The Argentine Northwest is a region of surprising contrast and natural diversity. This trip will offer you a journey from the arid Chaco forests of the eastern plains, to the Andean Altiplano at more than 4000 masl (13,000 feet), crossing all the altitude levels of the Andes, through its Amazon cloud forests, grasslands of altitude, Bushlands and Andean forests.
It will include exploring the numerous ravines and canyons, covered by enormous cacti and dense thickets, in search of various endemic species
The high altitude lakes and steppes of the Andean plateau or Puna are home to endemic species of this extreme habitat. The land that was once part of the Inca Empire awaits you with numerous birding surprises and superb wines!
Programme
Day 0
Arrival in Buenos Aires and overnight stay included.
Day 1
We fly to Salta or Jujuy and head to the Santa Bárbara Hills for high-quality Yungas birding, spending the first of three nights near.
Day 2
We explore the arid Chaco to the east—contrasting sharply with the rainforest—and then return to the lodge for hummingbird watching.
Day 3
We spend a full day birding the Yungas cloud forest, an IBA with more than 400 recorded species, around the lodge area.
Day 4
We ascend toward the Andes and travel to Purmamarca, birding ravines, canyons and desert landscapes en route.
Day 5
We cross the high Andes to reach the vast Salinas Grandes and nearby isolated villages for high-altitude specialties before returning to Purmamarca.
Day 6
We travel north through the Quebrada de Humahuaca toward Yavi, birding wetlands, puna landscapes and a flamingo lake en route.
Day 7
We bird the puna valleys between Yavi and Pozuelos National Park, adjusting routes depending on drought conditions to optimize high-Andean species.
Day 8
We descend toward Jujuy and bird the lush reserve of Yala, a hotspot for Torrent Duck, Dipper and nightjars.
Day 9
We travel to Salta via the cloud-forest “Cornisa” road and explore two dam lakes rich in diverse species before overnighting in the city.
Day 10
We drive from Salta to Cachi through the Calchaquí Valley and Cuesta del Obispo, targeting woodpeckers, raptors and Monte species.
Day 11
We continue from Cachi to Cafayate through Los Cardones National Park, birding cactus landscapes and high Andean grasslands.
Day 12
We spend the day birding the stunning red canyons of Quebrada de las Conchas, with an optional afternoon wine tasting in Cafayate.
Day 13
We return to Salta while completing missing species and then fly back to Buenos Aires for the final night.
Day 14
International flights depart.
