Amazon Adventures

Phone: 800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email

Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Argentina Tours and Travel

Best of Patagonia / Hiking the Patagonia Classics / More Patagonia Treks / More Patagonia / Firecrowns & Penguins
Buenos Aires / Calafate / Iguazu Falls / Bariloche / Ushuaia / Salta / Mendoza / Ibera / Valdes Peninsula / Hidden Argentina
Antarctic Cruises / Expedition Cruises / Best of Northwest / Bike Tours / Wine Tours / Uruguay Escapes / Tango, Candombe & Samba

Firecrowns and Penguins

This is a new program with a natural history approach but which is –we believe – a fun alternative for those passengers looking forward to experiencing the amazing wildlife in Argentina. This will include penguins and elephant seals in Valdes Peninsula, (depending upon the season there will also be whales!); then the rare fauna at Ibera with the marsh deer, black caymans and howler monkeys and of course the mighty Iguazu falls as a Grand Finale.

This is both a program for honeymooners and for families. You will note that we have quoted 3 versions: The first one is hotel based with Rincon del Socorro as the selected property in the Ibera Marshlands. The second one is the same properties but in Iguazu we change the Sheraton hotel for the classy Puerto Bemberg, a place to be noted and recommended not only for its classy accommodation but also for the surroundings which are of great natural and cultural interest. And last, but not least, Yacutinga Lodge which offers a natural history approach.

DAY 01- BUENOS AIRES

Arrival in Buenos Aires. Meet at the International airport and transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation. Balance of the day at leisure to explore on own.

This Cosmopolitan city, -the cradle of tango- as it is called, can be a superlative introduction to an exploration of Argentina. European in appearance, Buenos Aires can keep any culture-oriented visitor busy indefinitely. The city has been a true melting pot of native inhabitants, Spanish, Italian, British, French, German, and Central European, Jewish, Arabian, Greek, Japanese and more recently, Chinese and Korean immigrants. Different aspects of its architecture and the diversity of its districts and suburbs reflect times of grandeur and plenty, cultural influences and migratory waves.
Accommodation: Howard Johnson Recoleta www.hjrecoleta.com.ar / Elevage Hotel www.elevage.com.ar
Meals: None

DAY 02- EXPLORING BUENOS AIRES
Meet the guide at the lobby of the hotel to start the Four Balconies of Buenos Aires city tour.
THE FOUR BALCONIES OF BUENOS AIRES is an exclusive visit of Buenos Aires, in which a scholar, professor of the University, uses four parks and plazas of Buenos Aires (Plaza de Mayo, Parque Lezama and La Boca, Plaza San Martin and Recoleta) to introduce visitors to Argentina, its history, its contrasts, its contradictions and the characteristic psychology of the "porteños", the inhabitants of Buenos Aires.
The tour offers a first approach to the city including its highlights on the way:
Plaza de Mayo, the heart of the city of Buenos Aires both from the historical and political point of view and the site of its foundation.
Parque Lezama & La Boca as the old South. One of the oldest districts in the city, crowded by artists´ateliers and colorful houses of rambling architecture at La Boca and lots of Antiques shops and cobblestone streets in San Telmo , which showcase the early times of Buenos Aires
Plaza San Martin & Retiro show the link and the passage from the Old South to the New Residential quarters developed at the turn of the XIXth Century when Argentina and specially Buenos Aires looked after Europe as a role model.
Recoleta, the sophisticated and stylish district in Buenos Aires with a strong French influence to be noted in its architecture, avenues and barrios. We will include a visit to the world famous Recoleta Cemetery where Evita Peron is buried.

Return to hotel.
Accommodation: Howard Johnson Recoleta www.hjrecoleta.com.ar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 03- BUENOS AIRES / TRELEW
Morning transfer to the domestic airport. Flight to Trelew, the next destination. Arrival in Trelew. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Puerto Madryn.

