Birdwatching and Sportfishing at Puerto Valle - Sample Itineraries
BirdwatchingThe Iberá Natural Reserve is one of the largest freshwater reservoirs on the continent. It is the largest protected area in Argentina, with 1.3 million hectares hosting more than 350 bird species. Nestled in the northeastern portion of the Iberá Wetlands, Puerto Valle is an extremely convenient gateway to the reserve.
The Estancia has been declared an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birds Argentina, and its premium location gives guests an opportunity to visit lagoons, floating soil formations or embalsados, tall grass patches, Yatay palm groves, and secluded areas of the Paranaense forest. A four-day excursion guided by an ornithologist will take visitors around major portions of the northeast end of the reserve. DAY 1 Discovering Laguna Valle
The estate on which the Estancia stands reaches inside the marshlands. Hiking on the trails or taking a boat to reach Laguna Valle are two of the best ways to watch a large number of species, including the extraordinary black-masked finch (Coryphaspiza Melanotis), which is so hard to find in the world, the streamer-tailed tyrant (Gubernetes Yetapa) and strange-tailed tyrant (Alectrurus Risora). Additionally, on the wood fringes, one can find the sickle-wind nightjar (Eleothreptus Anomalus), the black-and-white monjita (Heteroxolmis Dominicana), and the bearded tachuri (Polystictus Pectoralis). DAY 2 CAMBYRETÁ - A portal to biodiversity
The Cambyretá Portal is one of the public access points to a scenic route that reaches inside the reserve. Leaving behind fields, tall grasses and marshes, the road takes visitors to the Park Ranger post after riding several kilometers. Along the way, visitors can watch a wide range of birds, including the ochre-breasted pipit (Anthus Nattereri), the sharp-tailed tyrant (Culicivora Caudacuta), and the yellow robin (Xanthopsar Flavus). DAY 3 - RIVER AND FOREST
Facing the hotel, the tall grasses give way to the Paranaense forest, which shelters a rich biodiversity. The area hosts from fifty-five to seventy-one tree species per hectare, turning this ecosystem into an excellent vantage point for watching birds, such as the black woodpecker (Campephilus Melanoleucos), the black-tailed tityra (Tityra Cayana), and the burnished-buff tanager (Tangara Cayana), among other species. DAY 4 - GALARZA & LUNA - Deep in the wetlands
Galarza & Luna, two lagoons in the heart of the Iberá wetlands, are 60 km away from the Estancia. This remote location is accessible by dirt road. The trip is ideal for watching a wide variety of birds, and an even wider variety will come into view as visitors get closer to the waters of Galarza Lagoon. The ornithological importance of the area is evidenced by the sporophila genus, particularly, the marsh seedeater (Sporophila Palustris), occasionally accompanied by the white-collared seedeater (Sporophila Zelichi). |
SportfishingThe tranquility of the Paraná River offers an unparalleled setting for fishing enthusiasts, who will be escorted by a specialized guide to access the best spots in search of Golden Dorado (Salminus Brasiliensis), Pirá Pitá (Brycon Orbignyanus) and Pacú (Piaractus Mesopotamicus), among other local species.
The hotel offers guests a three-day program with excursions to the Upper Paraná River, the channels and the waters downstream the Yacyretá dam, ensuring a unique and unforgettable fishing experience. Every season has its specific alternatives. It should be note that sport fishing is banned in November and December. The wharf is 25 kilometers from the manor house. Whether you travel with friends, family or your partner, there is a range of different activities each one can enjoy and share when reuniting after their own adventures at the end of the day: while some may talk about the experience on the fishing excursion, others will share the joys of bird watching, or horseback riding, hiking or visiting the caiman farm, the tree nursery, or simply the feelings of a fully relaxing afternoon at the palapa facing the river. 
DAY 1 - UPPER PARANÁ - In search of golden dorado
Golden Dorado, a.k.a. the ‘Paraná tiger,’ is one of the most attractive species for recreational fishing. This fish is voracious and powerful - the average weight of this fish that can be caught with fly-fishing is 3 kilograms. DAY 2 - FORESTS, ISLANDS AND CHANNELS
On day 2, fishermen can have a try at the Pirá Pitá, also called river salmon because of its red meat. It is used to staying in dark spots, especially under the ambay trees (Cecropia Adenopus) stalking upon breams. These feed on ants which keep a symbiotic relationship with the aforementioned trees. Fishing for this species requires skill, precision and, above all, loads of patience. DAY 3 - DOWNSTREAM
Downstream at the Yacyretá dam it is possible to find Pacú, a species that is very hard to catch. Its maximum weight is 10 kg. Fish that may be caught could weight from 2 to 3 kg. An omnivore, the Pacú feeds, at certain times during the year and under certain conditions, exclusively on the fruits of trees and plants growing on the shore. The challenge for fly-fishing is to cast beneath the trees, trying to imitate falling fruit, so that a specimen will emerge from the water and snap at the fly with confidence. |
