Wildlife & Nature Tours
Wildlife Trips through Argentina
Wildlife & Nature Tours
Our South American wildlife tours and nature trips feature the southern right whale and their calves in Península Valdés and the exotic wildlife of Iberá. Enjoy boat trips to explore the Northeastern wetlands of Argentina and walk among penguins in Patagonia.
FAQs
What does an itinerary that has wildlife and nature mean?
It means that the explorations are focused on enjoying the landscapes and animals of each place.
Are the explorations demanding?
There are options for everyone, by vehicle, by boat, hiking, on horseback, by bike, etc. The important thing is to be in contact with the environment, with nature and with the wildlife of each place.
Do I need special equipment for these trips?
It is reccommended to wear comfortable clothing and footwear for outdoor activities. Water proof clothing and dress in layers, can help you cope with all climates and terrains.
Do I have to go with a guide or can I go on my own?
For some explorations it is better to go with a guide and for others you can go on your own. It depends on the intensity and regulation of each activity, it also depends if the experience improves significantly with the explanation of the guide or if it is better to do it independently, but there are options for all preferences.
Are there family activities on these trips?
Of course, there are options for everyone. Some are more demanding and others are suitable for everyone, such as boat rides and hikes.
Which animales can I see in Chile and Argentina?
Depending on the destination you choose, you will be able to observe everything from alligators, monkeys, foxes and anacondas to whales, sea lions and penguins.
What are wildlife and nature tours?
Our wildlife vacations combine the best nature tours with opportunities to discover the incredible fauna and landscapes that our destinations have to offer. These include Argentina nature and Patagonia wildlife tours.
Adventurers will have the opportunity to experience natural spectacles, encounter a great variety of animals, go birdwatching, and do other incredible activities. Adventure yourself while discovering unique wildlife and experiencing majestic landscapes.
Nature trails in South America
Nature trails are usually short and easy tracks through natural areas where you will have the chance to breathe fresh air, spot incredible wildlife species and feel absolutely invigorated. This kind of trail doesn’t typically involve much elevation gain, making it a great family activity to open the world to the children, enjoy nature with grandparents and make everlasting memories.
These are some of the nature trails that you can experience in Argentina:
- Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve
Discover an incredible nature reserve just steps away from the big city, in Costanera Sur. Explore the only nature reserve of Argentina’s capital city, walk through the walkways to admire the native species of flora and fauna and fill up your mind with peace.
- Iguazú Falls
Adventure yourself in this 2-hour and a half trail where you will walk through a lush jungle, home to amazing fauna such as monkeys, coatis, colorful butterflies and over 900 bird species and discover one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, the Iguazú Falls.
- Iberá Wetlands
At this nature temple, you will find trails for all tastes: hiking, biking, or running.
Best part? This extensive network of marshes, grasslands and lagoons are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including over 300 bird species, 85 mammals, 45 amphibians, and 35 reptiles. That means that encounters with native wildlife species are almost guaranteed!
- Tierra del Fuego National Park
This national park located in Ushuaia offers nature trails for hikers of all levels, and also some easy walks for families too. During the hike, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes combining mountains, forests, lakes, lagoons, and much more!
- Los Arrayanes National Park
Located in the Lake District of Argentina, precisely in Villa la Angostura, this natural park that hosts a large Arrayanes wood is one of a kind in the world. Take the walkways and walk amongst the centennial trees experiencing a magical and mystical feel. For adventurers, there is a 7 mileskm path surrounded by native forests that can be done by bike or walking.
- Punta Tombo Nature Reserve
For penguin lovers, Punta Tombo is paradise! Visit this nature reserve that holds its claim to fame as one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in the world and take its trails to find yourself literally waddling alongside the penguins!
Best wildlife tours and nature trips
- Iguazú Falls & Iberá Wetlands | Misiones & Corrientes
Iguazú Falls is the perfect destination to combine with a visit to Iberá Wetland. In fact, it is one of our most adventurous trips! Iberá is the second-largest wetland in the world with more than 3.2 million acres of land. This magical place has diverse wildlife and it’s a paradise for birders, with more than 350 species of birds. Also, for wildlife lovers, there are more than 60 types of animals such as caimans, capybaras, howler monkeys, foxes, anacondas and much more!
- Iguazú National Park | Misiones
In the Iguazú subtropical rainforest you will find plenty of wildlife species such as gigantic otters, anteaters, deer-like hares, colorful butterflies, coatis and even jaguars, howler monkeys, capybaras, yacarés, and anacondas! This incredible destination is also a perfect place for birdwatching where you will get to see tropical birds such as hummingbirds, flamingos, swallows, and toucans. A piece of advice: If you visit Iguazu Fall National Park, be careful with the coatis as they will for sure try to steal your food!
This is our premium trip in Iguazú, you will stay in a luxury hotel inside the park and have access to the catwalks, at night! There are some species that only get active at sundown. Full moons are also a worthy spectacle to see in Iguazú Falls!
- Puerto Madryn | Chubut
Puerto Madryn hosts one of the greatest places in the world to spot whales: Peninsula Valdés. From June to November hundreds of Southern Right Whales, recognized for having a black body with white belly and chin patches and a large head covered in callosities, come to its shores to meet and breed. Sometimes in the season, it is even possible to walk along the shoreline and spot young whale mothers with their calves! For up-close encounters, take a whale-watching navigation tour and don’t forget your camera!
