Tours by Specialty

Birdwatching

Birds and Birdwatching are our main speciality. With over 2000 bird species, southern South America is one of the best birdwatching destinations for both the novel and experienced birdwatcher. The lush forests, high Andean landscapes, wetlands and savannas are home to some of the most intriguing bird life. Hummingbirds, Rheas, Seriemas, Parrots, Penguins and Toucans are fine examples of this avian extravaganza. To enhance the enjoyment and learning from such diversity, all our bird tours have a limited number of participants and our birding guides are skilled in finding and experienced in showing birds to every member in the group. They also carry in the field the essential equipment including a scope, a tape-recorder and a complete set of bird voices. An updated checklist is always provided, based on our ever updated databases. See why we are specialists.

Botany

The diversity of climates, habitats, and the varied geography of the southern portion of South America results in an immensely rich plant life. From the orchid and bromeliad laden forests to the cacti filled desserts, there are a number of biomes with exclusive, endemic or special plants and flowers. These characteristic associations include for example the southern beech and Araucaria forests of Patagonia, the “Monte” dessert, an Argentine endemic biome, the wonderful savannas of Brazil’s “Cerrado”, cloud forests, the “Chaco” and the Atlantic Forest. The elegance of the Andean and Patagonian flowers, that brighten the barren steppes where they are found, is a highlight of any botanical tour in South America.

Butterflies & Moths

Our region’s varied landscapes are home to a huge diversity of butterflies. Only the forest around Iguazu holds over 600 species, more than the total of the entire European continent. From the lowland rainforests to the mist-cloaked montane woodlands, a number of common species and specialities can be found.
We visit all sorts of natural and protected areas, therefore collecting of specimens will not be allowed, and only a reasonable handling of insects will be tolerated. The objective of all our butterfly tours is to find and identify as many butterflies as possible, but it must be noted that the high diversity of species and the scarcity of reference material makes identification difficult sometimes. However there is a growing local interest in the subject, and identification guides are becoming available. In spite of our strong focus on butterflies, our excursions also provide great opportunities to see other wildlife, such as birds, plants, and other insects and of course the wonderful landscapes of the places we visit.

Cultural, History & Archaeology

South America, and especially the southern part, has been home to complex and well developed civilizations. Notably, the Inca Empire, which ranged from the Central Andes of Peru to Central Argentina. Nowadays you can still feel the spirit of this ancient culture in north-western Argentina and Bolivia, where the Inca culture is still strong. Buildings, churches and settlements are a testimony of centuries of Spanish colonisation, and wonderful architectural traces can be found in towns and countryside alike. A prime example of this are the Jesuit mission ruins found in northeast Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. One of these tours will give you the chance to get a real feel for the lifestyle of the region, where pre-Inca ruins, markets and small villages blend perfectly with the wonderful scenery. The colours, the music and the local cuisine can be felt vividly in every corner. Cities also have a lot to offer and the cosmopolitan Buenos Aires provides various opportunities to experience the most interesting historical and cultural aspects of the region, such as the Tango, the Gauchos of the Pampas, and of course, a taste of “Mate” and a good steak!

Nature Photography

The wilderness of the Southern Cone of South America provides premium opportunities for the nature photographer. The vastness of the natural spots, the tame wildlife, and the generally unspoiled feel of the region makes this a prime photographing destination. Imagine the mighty Iguazu falls, wrapped in dew and crossed by rainbows, or the culture of the Andes alive in every corner. Or Patagonia, in the far south, remote, unspoiled, unique and legendary for its infinite skies, with the most amazing cloud formations and light conditions.
Our photographic tours are planned for very small groups, to ensure that every individual will have a guaranteed window seat in the vehicles, as well as general opportunities to work. Drivers know how to provide the best angle, approach wildlife skilfully, and of course, turn off the engines when necessary! Nature will provide countless photographic opportunities, and capturing them will be your only concern.

Wildlife

The best combination of wildlife and wilderness for any nature travel enthusiast is to take one of our Natural History tours. Designed to give a good overview of each region we visit, these tours focus on the enjoyment of the very best of the scenery and wildlife. Our knowledgeable guides play an essential role, and will be able tell you about the most interesting natural history, ecology and conservation issues of everything you see during the tour. A true learning experience awaits you.