Spot birds and wildlife in the Chaco

Spot wildlife in the dry savannahs, lagoons and salt pans of the remote wilderness of the Chaco.

All visits to the central Chaco should include time in the hinterland of salt water lagoons and native Chaco forest within a short drive of Filadelfia. The beautiful savannah is rich in wildlife, especially birds. With its distinctive vegetation, the Chaco forest, dotted with giant cacti, is wild and dry but can be very beautiful especially in the early morning and late evening sun.

In the savannah at Fortín Boquerón you might spot exotic birds such as roseate spoonbill, rhea and tuyuyu, along with a variety of water-based birds such as swans and whistling ducks. Chilean flamingos overwinter here. Caiman are occasionally seen sunning themselves in the lagoons and you may catch glimpses of deer in the bush.

Campo Maria, a large private reserve deep in the bush, is a lovely spot with a large, salt-crusted lagoon. It feels – and is – very remote and there is no other infrastructure. Campo Maria has a reputation for outstanding birding and a must on any visit to the Chaco.