Join us for a NEW and exciting journey that combines scenic wonders with incredible biodiversity and a chance to explore some of the wildest country in South America. From our start in Buenos Aires, we fly up to Pousadas to explore the second largest wetland complex in the world, the Ibará Marshes, a global stronghold for several range-restricted, threatened, or endangered species. Many notable species occur here in addition to the endemic Ibará Seedeater, including the Strange-tailed Tyrant, Marsh Seedeater, Saffron-cowled Blackbird, Yellow Cardinal, Crested Doradito, and Long-tailed Reedfinch. The vast Ibera wetland system includes a habitat mosaic of rivers, marshes, swamps, grasslands, and wooded islands all used by scores of Yacare Caiman, and a host of wading and water birds including Southern Screamer, Snail Kite, Maguari and Wood Storks, and Bare-faced Ibis. We explore this area in detail including a stay right in the heart at Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, a small village surrounded by pastures, lakes, and woodland patches. A boat trip through this realm is memorable and exceptional for viewing and photography. Like Brazil’s Pantanal, we access this remote birding paradise on a long dirt road, a quiet one where we can stop for scanning—it’s totally possible to log over 100 species in a day. The drier grass areas are home to Greater Rhea, Red-winged Tinamou, Rufous-sided Crake, Long-winged and Cinereous Harriers, and many species of seedeaters. Having a great guide to find and sort them is wonderful!

After a real immersion into this global biodiversity hotspot, we continue on to Iguazu Falls, one of the scenic wonders of the world, claimed by many to be the most beautiful of the waterfall areas. Best of all, among the sensory overload of beauty lies a plethora of great birds! Iguazu Falls is one the most important patches of remaining Atlantic Forest vegetation and its suite of birds, associated with the lush forests, is totally complimentary to what we experience in the marshes with very little overlap. We visit both sides of the falls and spend time at a spectacular hummingbird garden in Puerto Iguazu. Birds are colorful and plentiful and may include Saffron Toucanet, Toco Toucan, Surucua Trogon, multiple day-glow tanagers including Black-goggled, Ruby-Crowned, Swallow, Green-headed, and Magpie Tanagers (to mention a few!) and numerous antshrikes and antbirds. En route between Ibara and Iguazu we stop at Urugua-I Provincial Park with hopes to find endangered and beautiful Black-fronted Piping Guans.

We are super excited to add this fine, well-paced itinerary, with enough time in key areas to savor the featured landscapes, habitats, and species.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the world’s second largest wetland system, the incredible Ibará Marshes, home to over 500 species of birds in a 5000-square-mile protected area and one of the wildest places left in South America—located between far better-known Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls.
• Bird the riverine habitat of South America’s second longest river, the Parana, crossing three countries in its 3000 mile journey
• Cruise through wetlands for up close and personal views of amazing birds including Giant Woodrail—abundant here!
• Stand at the edge of one the world’s most scenic fusion of waterfalls; see Iguazu Falls from the Argentine and Brazilian side
• Search for impressive raptors like Ornate Hawk-eagle, Gray-bellied Goshawk, Cinereous Harrier, both Chimango and Southern Caracaras, Aplomado Falcon, White-tailed Hawk, Black-collared Hawk, and the lowland race of Black-chested Buzzard Eagle
• Seek out the endemic Ibera Seedeater, a migratory grassland species first described in 2016
• Sight mammals like Capybara, Plains Vizcacha, Southern Banded Armadillo, Pampas Fox, Marsh Deer, Black-and-gold Howler Monkey, Neotropical River Otter, and Geoffrey’s Cat; Jaguarundi and Maned Wolf are rare but possible!
• Support conservation with your visit, this area is thriving under the efforts of Fundacion Rewilding Argentina, including the return of good numbers of Red-and-green Macaw!
• Enjoy Argentine wine and local foods, and taste fresh Dorado, the Tiger of the River, grilled at a local restaurant

