This morning you are met at the Buenos Aires International Airport and transferred to the hotel. Early check-in at the hotel.

In the afternoon we join our guide for a 2 hour walking tour, “The Forgotten Language of Trees”. Trees were the natural shelter in the pampas. They provided food and medicine and the natives learned to interact with them and live a life in harmony. In the Plaza San Martin, we not only learn the “Forgotten Language of Trees”, but we learn about the history and events that took place and helped shape the city of Buenos Aires. 

Buenos Aires is cosmopolitan; European in appearance, but a fusion of nations: Spanish, Italian, British, French, German, Central European, Jewish, Arabian, Greek, Japanese and more recently, Chinese and Korean immigrants. Past grandeur and wealth, migration, and cultural impact is reflected in the diverse neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. The Four Balconies of Buenos Aires is an exclusive visit in which a guide, a professor of the University, uses four parks and plazas to bring alive the city’s history, its everyday life and the peculiar psychology of the "porteño", the inhabitants of Buenos Aires. 

In the afternoon we leave the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires behind and enter the ecological reserve, Costanera Sur Nature Reserve. We explore this 350 hectare reserve that was once a landfill but is now filled with abundant pampa and over 200 species of birds. We may also see river turtles, iguanas and nutria (otters).  (B)

This morning fly to Corrientes where we are met and transferred to our estancia, a former cattle ranch turned nature reserve on the edge of the Ibera Marshes, home to over 350 bird species and wildlife such as capybara and caiman. (BLD)

We have two full days at Rincon del Socorro to enjoy activities and the countryside. The Estancia Rincon del Socorro, located in a natural paradise, was the headquarters of a former cattle ranch on the edge of the Ibera Marshlands. Through the efforts of American Douglas Thompkins, eco-philanthropist, this nature reserve was bought in 1999 by The Conservation Land Trust (CLT). They have established environmental, sustainable and re-introduction programs that are managed by biologists and veterinarians. Guests and visitors are provided with a good understanding of the local ecosystem and an appreciation of the importance of the wetlands and savannah landscapes.

Activities include tours of the estancia (walking or horseback), a boat ride through the marshes and a nocturnal safari drive. The birdlife is abundant on the property. We may wake up to a greater rhea munching on grass outside our room or spend time admiring herons, cormorants, egrets, and other birds found a short walk from the main house. 

Horseback riding is an integral part of the Rincon’s program, since the chances of seeing wildlife increase immensely on horseback rather than on foot. Your hosts, Leslie and Valeria Cook are horse trainers. The horses are available for all riding abilities and the riding tack and guiding are excellent. Most rides are about 1.5-2 hours but longer rides and night rides can be requested.

The boat tour of Ibera Marshes is a highlight of our time here. Flowering aquatic plants and fauna such as Black Caiman, Roseate Spoonbills; Maguari Storks; Whistling Herons; Anhinga; Marsh Eagles; Painted Turtles; are abundant. If we are lucky, we may see the rare marsh deer which is in danger of extinction. (BLD)

Another day to explore the marshes and enjoy the amenities at the estancia. (BLD)

An early morning flight to Comodoro Rivadavia where we are met and transferred to Puerto Deseado. 

In the afternoon tour the Deseado River Estuary in a zodiac boat. This wildlife reserve is one of the richest biological areas in Patagonia. Some species that you may find in the estuary include Magellanic Penguins, 4 species of cormorants and dolphin’s such as Commerson’s. (BL)

In the morning we have an exciting adventure by boat to Isla Pinquino, a marine park. We travel about 25 km to the island. En-route dolphins may accompany our boat.

Our exploration of the island begins with a 20 minute walk to and through a large colony of Magellanic Penguins. At the top of the island we can see an abandoned lighthouse that dates back to 1903. Originally powered by kerosene it now lights the way for sailors with photo voltaic panels. There are spectacular views of the marine park from here. We then descend into a small canyon to observe Rockhopper Penguins. Our final destination is a small creek that houses a colony of sea lions, mainly males, and with the possibility of seeing elephant seals. (B)

Today transfer to Bahia Bustamante. Originally 500 inhabitants harvested seaweed using horse and wagons to collect the crop. Today about 40 people still devote their time to seaweed production. It is a colourful region of deep blue waters, terrestrial birds, sea lions, orcas, dolphins, guanacos, maras. (BLD)

Enjoy your last day in Argentina before transferring to the airport for your flight home or onward journey. (B)