Where is Campos del Tuyú and why is it important?

Campos del Tuyú National Park is located in the General Lavalle district, near the southern edge of the Samborombón Bay, along the Atlantic coast of Buenos Aires Province. Created in 2009, it became the first national park in Buenos Aires Province, protecting the last remnants of natural grasslands and coastal wetlands of the Pampas region.

The park is a biodiversity hotspot and a key refuge for endangered species, most notably the Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus), one of Argentina’s most iconic mammals.

What animals can be found in Campos del Tuyú?

The area is home to a rich variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Besides the Pampas deer, visitors may spot gray foxes, opossums, wildcats, rheas, and capybaras.

But birdlife is what truly stands out — more than 180 species have been recorded in the park. Among them: roseate spoonbills, Chilean flamingos, southern screamers, herons, gulls, and the endemic Pampas grass wren. Each summer, migratory species from North America arrive to feed in these wetlands, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

How is Campos del Tuyú connected to the Samborombón Bay?

The Samborombón Bay is a vast coastal basin between the Río de la Plata and the South Atlantic Ocean, acting as one of Argentina’s most important natural wetlands. Its tidal systems, estuaries, and salt marshes are essential for thousands of migratory birds and also play a key ecological role by filtering water, preventing floods, and storing carbon — helping to mitigate climate change.

Campos del Tuyú sits on the western edge of the bay, protecting one of its most pristine sections, where grasslands, marshes, and estuaries coexist in perfect balance.

Can visitors access Campos del Tuyú National Park?

Public access to the park has historically been limited to protect its delicate ecosystems. However, since 2024, sustainable nature-based tourism programs have been developed in coordination with Argentina’s National Parks Administration and licensed operators such as Centinela Explora. These programs offer visitors the chance to navigate the Ría de Ajó and enjoy guided birdwatching outings in the area.

These experiences provide a rare opportunity to explore the landscapes of the Samborombón Bay, observe migratory birds up close, and appreciate one of the last remaining natural grasslands of the Buenos Aires coastline.

Why is it a top destination for birdwatching?

Campos del Tuyú and the Samborombón Bay are part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, connecting critical migratory stopovers across the Americas.

Bird enthusiasts often come in search of species such as the Pampas grass wren (endemic), roseate spoonbill, white-rumped sandpiper, Chilean flamingo, and yellow-rumped marshbird. Every year, thousands of migratory birds arrive from Canada, Alaska, and the Caribbean, making this region a vital stopover.

When is the best time to visit?

The best season for birdwatching is between September and March, when grasslands are lush and migratory species from the Northern Hemisphere arrive. In winter, the scenery becomes quieter, but visitors can still spot resident species adapted to cooler weather.

How to get there

From Buenos Aires, take Provincial Route 11 to General Lavalle (around 280 km), and continue along rural roads towards the Ría de Ajó. Access to the park is only possible through organized tours or prior authorization.

A wetland with a future

Protecting Campos del Tuyú and the Samborombón Bay means preserving one of Argentina’s oldest and most valuable ecosystems. These wetlands not only host exceptional biodiversity but also regulate climate, store water, and maintain the ecological balance of the Buenos Aires coast.

Explore the region with Centinela Explora

If you want to experience this unique landscape, join our Bird Route of the Tuyú – Ría de Ajó and San Clemente adventure: a three-day journey led by specialized birding guides, including navigation through the Ría de Ajó.

An exclusive opportunity to observe, learn, and connect with the wildlife and nature of Argentina’s Atlantic coast.