Balance of the day at leisure to explore the nice coastal city of Puerto Madryn. This is a very pleasant place for a quiet stroll along the coast. And together with the walk a visit to the Eco Centro must not be forgotten. The Eco Centro is an educational center dedicated to the research and promotion of the interesting wildlife of the area specially the marine mammals. Its location is very convenient since it overlooks the sea, so after a nice visit, it is a good idea to rest in one of their livingrooms overlooking the sea and with a good book!
Accommodation: Tolosa Hotel in Superior Rooms www.hoteltolosa.com.ar / Posada Los Mimbres: www.posadalosmimbres.com.ar for the Puerto Bemberg option.
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 04- PUNTA TOMBO ROOKERY
Morning meet the guide to start a full day visit of Punta Tombo, the most important breeding colony of Magellanic penguins in the world. The aim of this reserve is to protect one of the most diverse sea bird colonies in Argentina and the largest continental Magellan penguin colony, housing almost two million individuals. A rocky 3-km-long and 600-meter-wide mass getting into the sea, covered by sand, clay, and gravel and surrounded by large sandy beaches, it offers the largest concentration of sea birds in the entire Patagonian coast.

We will walk through a trail, which cuts, deep into the colony to observe closely these fascinating birds. The area is full of caves, where the penguins lay their eggs and raise their young. We will be able to watch the hectic activity dominating the colony, while some penguins would dig their caves, others would fight over their territories, at the same time that the continuous murmur of their voices would invade the atmosphere.

Punta Tombo is also a paradise for other sea birds that have chosen this site to nest. Other species such as kelp gulls, skuas, dolphin gulls, the Chubut steamer duck, two species of cormorants -the king cormorant and the rock shag-, snowy sheathbills, and several species of terns and giant petrels are some of the ones we can find nesting in the area. Hairy armadillos and Patagonian foxes also inhabit the area and may be seen here.

On the way back to Trelew we will visit Gaiman, a typical Welsh settlement. We will be able to walk leisurely around the small village and appreciate the strong influence that these first inhabitants have given to the place. Together with a visit, we will have leisure time to enjoy a tradition in the area: Go to a local tea house and enjoy a very healthy tea complemented with local delicacies (not included). Normally the tea houses are the original houses built by the first inhabitants. They are well kept and we will be able to mingle with their friendly owners and hosts and learn more about their traditions and their everyday life. Over the years, the British tea tradition - brought to the province of Chubut by Welsh immigrants in the 19th century-has been honored in each home using old family baking recipes that may or may not have been reinvented by successive ladies of the house. We will have free time for tea (not included) and then we return to Puerto Madryn.
Accommodation: Tolosa Hotel in Superior Rooms www.hoteltolosa.com.ar / Posada Los Mimbres: www.posadalosmimbres.com.ar for the Puerto Bemberg Option.
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 05- VALDES PENINSULA
Early morning meet the guide and start a full day visit to the Valdes Peninsula. On our way we will stop to see the wildlife of the area: guanacos, lesser rheas, Patagonian foxes, hairy armadillos, maras and the most important rookeries protecting large colonies of South American sea lions and Southern elephant seals, Magellanic penguins also inhabit this area along with oystercatchers, dolphin gulls, kelp gulls, cormorants, etc.

We leave the city of Puerto Madryn and after a 77 km (50 mile) drive we will arrive at the Valdes Peninsula visitors´ center, where we will stop for an overview of the fauna, flora and history of the Peninsula as well as the main places worth visiting in the area. We resume our drive to reach Isla de los Pájaros lookout point to spot some of the birdlife of the area, then following the gravel road and after 25 km (approx.) we reach Puerto Pirámides, a small village starting point of the whale watching navigations. At Puerto Piramides there is a small sea lions colony worth of visit. Our next stop will be Punta Delgada, the Southernmost tip of the Valdes Peninsula. This area is particularly interesting for its elephant seal colony (Mirounga leonina).

