The Streamer-tailed Tyrant is to be found on roadside posts from which it performs its duet display Brian Small, Limosa

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1 Argentina IBERÁ & IGUAZÚ FALLS The Streamer-tailed Tyrant is to be found on roadside posts from which it performs its duet display Brian Small, Limosa 2018 Monday 12th Monday 26th November (15 days) Small group tour with Colin Bushell & Mario Mosquiera NEW! This superb new tour to Argentina will introduce you to the country's rich and scenic northeast. It's a region that offers some of South America s greatest birding experiences: from the mighty Paraná River, dry Chaco and vast Iberá Swamp, via the threatened forests of the Selva Misionera to the world's largest waterfall - magnificent Iguazú. Each of these amazing habitats is home to its own unique birds. Black-fronted Piping-guan, Giant Wood Rail, Black-legged Seriema, Great Dusky Swift, Strange-tailed Tyrant and the newly described Iberá Seedeater are among a long list of specialities to find. Brilliant birding amidst the wonderful lowland landscapes of Northeast Argentina From Argentina's largest wetland - the immense Iberá Swamp - to the awesome Iguazú Falls Abundance of special birds - from Greater Rhea to Strange-tailed and Streamer-tailed Tyrants Iberá Seedeater plus Double-collared, Tawny-bellied, Rufous-rumped and Marsh Seedeaters Crested Doradito, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, Yellow-rumped and Brown-and-yellow Marshbirds Chaco Chachalaca, Green-billed Toucan, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Swallow-tailed Manakin Small group tour - maximum of 10 participants Expertly led by Limosa's Colin Bushell and our resident Argentinian bird guide Mario Mosquiera What's Included? Limosa Tour Leader Expert English-speaking Argentinian ornithologist guide Return flights - London Heathrow to Buenos Aires, nonstop with British Airways Domestic flights - Buenos Aires-Corrientes and Puerto Iguazú -Buenos Aires 12 nights accommodation in Argentina, staying at good hotels and wildlife lodges All main meals included - with drinking water provided during the day Minibus and/or 4WD transport with local driver All excursions, permits, entry fees, tour based tips (local guides, drivers) and taxes LIMOSA HOLIDAYS, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham, Norfolk NR12 9EJ (UK) TEL: +44 (0) info@limosaholidays.co.uk WEB: limosaholidays.co.uk

2 Outline Itinerary Days 1-2: Days 3-4: Days 5-7: Day 8: Fly London-Buenos Aires, where we arrive on morning of day two. Birding lakes near Costanera Sur. Night Buenos Aires We catch a 90-minute flight north from Buenos Aires to Corrientes. Afternoon birding here at Isla del Cerrito, followed by a full day in the Chaco NP. Corrientes (2 nts) We travel on to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini and the immense Iberá Marsh. Ecoposada del Estero (3 nts) North to Aristobulo del Valle and the Selva Misionera forest. Night Tacuapi Lodge Days 9-10: Salto Encantado and Yabotí Biosphere Reserve. Mocona (2 nts) Days 11-12: We continue north to Iguazú via the renowned hummingbird feeders at Puerto Iguazú. Birding in Iguazú Falls National Park. Hotel Sheraton Internacional, Iguazú (2 nts) Day 13: Day 14: Day 15: Tour Overview A further morning birding at Iguazú Falls afternoon fly Puerto Iguazú to Buenos Aires. Night Buenos Aires Depart Buenos Aires for London Morning arrival London Heathrow Almost a third the size of Europe, Argentina stretches for over 3500kms - from the sub- Antarctic coasts of Tierra del Fuego, north to the Bolivian border - and spans virtually the full width of southern South America. The eighth largest country in the world, there is simply too much ground here to cover in a single trip. This all new Limosa tour focuses on Northeastern Argentina, a rich and scenically varied region that offers some of South America s greatest birding experiences. From the mighty Paraná River and vast Iberá Swamp, through the lush tropical forests of the Selva Misionera and on to the roaring waters of the world's largest waterfall - Iguazú - it s a journey that embraces some of Argentina's most amazing landscapes and richest wildlife habitats. Arriving into Buenos Aires, a visit to the city s famous Costanera Sur wetland should ensure a memorable start to our trip, with Lake Duck, Coscoroba Swan and a fine array of raptors and passerines to look forward to. From the capital we fly north to Corrientes, where the Paraná River - second in length only to the Amazon among South America's rivers - turns south on its journey to the Atlantic at Buenos Aires. We'll enjoy a couple of nights here, birding in the riverine forest as well as the dry Chaco National Park before transferring to a comfortable Estancia in the heart of Argentina s immense Iberá Swamp - a wetland the size of Wales and the third largest in South America! With three nights here - staying in traditionalstyle lodgings with adobe walls, wooden roofs and rustic gaucho decoration we have good time to sample the astonishing variety of wildlife that makes its home in this remote region. Greater Rheas stalk the grasslands