Our exploration of northeastern Argentina and neighbouring Uruguay reveals an exceptional range of habitats, from the lush subtropical Atlantic Forest to vast wetlands and windswept coastal lagoons. This diversity translates into an outstanding variety of birdlife, making the region one of the most rewarding in the southern Neotropics.

We begin in the forests of Misiones Province at the spectacular Cataratas del Iguazú (Iguazú Falls), widely regarded as one of the most impressive waterfall systems on Earth. Beyond the drama of the falls themselves, the surrounding Atlantic Forest is a stronghold of biodiversity. Along forest trails, we search for species such as Surucua and Atlantic Black-throated Trogons, Blue Manakin, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow and Spot-billed Toucanet, with both Toco and Red-breasted Toucans regularly encountered. Deeper within the forest, more elusive species such as Short-tailed Antthrush and Southern Antpipit may reward patient effort. Nearby reserves, including Urugua-í Provincial Park, add a different dimension with bamboo-rich habitat supporting specialties such as Black-fronted Piping Guan, Spotted Bamboowren, Bertoni’s Antbird and Speckle-breasted Antpitta.

From these forests we travel south to the vast Esteros del Iberá, one of South America’s most important wetland systems. This immense mosaic of marshes, lagoons and flooded grasslands supports a remarkable concentration of birdlife. Boat excursions and time spent exploring the surrounding wetlands provide opportunities for species such as Black-capped Donacobius, Long-tailed Reed Finch and Plumbeous Ibis, while the grasslands hold some of the region’s most sought-after birds, including Strange-tailed Tyrant, Bearded Tachuri, Ochre-breasted Pipit and Black-and-white Monjita. Iberá is also rich in wildlife, with good chances of Marsh Deer, Capybara and Yacare Caiman.

Continuing south, we explore the distinctive savannah and riverine habitats of El Palmar National Park, created to protect the last extensive stands of Yatay Palm. This unique landscape supports a variety of species including Burrowing Owl, White-spotted and Green-barred Woodpeckers, Spix’s Spinetail and both Grey and White Monjitas. A key target here is the scarce Glaucous-blue Grosbeak, which occurs in the park’s riverine vegetation.

Nearby, the wetlands and thorny woodland around Ceibas provide another highly productive birding area. Here we may encounter species such as Greater Rhea, Savanna Hawk, Brown Cacholote and White-naped Xenopsaris, alongside an impressive array of waterbirds including Maguari Stork, Coscoroba Swan and a variety of ducks. With some luck, we may also find more elusive marsh specialists such as South American Painted-snipe or the highly sought-after reedhaunters.

Our journey concludes across the border in Uruguay, where we explore a series of outstanding coastal wetlands. Lagoons, marshes and grasslands around sites such as Laguna de Rocha, Laguna de Castillos and Bañado del Indio provide excellent birding in a very different setting. Waterfowl are often abundant, with species such as Chilean Flamingo, Black-necked Swan and Rosy-billed Pochard, while marshes hold Wren-like Rushbird, Many-colored Rush Tyrant and Spectacled Tyrant. The surrounding pampas grasslands add Greater Rhea, Long-winged Harrier and the striking Scarlet-headed Blackbird, providing a fitting finale to a tour that showcases some of the richest bird habitats in southern South America.

Highlights

• Visit Iguazú Falls, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
• Experience an exceptional range of easily accessible habitats, from rainforest and savanna to vast wetlands and coastal lagoons.
• Search for iconic South American bird families including rheas, screamers, donacobius, seriemas, ovenbirds and icterids.
• Explore the Iberá Marshes, one of the continent’s premier wetland systems.
• Classic Neotropical birding alongside excellent photographic opportunities in varied, scenic landscapes.
• Birding Uruguay, a rarely visited destination offering superb coastal wetlands and pampas species.