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Thurs., Sept. 16      Arrive in Buenos Aires | Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve

A host from our partner company meets all flights at the International Ezeiza airport and help you transfer directly to our comfortable city hotel, where check-in is available by early afternoon. Take some time to enjoy lunch at your leisure, then enjoy an afternoon of birding at nearby Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, a wildlife haven and the largest greenspace in the city. We walk easy trails to view a remarkable wetland of pools and reed beds set beside the expansive mouth of the famous Rio de la Plata. If the water levels are high, this wetland area can be teeming with waterfowl, including Lake Duck, Rosy-billed Pochard, Coscoroba and Black-necked Swans, various egrets, and of course, coots ... plus a host of passerines, while Chimango and Southern Caracaras patrol the lagoons.

After a splendid first afternoon of birding in the Argentine capital, we return to our hotel to freshen up before a welcome dinner at one of the famous parrillas of Buenos Aires where they cook great steaks and grilled vegetables. Then it’s off to bed early in preparation for the exciting days ahead!

Travel Tip: Most flights arrive from the USA in the early morning hours, and check-in may not be available until afternoon, so if you want to get into a room right away we can help book that for you (additional cost). Otherwise you can relax in the public areas and get some lunch at leisure. 
Accommodations in Buenos Aires, Hotel Cyan Americas Tower or similar (D) 

Fri., Sept. 17            Flight to Posadas | Parana River | Gateway to the Renowned Iberá Marshes

We leave Buenos Aires this morning on an 80-minute flight (included) north to Posadas city, the capital of Misiones province. After arrival we drive westwards for about one hour to Ituzaingo and check in for two nights at a nice hotel on the banks of the Parana River. This is South America’s second longest river after the Amazon, flowing through Brazil and Paraguay before reaching Argentina. It is a tributary of the Rio de la Plata (after merging with the Paraguay and then Uraguay Rivers) where we birded yesterday. Its name means “Father of the Waters” for its grand size,  it is an active waterway for cargo ships and other traffic.

Our afternoon birding takes us on an excursion within the Paraná riverine forest where birdlife is abundant. We hope to see the electric-green Amazon Kingfisher, the rather unimaginatively named Brown-and-yellow Marshbird and Greater Thornbird. Setting off into the woods should quickly produce brilliant Vermilion Flycatcher and noisy Chotoy Spinetail. In the more open grassy areas we hope for views of Red-winged Tinamou and Spotted Nothura along with Cinereous Harrier, Striped Cuckoo (often located by their call), and Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture as they drift above the landscape. We have good chances to find the huge and showy Giant Wood Rail. This region of Argentina is wet and known as the Humid Chaco, creating a transition zone between the Arid Chaco to the west and the humid tropical forests to the east—it feels like a different country! Some of the common mammal sightings are Capybara and the beaver-like Nutria or Coipu. Woodland birds here might include Gilded Sapphire, White-eyed Parakeet, Greater Ani, Greenish Elaenia, Yellow-olive Flatbill, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Purplish Jay, White-rimmed Warbler, Saffron-billed Sparrow, and the sweet-singing Green-winged Saltator.

Enjoy our lodgings along the river in this lovely town where local rules limit tall buildings to give it a quiet feel. This city in the province of Corrientes is immensely popular with sport fisherman who come to seek big Dorado (the Tiger of the Rivers) and other fish such as Surubi. A large hydroelectric dam is nearby. For birders this is the gateway to the world-renowned Iberá Marshes, where over 500 species of bird can be found. The city hosts a “Centro de Aves” with exhibits about conservation and species that abound.
Accommodations along the river in Ituzaingo (B,L,D)  