and Snail Kites patrol the marshes where Iberá s abundant wetland birds include everything from Plumbeous Ibis and Roseate Spoonbill to the vibrant Scarlet-headed Blackbird. Giant Wood Rail, red-faced and weird-looking Strange-tailed Tyrants and the newly described Iberá Seedeater are among a host of more localised specialities awaiting our discovery. Crested Doraditos reveal their presence with persistent ticking as we take a boardwalk through the marshes with Rufoussided Crake, Greater Thornbird, snazzy Whiteheaded Marsh Tyrants and excitable groups of Black-capped Donacobius as company. We continue our travels east into a finger of Argentina - bordered by Brazil and Paraguay - that's largely covered by Atlantic Forest, the Selva Misionera (also known as the Mata Atlântica). Encompassing a variety of tropical forest habitats, the Selva Misionera nowadays survives largely in small, degraded patches and protected areas. From several vantage points it is possible to enjoy views of the rainforest out to the horizon, and where typical species include Grey-rumped Swift, Black-throated Trogon, Planalto Woodcreeper, Social Flycatcher, Greenish Schiffornis and Red-rumped Cacique. While in the evenings we might be lucky to see the spectacular Long-trained Nightjar info@limosaholidays.co.uk

3 As a grand finale, we conclude our tour beside one of the greatest spectacles on Earth - mighty Iguazú Falls. While the sight and sound of this awesome place will live long in the memory, the birding round about is pretty mind-blowing too! Bordered to the north by Brazil, the roaring waters of Iguazú are surrounded by humid subtropical forest. Argentina has currently the biggest and most continuous extension of this forest, offering some superb tropical birding. Birds are abundant here, with a host of parrots, toucans and tanagers to watch for - and a multitude of hummingbirds, including Black Jacobin, Black-throated Mango, Violet-capped Woodnymph and Versicoloured Emerald. A network of rewarding forest trails might reveal the likes of Black-fronted Piping-Guan, Robust and Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Chestnut-eared Aracari and Plush-crested Jay as the incredible Great Dusky Swifts pass unerringly through Iguazú's veil of falling water to their nests! This trip offers the perfect complement to our Northwest Argentina tour (Andes & Inca Trail), but explores some very different habitats with a quite different range of bird species. Guides Colin Bushell and Mario Mosquiero have many years of experience guiding in the region and know this corner of South America, its birds and wildlife well. Daily Itinerary Days 1-2 FLY BUENOS AIRES, COSTANERA SUR Our birdwatching tour to northeast Argentina begins with an overnight flight from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires, where we arrive on the morning of Day 2. We shall be met at the airport and transfer directly to our comfortable city hotel before heading out to enjoy lunch and an afternoon of birding at nearby Costanera Sur reserve - a remarkable wetland of pools and reed beds set beside the gaping mouth of the famous River Plate. If the water levels are high, this fine reserve can be teeming with waterfowl, including Lake Duck, Ringed Teal, Coscoroba Swan and Redfronted and Red-gartered Coots - plus a host of great passerines, while Chimanco and Southern Caracaras patrol the lagoons. After a splendid first afternoon of birding in the Argentine capital, we return to our hotel to freshen up before dinner - then it s off to bed early in preparation for the exciting days ahead! Night Buenos Aires Days 3-4 FLY CORRIENTES, ISLA DEL CERRITO & CHACO NATIONAL PARK We leave Buenos Aires this morning on a 90- minute flight north to Corrientes and check in there for two nights at a nice hotel. Our afternoon birding along the Paraná riverine forest takes us on an excursion to the Isla del Cerrito. Birdlife can be abundant and we will hope for views of Red-winged Tinamou and Spotted Nothura along with Cinereous Harrier, the parasitic Striped Cuckoo (often located by their call), rowdy Amazon Kingfisher, the rather unimaginatively named Brown-and-yellow Marshbird and the ubiquitous Grassland Yellow Finch. Setting off into the woods should quickly produce the stunning Vermillion Flycatcher and smart Chotoy Spinetail. We will also spend time here looking for the gorgeous Yellow Cardinal, an endangered which is becoming very scarce. Next morning, we set off to explore the Chaco, an area of dry plains and palm savanna with a distinctive array of species. With most of the rain falling on the Andean slopes to the west, this region of Argentina is extremely dry and forms an area known as the Chaco. Originally covered in thorny woodland, its landscape is now more open and we will be looking here for a range of species such as Bare-faced Curassow, Chaco Chachalaca and Black-bodied and Palecrested Woodpeckers that we will not encounter elsewhere. Making regular stops as we drive across the largely uninhabited arid country of the Chaco, we should see thousands of Eared Doves and Picui Ground Doves. We'll also be keeping a keen eye open for the strutting Black-legged Seriema and a variety of raptors including Aplomado Falcon, White-tailed Hawk and the info@limosaholidays.co.uk

