Agustín Esmoris · Guide, Field Ornithologist & Wildlife Photographer
An Argentinian birding guide and professional wildlife photographer, Agustín has led hundreds of custom birding and nature outings across Patagonia and central Argentina—tailoring each excursion to his guests’ interests and pace, from single‑day trips to multi‑day expeditions.A passionate naturalist, Agustín serves as the official eBird reviewer for much of Eastern Patagonia, collaborates with the global birding community to validate regional observations, and has published scientific papers on various bird species. He is the author of the field guide Birds of Península Valdés, and his photographs have appeared in National Geographic, the AMNH’s Natural History magazine, Lynx Edicions and more.
His goal is to immerse travellers in Patagonia’s rich biodiversity—spotting birds, mammals, reptiles, arthropods and local flora while exploring the ecology that binds them.
Agustina Ayala · Guide & Tourism Specialist
Born in Puerto Madryn, she grew up surrounded by nature, between the sea and the steppe.“For those who look without seeing, the land is just land”. A conservationist by vocation, she dedicated over a decade to raising visitor awareness at the Península Valdés Natural Protected Area, promoting respectful tourism towards wildlife and its habitat.
Graduated with a degree in Tourism, as well as a bilingual tour guide, Agustina has guided travelers from around the world among bays, cliffs, and the vast Patagonian steppe. Her academic credentials combine with an endless passion for nature, especially Patagonian birds.
With a curious spirit and contagious smile, she loves interpreting every trail—from the geology that sculpted Chubut’s rugged coastline to her specialty, marine mammals. Today, she shares the helm with Agustín at Birding Puerto Madryn, bringing her detail-oriented perspective and warmth to every tour.
Agustín is the author of the beautiful book Birds of Península Valdés:
“For visitors to the Peninsula Valdes, site of a famous Magellanic Penguin colony, swirling clouds of Red Knots, and the enigmatic Magellanic ‘‘Plover,’’ this book is a long-awaited and stunning photographic introduction to the peninsula and coastal Chubut Province. The gorgeous photos delight the eye for their artistic beauty and composition, offer accuracy for help in identifying species encountered, and capture spectacular behavioral displays. The book’s emphasis is on the birds of the area, but the keen naturalist author could not resist tossing in photos of several mammals and herps as well. Painstaking search of the literature and records of museum specimens, published sightings, eBird, and personal correspondence makes this volume a valuable, updated documentation of the Valdes/Chubut avifauna.”
“This highly informative and beautifully photographed book greatly expanded my knowledge of a biological wonderland and sets a new standard for regional guides. It makes me eager for a return visit.”
Check out a preview of the book.
- Diet and behaviors of the White-throated Cacholote (Pseudoseisura gutturalis) during the breeding season in northeastern Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina.
- First data on the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) prey in Patagonia (Argentina). Ornithol. Res. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43388-023-00161-1
- First nesting record of the Rusty-backed Monjita (Neoxolmis rubetra) in the province of Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina. Description of nest and eggs.
- First nesting record of the Checkered Woodpecker (Veniliornis mixtus) in the province of Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina.
- First nesting record of the Black-crowned Monjita (Neoxolmis coronatus) in the province of Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina.
- First nesting record of the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) in Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina.
- First nesting record of the White-banded Mockingbird (Mimus triurus) in the province of Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina.
