Argentina Wildlife Eco Route
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Experience the best wildlife viewing in Argentina on this Argentina Wildlife Eco Route that takes you to the Valdes Peninsula to see the whales, penguins, sea lions and other animals along the coast, and also to the Ibera wetlands - Argentina's version of the Pantanal
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Day 1 - Buenos Aires | Meals: -
Arrival at Buenos Aires, Private transfer from International Airport to Hotel. Accommodation for 1 night at hotel in standard room, breakfast and local taxes are included. City tour of Buenos Aires This exclusive tour serves as the perfect introduction to four of the city's most distinctive districts, offering a fascinating insight into its history, contrasts and culture. We will experience the highlights of Buenos Aires, including political centers, artist meccas and barrios rich in European architecture. We'll become acquainted with the foundation site of the capital at Plaza de Mayo, undisputedly Buenos Aires' political heart. Next, delve into one of the oldest districts, Parque Lezama and La Boca in the south, where artists' ateliers and brightly colored houses jostle for space; before moving on to Plaza San Martin and Retiro. Here, notice the transformation of Buenos Aires' architecture from the rambling style of the south of the city to the European-influenced residential quarters of the 19th century. Finally, we´'ll come face to face with the sophisticated neighborhood of Recoleta, whose buildings and avenues were inspired by the French; it is also home to the world famous Recoleta Cemetery and Evita Peron's Mausoleum, and we will get to make a stop here on this tour. Day 2 - Buenos Aires / Puerto Madryn | Meals: Breakfast Private transfer from hotel to the airport. Arrival in Trelew. Meet & greet at the airport and transfer to the Valdes Peninsula area. The city of Puerto Madryn lies on the cliffs shaped by a small plateau that features an impressive perspective of the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1865 with the arrival of 150 Welsh immigrants, Puerto Madryn was named after Sir Love Jones Parry, Baronet of Madryn and one of the best-known dwellers of this city in the Welsh country. DAY 3 Valdes Peninsula This full day tour exploring the wildlife of the Peninsula will aim to seek out guanacos, lesser rheas, Patagonian foxes, Hairy Armadillos and some of the most important rookeries of protected South American Sea Lion and Elephant Seal colonies. Also common in this region are the Magellanic Penguins, Oystercatchers, Dolphin Gulls, Kelp Gulls, Cormorants and an abundance of varied native plants species. An early morning start takes us out of the city to the Valdes Peninsula Visitor’s Centre. This is a good place to start for general orientation, information of the native wildlife of the area and a general background to the Peninsula. From the Centre, we travel to Isla de los Pájaros lookout, a great stopping point to observe birdlife and take in the surrounding scenery. A 30km gravel road then takes us to Puerto Pirámides, a small coastal village and the starting point for whale watching tours in the region. Whale watching cruise - July 1 - Dec. 15 Every year between July and December the Eubalaena Australis, or Southern Right Whale, grace the calm waters of the Golfo Nuevo with their presence. Typically, this is the time of year in which the whales give birth to their calves. Pregnant females will arrive towards the end of the winter, with nursing calves then remaining close to their mothers for another ten months. This tour is a lovely way to experience the majesty of these ocean giants during an intimate time in their lives.Puerto Piramides is also home to a small Sea Lion colony which is well worth a visit, stop for lunch (not included). Next stop is Punta Delgada, the Southernmost tip of the Valdes Peninsula, known for its dramatic shoreline and an abundance of Elephant Seals. Having spent time exploring Punta Delgada, we head to Caleta Valdés. The prevalence of sea mammals here can rival that of any section of coastline. This afternoon we switch back and cut across the Peninsula, taking in the dramatically different Lowlands and salt beds in the heart of Valdes. Along the way there will be plenty of opportunity to stop, explore, take photographs and spot wildlife in this ecologically diverse region of Argentina. Note: During March and April, we may skip the visit to Punta Delgada and instead travel North towards Punta Norte. Here we can witness sea lions, elephant seals and Orca (Orcinus Orca) in high tide at this time of year. DAY 4 Puerto Madryn - Punta Tombo Punta Tombo is the largest breeding colony of Magellan penguins and other species in the world. The aim of this reserve is to protect one of the most diverse seabird colonies anywhere on Earth, which houses a total of almost one million birds. The reserve is a rocky 3-km-long, 600-metre-wide coastal land mass, covered in sand, clay, gravel, and surrounded almost entirely by beach. The colony is the most spectacular concentration of seabirds on the Patagonian coast, making it an essential stopping point for any trip to the region. First, we walk trails which cut deep into the colony as an excellent way to observe these fascinating birds up close. The whole area is peppered with self-made dugouts and mini caves, where the penguins lay their eggs and raise their young. The colony is a hive of hectic activity, whether it be the frantic digging of homes, fighting over territory, or the never-ending din of conversation between the birds. Punta Tombo is also a well-loved location for other species of seabirds looking to nest, including Kelp Gulls, Skuas, Dolphin Gulls, the Chubut Steamer Duck, two species of Cormorants, Snowy Sheathbills, Giant Petrels and more, all of which contribute to both the ecological diversity and the stunning sight. On the way back to Trelew we will enjoy a visit of the city and free time to visit the MEF (Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum) -entrance fees not included – or explore the city on own before returning to the hotel. Day 5 – Puerto Madryn - Wetlands Ibera| Meals: Breakfast / Dinner transfer from your hotel to Trelew Airport. Arrival at Posadas Airport. Private transfer to Puerto Valle Lodge. Accommodation for 3 nights, Full Board is included (beverages are not included). |