** Between mid June and December we will enjoy a breathtaking Whale Watching navigation (2 hours) to sight the amazing Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena Australis) - see details below

After having visited Punta Delgada we head to Caleta Valdés, another interesting rookery of sea lions and elephant seals colonies. Normally we will stop here for lunch (not included). After lunch we will cross along the Peninsula by the Lowlands and salt beds in the heart of the area to reach Puerto Piramides again and then drive back towards the entrance and then on to Puerto Madryn. Arrival at the hotel.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
*** During March & April, we may skip a visit to Punta Delgada and we will drive North towards Punta Norte to watch sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and elephant seal natural reserve. It is possible to observe the famous Orcinus Orca, the Orcas if lucky enough and during high tide. On board safe catamarans, professionally managed due to strict regulations, the navigations operate on a daily basis and in shared services. Private services are on request.
Accommodation: Tolosa Hotel in Superior Rooms www.hoteltolosa.com.ar / Posada Los Mimbres: www.posadalosmimbres.com.ar for the Puerto Bemberg Option.
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 06- TRELEW / BUENOS AIRES / MERCEDES
Morning meet at the hotel to transfer to the airport to board the flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival in Buenos Aires. Meet at the airport. There will be some free time in Buenos Aires while we keep the luggage until the time for the transfer to the bus terminal. Overnight bus to Mercedes in the province of Corrientes. Normally this bus will leave between 0800PM and 1030 PM.
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 07- MERCEDES/ IBERA MARSHLANDS

Early morning arrival In Mercedes bus Terminal. Mercedes is a lovely village lost in time, where we will be able to appreciate the charming and tranquil atmosphere of the cities inside Argentina. Meet and greet and transfer to Rincon del Socorro. The transfer take 1,30 hours because we will drive on gravel road (83km). Arrival and accommodation.

Afternoon enjoy a horseback ride in the estancia. The hosteria is particularly rider-friendly. The host - Leslie Cook - and his wife Valeria are horse trainers, so the riding operation is professional with regard to supply of good horses for all riding abilities, quality riding tack and guiding. Horseback riding is an integral part of the hosteria's program, since the chances of seeing wildlife increase immensely on horseback rather than on foot. Most rides are about 1- 1 1/2 hours (on the horse) and you should allow about half an hour saddle up time and orientation. 4 hour rides with lunch are also available. For the expert riders there are full day rides and cattle roundups (if booked in advance) at the nearby Estancia Iberá.

South of the Iguazú Falls we find one of the most spectacular natural paradises of South America: the Iberá Marshlands, twice the size of the Everglades. Because its waters made the area almost inaccessible, it was until only a few years ago that this region was kept practically unknown and unexplored and had become a veritable natural refuge for abundant and varied wildlife, as well as renegade Indians and matreros. The Jesuits extensively colonized this beautiful region still inhabited by the Guarani Indians and their descendants today, for two centuries. Due to its location, which made it inaccessible, the area became a natural refuge for abundant and varied wildlife, including the largest rodent on Earth, two types of caimans, the largest deer native to South America, howler monkeys and lots of birds.

The Estancia Rincón del Socorro, located in this natural paradise, and headquarters of a former cattle ranch on the edge of the Iberá Marshlands in Northeaster Argentina has been made into a nature reserve. It is one of the latest undertakings of US magnate and eco-philanthropist Douglas Tompkins in the province of Corrientes and aimed at providing guests and visitors a good understanding of the local ecosystem and an appreciation of the importance of the wetlands and savannah landscapes.
Accommodation: Rincon del Socorro www.rincondelsocorro.com
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

DAY 08 & 09- IBERA MARSHLANDS
Full day activities at estancia Rincon del Socorro.