Sat., Sept. 18       Northern Iberá Marshes

We devote a full day to explore the northern section of Iberá National Park where Capybaras abound at the edge of the marshes, Seven-banded Armadillos can be found in the grasslands together with Gray Monjita (a large tyrant flycatcher), and even Maned Wolf is a rare but possible sighting! Making regular stops as we drive across the open landscape, we should see thousands of Eared Dove and Picui Ground Dove. Partly covered in thorny woodland and palms, this landscape is more open than the rainforest and we look for a range of species such as Chaco Chachalaca and Pale-crested Woodpecker that we won’t encounter elsewhere during the tour. We also keep an eye open for a variety of raptors including Aplomado Falcon, White-tailed Hawk, and the lowland race of Black-chested Buzzard Eagle. Maguari Stork often roost beside Wood Stork and Chestnut-capped Blackbird. There are three species of bitterns (Least, Pinnated and Stripe-backed), four species of kingfishers (Amazon, Ringed, Green and American Pygmy), Azure Gallinule, Crested Doradito, White-headed Marsh Tyrant, and so much more.

A special treat this evening is enjoying the local riverine fish, prepared at barbeques at a local restaurant where we have a fun dining experience after tallying up our growing species list.
Accommodations on the river in Ituzaingo (B,L,D)

Sun., Sept. 19     Southern Iberá Marshes

After an early breakfast, we leave Ituzaingo and drive south today along dirt roads, heading to the southeast edge of the Iberá marshes in the recently established Iberá National Park. Iberá is a native word meaning 'brilliant waters' and the marshes here are the largest in Argentina, a vast complex of rivers, lagoons, grassy meadows, and woodland that is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife. They are packed with Limpkin and Snail Kite and alive with a superb range of smaller birds together with wildfowl and waders. We spend three nights here, staying at a hotel in front of the marshes near Carlos Pellegrini town. This is a fantastic area for birds and wildlife and we make numerous stops as we approach Laguna Iberá. Dropping into the more humid low-lying grasslands, seedeaters become a common sight with Double-collared, Tawny-bellied, and Rufous-rumped Seedeaters as the most likely species. As dusk approaches, Capybaras (the world's largest rodent) and Plains Viscacha (a large, gregarious nocturnal chinchilla) emerge.
Accommodations in Carlos Pellegrini (B,L,D)

Mon., Sept. 20 & Tues., Sept. 21     Heart of the Iberá Marshes, the Second-largest Freshwater Wetland System in the World

With two more days to explore the eastern section, we set off in search of local specialties such as the endangered Yellow Cardinal, the attractive Black-and-White Monjita, but most importantly the recently described Iberá Seedeater. The marshes can seem alive with Lesser Grass Finches, shockingly bright Scarlet-headed Blackbird, and among increasing numbers of Brown-and-yellow Marshbird, we seek out Yellow-rumped Marshbird. Rhythmic ticking should reveal the presence of Crested Doradito, a small bright flycatcher with a black eye mask and yellow below.

Taking a gentle stroll along a boardwalk through the marshes adds vocal groups of Black-capped Donacobius, a good chance of Rufous-sided Crake, Green Kingfisher, and Greater Thornbird, along with Large Elaenia, White-headed Marsh Tyrant, and Sooty Tyrannulet. We also get up close and personal with a boat excursion into the marshes where hundreds of Spectacled Caiman guard the coast, elegant Marsh Deer graze, and secretive Pinnated Bittern and Yellow Anaconda might be spotted sunbathing. Small forested islands are often home to Little Woodpecker and Solitary Cacique, while around our lodge boldly colored Yellow-billed Cardinal jump around the feeders. Numerous small pools might reward us with good views of Plumbeous Ibis, Ringed Teal, and the unusual, scruffy necked Chopi Blackbird (named after its sharp, shrill call). Wildlife of all kinds is abundant, with Black Caiman, Howler Monkey and three species of Armadillos among creatures to watch for. 

