
If you're looking for bountiful nature on your next trip, southern South America should be at the top of your list. Stretching from the Andes to the Atlantic, from Patagonian steppe to subtropical rainforest, this region offers one of the most exciting and rewarding birding experiences on the planet.
A Continent of Incredible Diversity
South America is the most bird-rich continent on Earth—and its southern portion is no exception. But it’s not just about the number of species (though yes, the list is long and dazzling!). What truly amazes visiting birders—especially those coming from Europe or North America—is how easy it is to actually see the birds.
In many parts of the world, you’re more likely to hear birds than spot them. But here, birds are often right out in the open. Picture this: massive flocks of screamers by the hundreds, lakes filled with tens of thousands of ducks, geese, and swans, birding lodges with over 200 species showing up at the feeders, and an impressive variety of raptors perched on roadside posts.
These are just a few of the highlights visitors rave about in their trip reports. Whether you're a dedicated lister, a wildlife photographer, or simply someone who enjoys watching nature in action, Southern South America offers top-tier birding with incredible visibility.
Multiple Worlds in a Single Trip
Arriving in Buenos Aires, you're immediately surprised by a city where over 300 bird species are commonly found. And with just 2 or 3 days exploring the surrounding areas, you can easily spot more than 100 of them!
One of the region’s best-kept secrets is the incredible variety of landscapes packed into a relatively compact area. In places like northern Patagonia, you can travel just 500 kilometers and pass through seven or more completely distinct biogeographic regions—each with its own unique set of bird species. The Lake District of northern Patagonia alone—straddling both Argentina and Chile—is home to more than 40 endemic species!!!
In the Northwest, your day might begin high in the Andes watching condors soar, then take you down through the Yungas cloud forest, buzzing with hummingbirds and colorful tanagers. By afternoon, you could be in the dry Chaco scrub, spotting desert-adapted birds, and finish the day among wetlands brimming with rails, ibis, tyrants, and storks.
And what can we say about what’s perhaps the richest region in southern South America? In the small northeastern corner of Argentina, the best-preserved Atlantic rainforest in the continent meets the vast, protected Iberá wetlands, all surrounded by Pampas grasslands and subtropical Chaco forests. This is where Rheas, Tinamous, Toucans, Parrots, Woodpeckers, Tanagers—and of course, the most sought-after bird in southern South America, the Strange-tailed Tyrant—all come together.
All of this is crowned by the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. No wonder this region is a favorite among birders and nature photographers—it offers stunning visibility and unforgettable species around every corner.
More Than Just Birds
Southern South America offers not just natural beauty, but a comfortable and culturally rich travel experience. Visitors are often surprised by the excellent infrastructure: well-maintained roads, efficient airports, cozy birding lodges, and expert local guides. Add to that the region’s world-class cuisine and wines, charming small towns, and a warm, safe, welcoming culture, and you’ve got a trip that delights on every level.
At Buenos Días Birding, we specialize in creating tailor-made birding adventures that show you the best of this extraordinary region. Whether you're chasing lifers or simply enjoying the landscapes, the southern tip of the continent is waiting—with wings wide open.
Come bird with us—and discover why Southern South America is a dream come true.
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