fact, this excursion is not always available. A gas-propelled tourist train will take you to the Devil's Throat Catwalks, the farthest one, which extends for 1.100 meters over the Upper Iguazu River. You will cross several islands until you get to the end, where you will be surprised by a strategic lookout point resting on the side of the gorgeous Devil's Throat. This walk lasts 2 hours approximately. Return to the hotel.

Today you will enjoy the Yacaratiá Trail , a safari which cuts deep into the jungle and follows the path of an old trail (closed to public) where with the assistance of a fully qualified naturalist guide, you will enjoy and understand the most incredible diversity of wildlife in the area.

Departure from Iguazú to Posadas. During the way, you will stop to visit San Ignacio Miní Jesuit Ruins. The Jesuits extensively colonized this beautiful region for two centuries, still inhabited by the Guarani Indians and their descendants today. Jesuits were expelled by Spain at the end of the 18th Century when it became evident that they were too powerful in the region, they practically built a parallel empire, and were thought to be a potential threat to the Spanish crown. It is fascinating to visit the ruins of their churches, towns and ranches, remembering the epic days as depicted in the movie "The Mission". Today, these ruins have been declared World Heritage Site.

After lunch, you will be transferred to Estancia Rincón del Socorro, about 4 hours drive. It is a 12,000-hectare former cattle ranch on the edge of the Iberá wetlands in Northeastern Argentina that has been made into a nature reserve. The orientation is to give guests and visitors a good understanding of the local ecosystem and an appreciation for the importance of wetlands and savanna landscapes. Wildlife in the area There are few regions in Argentina that can compare to the richness and diversity of species that are found in the Esteros del Ibera. In the last twenty-five years biologists are beginning to understand the importance of this vast fresh-water system to the biological community of Latin America. Though there are notable species that have been extirpated by being over-hunted or loss of their habitat by ranching and forestry plantations, there is a movement toward reintroducing those lost species and there are still hundreds of species of fauna, ave fauna and plant life left to be seen. At Estancia Socorro visitors can easily see wildlife such creatures as carpinchos, freshwater otters, alligators, marsh deer and with a little patience and good luck, one just might see the illusive Maned wolf, howler monkey or the sprocket deer. The crown jewel of the esteros, the jaguar, hasn't been seen in the area since the 1930's but biologists are hoping that it can make a comeback one day. Birdwatching Rincón del Socorro is an excellent place for birding; if you are not already a birdwatcher, it is very easy to become one there! In the four different habitats of this large former ranch, you can see an amazing number of different types of birds in a short time, including endangered species from the surrounding region that have found shelter here. You will learn about their behavior, habitats, migrations, and the problems caused by the degradation of their environment. Much to the surprise of several ornithologists, the nearly extinct yellow cardinal can be seen hopping around in the lettuces in their organic garden! The estimated number of species identified in the Esteros del Ibera ecological system is nearly 400, and though they are still in the process of doing an inventory of the birdlife found in Socorro, they do know that a good percentage of those counted can be found on the estancia.

Days at leisure to enjoy the place & activities (horseback riding, birdwatching, boat and canoe trips, nature walks, fly fishing, cattle roundups)

Transfer from the Estancia to Corrientes city. Transfer to the local airport to board your flight to Buenos Aires . Arrival, meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Transfer from the hotel to Ezeiza's International Airport to board your return flight.