4 lowland race of Black-chested Buzzard Eagle. Maguari Storks often sit about huffily and Giant Wood Rails may be picked out beside the road, along with Wood Storks and Chestnut-capped Blackbirds. In contrast, the Humid Chaco creates a transition zone between the Arid Chaco to the west and the humid tropical forests to the east - and can feel like a different country! Woodland birds here might include Gilded Sapphire, White-eyed Parakeet, the rag-bag Greater Ani, Greenish Elaenia, Yellow-olive Flatbill, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Purplish Jay, White-rimmed Warbler, Saffron-billed Sparrow and the ubiquitous and sweet-singing Green-winged Saltator. Two nights Corrientes Days 5-7 TO COLONIA CARLOS PELLEGRINI & IBERÁ MARSH Following an early breakfast we leave Corrientes and drive south via Mercedes today, heading to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, on the southern edge of the Iberá marshes. We spend three nights here, staying at Ecoposada del Estero. This is a fantastic area for birds and wildlife and we will make numerous stops as we approach Iberá. Dropping into the more humid low-lying grasslands, seedeaters become a common sight with Double-collared, Tawny-bellied, Rufousrumped and the extremely smart and endangered Marsh Seedeater. However, we will be keeping our eyes peeled along the road as we search for an iconic species of Iberá Marsh - the red-faced and weird-looking Strange-tailed Tyrant. As dusk approaches, Capybaras (the world's largest rodent) and Plains Viscacha (a large, gregarious nocturnal chinchilla) emerge. Iberá is a native word meaning 'brilliant waters' and the marshes are largest in Argentina, a vast complex of rivers, lagoons, grassy meadows and woodland that is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife. They are packed with Limpkins and Snail Kites and alive with a superb range of smaller birds together with wildfowl and waders. With two full days to explore, we will set about cleaning up on the region's seedeaters: Rustycollared and the threatened Chestnut, but most importantly the recently described Iberá Seedeater. The marshes can seem alive with Lesser Grass Finches, shocking Scarlet-headed Blackbirds and among increasing numbers of Brown-and-yellow Marshbirds we will seek out Yellow-rumped Marshbirds. Lesser Yellowheaded Vultures replace Turkey Vultures as they drift above the landscape bedecked with the huge and showy Giant Wood Rail. Rhythmic ticking should reveal the presence of Crested Doraditos, a small bright flycatcher with a black eye mask and yellow below. Taking a gentle stroll along a boardwalk through the marshes adds vocal groups of Black-capped Donacobius, a good chance of Rufous-sided Crake, Green Kingfisher and Greater Thornbird, along with Large Elaenia, White-headed Marsh Tyrant and Sooty Tyrannulet. Small, forested islands are often home to Little Woodpeckers and Solitary Caciques, while about our lodge Yellow-billed Cardinals jump about the feeders. Scattered about the landscape we will check for Grey Monjita and, with luck, the handsome Black-and-white Monjita. Numerous small pools might reward us with good views of Plumbeous Ibis and Ringed Teal, and about them the unusual, scruffy necked Chopi Blackbird (named after its sharp, shrill call). Wildlife of all kinds is abundant, with Black Caiman, Howler Monkey and Armadillo among creatures to watch for. Three nights Ecoposada del Estero Day 8 IBERÁ & TRANSFER NORTHEAST TO ARISTOBULO DEL VALLE We'll spend the first hours of the day around the marshes, perhaps savouring our last views of Capybaras or Strange-tailed Tyrant before departing for the drive northeast into Misiones province. Travelling via Caza Pava and Colonia Garabí, we will have lunch en route should arrive at Aristobulo del Valle mid-afternoon. Aristobulo sits at the western end of the Selva Misionera (also known as the Mata Atlantica), a tropical forest ecosystem that has suffered a great deal of deforestation in recent decades. Encompassing a variety of tropical forest habitats - from dry forests through moist forests to coastal mangroves - it once stretched along info@limosaholidays.co.uk

5 the coastline of southeast Brazil and covered parts of Paraguay, Uruguay and northeast Argentina. More ancient than the Amazon, today it survives largely in small, degraded patches and protected areas. Being cut off from other tropical forests has allowed the Selva Misionera to evolve unique ecosystems, which harbour a large number of species found nowhere else on Earth. Night Tacuapi Lodge, Aristobulo del Valle Days 9-10 SALTO ENCANTADO TO EL SOBERBIO, MOCONA & YABOTI We rise early for a short drive to Salto Encantado, where against a backdrop of Parana rainforest (our new ecosystem for the remainder of the tour) Great Dusky Swifts depart their roost. New birds will come thick and fast in the forest as we seek the likes of Surucua Trogon, Green-billed Toucan, Ochre-collared Piculet, Rufous-capped and Grey-bellied Spinetails, the canopy-skulking Spot-backed