Being the 8th largest country on earth and extending over 2200 miles north to south from the tropics to the fringes of the Antarctic, there is no shortage of wildlife in this South American country! You’ll have to get yourself out of Buenos Aires though if you want to see the wild side of Argentina.
This guide is divided up into the wildlife hotspots of Argentina. You’ll find out what you’ll see in natural habitats as well as how to see them in some places. There are many places to visit in Argentina and this should help you to choose and plan a future trip.
Iberá Wetlands (Esteros del Iberá)
A remote region in the northeast of Argentina, Iberá was used as a hunting ground for years, now being a protected wildlife reserve, animals are thriving. A huge ecosystem that is made up of swamps, islands, lagoons and marshes, Iberá provides many habitats. Alligators, river lions, snakes, howler monkeys, skunks, gray foxes, wildcats, armadillos, anacondas, alligators, otters, maned guazú, capybaras, piranhas, eels, tarariras and swamp deer.
Iberá is much smaller than other famous similar ecosystems such as the Pantanal,
but it won’t disappoint. It is easy to get here from many cities across Argentinaor or hiring
tourism packages to Esteros del Iberá.
You can visit here all year round, you can explore on kayaks, boat tours and on horseback. All are best with a guide.
Iguazú National Park
Iguazu in Argentina and its sister park Iguaçu in Brazil are UNESCO World Heritage Sites home to one of the world’s largest waterfalls (Iguazu Falls) and considerable amounts of wildlife.
The tropical forest bordering the falls are home to over 500 species of butterfly, 400 bird species, and 2,000 plant species. You will see many species as you stroll along the wooden boardwalks that make up the trails on both sides of the river. Argentina is home to 80% of the waterfalls and here you are more immersed into the forest than on the Brazilian side.
There are some animals that you’d be unlucky not to see on your visit. The South American Coati is widespread throughout the park, they will always be walking along the footpaths. Be careful, they will steal anything. Black Capuchin monkeys are everywhere, living in large groups and again, always on the lookout for a steal.
You’ll be unlikely to spot any larger mammals of Iguazu during your visit to the falls because the number of people keep them away. You can find tours that delve deeper into the forest, where Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot, Giant Anteaters and the Geoffroy’s Cat live!
Valdés Peninsula (Peninsula Valdes)
The Valdés Peninsula is situated on the Atlantic coast of Argentina at the north of the Patagonian region, it is another UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its wildlife abundance. When you visit this region you’ll likely stay in the city of Puerto Madryn, slightly west of the peninsula.
The peninsula is one of the most important marine habitats in South America because of the wide variety and large numbers that live here. You’ll find whales including orcas and southern right whales who won’t be hard to spot from wherever you are. Orcas are found all year round but watching them undertake their beach attacks will be best at certain times of the year. For Southern Right Whales, you’ll most likely see these from August to October.
Magellanic Penguins live in this region in their thousands during the summer months from October to April. Estancia San Lorenzo is the closest place to spot them with a population of around 300,000.
Elephant seals and sea lions are present here too. Elephant seals stay from August to March. In this time you’ll see the males fighting for females and territory and you might even witness an orca beach attack on the young pups. Sea lions live here all year round mainly at Punta Piramides in the south. You’ll see them laying on the beach and land all year round and the pups from February to April. Get friendly with some sea lions by going kayaking, snorkelling or diving with them.
Whenever you visit the Valdes Peninsula you’ll see some fascinating Argentine wildlife. Dolphins, armadillos, guanacos, grey wolves, maras and skunks are present all year round. There are many ways to see all of the wildlife; walking tours, boat trips, snorkelling, kayaking all provide the opportunity to see wildlife.
Calilegua National Park
Dedicated as a national park in 1979, the environment of Calilegua is one of the most biologically diverse in Argentina. Located in northwest Argentina in the Jujuy province, the reserve protects over 76,000 hectares of forest also known as Yungas.
The wildlife in the national park is very diverse, being home to 50% of all bird species in Argentina. Rare mammals live deep within the forest including jaguars, ocelots, pumas and tapirs. It is difficult to spot these creatures without knowing what you are doing, but thankfully there are ways of maximising your chances. Tour guides can be booked who know these forests well and will increase your chances. Camping at Aguas Negras on the border of the park will mean that you can spend several days trekking to see wildlife.
Southern Patagonia
It isn’t hard to spot wildlife in Patagonia with such vast, open and extreme landscapes. Tierra del Fuego is a wildlife haven. Guanaco, the fueguian fox, mara, albatross, elephant seals, whales and massive numbers of magellanic penguins.
Ushuaia is the perfect place to stay whilst you explore the Tierra del Fuego region. North of Tierra del Fuego you’ll find Los Glaciares National Park where the Perito Moreno Glacier is located. In this park on a walking tour you’ll spot lots of birds and possibly some small mammals.
If you are an animal lover,
contact us and we will organize a trip to suit you so that you can see as much fauna as possible in your next destination.