Argentina · Bird Watching

5-Day Birding Expedition in Misiones with Iguazú and Moconá

5 Days Round trip from Iguazu National Park Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Early birding along Route 101 and the Macuco Trail in Iguazú National Park
02 Birding in the Atlantic Forest at San Sebastian de la Selva
03 Explore Cruce Caballero Provincial Park, home to huge tree ferns and ancient Araucaria trees
04 Visit one of southern Misiones' renowned waterfall birding sites: Salto Encantado or Saltos de Moconá

Spot birds along the shaded paths of world-renowned Iguazú National Park before venturing deeper into the Atlantic Forest at San Sebastian de la Selva. This 5-day expedition combines rewarding birding in diverse habitats, including bamboo forest trails and the ancient Araucaria landscapes of Cruce Caballero Provincial Park. The journey ends with a visit to one of southern Misiones' renowned waterfall and birding localities: Salto Encantado or Saltos de Moconá, depending on local conditions.

Spot birds along the shaded paths of world-renowned Iguazú National Park before venturing deeper into the Atlantic Forest at San Sebastian de la Selva.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Posadas, San Pedro Misiones, Puerto Iguazú, Iguazú National Park

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Early Birding in Iguazú National Park

06:00 - Pickup from the hotel for "early bird" birding on Route 101 before Iguazú National Park opens.
08:00 - Arrive at the Iguazú National Park main entrance.
Walk the Macuco Trail (5.4 km return trip), birding along the way.
12:30 (approx.) - Return to the visitor center and have lunch.
Make your way to Garganta del Diablo station and visit Garganta del Diablo. A trek to Diablo Falls - walking one way, either out or back - increases birding time through an interesting wetland area.
17:00 - Park entrance pickup for transfer to San Sebastian de la Selva.
19:00 - Arrive in San Sebastian and have dinner.

Overnight stay at the San Sebastian lodge.

Day 02

Birding Trails at San Sebastian de la Selva

The morning is spent birding on the San Sebastian trails.
12:30 - Lunch in the San Sebastian lodge area, a relaxing and bird-diverse ecolodge where we will spend two nights.
After lunch, continue birding on the San Sebastian trails.
18:30 - Dinner at the lodge. Overnight stay at the San Sebastian lodge.

Day 03

Bamboo Forest Birding and Transfer to San Pedro

06:30 - Quick breakfast followed by a full morning of birding on the San Sebastian trails through an extensive bamboo forest.
12:30 - Lunch at the lodge.
15:30 - Afternoon birding on the Uruguay-i Provincial Park R-101 trail.
17:00 - Leave for San Pedro (150 km).
19:30 - Dinner in San Pedro (Parrillada El Guri). Overnight stay at Los Suizos cabins.

Day 04

Cruce Caballero and Las Araucarias Provincial Parks

06:00 - Early start for Cruce Caballero Provincial Park, where huge tree ferns and ancient Araucaria trees are home to many of the most prized Atlantic Forest endemics.
07:00 - Birding on the Cruce Caballero Provincial Park main trail.
12:30 - Snack lunch (included) in Cruce Caballero.
15:30 - Afternoon in Araucaria Provincial Park, San Pedro.
19:00 - Evening meal in San Pedro. Overnight stay at the Los Suizos cabins.

Note: this day requires 4x4 transport (included).

Day 05

Salto Encantado or Saltos de Moconá

06:00 - Transfer to one of the following options:
- Salto Encantado waterfall and reserve
- Saltos de Moconá falls
As both of these areas have good birding, our last day's destination depends largely on local conditions - mainly the weather and whether the falls at Moconá are visible.
18:00 - End of services at any location of your choice in Puerto Iguazú (or other places within the radius, e.g. Posadas).

Where this trip takes you

Iguazú National Park, Garganta del Diablo, Cruce Caballero Provincial Park, Saltos de Moconá

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Iguazu National Park 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Hotels (4 nights)
Transport (650 km)
All main meals (B x 5, L x 5, D x 4)
All entry fees

What's Not Included

Drinks with the midday and evening meals

What to bring

Do remember to carry mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
Wear or carry proper walking shoes or boots.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are recommended. We will be in a rainforest, so it can get hot and humid.
We can experience sub-zero night-time temperatures from April to September, so a light coat or jacket would be a good idea.

Logistics