Antshrike, Plain Antvireo, the reclusive Rufous Gnateater, outstanding male Blue Manakins, Pale-breasted Thrush, Golden-crowned Warbler, and Blackgoggled and Ruby-crowned Tanagers. We will also hope to witness the faltering walk of the Short-tailed Antthrush and home in on a Purplecrowned Plovercrest lek, where males sit and chip away at each other vocally not literally! Later we head south to El Soberbio, on the Uruguay River, with stops along the way that could yield Yellow-headed Caracara, numerous White-eared Puffbirds and perhaps Large-tailed Antshrike or even the appearance of a Cocoa Thrush - a recently discovered new species for Argentina that appears to be advancing south from Brazil. Soon we will reach the edge of Argentina s largest swathe of subtropical rainforest, the Moconá sector of the UNESCO Yabotí Biosphere Reserve. This important area holds the largest number of endangered bird species in Argentina, and of 83 species endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest region, no fewer than 60 have been seen at Yaboti. From several vantage points along the road it is possible to enjoy views of the rainforest out to the horizon, where regular species include Greyrumped Swift, Black-throated Trogon, Planalto Woodcreeper, Social Flycatcher, Greenish Schiffornis and Red-rumped Cacique. At dusk we might be lucky to see the delightful male Silky-tailed Nightjar or a Long-trained Nightjar, the most spectacular of all South America's nightjars. Around Mocona we will explore some of the region's labyrinthine tracks and trails, seeking to add Scale-throated Hermit, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, the vocal Spix s Spinetail, the recently split and fairly localised Scalloped Woodcreeper, and handsome yet skulking Bertoni s and Dusky-tailed Antbirds. With much luck, we might even encounter the ultra-skulking Planalto Tapaculo. Low in the understory we will listen out for Southern Antpipit, and watch keenly for Black-tailed Tityra, the quietly perching White-throated Spadebill, Whitenecked Thrush, Chestnut-headed Tanager and Ultramarine Grosbeak of the Atlantic forest form. Another possible highlight here might be views of a Spot-winged Wood Quail rummaging through the leaf litter. Two nights Yucuma Lodge, El Soberbio (Mocona) Days IGUAZÚ NATIONAL PARK - IGUAZÚ FALLS, HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS AND RN101 We make an early morning departure from Mocona to drive north along the border with Paraguay, heading for the renowned Iguazú Falls - arguably the most spectacular waterfall system in the world. The falls are surrounded by humid subtropical forest (a habitat formerly more common in adjacent Brazil, where it has almost disappeared due to land development). Northeast Argentina now holds the biggest and most continuous extension of this forest, offering some superb tropical birdwatching: tanagers, antbirds, toucans, manakins, parrots, motmots, trogons and tyrant flycatchers will thrill us! Arriving here at lunchtime, we will make a superb stop at hummingbird feeders in Puerto Iguazú. Run by a famous Brazilian lady, who maintains one of the best set of hummingbird feeders in the country, the garden is alive with the noisy zaps of up to seven busy species of hummingbirds. Delights include Swallow-tailed info@limosaholidays.co.uk

6 Hummingbird, the superb Black Jacobin, Blackthroated Mango, Violet-capped Woodnymph and Versicoloured Emerald, together with Violaceous Euphonia, Blue Dacnis and plenty of Bananaquits. Iguazú Falls are truly one of the world's most awesome natural wonders. On the Argentinian side, access is outstanding: a series of walkways bring you right up to the thunder and spray of the water - and to the Great Dusky Swifts that cling precariously to the rocks behind. We stay in a fine hotel on the Argentinian side, close to the falls and the reserve, and with excellent birdwatching in the grounds. Our first morning on the Argentinian side of the mighty Iguazú Falls will be devoted to exploring the forest by means of well-maintained trails that give fantastic views of this small corner of the national park. Here, a staggering 275 waterfalls make the ground almost shake, and the area round the excellent Hotel Sheraton hosts many superb species, including the endangered Blackfronted Piping Guan and Plush-capped Jay. We can expect to encounter a plethora of parrots, hummingbirds, woodcreepers, flycatchers and tanagers not seen during the preceding days. In particular we will be hoping to find the exquisite Swallow-tailed and White-bearded Manakins. There are strutting Giant Cowbirds and a variety of tanagers including Magpie, Green-headed and Swallow Tanagers. Gangs of Coatis loaf about like uncouth youths. Birdlife tends to slow down quite dramatically in the afternoons so we will then largely devote our time to admiring the spectacular waterfalls for which Iguazú is so rightly renowned. Toco and Red-breasted Toucans, Chestnut-eared Aracari and Blue-winged Parrotlet are regularly encountered and, in the late afternoon, we hope to witness the remarkable spectacle of thousands of Great Dusky Swifts gathering overhead before