Argentina is a vast country. To visit it all would take many weeks, so our tour has been designed to cherry pick some of the best birds and landscapes in South America. The north west of the country is the most varied in terms of both wildlife and scenery, and our local guide describes this as the best itinerary in Argentina. We will explore a variety of habitats, from lush cloud forests to the driest Puna heaths of the Altiplano. Away from more traditional tourist routes, this is a place that Argentineans keep secret for themselves. The high number of birds restricted to this region makes it difficult to beat, and we have found species that few others have ever seen. In 2007 we were the first tour company to see Dinelli’s Doradito on its breeding grounds.

 

The enigmatic Diademed Sandpiper-plover is one of the most attractive and sought after waders in the world. Neither plover nor sandpiper, it is in a league of its own. Little is known about its habits and it is difficult to find. However, we have found several pairs at accessible sites. Three species of high-altitude flamingos are found nearby, in a spectacular setting.

 

The magnificent Andean Condor flies high over the valleys keeping a watchful eye on us throughout our visit. Torrent Ducks play in the rivers, whilst parrots nest in dramatic red sandstone cliffs. Mammals include the delicate Vicuña, a distant relative of the camel, whose fine wool is used to make some of the most exquisite fabrics.

 

ITINERARY

 

TALAMPAYA NATIONAL PARK AND THE HIGH ANDES

We will spend our first night in Buenos Aires. The next morning we will fly to La Rioja, birding our way to Villa Union, where we may get a view of our first Andean Condor. The next morning we enter Talampaya National Park, a dramatic World Heritage Site. Monte brushland and Chaco woods hold Black-legged Seriema, Spot-winged Falconet and Many-coloured Chaco-finch. Chaco Owl is also possible here.

 

Our next day will see us driving into the High Andes in search of Andean, Chilean and Puna Flamingos that inhabit Laguna Brava. One of the world’s least known yet beautiful waders, the Diademed Sandpiper-plover breeds here, along with Creamy-rumped Miner and Red-backed Sierra Finch. The fantastic Red-tailed Comet, males of which have a six inch long red tail, should satisfy any hummingbird enthusiasts.

 

THE ACONQUIJA RANGE

On our sixth day we will drive through a land dominated by large cacti, to visit salt pans near Salinas. Hundreds of Chilean Flamingos gather to feed, while the very localised Salinas Monjita and Dinelli’s Doradito nest here. Few have ever seen them but we saw both well last year.

 

We will then move on to explore the Yungas cloud forests and high Andean grasslands of the Aconquija range. The lush vegetation is home to the endemic Yellow-striped Brush-finch. Torrent Ducks can be found in pairs swimming in the fast-flowing mountain streams, alongside the localised Rufous-throated Dipper.

 

Tafí del Valle is a tourist resort with a quiet mountain village ambience. Montane forests give way to treeline alder woodlands. Here we can find Giant Hummingbird and the endemic White-browed Tapaculo. Further up the slopes of the Aconquija range one reaches El Infiernillo, a pass at 10,000 ft. Shrubby ravines are home to the Tucumán Mountain-finch. Other species of the Andean grasslands are the charismatic Andean Flicker, Andean Tinamou, White-browed Chat-tyrant and Black Siskin.

 

QUILMES

At El Infiernillo we will cross to the western side of the mountains, to get to Quilmes. Dry valleys are characterised by the presence of tall columnar cacti and creosote bushes. This is monte brushland, a habitat found only in Argentina. It is home to more Argentine endemics, including the Sandy Gallito and Golden-billed Saltator.

 

Our night at Quilmes is a real highlight. This is Argentina’s Machu Picchu, and our lodge is tastefully situated within the ruins. In 2007, we counted 40 White-fronted Woodpeckers roosting on massive cacti. Just north of Quilmes, there is some of the most fantastic scenery of the whole trip. The amazing red sandstone formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas are home to a Burrowing Parrot colony, flocks of which make a wonderful sight.

