Esteros del Iberá

The Iberá Nature Reserve in the province of Corrientes is a network of 64 lagoons, marshes and waterways better known as the Esteros del Iberá. The Iberá wetlands are the second largest in the World, occupying an impressive 1,300,000 hectares (the size of Belgium).

This natural paradise, far from the well-trodden tourist path, is home to numerous protected species such as yacaré crocodiles, capybara, marsh deer, carayá monkeys, foxes and hares, to name a few. It is also a haven for birdlife, with over 350 species, and thousands of multi-coloured butterflies.

The area’s extreme humidity makes it an ideal ecosystem for ombu, lapacho, ceibo and willow trees. Water plants (Irupé water lilies in particular) thrive and join together to form floating islands.

Visitors to the Esteros del Iberá can stay in estancias and country lodges in the neighbouring towns. Most of the area’s tourism infrastructure is based in Colonia Pellegrini. This best way to see the wetlands is from the water. Boat trips on the lagoons, as well as canoeing, horse riding, nature treks and photo safaris, can be arranged at your hotel.