A night outing is certain to produce the abundant Capybara and Plains Vizcacha (a stout rabbit-like rodent) but we also stand good chances of seeing Forest Fox, Crab-eating Racoon, the heavy bodied Rococo Toad, Jaguarundi, and even the shy Maned Wolf is a realistic possibility! Jaguar and Giant Anteater are making a successful return to the National Park here as part of extensive rewilding efforts, so we sure hope for good luck in finding one of these fantastic creatures.
Accommodations in Carlos Pellegrini (B,L,D)

Wed., Sept. 22          Early Morning in Iberá Marshes | On to Explore the Rainforest!

We spend the first hours of the day around the marshes, perhaps savoring our last views of Capybaras, Marsh Deer, and Caiman before departing for the drive northeast into Misiones province. Travelling via Caza Pava and Colonia Garabí we might experience Streamer-tailed Tyrant and their synchronized wing-rotating display and Pearly-bellied Seedeater singing in open grasslands. We proceed into Misiones province, birding local hotspots along the way.

We have lunch en route and should arrive at Aristobulo del Valle in the late afternoon. Aristobulo sits at the western end of the Selva Misionera (also known as the Mata Atlantica in Brazil), a vital rainforest ecosystem that has suffered a great deal of deforestation in recent decades. Encompassing a variety of tropical forest habitats—from dry forest through moist forest to coastal mangroves—it once stretched along the coastline of southeast Brazil and covered parts of Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeast Argentina. More ancient than the Amazon forest, today it survives largely in small, degraded patches and protected areas. Being cut off from other tropical forests has allowed the Selva Misionera to evolve unique ecosystems, which harbor a large number of species found nowhere else on Earth.

An evening visit to this protected area permits us to look for some of the skulking members of the antbird family and, depending on the weather and time availability, we do some owling as well, hoping to see Black-capped Screech Owl, Rusty-barred Owl and Tawny-browed Owl, which are all are possibilities.
Accommodations at Hotel del Parque in Aristobulo del Valle (B,L,D)

Thurs., Sept. 23           Salto Encantado to Wanda

We rise early for a short drive to Salto Encantado, where against a backdrop of Parana rainforest Great Dusky Swift depart their roost. New birds hopefully come thick and fast in the forest as we seek the likes of Surucua Trogon, Red-breasted Toucan, Ochre-collared Piculet, Rufous-capped and Grey-bellied Spinetails. We scan the canopy for skulking Spot-backed Antshrike, Plain Antvireo, the reclusive Rufous Gnateater, stunning male Blue Manakin, Pale-breasted Thrush, Golden-crowned Warbler, and both Black-goggled and Ruby-crowned Tanagers. We also hope to witness the faltering walk of the Short-tailed Antthrush and home in on a Purple-crowned Plovercrest lek (yes, a lekking hummingbird!), where males sit and vocally ‘chip’ away at each other. 

By midday we head north to Wanda on the upper Parana River in Misiones Province, with stops along the way that could yield Yellow-headed Caracara, numerous White-eared Puffbird, and perhaps Large-tailed Antshrike. Around Wanda we look to add Scale-throated Hermit, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, the vocal Spix’s Spinetail; the quietly perched White-throated Spadebill, White-necked Thrush, and Ultramarine Grosbeak of the Atlantic Forest form. Another possible highlight here is the localized Araucaria Tit-Spinetail. 

Wanda is a small rural town of about 15,000 people, where Yerba Mate farming and mining of precious stones are major occupations. For birders it’s a great place to access the birding riches of Atlantic Rainforest habitat.
Accommodations at Hotel Amatista in Wanda (B,L,D)