The hosteria includes fauna-spotting boat trips for small groups that enter the wetlands at the far end of the ranch 35 km to the northeast. After a morning outing, a barbecue lunch is served in a hut beside the boat dock. We will start early in the morning or in the late afternoon to improve the chances of the observation. We use 2 kinds of boats with flat bottom made of aluminum as well as the typical canoes to enjoy a full day exploration of the fascinating marshes. These are excellent opportunities to photograph multicolored flowers of the aquatic plants and the varied fauna: black caimans, which despite its antediluvian appearance are inoffensive to humans; roseate spoonbills; maguari storks; whistling herons; anhigas; marsh eagles; painted turtles; etc. If we are lucky enough, we will be able to watch the rare marsh deer, in danger of extinction.

Together with the wildlife spotting we will visit Iberá VISITOR´S CENTER to appreciate the amazing area as a whole, its interesting eco system and a short walk will lead us the a howler monkeys community and from a strategic lookout point we will be able to observe these amazing animals. The visitor's center is located in a little town called "Colonia Pellegrini", a small village that 20 years ago was home to a handful of poachers who over the years have learnt to protect and look after their wildlife and earn living guiding tourists for various lodges on the Iberá Lake.
Accommodation: Rincon del Socorro www.rincondelsocorro.com
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 10- IBERA MARSHLANDS/ PUERTO IGUAZU
Meet at the Estancia and transfer to Iguazu visiting on the way the Jesuit Ruins. The drive will be long, about 8 hours plus the visit to the Ruins, but it will totally pay off. We will make a stop at the Jesuit Mission of San Ignacio Mini to appreciate the work and extent fo the Jesuit Trail in Argentina and in Misiones specifically. A true piece of art.

The missions brought together thousands of natives who dedicated themselves successfully to agriculture and cattle raising, directed by a few Jesuits. The wealth and production of these settlements was such that it is estimated that they possessed, before their expulsion, 743.600 cows and 31.000 horses while the area sown with mate covered almost 500.000 acres (200000 hectares). Because of the great power they possessed it is that the Jesuits where expelled from Latin America and the missions where abandoned and practically covered by jungle, after a period of great prosperity. And they where restored between 1940 and 1950 to what we can see now, being the best preserved Jesuit Complex in Argentina.
Accommodation: Sheraton Iguazu hotel
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11- IGUAZU FALLS
Full day visit to the Argentinean side of the falls. Upon arrival to Iguazú National Park, the first stop will be the Visitors´ Center Ibyra-reta, which in native language (Guaraní) means "The Tree Country", a big construction with a permanent exhibition on the rich bio diversity of the area. To visit the falls the best way is using a fancy train "Tren Ecologico de la Selva" that connects 3 areas of the National Park. This small train was built in England and specially designed for the park.

The small train has 3 stations: Central Station (where the visitors´ center is located), the Cataratas Station, which gives access to the trail head of the lower and upper trails in the falls and the Devil's Throat Station, to reach the imposing fall. In total it is a 14km route which demands a 25 min. ride. To reach to the Falls Area (Trail heads of the Upper and lower trails) we can either use the train or hike the Green Trail, which goes by a swampy area where we will be able to observe birds, lots of butterflies and other interesting species. This trail demands a 15 min walk (600m). Upon arrival at the Cataratas Station, we find a plaza which is the starting point of the Upper and Lower Trails. The upper trail will offer great panoramic views of the falls from above on its 650 m long. Normally it takes about 1, 30 hours with stops on the way; there are six ample lookout points and rest areas.

The other Trail, the so-called lower one, allows for a closer approach of the falls from below, where the water cannons into rocks. The trail -1700 m - has 8 lookout points of great beauty where getting wet is guaranteed! This circular trail demands between 1, 30 to 2 hours visit and it is an even trail with some steps to reach different levels. We have the view of the falls from below and front and we are also able to sight some of the falls on the Brasilian side. Time permitting we will have the opportunity to cross over to San Martin Island which offers magnificent vistas of San Martin and Escondido falls as well as of a peculiar rock formation known as La Ventana (the Window). To reach this Island, we get to a small pier at the end of the lower trail where we embark on a safe boat and cross over to the isle (5 min navigation). Once on the island, there are about 172 steps to climb to reach the top! This requires some physical effort, so participants must be fit.

