Fourteen full birding days by the incredibly contrasting ecosystems of Argentina Northwest, accross three provinces (Jujuy, Salta and Tucumán), two national parks, and several other beautiful nature reserves that include the dry Chaco woodlands, Monte shrublands, Yungas cloudforests, Puna and high Andes steppes and deserts (which together hold over the 60% of the bird diversity of the country), while knowing their unique landscapes and culture, too. Excellent opportunities for nature photography.
Day-by-day
Day 1: Arrive in Tucumán. Overnight: Tucumán city or nearby towns.
Day 2: Los Sosa Provincial Reserve and El Rincón. Overnight: Tafí del Valle.
Day 3: Infiernillo, Cafayate and Las Conchas Nature Reserve. Overnight: El Carril or Chicoana.
Day 4: Los Cardones National Park. Overnight: El Carril or Chicoana.
Day 5: Santa Laura pass and Yala Provincial Park. Overnight: Jujuy city.
Day 6: Humahuaca gorge and Abra Pampa. Overnight: La Quiaca or Yavi.
Day 7: Lake Pozuelos Natural Monument. Overnight: La Quiaca or Yavi.
Day 8: Lizoite mountain pass and Santa Victoria. Overnight: Santa Victoria.
Day 9: Santa Victoria and Yavi gorge. Overnight: La Quiaca or Yavi.
Day 10: Humahuaca gorge. Overnight: Jujuy city.
Day 11: Yala Provincial Park and Reyes gulch. Overnight: LG San Martín.
Day 12: Calilegua National Park. Overnight: LG San Martín.
Day 13: Las Lancitas and Eco-Portal de Piedra Nature Reserves. Overnight: Villamonte.
Day 14: La Estrella road. Overnight: Villamonte.
Day 15: El Fuerte road. Overnight: Jujuy city.
Day 16: Transfer-out the airport (JUJ or SLA).
Bird species
Elegant Crested Tinamou, Huayco Tinamou, Andean Condor, Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Red-Faced Guan, Giant Coot, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Diademed Plover, Andean Gull, Moreno’s Ground Dove, Mountain Parakeet, Tucuman Parrot, Burrowing Parrot, Green-cheeked Parakeet, Yellow-collared Macaw, Red-tailed Comet, Slender-tailed Woodstar, Dot-fronted Woodpecker, Cream-backed Woodpecker, Andean Flicker, Sandy Gallito, Zimmer’s Tapaculo, White-browed Tapaculo, White-throated Antpitta, Red-billed Scythebill, Straight-billed Earthcreeper, White-throated Cacholote, Scribble-tailed Canastero, Spot-breasted Thornbird, Tufted Tit-Spinetail, Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant, Andean Tyrant, Buff-banded Tyrannulet, Yungas Manakin, White-tipped Plantcutter, Andean Swallow, Rufous-throated Dipper, Paramo Pipit, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Brown-backed Mockingbird, Pale-legged Warbler, Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanager, Rust-and-yellow Tanager, Moss-backed Sparrow, Yungas Sparrow, Fulvous-headed Brush Finch, Yellow-striped Brush Finch, Short-tailed Finch, Red-backed Sierra-Finch, Monte Yellow Finch, Tucuman Mountain-Finch, Black Siskin, among many others.
Difficulty
For people in good health conditions. The expedition involves an aprox. 2,500 kilometers itinerary mostly by slow drive mountain pass. Short slow-pace walks over 4,000 meters above sea level are included.
Requirements
Basic birding skills and previous experience is expected. We will provide participants with further information.
Services
Included:
- Professional birding and nature guide.
- Use of spotting-scope.
- Bird books for consulting.
- Transfer in-out.
- Transportation in comfortable vehicule.
- Accommodation -in some places the lodging may be basic-.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (not alcoholic drinks).
Seasonality
From late April to early December. However, the birding high season usually lasts from September to December.
Start & finish
Start place is the city of Tucumán or its airport (TUC) and the finish place the Jujuy or Salta airports (JUJ or SLA).
