The Biodiversity Expedition

In its nearly 3 million square kilometers, Argentina [1] offers an astonishing diversity of natural environments. The real can’t-miss is the Esteros del Iberá marshes, in Corrientes Province [2], where the colorful subtropical birds, reptiles, and mammals are reason enough to visit Argentina for a week or more.

Day 1

Arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) and transfer to a Buenos Aires [3] hotel. Visit main historic sites.

Day 2

Take a tour to the riverside suburb of Tigre [4] and the Río Paraná Delta [5], including the island of Martín García [6] near the Uruguayan border.

Day 3

An early-morning flight to Puerto Iguazú [7] allows the afternoon at the falls [8]; if the timing’s right, take the full-moon tour.

Day 4

Travel overland and spend the night at Yacutinga Lodge [9], with distinctive accommodations on a private nature reserve east of Puerto Iguazú. Alternatively, consider a night at Posada Puerto Bemberg [9], only half an hour south of Iguazú.

Day 5

Return to Puerto Iguazú and, time permitting, visit the Brazilian side of the falls (visa necessary).

Day 6

Travel overland to the city of Posadas [10], with a stop at the landmark Jesuit mission at San Ignacio [11]. Continue to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, in the Esteros del Iberá wetlands, by 4WD vehicle with driver.

Day 7

Enjoy a full-day wildlife-viewing excursion among the floating islands of the Esteros del Iberá [2].

Day 8

Head to the provincial capital of Corrientes [12] for a flight back to Buenos Aires [3] and on to the colonial city of Salta. Alternatively, spend more time at Iberá and take an overnight sleeper bus to Salta.

Day 9

Travel an overland loop, by rental car, from Salta up the Quebrada del Toro to the altiplano at San Antonio de los Cobres, stopping at enormous salt flats, and then descending to Purmamarca or Tilcara for the night. (In the dry winter, itineraries are easy to stick to, but the wet summer can disrupt overland transportation.)

Day 10

Visit the archaeological sites and colonial monuments of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a World Heritage Site in Jujuy Province. Return to Salta.

Day 11

Take a full-day excursion to the yungas cloud forests of Parque Nacional Calilequa.

Day 12

Depart by rental car for Cafayate via the colorful desert canyon of the Quebrada de Cafayate, with a side trip to the pre- Columbian ruins of Quilmes. Sample Cafayate’s unique white wine, torrontés, at any of several local bodegas.

Day 13

On the return loop to Salta, take in the scenic village of Cachi, Parque Nacional Los Cardones, and the precipitous canyon known as the Quebrada de Escoipe.

Day 14

Hop a morning flight to Buenos Aires, continuing to San Carlos de Bariloche [13], with time for a late-afternoon excursion to Circuito Chico, in Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi [14].

Day 15

Day-trip by bus or rental car to Villa la Angostura [15]; then take the boat to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes [16], returning by footpath to Villa la Angostura. If it’s a long summer day, consider a side trip to Parque Nacional Lanín [17] and its araucaria forests.

Day 16

Travel by bus or rental car to El Bolsón [18], with a visit to its Feria Artesanal [19] for organic beer and grazing at various food stands. Take an afternoon excursion to nearby Parque Nacional Lago Puelo [20] or, with an early start, hike to the summit of Cerro Piltriquitrón [21] for spectacular panoramas of the Andes along the Chilean border.

Day 17

Bus or drive to the city of Esquel [22], gateway to Parque Nacional Los Alerces [23] and its millennial alerce forests. Spend the afternoon at the La Hoya [24] ski area, where the chairlift carries hikers to the trailheads in summer.

Day 18

Enjoy a boat excursion (Circuito Lacustre [25]) at Parque Nacional Los Alerces [23], with an overnight at the park’s landmark Hotel Futalaufquen [26] or in more modest accommodations, including camping.

Day 19

Return to San Carlos de Bariloche, stopping at Butch Cassidy’s former cabin [27], with a detour to Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi [28]’s Ventisquero Negro (Black Glacier).

Day 20

A morning flight to Buenos Aires [3] leaves the afternoon and evening free for sightseeing and perhaps a tango floor show [29].

Day 21

Take a full day for exploring Buenos Aires before heading to the airport for an evening departure.