And then we jump again on the train to reach the last of the Stations - Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo). From here a trail -of about 1100m- traverses the Iguazú River to the breathtaking Devil's Throat.
Accommodation: Sheraton Iguazu hotel - www.iguazu.sheraton.com.ar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12- IGUAZU / BUENOS AIRES
Morning meet to start visit to the Brasilian side of the falls until the transfer to the airport to fly back to Buenos Aires.

From the main entrance a bus will take us to the main trail where the view is -maybe- the most panoramic and wonderful in the area; we recommend a morning visit of the falls, since it is the best light with the sun shinning over the falls on the Argentine side. The best view from the Brasilian side is the spectacular Devil's Throat, where fourteen falls drop 350 feet with such force that there is always a 100 foot cloud of spray overhead. Watch for the rainbow! For a close up view, we will walk through the subtropical forest of National Iguaçu Park to the base of Salto Floriano and then take the elevator to the top of the falls, or walk out over the falls at Salto Union.

Arrival in Buenos Aires. Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Arrival and accommodation.
Accommodation: Howard Johnson Recoleta www.hjrecoleta.com.ar
Meals: Breakfast

BOOKING
REQUEST

DAY 13- BUENOS AIRES
Balance of the day at leisure to explore the city on own until transfer to the international airport for your flight.
Meals: Breakfast

2010 Price per person double occupancy: US$3482

With PUERTO BEMBERG Option

Otto and Federico Bemberg settled in Misiones in what was originally known as Puerto Libertad with their families and venture. The place grew considerably and was locally known as Puerto Bemberg. In 1940 they built the original Posada Puerto Bemberg to accommodate the first travelers coming from Posadas to visit the Iguazu Falls. Nowadays the Posada has been fully refurbished to create a luxury retreat in the jungle. 5000 native plants from Misiones, natural falls, trails, spacious rooms, a living room with large windows and a grand piano, an intimate restaurant, a superb library that contains more than 2500 books and masterpieces of Contemporary and Latin American arts are part of the delights of this place.

DAY 10. IBERA MARSHLANDS / PUERTO IGUAZU / PUERTO BEMBERG
Meet at the Estancia and transfer to Iguazu visiting on the way the Jesuit Ruins. The drive will be long, about 8 hours plus the visit to the Ruins, but it will totally pay off. We will make a stop at the Jesuit Mission of San Ignacio Mini to appreciate the work and extent fo the Jesuit Trail in Argentina and in Misiones specifically. A true piece of art. Arrival in Puerto Iguazu. Meet and transfer to Iguazu Falls National Park for a full day visit of this amazing park. Once we have explored and hiked its upper and lower trails and got to the impressive Devil´s Throat, we are transferred to Puerto Bemberg.
Accommodation and dinner.
Meals: Dinner.

Puerto Bemberg invites visitors to breathe and enjoy the forest. In the heart of a subtropical ecosystem, time flows amidst trails, bird sounds, dikes, falls, woodlands, natural vantage points, native legend, and the murmur of the Parana River. Combining a turn-of-century style with amenities and facilities that will please the most demanding traveler, this history-filled inn of colonial tiles, wide spaces and autochthonous furniture is the hub of singular and intimate experiences with nature. Spacious and luminous rooms, an exclusive restaurant offering local cuisine with gourmet influences, a natural pool, a wooden library offering 2500 books, "La Cave" and its variety of delicious wines, and the outdoor terrace overlooking the Parana River are some of the highlights of relaxing in this paradise. For more than a century, Puerto Bemberg has belonged to the prestigious Bemberg family, advocates of sustainable natural environments. Only thirty minutes away from the entrance to the Iguazu National Park, it is a different alternative for those wishing to visit one of the world’s wonders.

