Combine Argentina’s most diverse and wildlife-rich regions, taking in areas of tremendous natural beauty. Spot an array of wildlife in the Ibera wetlands and Peninsula Valdes, soak up city life in Buenos Aires and marvel at the magnificent Iguazu falls.
Food and drink is at the heart of Argentine culture, so what better way to spend your time than eating and drinking in all the best spots Buenos Aires has to offer. Tried and tested by our Marketing Executive and Latin America enthusiast Suzie, we recommend the best things to eat, drink and do in Buenos Aires.
Perfect for those wanting a complete holiday of dramatic landscapes, great wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, gastronomy, wine, adventure and relaxation... this itinerary has everything!
To find out more about Grant’s recent trip call him on 020 7622 1116 and hear his latest recommendations and insider tips to make the most of your Argentine experience.
Both the Pantanal and Ibera Wetlands will offer you the chance to see some of the continent’s most exotic wildlife. Whilst the Pantanal has long appeared on every wildlife enthusiasts bucket list and out of the two boasts more species of wildlife, like most pristine environments where wildlife thrives it is not easy to get to, and unless you are travelling elsewhere in Brazil you will probably find it hard to spend the time, effort and cost travelling all the way there. Ibera on the other hand offers better accommodation on the whole, great transport links with Iguazu, Buenos Aires and Posadas, and most importantly fewer tourists which for those seeking tranquillity will appeal to greatly.
Ecuador has the Galapagos Islands; Kenya has the Maasai Mara; Brazil has the Pantanal. All of these destinations have attracted avid wildlife enthusiasts and the more common tourist for decades. They offer guaranteed wildlife spotting opportunities that will have you reaching for your 300mm camera lens faster than it takes Glastonbury to sell out. Now there is a not-so-new kid on the block, The Ibera Wetlands in Argentina, a rival contender to those wanting an experience similar to that of the Brazilian Pantanal. Carry on reading to find out what these two South American giants can offer the intrepid traveller.
Spanning Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia, the Pantanal is the largest wetlands in the world. It is a huge area covering more than 80,000 sq. miles of savannah, rainforest and wetlands, and where over a thousand species of bird, as well as rare mammals such as the giant otter, anteaters and tapirs call this place home. The Pantanal is also home to one of the largest populations of Jaguar in the world and getting the chance to see these big cats is an unforgettable experience. The Pantanal is a year round destination, however, the most pleasant climate as well as the best jaguar spotting season is between the months of mid-June to October.
Split into the north and south Pantanal, visitors will have to fly into one of the cities of Cuiaba or Campo Grande. From there you will be collected and taken to your remote Fazenda ‘farm lodge’ of choice and immerse yourself in the daily excursions on offer to see the incredible wildlife. Programmes offered by the Fazenda’s can be done by boat, 4x4 vehicle, or horseback, and the expert guides will ensure you won’t miss spotting those hard to find animals and birds in their natural habitat. If you don’t want to be based in one spot, we can also organise trips where you move around ‘safari style’ from lodge to lodge. One of our favourite lodges is Araras Ecolodge located in the north of the Pantanal.
In the south Pantanal it is possible to swim and snorkel in natural aquariums around Bonito. The calcium carbonate present in the rivers removes the impurities leaving crystal clear waters where you will see many types of fish including the great dourado and pacu. There are also caves and waterfalls in the area so combining the north and south Pantanal can offer you a complete and varied experience.
The Ibera wetlands is the Pantanal‘s little brother; a vast ecosystem of swamps, lakes, marshes, lagoons and floating islands. Stretching down the Argentine corridor from Iguazu, you will encounter a rich diversity of birdlife and wildlife including capybaras, monkeys, marsh deer, armadillos, anacondas and caiman. The extension of the Atlantic forest also offers sightings of the toucan and other birdlife synonymous with the area closer to Iguazu.
Like the Pantanal, Ibera is a year round destination, however to avoid the extreme heat and humidity and ensure best wildlife spotting opportunities, the months of March to May are best. A minimum of three nights to fully enjoy the Ibera wetlands is recommended and this should not be difficult, especially given that the accommodations on the whole are of better quality than the Pantanal - one of our top recommendations is Puerto Valle Hotel de Esteros. Combining Ibera with the Iguazu waterfalls and the Jesuit missions come highly recommended and work very well together from a logistical point of view.
Both the Pantanal and Ibera Wetlands will offer you the chance to see some of the continent’s most exotic wildlife. Whilst the Pantanal has long appeared on every wildlife enthusiasts bucket list and out of the two boasts more species of wildlife, like most pristine environments where wildlife thrives it is not easy to get to, and unless you are travelling elsewhere in Brazil you will probably find it hard to spend the time, effort and cost travelling all the way there. Ibera on the other hand offers better accommodation on the whole, great transport links with Iguazu, Buenos Aires and Posadas, and most importantly fewer tourists which for those seeking tranquillity will appeal to greatly.