diving down and dashing through the cascading water to their evening roost behind! One walkway extends out above the main falls themselves. En route to this, we should see White-winged Swallows perched on the handrails or on rocks mid-river. Standing on the suspended platform and looking down into the roaring, steaming waters, the sheer volume of water crashing over the edge is mesmerising. Driving out to other tracks through the forest including the famous RN (Route Nacional) 101 will bring us yet more new birds... perhaps a Rufous-capped Motmot or a croaking Spotbilled Toucanet. Birding the tropical forests can be especially exciting when one encounters a mixed feeding flock, which here might include such treats as the remarkable Black-billed Scythebill, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Lesser Woodcreeper, Streak-capped Antwren and the dapper Chestnut-bellied Euphonia. Two nights at the Hotel Sheraton, Iguazú Day 13 IGUAZÚ FALLS & FLY PUERTO IGUAZÚ TO BUENOS AIRES Iguazú is such a great place for birds that on our final morning here we might still have a chance of adding new birds. Perhaps a Plain-winged Woodcreeper, Sepia-capped Flycatcher or a tiny Eared Pygmy Tyrant will come our way? Or we might enjoy more views of Rufous-crowned Greenlet, the superb Blond-crested Woodpecker or a diminutive Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher. We might spot a Toco Toucan perched on a bare snag protruding through the forest canopy or see a Snail Kite flying low overhead as we depart after lunch for the short drive to Puerto Iguazú and our afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires. Arriving in Buenos Aires, we transfer to our city hotel, retiring to our rooms after dinner this evening to prepare for the flight home next day. Night Buenos Aires Days FLY BUENOS AIRES-LONDON Following a leisurely breakfast at our hotel this morning and a transfer through the busy streets of the Argentine capital, we catch our afternoon flight from Buenos Aires to London. Arrival in London next day (Day 15), where our birdwatching tour to Northeast Argentina: Iberá & Iguazú' comes to an end info@limosaholidays.co.uk

7 Trip Information Group Size Max of 10 participants & 2 leaders (both guides will travel regardless of group size) Birds species What to Expect Early starts to our birding days in northeast Argentina will be tempered with leisurely lunches, afternoon siestas (where possible) and occasional relaxed afternoons or early returns in the evening. We will need to set off early on some days to get to locations as the sun rises above the forest and birds are generally at their most active. This tour runs at elevations between sea level and ca. 550m (1800ft) and generally the weather should be warm to hot, but with cooler mornings which we try to utilise to best advantage. November is a breeding period for many bird species here, provoking an explosion of colour and activity. Some migratory bird species may also be passing through, heading south, whilst locally (e.g. at Iberá Marsh), the blossoming of some plant species can attract a multitude of butterflies and birds. Accommodation 12 nights accommodation in Argentina, staying at good hotels and lodges. In Buenos Aires, a comfortable modern city hotel is convenient for our flights and provides easy access to the reserve at Costanera Sur. In the north, we stay at a varied selection of good to excellent lodges and hotels: Ecoposada del Estero at Iberá, the characterful Tacaupi and Yacuma Lodges at Aristobulo and Soberbio respectively, before arriving at our fine hotel on the rim of Iguazú Falls the Sheraton Iguazú. All rooms have private facilities and wi-fi is usually available if not always in your rooms, in the lobby. Meals All main meals are included in the tour price, commencing with lunch in Buenos Aires on Day 2 and concluding with breakfast there on the morning of Day 14. Food is generally fair to good in Argentina, with good-sized portions. Although this is a nation of meat-eaters, we can cater for vegetarians, too! Walking & Altitude Our walks in Northeast Argentina will be at low elevations, with frequent stops to bird. The walking effort is mostly easy, the going more moderate at times at Iguazú where a head for heights can help too! At Iguaçu, access to the awe-inspiring Devil s Throat (on the Argentine side) involves a round-trip of 2+ miles, walking on relatively flat ground and a metal walkway at a normal pace. Access to other possible sites (including the falls edge on the Argentine side) requires walking down (and back up!) a significant number of steps and ramps over a loop path that runs for about a mile to a mile-and-a-half. Weather November is springtime in Northeastern Argentina. Temperatures in Buenos Aires during November range from 16-25C (61-77F), with a daily average of 8 hrs sunshine. It averages hotter and more humid inland (at Iberá and Iguazú ), with November temperatures in the range of 18-32C (64-90F). Expect some rainfall, this often occuring as thundery downpours in spring, which clear through relatively quickly. Flights Return flights from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires, nonstop