DAY 11. PUERTO BEMBERG
Today we will enjoy the facilities and the "Treats" of the Posada: the swimming pool, the watchtower, the lookout point on top of the trees, the orchard, etc. We will visit the Chapel, built in 1930 by Bustillo, a foremost architect that designed most of the important buildings in Argentina and with original French vitreaux, where the locals used to gather every Sunday for the mass.
Following this visit, we will enjoy Puerto Bemberg Plant Nursery and Jungle Restoration area. This will be particularly interesting to learn about the native flora, very rich and varied, and the commitment of the locals in the recovery of the lost species and deforested areas. Lunch is not included.

Afternoon a relaxing navigation to the Yasi Fall, a small fall close to the Posada which we will reach by boat. A nice place to relax, hang out and lay in the sun!
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

DAY 12. PUERTO BEMBERG / PUERTO IGUAZU
Morning dedicated to exploring the self guided trails around the property to appreciate the extent of the subtropical jungle. Transfer to airport. Arrival in Buenos Aires. Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Arrival and accommodation.
Accommodation: Howard Johnson Recoleta www.hjrecoleta.com.ar
Meals: Breakfast

BOOKING
REQUEST

DAY 13- BUENOS AIRES
Balance of the day at leisure to explore the city on own until transfer to the international airport for your flight.
Meals: Breakfast

2010 Price per person double occupancy: US$3450

With YACUTINGA LODGE Option

An environmentally friendly Lodge and Private Wildlife Nature Reserve located in the heart of the Argentinean Rainforest, surrounded by the Iguazú National Park. The Wildlife Reserve area, which covers 570 hectares (1408 acres) is part of the 270000 hectares of protected rainforest, shared by Brasil and Argentina. Yacutinga is located on the Upper Iguazú River and abut 52km(32 miles) and consists of a main building and a set of 4 separate areas called "Butterflies" spread through the forest around the common areas. Visitors do not need to be wildlife experts; there will be plenty of opportunities to relax, soak up the atmosphere of the area, take out the binoculars and share nature-oriented trips, escorted by bilingual naturalist guides.

DAY 11. PUERTO IGUAZU / YACUTINGA
0230PM. Meet the guide at RAICES ARGENTINAS (at the crossing of the Route 12 with 101) and transfer to Yacutinga in modern vans traveling through Urugua-I Provincial Park and rural areas of Yerba mate plantations.
Check in and briefing about the place, the activities, etc.
Accommodation
Meals: Dinner.

DAY 12. YACUTINGA
Early breakfast and a short hike to the San Francisco River, which flows into the Natural Reserve. This is the right moment for a photo-safari and general fauna observation. Floating has a duration of almost 3 hours, silently going through the Gallery forest area. Back to the Lodge at mid-morning. Lunch. Free time to walk along the several self-guided interpretation trails or simply to enjoy the facilities of the Lodge (swimming pool, hummingbird Project, etc). Interpretative walks in the afternoon, conducted by expert guides who provide good information on the several natural environments, their Flora and Fauna. Back to the Lodge. Dinner. Night activity, The Forest at night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 13. YACUTINGA / PUERTO IGUAZU
Breakfast and free time to explore some of our self-guided interpretation trails, or simply enjoy the Lodge area.
Brunch at the Lodge and return to Iguazú port by land at mid-morning.
Arrival estimated at RAICES ARGENTINAS at 1:00 p.m Transfer to airport. Arrival in Buenos Aires. Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Arrival and accommodation.
Accommodation: Howard Johnson Recoleta www.hjrecoleta.com.ar
Meals: Breakfast

BOOKING
REQUEST

DAY 14- BUENOS AIRES
Balance of the day at leisure to explore the city on own until transfer to the international airport for your flight.
Meals: Breakfast

2010 Price per person double occupancy: US$3740

Phone: 800-232-5658 or 1-512-443-5393 email

Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Argentina Tours and Travel

Firecrowns and Penguins

BOOKING REQUEST

With PUERTO BEMBERG Option

BOOKING REQUEST

With YACUTINGA LODGE Option

BOOKING REQUEST

Phone: 800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email

BOOKING
REQUEST

BOOKING
REQUEST

BOOKING
REQUEST