Natural Route: Animals You Can’t Miss on a Trip

There was a time in life when completing a sticker album was our favourite activity. Packs after school, queues during breaks, decks of colourful and repeated stickers... Well, Argentina has its adult version (and for the whole family). Our land hosts that party to which everyone is invited, even animals. So, covering its routes is almost like flicking through that album: every time you come across a little animal, a page is completed. And although it's an endless list, there are hundreds of locations that allow you to follow the tracks of each of these creatures, as if you were Sherlock.

The southern country is a land of nature, textures, and incredible views. It is everything you want for taking a rest and gazing at amazing colours. It is a rainbow of images and endless terrains that amaze whoever decides to walk around them. That’s why it receives daily and seasonal visits from different species. Do you want to know where to go, when, and what animals you have to see? Everything’s in this note, which covers some of the most impressive natural routes of the country.

Iberá Route: Deer, Capybaras, Alligators, Red Brokers, Monkeys, and Birds 

In Guaraní, Iberá means water that shines. If you have been there, you will know that that’s the most accurate name. In fact, you might understand more than anyone that these currents are not the only things that shine there. After embarking on the Corrientes adventure, everyone leaves the place marvelled. Discovering the life of one of the world’s largest wetlands is an offer that no one can (or wants to) turn down.

The Iberá Wetlands in Corrientes are a seemingly-endless aquatic canopy. A vital lung for species of all kinds. A path of 12,000 kilometres that makes even the most demanding travellers fall in love with it. More than 350 species of birds, alligators, capybaras (an icon of our fauna), marsh deer, black howlers, and more animals are ready to play and pose, disguised around the colours of their natural habitat.

Now, what are the exact coordinates, and when should you go? The Iberá National and Provincial Park and the Mburucuyá National Park, from May to June to avoid high temperatures and appreciate all the creatures up close.

Misiones Rainforest Route: Monkeys, Nasuas, Agouties, Toucans, Butterflies, and even Jaguars

Home to one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the perfect description of immensity and power: Misiones and its natural route grants travellers the opportunity to have a unique and revitalising experience. The rainforest, with its melodies and purity, is the ideal place for enjoying hundreds of families of the animal kingdom. Is there an iconic stop? The Devil's Throat, inside the Iguazú National Park. Yet, you should know that this show is just the tip of the iceberg. The place is packed with provincial parks and natural reserves, where the formula for success is maintained: lots of water and extensive green areas.

And, surrounded by the air of the rainforest, the animals also say they are present in the Provincial Parks of Moconá, Salto Encantado, and Urugua-í. Even though this route can be visited all year round, during winter (and especially in August), there is less rainfall, the temperatures are lower, and it is the best time to see violetears, toucans, and small birds, such as white-lined tanagers, and chestnut-backed tanagers.

Patagonian Sea and End of the World Route: Sea Lions, Right Whales, Orcas, Dolphins, Commerson's Dolphins, Penguins, Elephant Seals, and More 

Snorkelling with sea lions. Watching closely the dance of right whales, orcas, dolphins, and Commerson's dolphins. Reinterpreting black and white alongside thousands of penguins. Visiting colonies of sea elephants. Diving surrounded by reefs and kelp forests. Witnessing the elusive foxes, Darwin’s rheas, armadillos, guanacos, and Patagonian maras... In Argentina, you can have unforgettable experiences, particularly in the Patagonian Sea Route and the very End of the World from August to December. Obviously, the Argentinian spring not only receives flower blossoms, but also visits to the coasts from thousands of aquatic and terrestrial creatures that offer tourists synchronised shows. Read on to learn about the best places to meet them.

Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel at the End of the World. The Complejo Islote Lobos Natural Protected Area (ANP by its acronyms in Spanish) in Río Negro. Natural paradises in Chubut, such as the Valdés peninsula and Golfo Nuevo ANP, the Punta Tombo ANP, the Patagonia Austral Coastal Marine Inter-jurisdictional Park, and the Cabo Dos Bahías ANP. Santa Cruz (home to one of the world’s most impressive glaciers) is also on the list. If it is about watching our marine friends, visit Puerto Deseado and Deseado river, Isla Pingüino Inter-jurisdictional Marine Park, San Julián port, Makenke Inter-jurisdictional Marine Park, and Monte Leon National Park. 

Litoral Region and Big Rivers Route: Vizcachas, Capybaras, Rheas, River Otters, Foxes, and Black and White Tegus

Camping under the light of starry skies and the sound of nature is possible in the Argentinian Litoral region, specifically in Entre Ríos province, inside the El Palmar National Park, and the La Aurora del Palmar Private Reserve. Mind you! We are not talking about just a simple destination: this set of palm trees is unique in the world. That’s enough to put it on worldwide tourists’ maps, don’t you think?

