Three Amazing Activities to Discover the Argentine Litoral Region

Flashes of light, an endless green landscape, the echo of water and, in the distance, the rhythmic chirping of thousands of birds. Grateful eyes, a galloping heart and a wide smile: the Argentine Littoral is synonymous with happiness and is home to one of the seven wonders of the world and the second most important wetland in South America. It is also home to diverse and breathtaking landscapes. This region has it all: forests, jungles, palm groves, mountains, rivers, streams, and even waterfalls. Sounds tempting, right?

In terms of geography, the area includes the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes, Chaco, Entre Ríos, Santa Fe, and Formosa. A privileged, dazzling sextet for those who decide to travel through it. But what can you do here? The Littoral offers an endless number of experiences and adventures. It is time to read and discover it.

1) Birding amid Dreamlike Scenery

Birding enthusiasts know that the best places to spot bird species are those with native flora or in aquatic and humid environments, in other words, lakes, forests, lagoons, jungles, and marshes. Have we just described the Littoral? Indeed, and even more so if we consider each of its natural reserves and national parks. In these areas, exotic, migratory or national birds find their ideal home, free from pollution or human disturbance.

So it's clear where the compass should point to on the next adventure if there's such a strong will to discover colours, sizes, colours, and melodies in the heart of travellers.

• To begin with, the rainforest in Misiones. As we said, wherever there is plenty of nature and water, birds will abound. This is exactly what Misiones, home to the Iguazú Falls, is all about. That's why, in this vast jungle ecosystem, you can spot species that you won't find anywhere else in the country. You will see toucans, jacutingas, great dusky swifts, multicoloured fruiteaters and crested eagles.

• The Iberá Wetlands in Corrientes, one of the greatest in the world, are also home to these little fellows. In fact, almost 400 species choose to live there most of the year. The most popular ones are the strange-tailed tyrant, the black-and-white monjita, the yellow cardinal and the rusty-collared seedeater.

• Chaco is no exception with three essential sites for bird enthusiasts. In the Chaco National Park, the Fuerte Esperanza Provincial Park and the Loro Hablador Provincial Park you will be able to see species such as the talking parrots, the black-legged seriema, the Chaco owl, the crested gallito, and the black woodpecker.

• Meanwhile, Formosa is home to one of Argentina's seven natural wonders: the Bañado la Estrella, which, as well as the Pilcomayo National Park, hosts great populations of wood storks, jabirus, herons and roseate spoonbills.

• In the same way, the Jaaukanigás reserve in Santa Fe is a vast wetland on the Paraná river which, between swamps, streams and forests, is home to just over 300 bird families.

• Last but not least, the province of Entre Rios invites you to discover a great diversity of birds.in a magnificent palm forest and at the foot of the Paraná delta.

Best of all, there is a free app called Aves Argentinas with more than 2,000 photos, maps, information, and even the singing of the country's 469 most emblematic species. One thing is for sure: whoever sets foot on the Littoral soil will be amazed by what they see and will be happy to add the most difficult to find flying species to their list.

2) Feeling the Adrenaline next to the Water

This region is really versatile, as it also offers opportunities for the more courageous. That strange feeling of fun combined with throbbing nerves is not for everyone. And yet, those who like adrenaline are constantly on the lookout for it. So where can they satisfy their desires? 

The famous Misiones duo is a great place to start: high jumps and waterfalls in a breathtaking setting, to say the least. The plan is to explore the waters of one of the natural wonders of the world in the Iguazú National Park. Must-see is an understatement. This journey, or rather this Great Adventure, involves sailing beneath these monumental waterfalls. In other words, bathing in water that has been awarded a world prize. Not bad, right? The same happens in the Saltos del Moconá Provincial Park and its 3 km of water wall or even in the Salto Encantado Provincial Park, which rewards visitors with a fairytale setting after trails of varying difficulty: a 64-metre waterfall surrounded by nature.

Getting on the water in the Iberá Wetlands of Corrientes is also a great success, no matter how you do it. Getting to know the marshes is an adventure-worthy plan, whether by canoe, kayak, or even by boat. And of course the rest of the region follows suit on the Paraná, Uruguay, Gualeguay, and Paraguay rivers, among others.

3) Taking Unique and Memorable Pictures 

Priceless sunsets, breathtaking scenery and precious memories. One thing the Littoral does not lack is the chance to capture moments that will make you sigh again and again. Of course, the real classic here is to leave your head full of amazing memories. Because these lands give us, step by step, landscapes worthy of a painting, and the photographic safaris will be the perfect excuse to frame them.

What are the must-sees? After reading a few lines, some names have already stuck in your mind. The might of the water at the Iguazú Falls in Misiones, the rich horizon of the 12,000 km² of the Iberá Wetlands, the nature lungs of El Impenetrable Chaqueño, the iconic palm trees of El Palmar National Park in Entre Ríos, the Jaaukanigás marshlands in Santa Fe and the exotic surroundings of Bañado la Estrella in Formosa. The only rule among all these places is to leave visitors with their mouths wide open and their hearts full of joy.