 

SALTA AND THE YUNGAS

Two nights at Salta allows us to visit Cuesta del Obispo. We will climb up to a truly spectacular landscape, at 11,000 ft. The scrubby ravines and grassy fields around the striking rock formations hold Sparkling Violetear, White-tipped Plantcutter and Mitred Parakeet. Add some very local or threatened species such as Rufous-bellied Saltator, Zimmer’s Tapaculo, Moreno’s Ground-dove and yet more Andean Condors, to make for a fantastic day!

 

We will then depart for Calilegua National Park, birding along the way in Yungas forests. Black-backed Grosbeak, Highland Elaenia, Yellow-winged Cacique, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Yungas Pygmy-owl, Rusty-browed Warbling-finch and Stripe-headed Brush-finch are among the noteworthy birds.

 

Day twelve will be spent exploring Calilegua. We will visit a large altitudinal range, from foothills to montane forests. The cloud forests of Calilegua are particularly lush. Orchids, bromeliads and other epiphytes cover every tree. The birds of Calilegua include Dusky-legged Guan, Golden-collared Macaw, Blue-capped Puffleg, Blue-crowned Trogon, Lyre-tailed Nightjar, the spectacular Giant Antbird and the elusive White-throated Antpitta. There is a good chance of mammals including Coati, Tayra and Brown Capuchin Monkey.

 

YALA

On day thirteen, we will drive to Yala, our base for one night. We will birdwatch in the montane forest here. Red-faced and Dusky-legged Guans feed among fruiting trees that attract Alder and Mitred Parrots. Crested Becard and Plush-crested Jay are two of the many attractions here. Later we must take an afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires, where we will spend our last night.

 

Finally, we will spend the last day birding in the pampas at Costanera Sur, a fantastic reserve close to the city. Here, we will look for Black-necked Swan, Spectacled Tyrant and Masked Gnatcatcher. We will have plenty of time before our evening flight home.

 

IGUAZU EXTENSION

Iguazu is consistently voted the prettiest falls in the world. We will spend three nights here, visiting both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides. As well as experiencing the awesome cataract, we will enjoy the excellent Atlantic forest birding this area has to offer.

 

PACE

Breakfast will be early in order to take advantage of the best birding. Full days will be spent in the field with short/medium length walks. Birding will be mostly on gently sloping terrain. The high altitude in the Andes can affect some people but the pace here will be appropriately slow.

 

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

Full-board accommodation is provided with one night at the Hotel Lafayette, Buenos Aires, one night at Villa Union, two nights at Vinchina, one night at Dean Funes, two nights at the Hotel ACA, Tafi del Valle, one night at the Hotel Ruinas at Quilmes, two nights at Selva Montana, Salta, two nights at the Posada del Sol, Libertador General San Martin, one night at Hosteria Yavi at Yala and one night back at the Hotel Lafayette in Buenos Aires. All are of a good standard with en suite bathrooms. Packed lunches will be taken when away from the hotel in the middle of the day.

 

PRICE INCLUDES …..

All birdwatching excursions with expert leader and local guide, full-board accommodation (starting with breakfast on 8^th, ending with dinner on 22nd), soft drinks at meal times, local transport by mini-coach, reserve entrance fees, international flights and airport taxes.

 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Our optional travel insurance, payable at the time of booking. Items of a personal nature, alcoholic drinks, laundry.

 

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

Return flight from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires using the scheduled services of Iberia Airlines. Outbound flight departs early morning, return flight arrives back late afternoon. Shuttle flights are available on this tour for £70 return (due at time of booking), from Manchester and other regional airports.

 

15 nights including one overnight flight:   3 night optional Iguazu extension to:                                 Principal leader:   Local guide:   Maximum group size:   Cost with discount (if you book before 25th July 2009):   Full Cost:   Single supplement:   Extension cost:     Deposit:   Insurance premium:

7th  to 22nd  November 2009     25th November 2009   Phil Palmer   German Pugnali   12 clients with one leader and a local guide     £3690 per person sharing   £3840 per person sharing   £230   £980 per person sharing £70 single supplement   £500   £59 due at time of booking (£89 for age 65 to 69) (£118 for age 70 and over)