Fri., Sept. 24          Urugua-i-Provincial Park | Wanda

Today we set off on an early morning excursion to Urugua-i Provincial Park, where resident species to look for include White-eyed Parakeet, Grey-rumped Swift, Black-throated Trogon, Grey-headed Kite, Planalto Woodcreeper, Social Flycatcher, Greenish Schiffornis, and Red-rumped Cacique. Around Urugua-i, we explore some of the park’s labyrinthine of tracks and trails hoping to add Southern Antpipit, Scale-throated Hermit, vocal Spix’s Spinetail, Lesser and Scalloped Woodcreepers, handsome yet skulking Bertoni’s and Dusky-tailed Antbirds, and even Planalto Tapaculo. There is so much to see here, possibilities include Sharp-billed Treehunter, Streaked Xenops, and Eared Pygmy Tyrant to mention a few. The long list of possibilities for today also includes the spectacular Blond-crested Woodpecker, White-throated Spadebill, Black-tailed Tityra, Chestnut-headed Tanager, and many more. Amongst raptors, Ornate Hawk-Eagle and Gray-bellied Hawk are two of the rarest but possible sightings. One of the highlights however might be an encounter with Brazilian Tapir or a group of White-lipped Peccaries.

We return to Wanda for a nice dinner, time to tally up our sightings, and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Accommodations at Hotel Amatista in Wanda (B,L,D)

Sat., Sept. 25               Puerto Iguazu | Forest Birding | Local Hummingbird Feeders 

We have an early morning, birding around the gardens of our lodge and after breakfast we depart from Wanda to drive north, heading for the renowned Iguazú Falls—arguably the most spectacular waterfall system in the world. The falls are surrounded by humid subtropical forest (a habitat formerly more common in adjacent Brazil, where it has almost disappeared due to land development). Northeast Argentina now holds the largest and most continuous extension of this forest, offering some superb tropical birdwatching: tanagers, antbirds, toucans, manakins, parrots, motmots, trogons, and tyrant flycatchers.

Arriving here at lunchtime, we make a superb stop at hummingbird feeders in Puerto Iguazú. Run by a famous Brazilian woman who maintains the best set of hummingbird feeders in the country, the garden is alive with the noisy zaps of up to seven busy species of hummingbirds. Delights include Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, the superb Black Jacobin, Black-throated Mango, Violet-capped Woodnymph, and Versicolored Emerald, together with Violaceous Euphonia, Blue Dacnis, and plenty of rival nectar feeders, the Bananaquits.

Driving out to other tracks through the forest, including the famous RN (Ruta Nacional) 101, brings us yet more new birds ... perhaps a Rufous-capped Motmot or a croaking Spot-billed Toucanet. Birding the tropical forests here can be especially exciting when we encounter a mixed feeding flock, which here might include such treats as the remarkable Black-billed Scythebill, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Lesser Woodcreeper, Streak-capped Antwren, and the dapper Chestnut-bellied Euphonia.

Tonight we enjoy our lodgings and the staff’s hospitality in the Iriapu Reserve on the outskirts of Puerto Iguazu, close to the falls.
Accommodations at Hotel Selva de Laurel (B,L,D)

Sun., Sept. 26 & Mon., Sept. 27     Two Full Days at Incredible Iguazu Falls | Visit Two National Parks In Argentina & Brazil

Iguazú Falls is truly one of the world's most awesome natural wonders. On the Argentinian side, access is outstanding: a series of walkways brings you right up to the thunder and spray of the water and to the Great Dusky Swift that cling precariously to the rocks behind. Our first morning at the mighty Iguazú Falls is devoted to exploring the forest by means of well-maintained trails that give fantastic views of this small corner of the national park. Here, a staggering 275 waterfalls make the ground almost shake, and the area hosts many superb species, including the endangered Black-fronted Piping-Guan and abundant Plush-crested Jay. We can expect to encounter a plethora of parrots, hummingbirds, woodcreepers, flycatchers, and tanagers not seen during the preceding days. In particular we hope to find the exquisite Swallow-tailed and White-bearded Manakins. There are strutting Giant Cowbird and a variety of tanagers including Magpie, Green-headed, and Swallow. Gangs of Coatis loaf about like loitering youths. Birdlife tends to slow down quite dramatically in the afternoons so we then largely devote our time to admiring the spectacular waterfalls for which Iguazú is so rightly renowned. One walkway extends out above the main falls themselves. En route to this, we should see White-winged Swallow perched on the handrails or on rocks mid-river. Standing on the suspended platform and looking down into the roaring, ‘steaming’ waters, the sheer volume of water crashing over the edge is mesmerizing.