Days 6-7 - Ibera Wetlands B,L,D
Puerto Valle offers a range of leisure activities for adults and children, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. Enjoying nature with the family is a privilege that guests will be able to experience in multiple ways: walking along the river banks, trying to discover the species that inhabit the area, or simply enjoying the natural landscape from the pier or the palapa—all of these are activities that can be shared by parents and children. The entrance to Cambyreta Portal is located 45km away from Hotel Puerto Valle on national route 12. The adventure begins by a journey in our 4x4 vehicles on rural roads and crossing several private gates to reach the National Park. The tour inside the National Park is taken on foot along routes and trails different trails or, depending on water levels, you’ll continue along the paths in the vehicles. During the activities we will have a morning breakfast picnic or an afternoon snack picnic along the way, in a beautiful setting very close to wildlife setting, but still at a safe distance. You can find 22,000 hectares of unique natural environments such as marshlands, grasslands, meadows and humid forests. This tour, designed for nature lovers, offers a photographic safari, ideal for appreciating the majestic beauty and biodiversity of the Ibera wetlands and capturing images of the native flora and fauna. Capybaras, deer, caiman, foxes, monkeys are easily spotted, and among the great diversity of birds in the area the Red Guacamayo a near extinct species that is being reintroduced, is the holy grail for amateur and keen birdwatchers alike. Navigation The estate on which the estancia stands reaches inside the Reserve, up to the wetlands border, serving as exceptional gateway to an amazing protected natural environment. Only ten km from the hotel, leaving behind fields, plantations and marshlands, one gets to the wharf, the starting point to engage in a true adventure along a waterway leading to Laguna Valle. Caimans, capybaras, pampa deer, marshland deer and neotropical otters are some of the species that can be observed at a close distance along the way. As the boat proceeds along the lake shores, making its way through the exuberant vegetation, travelers will try to identify the sound of some of the countless bird species travelling with them along the way. Motor boat or kayak on the river Departing from the pier, it is possible to navigate the Paraná River in a motor boat, and tour the waterways that reach into the Paranaense forest. The forest is home to more than fifty tree species per hectare, resulting in an ecosystem that is ideal for watching birds and howler monkeys. While the boat proceeds on the calm waters in search of the animals, the guide will treat guests to a tasting of local goodies. A voyage of the quiet river waters on the comfortable ‘sit-on-top’ kayaks is a silent adventure for sports and nature lovers. The Parana River coast is the ideal setting for excursions and expeditions fit for all guests, with different adventure levels depending on physical demand. Kayaking is great to discover waterways and sections of the forest that remain otherwise hidden. CAIMAN FARM YACARÉ PORÁ This model farm is on the Estancia premises. It has a caiman breeding project that has successfully restored the caiman population of the area: some of the specimens are released back to the wild to preserve the fauna of the wetlands of Corrientes, while others are allocated for commercial use. TREE NURSERY The nursery produces more than 4 million seedlings of eucalyptus, Grevillea, kiri and yerba mate per year. These specimens are used for forestry plantation under Forest Stewardship Council standards, which require adherence to the highest social and environmental practices. MONKEY TRAIL The Monkey Trail excursion is an invitation to enter the lavish vegetation in search of the traces of howler monkeys. These monkeys live atop the trees, while the lower strata are populated by birds, capybaras and other mammals. These secluded areas of the Paranaense Forest are vital for the preservation of biodiversity. They have been recognized with IBA (Important Bird Area) status certified by Aves Argentinas and Bird Life International. HORSEBACK RIDING Starting from the stalls, our experienced guide leads the way along the exclusive trails of the estate. Horseback riding is part of the history and tradition of the place—visitors will enjoy a historical and unforgettable ride, with the chance to get lost in the colorful sunsets while traversing pine and eucalyptus woods. Day 8 - Wetlands Ibera / Buenos Aires | Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer to the airport. Program includes:
Not included:
Subject to change without previous notification and to availability at the moment of reservation. |