Of course, the idea of getting to know some of the most beautiful and varied species in the country still applies: vizcachas, capybaras, rheas, river otters, foxes, and black and white tegus wave at visitors from their homes. Aren’t you already tempted? This plan’s best version is in November, together with the national flower blossoming: coral tree flower. Everything is tinged with shades of red and pink, and the spring sun enhances the ​​aquatic adventures on the shores of eastern Argentina. 

Altos Andes and Puna Route: Vicunas, Flamingos, and Other Birds 

The Laguna Blanca Provincial Reserve in Catamarca and the Laguna de los Pozuelos Natural Monument in Jujuy: what do they have in common? That both destinations, apart from being spellbinding, have infinite sources of water packed with flamingos and birds. Two magnificent settings to shoot as many pictures as you can, portraying the shades of pink and elegance that only flamingos have. And, as if that were not enough, the 170,000 hectares of the San Guillermo National Park in San Juan hide thousands of families of vicunas that impress neighbouring tourists with their peace.

Gran Chaco Area and Yungas, Gorge, and Valley Route: Anteaters, Peccaries, Armadillos, Tapirs, and Birds 

It has already become clear that searching around for incredible species in Argentina should be on all travellers’ wish lists. And, for that, the Chaco forest is one of the most unmissable locations, precisely the endless kilometres of the El Impenetrable National Park, Loro Hablador Provincial Park, and the Fuerte Esperanza park. If you want to see the best facet of subtropical nature, we suggest you go during the southern winter (from July to August).

The idea is letting yourself be surprised by the adventures of anteaters, peccaries, armadillos, tapirs, and birds. In northern Argentina, you can also find endless possibilities. Particularly on the Route of the valleys, gorges, and Yungas (in Salta), which displays breath-taking landscapes.

Southern Patagonia Route: Condors, South Andean Deer, Guanacos, Pumas, and Darwin's Rhea

The ideal route for brave adventurers: trekking on frozen stones; one of the world’s most important masses of ancient ice; mountains with wonderful peaks; World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO; and huge National Parks, such as Perito Moreno and Los Glaciares. There are no doubts, Southern Patagonia is the perfect definition of a natural paradise. And not only for people; condors, South Andean deer, guanacos, pumas, and Darwin’s rheas also choose Santa Cruz as a home for adventures. So, if you have no plans during the Argentinian summer, save this place to wear out your trainers!

Desert and Volcano Route, Central Sierra Route, and Steppe Route: Foxes, Guanacos, and Armadillos 

Autumn brings along the reddish ripening of thousands of leaves that embellish entire landscapes. And, of course, the Desert and Volcano Route captures this image with honours. The perfect time to see it is when leaves start to fall: views full of red hues all around. The monochrome landscape’s most attractive side is in the Talampaya (La Rioja) and Ischigualasto (San Juan) National Parks. The energy felt along its orange rock faces is amazing, and that is perhaps related to the fact that, 180 million years ago, that ground was also inhabited by dinosaurs. Touring it in a 4x4 vehicle is almost like travelling back in time.

The natural luxuries go on: this time on the Central Sierras Route, where the red ingredient remains intact. If you are looking for tranquillity, the Sierra de las Quijadas National Park will fill your heart. Likewise, the Lihué Calel de La Pampa National Park, on the Steppe Route, offers deserted and silent atmospheres perfect for finding that desired unwinding. Precisely for this reason, foxes, guanacos, and armadillos coexist in peace with the constant visits of people.

Plains and Atlantic Coast Route: Red deer’s Rut

Did you know that this species was introduced from Europe? Obviously, time passed by, and today they are part of the cultural heritage of the Pampas, which you can discover in the Parque Luro Provincial Reserve. The most curious fact is that, at the time, this location was the first hunting ground in the country organised by Pedro Luro. Nowadays, far from its original use, it is a natural refuge for native flora and fauna, packed with nature that tourists from all over the world always choose.

Gran Chaco Route: Alligators, Capybaras, Yellow Anacondas, and Huge Colonies of Jabirus, Herons, and Roseate Spoonbills

Once again, the Gran Chaco surprises thousands of travellers with its natural magic. This time, in Formosa, inside the Río Pilcomayo National Park and in Bañado la Estrella, one of the seven Argentinian natural wonders. Actually, the latter is on the third place of Southern Cone’s largest wetlands, and second in Argentina. Can you picture the biodiversity in its thousands of hectares? You can watch up to 400 species of birds and hundreds of living beings. By the way, seeing one of the country’s most beautiful sunsets on a canoe ride is a must.