El Calafate and Los Glaciares National ParkEl Calafate is a small attractive resort town on the shores of Lago Argentina, and the base for touring the region's glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park. Los Glaciares National Park is a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site - some 40% of the park is covered by giant ice fi elds which feed the two big lakes, Lake Viedma and Lago Argentino. Birdlife is rich and includes black-necked swan, black-chested buzzard and Andean condor. The Perito Moreno Glacier is a staggering fi ve kilometres across, towering some 70 metres above the lake waters. Thunderous booms are common as huge chunks of ice break off and crash into the lake. A series of boardwalks with strategically placed viewing points let you explore the area at your own pace, and there are also boat rides along the southern face. In addition to rich birdlife, puma is occasionally seen here. Posada Los Alamos HIGH Posada Los Alamos is an elegant four-star hotel set in beautiful gardens along the shores of Lago Argentino in the centre of El Calafate. Accommodation is in 144 rooms overlooking the surrounding gardens and mountains.Hotel Sierra Nevada MID A small, characterful hotel with 40 rooms set amidst lovely gardens. Each room is light and airy, and the gardens are a relaxing place to sit and refl ect on your holiday so far!Iguazu Falls Iguazu Falls on the Argentine-Brazil border is a magnifi cent array of 275 separate waterfalls that stretches for over three kilometres. It is surrounded by lush tropical forest with an abundant fl ora and fauna, including over 500 species of butterfl y, 400 species of bird and 2,000 species of plant. Iguazu joins Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls as one of the world's three great waterfall spectacles. Iguazu offers excellent viewing opportunities on a system of paths and we would advise visiting the parks on both sides of the border. The vegetation ranges from semi-deciduous to tropical, resulting in dramatic contrasts in the fl ora with orchids growing next to pine trees, bamboo next to palm trees, and mosses next to lianas and colourful begonias. Sheraton Resort and Spa HIGH The hotel is unique as it's located in the heart of the Iguazu Falls National Park. This large modern resort has 176 rooms featuring glass window walls and large private balconies offering excellent views of the rainforest or the waterfalls. There are restaurants, gardens and a swimming pool area with walking trails to the falls. Panoramic Hotel MID A reasonably priced option close enough to the falls to allow easy exploration, and with lovely views over the surrounding jungle canopy. Rooms are comfortable, and the tropical gardens and large swimming pool provide a nice place to relax after your sightseeing.Yacutinga Rainforest A two-hour drive west from Iguazu Falls brings you to Yacutinga Rainforest; a private rainforest reserve whose layered ecosystem is home to countless species of birds, mammals and plants. You'll explore it on both walking and river safaris with naturalist guides. Amongst the forest, colourful birds, such as toucans, guans, trogons and woodpeckers, fl it through the dappled shadows. The reserve also protects several endangered species such as the jaguar, tapir and ocelot, although these elusive creatures are diffi cult to spot. It's a fantastic, relaxing end to a wildlife itinerary in Argentina and one of our favourite locations - we thoroughly recommend a visit.Yacutinga Rainforest Lodge MID OUR CHOICESet in primary rainforest, there are 21 rooms here each with private facilities, wood-burning stoves and great views. The main building houses a restaurant and bar, whilst outside there are botanical gardens, a pool and elevated jungle canopy walkway. The lodge was built with the environment in mind, employing local people, re-introducing endangered plant species and being careful with resources.144Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982Fact!Trelew, gateway to Patagonia, has a strong Welsh infl uence. Many people here are descendents of the settlers who came to Patagonia in the 19th century to escape persecution at home and create a 'New Wales'.

Ibera Marshlands For an extra wildlife experience in Argentina, you could visit the Ibera Marshlands. Located in the north, the Ibera Marshlands, also known as the Argentine Pantanal, cover an area of some 9,000 square kilometres, twice the size of Florida's Everglades. Its topography is made up of lagoons, dykes, water courses, marshlands and islands, creating the perfect habitat for birds, mammals and reptiles. Black caiman, boa constrictor and capybara are all common here and of course the birdlife is spectacular. Other interesting possible sightings include armadillos, turtles, monkeys, deer, anacondas, otters, wildcats and maned wolf. Over 400 species of bird range from the largest, the greater rhea, to various herons, storks, eagles, parrots, snipe, woodpeckers, kingfishers, hummingbirds, magpie tanagers and thrush. Irupe Lodge MID Named after a local rare aquatic plant, Irupe Lodge is simply a fantastic location for wildlife. It has only eight rooms, all of which have panoramic windows for fantastic views out on to Lake Ibera and the gardens, which are crowded with colourful birds. Around about you'll fi nd endangered plants, colourful butterfl ies and, with luck, howler monkeys and all sorts of other wildlife surprises!SUGGESTED ITINERARYDay 1 Depart UK for Buenos Aires Day 2 Buenos Aires, 1-night, NH Lancaster Hotel. Explore Argentina's eclectic capital Day 3 Puerto Madryn, 1-night, Hotel Tolosa (B) Day 4 Valdes Peninsula, 2-nights, Faro Punta Delgada Hotel. Full day visit to the peninsula (BD) Day 6 Ushuaia, 3-nights, Hotel Las Lengas. Tierra del Fuego visit and Beagle Channel navigation (B) Day 9 El Calafate, 3-nights, Hotel Sierra Nevada. Enjoy glacier visits (B) Day 12 Buenos Aires, 1-night, NH Lancaster Hotel (B) Day 13 Iguazu, 1-night, Sheraton Resort and Spa. Visits to the Argentinean and Brazilian sides of the falls (B) Day 14 Yacutinga Rainforest, 3-nights, Yacutinga Lodge. Explore the rainforest with naturalist guides (BLD) Day 17 Return to Buenos Aires (B) Day 18 Return to the UK (B) Day 19 Arrive UKDeparture dates Daily, September to MarchCost per person From £5150 (Jan), £4980 (Feb), £4930 (Mar), £5530 (Sep), £5600 (Oct), £5640 (Nov), £6030 (Dec) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, sixteen nights hotel/lodge accommodation, guided activitiesWILD ARGENTINAWe've designed this itinerary to take in Argentina's scenic and wildlife highlights. From the eclectic city of Buenos Aires to the whales of the Valdes Peninsula and colourful birds of the rainforest. A night at the amazing Iguazu Falls will also be a highlight.TAILOR-MADEOr visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com145THE AMERICAS | ARGENTINAArgentina is also becoming a popular destination for self-drive itineraries, which we can arrange for you. For example, the Lake District area is a perfect place to explore by hire car.