with British Airways. (In the event schedules change or are unavailable, we will use another major carrier, with a change of planes en route). Domestic flights within Argentina, out from Buenos Aires to Corientes and returning Puerto Iguazú to Buenos Aires are with an Argentinian domestic airline. Ground Transport By minibus and/or 4WD vehicle equipped with air-conditioning and a local driver. Most roads are good, but unmade in the marshes and some forest areas, where they can sometimes be rough and/or wet. Please be aware that Argentina is a very big country and there are three days on this tour (Days 5, 8 and 11) where the distances between one hotel and the next are kms ( miles). Insects There is no malaria risk in the areas visited on our tour. We may experience some biting insects at times. Chiggers may occur in the areas we visit info@limosaholidays.co.uk

8 Photos There are good-excellent photographic opportunities in the open habitats, with splendid landscapes and good light. In the forests, birds can be more secretive and light levels are low making photography more challenging. Tour Cost 2018 (15 days): 5495 (inc flights from London) Land only cost: 4595 Deposit: 700 Single Supp: 695 Cost includes Services of Limosa guide Expert English-speaking Argentinian guide Return flights London-Buenos Aires Domestic flights Buenos Aires-Corientes and Puerto Iguazú to Buenos Aires 12 nights accommodation in Argentina All main meals (with drinking water provided) Minibus / 4WD transport with local driver All excursions, permits, entry fees, tour based tips (lodges, driver, local guides) and taxes Map and Limosa checklist of birds Cost excludes Insurance, drinks, airport meals/snacks & other items of a personal nature. About Your Guides Colin Bushell A birder since his teens, Colin lives in Lancashire, where he works as both a professional bird tour guide and freelance ornithologist for ecology consultancies. His first forays into overseas birding were to Europe and North Africa - before the draw of the tropics became irresistible. After exploring Africa and the Far East, Colin immersed himself in South America and its vast avifauna, becoming a frequent visitor there (particularly to Peru and Brazil) and amassing a wealth of experience leading bird tours to the 'Bird Continent' over the last twenty years. He has birded extensively in Argentina, including Buenos Aires, the Chaco, Iberá and Iguazú, as well as the Atlantic Forest which extends over the border into SE Brazil. Colin joined the Limosa team in 2015 and was an instant hit with participants on our holidays to Spain, Hungary and Slovakia, quickly following those up with tours to Costa Rica, Brazil, Thailand, Taiwan and Sicily. He lives with his wife and two chocolate Labradors near the Ribble Estuary, where he spends most of his spare time birding the marshes. Mario Mosquiera Mario is our resident southern South American expert, an outstanding field ornithologist and wildlife tour guide who lives near Salta, in the Argentine Andes. He holds a Master's degree in Biology from Salta University, where he works as an Associate Professor. Mario has travelled widely across the 'Bird Continent' and has an extensive knowledge of South American birds. He has led bird and wildlife tours in Argentina, Chile and Brazil. Mario is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and has an excellent ear for bird calls making him the perfect co-leader guide for our southern South America tours. Financial Security Limosa Holidays is a fully bonded Tour Operator and a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO). We hold an ATOL (Air Tour Operators Licence) granted by the CAA, providing for your protection in the event of Limosa Holidays' insolvency. Our licence number is ATOL For tours not including the cost of a flight from the UK or for holidays booked by you as Land Only, all payments made to us are fully bonded through the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT). Our ABTOT membership number is For details please see our brochure or website: Limosa Loyalty Discount We are proud of the number of loyal customers who travel regularly with us. As our way of saying thank you, we offer a Frequent Travel Discount. Under the scheme, everyone who takes four trips with us is entitled to claim a 5% info@limosaholidays.co.uk

9 discount on their 5th trip *2. Remember to request your discount at time of booking! *2 Please note: This offer applies to the basic tour cost only and excludes certain commissionbased trips, extras such as additional flights, private extensions and cancellations. Discounts cannot be given in lieu of tour deposits or off the cost of single room supplements. How To Book Check availability on our website or with our office. We are happy to hold Provisional Reservations for up to 7 days. After this, we do require a Booking Form and deposit to confirm your place on tour. Any unconfirmed space will be released. Book Online, by Phone or by Post You can book and pay the deposit simply and securely Online via our website, using the Book This Tour button on the relevant tour page or the Booking tab at