What to do

Nature and Wildlife Holidays

Spanning from the tropics to Antarctica, there is a vast range of different wilderness areas and animals...

For most, the nature and wildlife of Argentina are the real reason to come here. The sheer scale puts most in awe, and the diversity of topography and wildlife allows you to take in all sorts without ever having to leave the same country, quite often in the space of a few hours of driving. Due to the sheer vastness, however, it is worth choosing wisely as to what wildlife it is that interests you.

Argentina measures in at around 3,000 kms from north to south and, should you want to try and take it all in, you are going to need to travel a lot of distance by road or take a few internal flights.

As a starting point, it is also worth bearing in mind that Argentina is a country unlike anywhere else in the world. It features such marvels as the Iguazu Falls in the very north, salt pans to the west, the indomitable Andes range all along its western border, icebergs and glaciers, whales and elephant seals, and plenty of flat grassland that stretches for as far as the eye can see. With this range and variation, we defy anyone not to find something in Argentina to whet their whistle!

Many of the areas can be combined simply enough, with the lakes and mountains around Bariloche combining well with the vineyards of Mendoza or the ice fields of El Calafate. For those keen on outdoors pursuits then there are activities such as rafting and diving, skiing and hiking on offer all across Argentina. This diversity of activities reflects the Argentine love for their natural surroundings.

To try and give you a bit of a better idea as to what wildlife you are after or you prefer please have a look at a few introductory words to each of the main areas of Argentina.

For more information on the wildlife itself and a selection of the parks and reserves that Argentina has then please also follow the links below…

When to go to Argentina:

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    Further reading...

  • › When to go whale watching
  • › Itinerary Finder
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    The best regions for Argentina Nature and Wildlife:

    El Calafate and El Chalten - Monte Fitz Roy

    El Calafate and El Chalten

    Possibly the most famous area of Argentina, El Calafate, and the neighbouring El Chalten, sit right on the edge of the Southern Ice Field, the second largest body of ice on the planet. Recently the area has seen a huge surge in interest (... More...

    Our Top Five Nature and Wildlife Hotels in Argentina:

    1. Awasi Iguazu - Main Area

      Awasi Iguazu

      Awasi Iguazu is a new, luxury option, in and around the Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side of the border. Owned and operated by the Awasi chain (who operate a couple of the best properties in Chile, the Awasi Atacama and the Awasi Patagonia) this is a very classy new option and has shaken up the... More...

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    2. Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa - Location

      Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa

      Located at around 5 minutes drive out of the town, Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa is one of two fantastic hotels in the area. Designed along the lines of a ski chalet, using plenty of warm yellow Lenga wood in its construction, the hotel offers a great variety of food, activities and overall luxury... More...

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    3. Rincon del Socorro - Bar

      Rincon del Socorro

      Certainly the best of the properties around the Esteros, the Rincon del Socorro is loosely based around the concept of an estancia, with a series of buildings dispersed around the main building which has the dining area and relaxing areas. The buildings themselves have a veranda area that runs... More...

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    4. Estancia Rincon Chico

      Estancia Rincon Chico

      Our preferred estancia on the Peninsular, the Estancia Rincon Chico is a great place to get a feel for what it is all about, coming to this area of the world. The focus here is on privacy and intimate views of the wildlife of this beautiful area. Making use of their private beach and large property... More...

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    5. Estancia Cristina - External View

      Estancia Cristina

      A secluded lodge with exclusive access to the Upsala Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park, Estancia Cristina is one of the more difficult places to get to in and around El Calafate but is more than worth the effort once you do. Offering a range of activities and an insight into the history of... More...

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