Return of
the Jaguar

Iberá Wetlands | argentina

Hosted by Sofía Heinonen and the Fundación Rewilding Argentina (FRA) team, this journey offers firsthand engagement with the reintroduction of endangered species, immersion into the flora and fauna of the Iberá Wetlands, and fireside chats with the experts behind this remarkable rewilding initiative, to learn from their life changing stories and indomitable vision. Arrange a call with our team to register your interest.

29TH SEPTEMBER –
6TH OCTOBER 2024
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

PERSONALLY HOSTED BY THE CONSERVATION DIRECTOR
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE REHABILITATION CENTRE
STAY IN THE HEART OF THE IBERÁ WETLANDS
TRAVEL BY HORSE-DRAWN CANOE
WALKS WITH ARGENTINA’S LEADING BOTANIST TO WITNESS THE EXTRAORDINARY FLORA AND FAUNA

INCLUDED

NIGHT IN BUENOS AIRES
FULL-BOARD THROUGHOUT
PRIVATE FLIGHTS OVER IBERÁ
DAILY EXPERIENCES AT IBERÁ
SIX NIGHT STAY IN THE RESERVE

DETAILS

29TH SEPTEMBER – 6TH OCTOBER 2024
ARRIVE TO BUENOS AIRES
DEPART FROM BUENOS AIRES
EXTENSIONS IN ARGENTINA AVAILABLE
US $13,950 PER PERSON
BASED ON TWO PEOPLE SHARING
UP To 12 guests – SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE

A once in a lifetime opportunity to engage with one of the world’s most ambitious conservation projects firsthand, the creation of the 7.5 million acre Iberá National Park.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Accompany Fundacion Rewilding Argentina’s expert team of wildlife scientists and researchers within the heart of the Iberá Wetlands. Staying in boutique hotels and a lodge at the heart of the reserve, the former home of Doug and Kristine Tompkins, waking to the symphony of bird calls and winding down over an asado and glasses of malbec before the setting sun.  All-inclusive. Excludes international flights.

CONSERVATION IMPACT

Often called “the Argentine Pantanal,” Iberá is one of the planet’s largest freshwater wetlands, covering more than 3.2 million acres of grasslands and marsh in Corrientes Province of northeastern Argentina. It is home to 30% of the country’s biodiversity including endangered species such as the pampas and marsh deer, the maned wolf, anteater and grassland birds like the strange-tailed tyrant. FRA have successfully created a national park that preserves over 700,000 hectares.

YOUR HOSTS

Meet your host:
SOFIA HEINONEN &
FUNDACIÓN REWILDING ARGENTINA

Sofía Heinonen

Sofía Heinonen is the Executive Director of Fundación Rewilding Argentina. She was instrumental in securing the support and collaboration of local communities at the project’s inception and continues to spearhead FRA’s rewilding and restoration initiatives across the country.

A lifelong activist, Sofía Heinonen led some of the first efforts to bring rewilding to South America more than 15 years ago with the restoration of the Iberá wetlands, the largest wetland ecosystem in Argentina, alongside Doug and Kristine Tompkins. As a biologist and leader, she has spent more than 30 years designing strategies for the creation of protected areas in Argentina, and leads the line in the continents most ambitious initiatives for reversing the species extinction crisis.

What she and her team have achieved, from the reintroduction of jaguar to the region following a 70 years disappearance to the creation of 7.6 million acres of national park across Argentina, is a remarkable achievement.

Sofía has been recognised in BBC’s Most Influential Women of 2022.

JOURNEY GALLERY

A GLOBALLY UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
ON CONSERVATION IN ACTION

Frequently Asked Questions:
Journey to Argentina

What is the climate like in Argentina in September and October?

Spring is in full swing in Argentina at the end of September and beginning of October. Temperatures begin to rise and rainfall is moderate, making it a wonderful time to visit the country. In Buenos Aires, where this journey begins and ends, temperatures range from 15-28℃ (59-82℉). And in Corrientes Province, the climate is slightly warmer, with temperatures between 18-30℃ (64-86℉).

Can you organise an extension to this Hosted Journey?

Absolutely! We would be delighted to put together a bespoke itinerary for you should you wish to extend your stay in Argentina or visit another country before or after this journey. Whether you would like to travel to Argentina’s Patagonia region or discover neighbouring Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay or Bolivia, simply get in touch with Venetia ([email protected]) to start curating your bespoke itinerary.

What kind of activities will we be doing?

The days will be spent discovering breathtaking biodiversity during wildlife treks, exploring the wetlands by kayak or horseback, and visiting rewilding centres with local experts. The days will round off with wine tastings or sundowners followed by delicious dinners with your fellow guests.

Where will we be staying?

This journey incorporates luxury hotels and lodges, including Palacio Duhau, La Alondra, Rincón del Socorro and El Transito. It will be a very comfortable journey with access to luxury amenities throughout.

What happens after I book?

Once you have booked your trip the journey begins! Prior to departure, our team will share your personalised itinerary via the Safari Portal App which will contain all of the information about your journey. We will share reading and watching recommendations and updates from the field, so that you can begin your learning journey from home. In the days prior to your trip, you will be connected with your hosts and fellow guests on a whatsapp group as the excitement builds! The JWP team will be on hand in the lead up to and during your journey to assist with any questions you may have.

What is the best international airport to arrive at and depart from?

International flights are not included and are to be booked separately. The best airport to arrive at and depart from is Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires.

Who looks after us during our journey?

You will be joined on this journey by JWP host, Venetia Martin. She will be on hand to assist with any questions or requests prior to or during your journey.

Can this journey be organised for a private group?

This journey to Argentina from 29th September to 6th October 2024 has been designed to bring together a small group of curious and like minded people who want to deepen their understanding of and engagement with one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time. However, if you are unable to join the journey in September or would like to organise a transformative impact experience in Argentina (or elsewhere) with a private group, our Journey Planners would be delighted to organise this for you. Please reach out to the JWP team on [email protected] to begin creating your unique impact journey.

Journeys to champion the
wild and celebrate conservation

Where will your impact journey take you?

As a mission-led business our journeys are designed to be transformative, on the traveller and on the people and places you engage with.  When you book a journey with us you become part of our growing community of changemakers – the curious, the intrepid, those looking to engage with the natural world on a deeper level.  To learn, exchange and realise change.  

A journey starts with a discovery call with our expert team.  These journeys are personal  – they offer connection and insights into cultures, wildlife and landscapes in wild corners of the world – for an experience that has a positive impact, long after you return home.

At a Glance: Fundación
Rewilding Argentina

1,850,000

…acres (or 750,000 hectares) of land protected.

264,000,000

…metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent sequestered.

370,658

…acres donated for new parkland creation.

OUR FOCUS - THE IBERÁ NATIONAL PARK:

This extraordinary wetland, the largest in Argentina, is home to 30% of the biodiversity in the country including endangered species such as the pampas and marsh deer, the maned wolf and grassland birds like the strange-tailed tyrant.

In 2005, what was to become one of the largest rewilding programs in the Americas was started, with the goal of restoring keystone species that had been extirpated from Iberá through hunting and habitat loss and were extinct in the region, the Province or, in some cases, the country. 

As the rewilding program developed, the cultural identity of Iberá began to recover alongside the ecosystems and natural processes, impacting a total population of 100,000 people who surround the park.

Today, Iberá stands as one of the world’s most successful ongoing conservation missions.

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