the top of the page. Telephone bookings must be confirmed in writing by completion of a Booking Form (there's one tucked inside every brochure or as a PDF download from our website), which can be mailed to us in the time honoured way. Be sure to read our Booking Conditions and General Information (found at the back of our brochure, on our website or available from our office on request) prior to booking. When to Book Early booking is advised since flights and accommodation are much more easily secured well in advance. To encourage early booking, we are pleased to offer an Early Bird Discount - see our current brochure or website for details. Our tours are limited to small group sizes. So they can fill up quickly - sometimes even before our new brochure comes out! Single rooms in particular can often be in short supply and among the first to go, so do try to plan well ahead if you definitely require one of these. Last-minute Bookings: We inevitably receive a few unexpected cancellations over the course of a season so it is always worth enquiring about vacancies on any tour - even for those departing in just a few weeks! Payments Deposit: The amount of booking deposit per person is shown alongside every tour. We accept deposit payments by debit card, cheque (made payable to Limosa Holidays and drawn on a UK bank in GB Pounds Sterling) or by electronic bank transfer (please ask for our bank details). For payment of booking deposits only we are also able to accept Visa and MasterCard credit cards. Balance: Full payment of the tour balance is due not later than 12 weeks prior to departure (20 weeks in the case of certain tours such as cruises or those involving rail travel). We will send you an invoice before the balance is due. We accept balance payments and any additional payments (e.g. interim flight deposits, flight upgrades, extra hotels etc) by UK debit card, cheque or electronic bank transfer. Please note: From 1 January 2018, credit card payments and overseas debit card payments will not be accepted for interim / balance payments. Payment by overseas customers must be in GB Pounds Sterling and may be made by transfer to our bank (please ask for our bank details). Note that we do not accept cheques on US Banks in US Dollars, or cheques in Euros or Eurocheques. Late Booking Payments: In order for us to guarantee your airline seats, hotels etc., full payment is required at time of booking for all late bookings (i.e. bookings made within 12 weeks of departure) info@limosaholidays.co.uk

10 Other Things You Need To Know Passports & Visas Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required, but when travelling anywhere overseas we always recommend that your passport has a minimum of 6 months left to run after your intended date of return home in case of unforeseen delay. VISA NOT REQUIRED by British nationals for entry into Argentina. On presentation of a valid British passport you will normally be granted a 90-day stay in the country. Holders of non-uk passports should contact the nearest Argentinian embassy or consulate to enquire whether or not they require a visa. If a visa is required, you will need to apply locally. If the embassy or consulate requires you to provide a letter confirming that you are booked on an all-inclusive tour, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide one. Health & Vaccinations Visit your health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), visit: travelhealthpro.org.uk/countryinformation/ and by NHS (Scotland), visit: Useful information and advice about healthcare abroad is also available at NHS Choices website: ad/pages/healthcareabroad.aspx Compulsory vaccinations: None. Recommended vaccinations: tetanus and hepatitis A. Consult your doctor for current advice regarding diphtheria, TB, hepatitis B and typhoid, which may be recommended in some circumstances. Malaria: Currently there is a low to no malaria risk indicated for Argentina. Contact your GP or local health centre for up-to-date advice. For a map, visit h-america--antarctica/argentina/argentinamalaria-map.aspx Altitude: On this tour we will range from sea level (Buenos Aires) through to mid elevation (550m/1800ft). The above information, together with that contained within our Travel Information sheets (sent to everyone who books), outlines health requirements for this tour. Please note that these details are given for guidance only - and are only for certain diseases - and you must consult your doctor in good time prior to travel as to what immunisations (if any) are needed for your chosen holiday. For full and latest health information we urge everyone to consult The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website prior to booking any overseas holiday. NaTHNaC is funded by the UK Government s Health Protection Agency and provides health information for both health professionals and travellers, with information compiled by its own clinical and scientific team. You can search for individual country requirements, which are updated regularly. Your Safety & Travel Advice An unavoidable aspect of travelling abroad nowadays is the threat it may pose to your safety and security. The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) encourages British nationals to be better prepared for their overseas trips with a view to avoiding common travelling traumas, risks and dangers. In order for you to assess and protect against any risks in your chosen destination it is strongly recommended that you refer to the relevant FCO Travel Advice both prior to booking and regularly before you travel info@limosaholidays.co.uk

