Where to See Native Wildlife in Argentina: Best Destinations and Seasons for Animal Watching

In this guide, we highlight the top wildlife-watching destinations in Argentina, organized by region and including official contacts and key details to help you plan your adventure.

Northern Argentina: Jungles, mountains, and biodiversity

Iguazú National Park (Misiones)

Iguazú National Park is not only home to the iconic waterfalls but also one of South America's richest subtropical rainforests. It's a refuge for the critically endangered jaguar, the South American tapir, capuchin monkeys, coatis, and one of the continent’s largest bird populations, including the toco toucan and great dusky swift.

Best time to visit: March to September.

Urugua-í Provincial Park (Misiones)

Urugua-í protects a vast section of the Atlantic Forest. Species found here include tapirs, the endangered black-fronted piping guan, harpy eagles, and several types of wild cats. Its biodiversity complements Iguazú, increasing wildlife sighting chances in Misiones.

Best time to visit: Year-round, ideally during the dry season (May to September).

El Impenetrable National Park (Chaco)

Created in 2017, this park protects 128,000 hectares of the dry Chaco forest. Jaguar rewilding projects (led by Rewilding Argentina) are underway. Other wildlife includes tapirs, peccaries, giant anteaters, and a wide variety of birds like jabirus and crowned eagles.

Best time to visit: May to September.

Baritú National Park (Salta)

Argentina’s only fully montane jungle national park, Baritú has limited access to preserve its delicate ecosystem. Wildlife includes elusive tapirs, Andean condors, pumas, toucans, and brocket deer.

Best time to visit: April to October.

Calilegua National Park (Jujuy)

This park protects one of the largest expanses of Yungas cloud forest in Argentina. It's ideal for spotting tapirs, capuchin monkeys, toucans, and Andean condors. Endangered species like the jaguarundi and red brocket deer also live here.

Best time to visit: May to September.

Litoral Region: Wetlands teeming with life

Iberá National Park (Corrientes)

The Iberá Wetlands are one of the largest wetland systems in the world—second only to Brazil’s Pantanal in South America. This mosaic of lagoons, marshes, and grasslands is home to capybaras, marsh deer, giant otters, and over 350 bird species. The park is known for its groundbreaking jaguar reintroduction program, which has already seen cubs born in the wild—a milestone for conservation in Argentina.

Best time to visit: April to November.

Mburucuyá National Park (Corrientes)

This park protects a mix of grasslands, forests, and marshes. It hosts giant anteaters, otters, capybaras, and an impressive variety of aquatic and woodland birds. Mburucuyá is a peaceful, less-visited destination perfect for nature lovers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Best time to visit: April to October.

El Palmar National Park (Entre Ríos)

El Palmar safeguards one of the last remaining yatay palm groves in Argentina. In addition to these iconic palms, visitors can spot capybaras, gray foxes, armadillos, and over 180 bird species—including the striking yellow cardinal. Its unique landscape is ideal for wildlife photography and eco-tours.

Best time to visit: March to November.

Patagonia: Land of guanacos, foxes, and seabirds

Nahuel Huapi National Park (Patagonia)

Argentina’s oldest national park, founded in 1934, Nahuel Huapi offers stunning landscapes of lakes, Andean forests, and snow-capped peaks. Wildlife highlights include Andean condors, huemuls (in highly restricted areas), deer, and even occasional pumas. This park is a natural gem of Argentine Patagonia.

Best time to visit: October to April.

Península Valdés (Chubut)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Península Valdés is one of South America's top destinations for observing both marine and terrestrial wildlife. From September to March, thousands of Magellanic penguins nest along its coast, especially at Punta Tombo. On land, you may spot Patagonian foxes and maras, while in the sea, whales, orcas, and sea lions steal the show. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can witness orcas hunting in the surf.

Best time:

• Whales – June to December
• Penguins – September to March

Punta Bermeja Nature Reserve (Río Negro)

Known as "La Lobería," this coastal reserve is home to one of South America's largest South American sea lion colonies. Visitors can also spot Patagonian foxes and choiques (a local flightless bird) roaming the steppe.

Best time to visit: November to March.

Patagonia National Park (Santa Cruz)

This national park protects highland shrub steppes and wide open plains. It’s a prime destination to see large herds of guanacos, red foxes, and Andean condors soaring on thermal updrafts above the vast Patagonian landscape.

Best time to visit: November to March.

Cuyo: Wildlife among hills and valleys

Auca Mahuida Provincial Reserve (Neuquén)

This protected area surrounds an ancient volcano and high plateau in northern Patagonia. It’s a key conservation site for guanacos and one of the best places in Argentina to see large flocks of Andean condors. Wildlife also includes black-chested buzzard-eagles, foxes, and even pumas.

Best time to visit: September to April.

San Guillermo National Park (San Juan)

This high-altitude national park is a remote haven for vicuñas and pumas, set in a stunning Andean landscape. Birdlife includes rare species such as the Andean woodpecker and the torrent duck, found in fast-flowing mountain streams.

Best time to visit: October to March.

Córdoba and Buenos Aires: Surprising reserves and ecosystems

Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve (Buenos Aires City)

Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve is an urban biodiversity haven. Its wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands are home to over 300 bird species, including herons, cardinals, and chimangos, as well as capybaras, tegu lizards, and nutrias. A perfect destination for first-time wildlife watchers without leaving the city.

Best time to visit: March to November.

Mar de Ansenuza (Córdoba)

Recently designated as Ansenuza National Park, Mar Chiquita Lagoon is one of South America's top spots for wetland birdwatching. Thousands of Chilean flamingos, Andean flamingos, and James’s flamingos gather here, along with a wide variety of endemic and migratory birds. A true birdwatcher’s paradise.

Best time to visit: September to April.

Tips for Responsible Wildlife Watching

• Plan your visit by checking official websites of national parks and certified nature reserves.

• Keep a safe distance and never feed the animals.

• Hire local guides for a safer and more enriching experience.

• Use binoculars and zoom lenses to observe without disturbing wildlife.



Discovering Argentina’s native wildlife is a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and support the conservation of iconic species in their natural habitat. With all this information, you're ready to plan your itinerary and live an unforgettable adventure.