The expedition connects the Northwest with the Northeast regions of Argentina by route (including the provinces of Salta, Formosa, Chaco and Corrientes) accross the vast Chaco and the Iberá wetlands. Starting in Jujuy, the tour rapidly heads east to plunge into the dry Chaco woodland where Quebracho (the axe breaker), Palo Santo and other typical-trees still remain; further east the habitats turns more humid untill the wet Chaco appears. After crossing the incredible river Paraná (Ramsar Site), the tour forsees to visit the Esteros del Iberá wetland (Ramsar Site) and the Campos grasslands and savannas, before arriving in the city of Posadas (Misiones). Some of the birding hotspots are: the Bañado La Estrella, the Iberá National Park, the river Paraná, the Establecimiento Los Picazos, and the Estancia Virocay. A unique and rewarding birding and wildlife experience with great opportunities for nature photography.
Day-by-day
Day 1: Birding on road from Jujuy (may be Jujuy city or nearby towns) to Las Lomitas. Overnight: Las Lomitas.
Day 2: Full birding-day on boat by the Bañado La Estrella. Overnight: Las Lomitas.
Day 3: Birding on road by the Bañado La Estrella and birding on boat from Pirané. Overnight: Formosa city.
Day 4: Full birding-day at the Establecimiento Los Picazos. Overnight: Formosa city.
Day 5: Birding by the Paraná river, Loreto and Tacuaralito. Overnight: Loreto.
Day 6: Birding the Iberá National Park (Cambyretá) and Don Luis Nature Reserve. Overnight: Loreto.
Day 7: Birding on route way to Gdor. Virasoro and Estancia Virocay. Overnight: Gdor. Virasoro.
Day 8: Full birding-day at Estancia Virasoro. Overnight: Gdor. Virasoro.
Day 9: Transfer out from Gdor. Virasoro to the Posadas airport (POS).
Bird species
Black-legged Seriema (rare), Comb Duck, Jabiru (in the nest), Stripe-backed Bittern, Pinnated Bittern, Boat-billed Heron, Limpkin, Plumbeous Ibis, Pearl Kite, Chaco Eagle (rare), Laughing Falcon, Yellow-breasted Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Azure Gallinule, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Green-winged Macaws (re-introduced), Sickle-winged Nightjar (seasonal), Spectacled Owl, Chaco Owl (rare), Buff-fronted Owl (rare), Green Kingfisher, Little Woodpecker; Pale-crested Woodpecker, Black-bodied Woodpecker, Striped-backed Antbird, Crested Gallito, Red-billed Scythebill, Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper, Firewood Gatherer, Crested Hornero, Lark-like Brushrunner, Short-billed Canastero, White-headed Marsh Tyrant, Warbling Doradito, Dinelli’s Doradito, Crested Doradito, Black-and-white Monjita, Grey Monjita, Strange-tailed Tyrant, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Sharp-tailed Tyrant, Blue-billed Black Tyrant, Plain Inezia, Black-capped Donacobius, Ochre-breasted Pipit, White-browed Warbler, Long-tailed Reed Finch, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch, all the local seedeaters (including the Marsh S. and the endemic Iberá Seedeater), Orange-backed Troupial, Yellow-rumped Marshbird, and Saffron-cowled Blackbird, among many others.
Other-wildlife possible sightings: Yellow Anaconda (seasonal), Yacare Caiman, Giant Anteater, Yaguarundi Cat, Azara’s Night Monkey, Black Howler Monkeys, Marsh Deer, Capivara, among others.
Difficulty
Low-to-Moderate. The expedition involves an aprox. 1,700 kilometers itinerary mostly by paved roads. Birding on boat by the swamps included.
Requirements
Basic birding skills and previous experience is expected. We will provide participants with further information.
Services
Included:
- Professional birding and nature guide (in English, Spanish or Portuguese).
- Use of spotting-scope.
- Bird books for consulting.
- Transfer in-out.
- All ground transportation (in comfortable vehicule).
- Boats excursions with local guides.
- All accommodations in double basis (in a few places standard services only).
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (not alcoholic drinks).
Not included:
- Services and excursions not mentioned.
Seasonality
From March to October.
Start & finish
Start place is the city of Jujuy (or nearby cities) or its airport (JUJ), and the finish place is the city of Posadas or its airport (POS).