- Ushuaia | Tierra del Fuego
Known as “The End of the World” this southern city is home to amazing marine species such as sea lions, beavers and red foxes but the star here is definitely the penguin! Magellanic Penguins (identifiable by their distinctive white band which loops from each eye and meets at the underside of the throat) visit Isla Martillo from October to April for their breeding season, while Gentoo Penguins (the ones with orange beaks and peach-color feet) can be seen all year round here. Walk with these black and white birds!
We created this trip as a family adventure but you can tailor it to your traveling needs. Travel to see penguins in Ushuaia, and visit glaciers in El Calafate too! You can depart from Buenos Aires.
Or get even farther away from civilization with this cruise to explore the southernmost lands before Antarctica, like Cape Horn! The Antarctic region is full of spectacular marine wildlife and birds.
Wildlife trips near me
Find your nearest wildlife trip:
- Buenos Aires: if you are staying in the big city and you want to experience wildlife, don’t worry because Buenos Aires is the best starting point. In the airport located in the center of the city, you will be able to find connections to all the country’s wildlife destinations. Iguazú? Patagonia? Northern Argentina? The choice is yours!
- Iguazú: Visit Iguazú Fall National Park to marvel at the force of the water and spot amazing wildlife species. From here you may also visit the Brazilian side of the park where you will get even more breathtaking views, and you can visit an exotic Bird’s Park. And, in case you are a bird enthusiast, 400 kilometers away from Iguazu Falls, you will find Iberá Wetlands, a truly off-the-beaten-path destination, home to more than 300 bird species, marsh deers, capybaras and caimans!
- Patagonia: If you want to enjoy wildlife and connect with nature, Patagonia is the perfect place. From penguins in Ushuaia, to whales in Puerto Madryn, or even a safari to spot pumas in Torres del Paine. In Patagonia, adventure awaits at every corner.
Wildlife boat trips near me
Looking for a boat trip? Find your nearest adventure:
- Buenos Aires: Enjoy a nature boat trip through the Tigre Delta and its islands just an hour away from Buenos Aires city. You can choose from one-hour to full-day boat trips that will take you to discover the native flora and fauna and also the interesting history of the place.
- Iguazú: If you are enjoying the stunning waterfalls in Iguazu, don’t miss out on The Great Adventure: a boat trip full of adrenaline and breathtaking views of the falls. Be prepared to get soaked!
- Iberá Wetlands: Explore the marshlands on a boat trip that will take you to experience close encounters with native wildlife species such as alligators and capybaras. A truly ecotourism adventure.
- Patagonia: A great place to discover Patagonian wildlife is Península Valdés, Puerto Madryn. Embark yourself in an open boat navigation to experience up-close encounters with Southern Right Whales. You may also ride in a Yellow Submarine, where these amazing mammals can be watched underwater!
Where to see wildlife
Discover where to see wildlife and discover amazing species native to South America:
- Magellanic Penguins: Patagonia is home to so many incredible animals, but one of our favorite creatures that we can find in Southern Argentina are penguins! These endearing black and white flightless birds visit us during nesting time so if you’re a penguin lover, be sure to head down to this massive penguin paradise sometime between the start of September and the end of April. Some of the best destinations in Argentina to see penguins are: Punta Tombo, Peninsula Valdes and Ushuaia.
- Birds: Birders will find paradise in Iberá Wetlands. Located in the northeast part of Argentina, this nature reserve that comprises swamps, marshes and lagoons is recognized as the best bird-watching destination in Argentina. Some of the species found here are the Red and the Green-winged macaw (an animal being reintroduced to the wetlands after 200 years of absence from Argentina), the greater Rhea (a bird that is similar to an ostrich but smaller in size), herons, stork’s, eagles, woodpeckers, kingfishers, hummingbirds, magpies, thrushes and a variety of ducks and other native birds.
- Whales: From June to November hundreds of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) come to the shores of Península Valdés and Puerto Madryn to meet and breed. These destinations, both located on the east coast of Argentine Patagonia, are considered some of the best places in the world to see whales.
- Pumas: The Andean Lion also known as Puma Concolor is the second largest feline in the Americas. Although this amazing species can be found throughout Patagonia, there is an exceptionally high density in Torres del Paine National Park, making it a great place to get close encounters.
- Llamas, guanacos & vicuñas: Northern Argentina is home to these cute wild animals that run wild throughout the untamed landscapes of Salta & Jujuy. In fact, the llama is an icon for these communities so you may find sculptures, handicrafts and accessories inspired by these endearing camelids.
Hiking trails near me with waterfalls
See, hear and feel the roar of the water in these hiking trails with waterfalls
- Iguazú: Moconá Falls is located in the Moconá Provincial Park, 200 miles from Puerto Iguazú. There you will experience a 2 miles canyon with waterfalls, where you will be able to visit by boat and get splashed with the falls.
- Patagonia: For adventurers who want to enjoy easy hiking trails with waterfalls, Patagonia it’s a perfect destination. In El Chaltén, Chorrillo del Salto is a hidden fall reachable after a 2.5 miles walk through a forest area with breathtaking views. Also, in Bariloche, inside Nahuel Huapi National Park you can visit Cascada de los Duendes, a beautiful double waterfall in the forest. Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is also an incredible place to hike near waterfalls such as Salto Grande and Salto Chico waterfall.
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