Of all the incredible places I’ve visited in The America’s, Argentina is one that always seems to draw me back. Warm and hospitable people, wonderful cuisine, a vibrant and colorful culture, and some of the most diverse and remarkable scenery I’ve experienced in my life as a traveler. From the far North West, which its deep pre-Columbian roots, to the vast open plains of the Pampas, to the rugged spine of the Andes, and the other world of Tierra del Fuego – Argentina never ceases to surprise and amaze me.
At the end of July, this year, I will be leading a carefully crafted journey into the Argentina wilds. The adventure begins with romantic and alluring Buenos Aires. Next it’s on to Argentine Mesopotemia – the verdant North East, where we’ll take in the grand spectacle of Iguazu Falls, explore the endangered Atlantic Rainforest in the company of one of its most passionate advocates, and visit the ruins of Jesuit missions crumbling in the rainforest. From Missiones, we’ll make our way to the legendary Esteros de Ibera – one of the world’s largest pristine wetlands, home to a remarkable abundance of wildlife and a unique and visionary conservation project that we will be able to experience, first-hand. We’ll carry on, into Patagonia, to the rugged and windswept Atlantic coast, to catch the whale migration along the Valdes Peninsula, and then conclude our journey along a remote and pristine stretch of coast, home to penguin and seal colonies, teaming marine and birdlife, and a vast traditional working Argentine estancia, just settling into to the business of shearing their 20,000 sheep.
As with our 2007 Earlham Alumni trips to Namibia and Antarctica the focus of this trip will very much be on natural history, biology, geology, culture – a true multidisciplinary adventure. It promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the remarkable biodiversity of one our hemisphere’s most compelling places. This trip is open to all of the Earlham community, family and friends. I look forward to welcoming you on this classic adventure.