11 It is standard Limosa policy for our office to send a copy of the relevant FCO Travel Advice about the tour to all participants along with their Final Letter (ca. 2-3 weeks prior to the trip). Travel Aware - staying safe and healthy abroad - is a travel safety campaign run by the FCO, and another useful resource. Go to: Travel Insurance Good travel insurance is essential before setting off on any overseas trip. In common with all responsible tour operators, it is a condition of booking that all clients are fully and adequately insured before travelling overseas with us. Be aware that some destinations may require you to produce proof of comprehensive travel insurance (e.g. valid insurance certificate) at immigration on arrival in the country, so you should carry your documentation with you. Your travel insurance should cover against cancellation, curtailment, missed departure, delay, personal accident, death, loss of baggage and valuables (see note below), personal liability and legal expenses. Most importantly, your insurance must cover you fully in respect of medical care and repatriation should you become too ill to continue with the tour, including the cost of emergency evacuation by helicopter or air ambulance should this be necessary. Note that passenger liability insurance covering the transportation that we hire, particularly in Third World countries, may be inadequate; it is therefore important that your insurance cover includes sufficient provision for your dependents in the event of an accident. We recommend that you obtain travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your holiday to ensure you are protected right from the word go in the event of unexpected cancellation prior to departure due to accident or illness. You must inform your insurers of any pre-existing medical conditions (including those of persons not necessarily travelling but upon whom your holiday may depend) that may require treatment during a period of overseas travel or might cause you to cancel the trip. Once you have arranged your insurance, please be sure to send us the following essential details: name and contact details of your insurance provider, your policy number, expiry date and your insurers 24hr Emergency Assistance number. Important things to note about Insurance Travel Insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover for valuable optical equipment, which is often best protected under your own household insurance policy. If in doubt ask your insurers for advice prior to travel. Most travel insurance policies limit the amount of cover, typically up to a maximum tour cost of 5000 per person. If the tour you are booking exceeds this amount, additional cover can usually be provided upon payment of additional premium. We recommend all travellers check their individual policy limit to ensure the full cost of their holiday is covered. Arranging Your Insurance: due to UK Government legislation, under Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulations, we are not allowed to offer or recommend travel related insurance to customers. Premiums can vary widely according to your age, needs, health, choice of destination and other factors, while many people nowadays have Annual Travel Insurance cover. For these reasons, we leave you free to shop around and pick your own policy, one best suited to your own individual needs. General Information Our website gives easy access to detailed tour itineraries (Tour Info Packs), trip reports, trip photos and the latest Limosa News info@limosaholidays.co.uk

12 Special Diets & Other Requests We pass on all such requests to airlines, hotels and other suppliers, and do our best to ensure (but of course cannot guarantee) that your needs will be met. Please be sure to tell us about these (in as much detail as possible) at the time of booking, to allow good time to make the necessary arrangements. Smoking Almost all of our clients prefer a smoke-free environment. For the enjoyment and comfort of all, we ask that smokers refrain from smoking in proximity to the group and respect our NO SMOKING policy in the vehicle, at meal times and when watching wildlife. Any Questions? If you have any questions at any time, you ll find our office staff friendly, efficient, approachable - and just a phone call away, eager to assist you in every way. Our office is open hrs Mon-Fri, and can also be reached by . In the event we are unable to take your call, please leave a message on our answerphone (24hrs) and our office will contact you as soon as we can. Thank you for your interest in our tours. We do hope that you will be able to join us - and we look forward to hearing from you again! revck info@limosaholidays.co.uk