Argentina

Argentina is a vast and varied country stretching from the grandest waterfall world to a land of fire. Possibly best known for its Tango, football and beef, the 8th biggest country in the world also offers diverse wildlife experiences. In the north, Jaguar, Capybara, Jaibirus Storks, Caiman, and Marsh Deer roam the tropical regions. In contrast the cold south is home to penguins, whales, orcas, albatross and elephant seals, whilst in between are Guanaco, rheas, Armadillo, Puma, and, of course, the king of birds, the Andean Condor.

Leaving vibrant Buenos Aires behind, Argentina opens up to a treasure trove of natural wonders. The north east is not only home to mighty Iguazu Falls but also to vast Ibera wetlands and the Atlantic forest. In the west the landscape becomes arid, climbing towards the high Andean volcanoes bordering Bolivia and Chile and following the Andes to the South, you encounter the beautiful glaciers and peaks of the alpine lake district.

Home to the Gaucho, the vast steppes of the Argentinean Pampa, in the east, lead to one of the best wildlife viewing spot in the world, the Peninsula Valdes. Here Southern Right Whale come to breed and penguins, Sea Lions and Elephant seals all cohabit. Further south is the stunning Perito Moreno glacier, close to the rugged landscape of Fitzroy National Park. Finally, crossing the straights of Magellan to the Tierra del Fugo - 'Land of Fire' - you reach the end of the world at Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of the Americas, the closest mainland to Antarctica.

Though it may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of wildlife and nature travel, Argentina has more than its fair share to offer the intrepid traveller.