The second day we also visit the falls from the Brazilian side, offering a different but spectacular view to the throat of the Iguazu river. Toco and Red-breasted Toucans, Chestnut-eared Aracari, and Blue-winged Parrotlet are regularly encountered and, in the late afternoon, we hope to witness the remarkable spectacle of thousands of Great Dusky Swift gathering overhead before diving down and dashing through the cascading water to their evening roost behind the falls!

In the late afternoon we return to Argentina for a nice dinner, time to tally up our species, and rest in our hotel.
Accommodations at Hotel Selva de Laurel (B,L,D)

Tues., Sept. 28            Early Morning Birding Iguazú | Return Flight to Buenos Aires & Onward

Puerto Iguazú and its surroundings give us such a great place for birding that on our final morning here we might still have a chance to add new birds. We visit a small reserve by the river where perhaps a Plain-winged Woodcreeper, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, or a tiny Eared Pygmy Tyrant comes our way, or we might enjoy more views of Rufous-crowned Greenlet, the superb Blond-crested Woodpecker, or a diminutive Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher. Toco Toucan often perch on a bare snag protruding through the forest canopy and we may see a Snail Kite flying low overhead as we depart after lunch for the short drive to Iguazú airport in time to catch our early afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires.

Arriving in Buenos Aires, we transfer to the international Ezeiza airport for flights back home. (B,L)

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the 13-day main tour is per person, based on occupancy: $6790 DBL / $7650 SGL.

Tour price includes 12 nights’ accomodations, all meals as noted in the itinerary, transportation during the journey, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. All tips other than your NJ guide (optional) and local guide are included (this includes tips for your driver, lodge and staff, day activities, meals and other services).

Tour cost does not include: airfare to or from Buenos Aires, or personal expenses such as laundry or drinks from the bar. The tour cost does not include internal flights, which will be added to your invoice. These flights are estimated at $800 per person, and subject to change. 

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Ezeiza International (EZE) in Buenos Aires

Arrival Details: Please plan to arrive September 16, 2027, no later than 4 PM in order to join the group for dinner

Departure Details: Plan flights to depart September 28, 2027, after 8 PM. We have a flight back to Buenos Aires in the afternoon.

Travel Tips: If you plan to arrive early to rest up from your travels, we can book you an early night at the Hotel Cyan Americas Towers in Buenos Aires. This is our first night tour hotel and also closer to the domestic airport. It takes approximately one hour to reach from the international airport.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

• Chris Harbard
  

  Chris Harbard is a well-known British ornithologist and conservationist who now lives in SE Arizona. After 24 years working with the world’s largest bird conservation organisation, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, he moved to the Austrian optics company Swarovski and managed their birdwatching website for several years. He is now a freelance author, editor, broadcaster and lecturer, as well as an occasional bird guide in SE Arizona where he and his wife help to run the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival. He is on the board of the Arizona Field Ornithologists.
  
  Chris writes for Birdwatch magazine and was editor of the Birdwatchers' Guides series of books. His own books include Birdwatch, Songbirds, A Birdwatcher's Quizbook, A First Guide to Birdwatching.
  
  Working as a naturalist lecturer on board expedition cruise ships for the last eighteen years has taken him to remote areas of the Arctic, Antarctic, Atlantic and Pacific. Although his main area of interest is birds, especially seabirds, he also enjoys a range of other wildlife such as cetaceans, butterflies, dragonflies and plants.

  Other trips with Chris Harbard

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  • Arizona Monsoon Madness: Birding & Nature in a Season of Wonder!
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