Argentina - The Birds of the High Andes

Tour Code: ARG01

An 11-day birdwatching tour to the chaco, cloudforests, puna steppe and high altiplano of the spectacular Andes mountains of north-western Argentina.

We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

An action-packed birding tour to the Andes of northern Argentina travelling up into the mountains from the city of Salta. This holiday will start in the moss-draped cloudforests of the 'Yungas' before climbing onto the high puna steppe and altiplano in search of the iconic birds of the region including Andean Condor, Torrent Duck, Rufous-throated Dipper, Grey-breasted Seedsnipe, Puna Flamingo, Andean Avocet, Toco Toucan and Scissor-tailed Nightjar … all backed by some of the most spectacular scenery in the Americas! 

  • Explore the high Andes mountains from the yungas cloudforests at around 1,200 metres up to 4,500 metres on the high altiplano!
  • Spectacular mountain scenery
  • Look for Andean Condor, Rufous-throated Dipper, Torrent Duck & Grey-breasted Seedsnipe in the mountains
  • Visit Laguna de Pozuelos, high on the altiplano, home to Puna & Andean Flamingoes
  • Andean Avocet, Giant Coot, Toco Toucan & Giant Hummingbird all possible
  • Visit the cactus-dotted Los Cardones National Park
  • Mammals including Guanaco, Vicuña & Mountain Viscacha
  • Led by expert local naturalist guides

Grading

Grade A/B - Easy to moderate walks on a mix of easy paths and more tricky forest trails. This tour is suitable for anyone of an average level of fitness who enjoy walking, but please be aware that the itinerary includes time at high altitude. 

About the region

The mighty Andes, the longest mountain chain in the world and the second highest, extend the length of the South American continent from Colombia in the north to the southern tip of Patagonia.

In the northern Argentinean Provinces of Salta and Jujuy, the influences of the mountains extend beyond the awesome allure of numerous jagged peaks to create complex and highly specialised zones of vegetation, which in turn support some unique bird life.

The tour ‘in a nutshell’

Naturetrek’s 11-day ‘Argentina – The Birds of the High Andes’ birdwatching tour focuses on the great diversity of bird species inhabiting the northern Argentine provinces of Salta and Juju.

Our itinerary includes a wide range of habitats, from the unique Yungas forests of Huaico National Park to the cacti-covered peaks that rise to over 5,000 metres in Los Cardones National Park.

What birds might I see?

Many of the birds encountered are endemic to the region. The long list of potential species for the tour ranges from White-throated Cacholote, Sandy Gallito and Rufous-throated Dotterel to Andean Condor and tiny hummingbirds. Of particular note are chances to see the rare Rufous-throated Dipper and the extraordinary Torrent Duck.

Among the many expected highlights of this holiday is a whole day exploring birds of the high altiplano and Andean wetlands at about 4,500 m. Some of the most typical birds at this altitude include the attractive Red-backed Sierra Finch, the elusive Puna Tinamou and a host of ground-tyrants.

There’s a chance to accumulate a large bird list including many rare, localised and endemic species, expertly escorted by a top local ornithologist.

Anything else?

As well as birds we’ll hope to see a selection of South American mammals such as Guanaco.

Wonderful Andean scenery, and a chance to enjoy the delicious local cuisine and wines.

 

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Depart London
Day 2/3
Yungas Cloudforest & Chaco. Overnight San Lorenzo
Day 4
Yala
Day 5/6
Humahuaca Canyon & Lake Pozuelos. Overnight Abra Pampa
Day 7
San Lorenzo
Day 8
Los Cardones National Park. Overnight San Lorenzo.
Day 9
Fly Buenos Aires & overnight
Day 10
Depart Buenos Aires.
Day 11
Arrive London
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    A mix of comfortable, but mostly simple, guesthouses, hotels and lodges. All rooms have private facilities. 

  • Food:

    All included in the price from dinner on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 10. 

Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!