Sometimes tourism isn’t about the cities, art and fine hotels. Sometimes the best part of visiting a foreign country is taking your camera and getting out in nature. Taking pictures, seeing and watching local wildlife is one of the most truly spectacular ways to take in what a foreign country has to offer. Argentina has many great opportunities for tourists to see the animals, birds and sea creatures that call this country home.
Subtropical Birds
In northern Argentina where the subtropical climate is hot and moist, you have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful birds on the planet. Toucans and flamingos are among some of the more exotic looking birds you can see here, but there are dozens of others that are equally interesting to birdwatchers.
Cats
If you’re interested in seeing some of the wild cats that Argentina is home to, then a trip through the Yacutinga Rainforest is a great idea. Guided tours will show through the nature reserve and take you to locations where you’re most likely to see some of the elusive creatures. Ocelots and pumas both call this park home, and while sightings are rare, if you spend enough time in the park you may get lucky. In addition, many more fantastic South American birds can be seen here.
Whales
If you visit Argentina sometime between September and October, you’ve arrived in prime whale watching season. Puerto Madryn is where the whale watching activity is centered, and the government license several companies in the area to take tourists on whale watching excursions without impacting their habitat or safety. The primary whales you’ll see on such a trip are Southern right whales, but killer whales are also present.
Penguins
When most people think of penguins, they of course think of Antarctica. Argentina is one of the best places to leave on a tourist expedition to Antarctica if you want to see Emperor penguins in their natural habitat. However, if you’re interested in seeing other types of penguins, you can see them without ever leaving Argentina. Throughout Tierra del Fuego in the southernmost regions of the country, you can find Magellanic and Macaroni penguin breeding grounds. Tours to these sites are available.
Ibera
The marsh of Ibera is doubly as large as the Everglades. Because of the connecting pools and streams a guide is recommended when traveling through this area, as the unwary traveler could very easily get lost. However, there are many benefits to be had for the wildlife enthusiast in this region.
There are birds, mammals and sea creatures in this area that are all rare and exotic. For the very lucky travelers, maned wolf or capybara may be seen in the marsh. The maned wolf looks more like a North American fox, than its namesake. The capybara, is the largest rodent in the world. While it is a relative of the tiny mouse, and the slightly larger rat, this rodent dwarfs them all. They grow to over 4 feet in length and can weight upwards of 150 lbs.
Entry Requirements
It is extremely important that travelers are aware of the Argentina Reciprocity Fee that is currently in place. This is mandatory for all US, Canadian and Australian citizens that want to visit Argentina for 90 or less.
For additional details on requirements for US Citizens, visit the State Department website or the Embassy of Argentina.
Argentina Visa Fee 