Updated: Jun 29, 2023
If you are passionate about nature and want to get closer to Argentina’s most incredible places, begin your South American expedition with a visit to the Iberà Wetlands.
Sunset at the Iberà Wetlands, the most important and biodiverse wetland area in Argentina @jchiavo
The Iberá estuaries – iberà means shining waters in the indigenous Guaraní language – are the second-largest freshwater wetlands after the Pantanal in Brazil.
Floating islands of vegetation, unique wildlife, shallow water lagoons, and the fantastic network of lakes will amaze you while you explore this Argentina’s natural wonders.
Still unknown to many international visitors, it’s a privilege to visit this remote Region of South America.
A must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast!
If you want to travel to Iberá Wetlands in Argentina, continue reading this practical guide and discover why this off-the-beaten-track experience will impress you.
👉For more tips about traveling to Iberá Wetlands and more itinerary ideas, make sure you get our free South America Travel Guide here.
Navigate to where you want to Go
2- The best time to travel to Iberá Wetlands
3- Things to see and what to do in Iberá National Park
4- Where to stay in Iberá Wetlands
5- Iberá Wetlands wildlife: endangered animals and birds in Iberá
6- Iberá National Park – A place to travel with a Purpose
7- Tours to Iberá Wetlands: Our Suggested Two Weeks Itinerary to Argentina for Nature Lovers: Iberá Wetlands, Iguazu Falls & The Northwest Tradition
How to Get There
The Esteros del Iberá is located in the sub-tropical north of Argentina in Corrientes Province. The relative remoteness of the location has enabled it to remain one of Argentina’s hidden gems.
Iberá wetlands Argentina map
💫Unforgettable sunsets in the Esteros del Iberá @hotelpuertovallear
Best way to travel from Buenos Aires to Iberá Wetlands
in 2023
Many people believe that exploring Argentina is going to be fast and easy. But, for instance, the distance between Buenos Aires and Iberá Wetlands is 671 km.
You can take an overnight bus or private car from Buenos Aires (11 hours) or elsewhere in the country to the city of Mercedes.
Then, follow the others and jump on the next two-hour connection to Carlos Pellegrini, the primary hub for exploring Ibera.
There are more than 350 different birds species that call the Ibera marsh home, each as colorful as the next 🇦🇷Martín Pescador Grande 🇺🇸Ringed Kingfisher by @gag677
If you are taking a plane, the nearest airport is Posadas. There are daily flights from BA to Posadas airport, or you can take a private light aircraft to one of the Luxury eco-lodges in the area.
My suggestion of the best way to travel to Iberà Wetlands? Combine travel to IberàWetlands with a visit to Iguazu Falls.
You can take a plane from Buenos Aires to Posadas airport, visit the wetlands for four days, and then continue your trip to Iguazu. There are no flights between Puerto Iguazú and Posadas, but it is possible to connect them by land with a private transfer and see the Ruins of San Ignacio Miní, which are halfway between the two points.
It may be an effort to reach the Iberà Wetlands, but once you’ve arrived, you’ll be immersed in the wetlands’ wildlife and treated to a wonderfully authentic experience.
Best Time to Travel to Iberà Wetlands, Argentina
The great news is that you can visit the beautiful Iberà Wetlands year-round.
If, for instance, you don’t like very high temperatures, try to avoid the summer months (January until March).
Choose traveling in Spring (September until November) because it has suitable temperatures, the wetlands are colorful and filled with animals, but it also tends to rain a lot.
Family of Capybara ( Carpinchos) that inhabits the Esteros del Iberá
More relaxed and calm, the Autumn months (April and May) are a great time to visit this gorgeous area.
And If you want to avoid the crowds, travel to Ibera Wetlands, Argentina, in winter (June, July, and August) during the low season. The temperature will be lower, but the wetlands will be welcoming and dry.
If you are interested in bird migration, plan your trip between September and April, and prepare for memorable bird-watching sessions.
Read more: Best time to visit Argentina
What to See and What to do in Iberà National Park
The Iberá National Park covers an area almost the size of Switzerland (some 13,000 square kilometers). Argentina’s largest reservoir of nature and biodiversity is a sanctuary for wildlife and plants.
Fly-fishing “Doradazo” @rinconflyfishing 🎣
Diverse natural ecosystems can be found at the park.
Large extensions of wild environments, such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, marshlands, grasslands, savannahs, forests, gallery forests, palm groves, and submerged meadows, alternate in different proportions and surprise with amazingly diverse landscapes.
Horseback riding allows one to explore and enjoy the stunning scenery of the wetlands.
The most impressive thing about Iberà National Park is that seeing the fauna in its natural habitat is ensured!
The best way to get closer to the unique species that inhabit this natural wonder is by boat. Navigate with a specialized guide who will show you the wealthiest spots in wildlife while explaining all you need to know about the area.
Exclusive Expedition to the Esteros del Iberá and discover its flora and fauna! by @hotelpuertovallear
On your visit, expect to come across two different species of alligator, deer, giant otter, countless capybara, anaconda, monkeys, and hundreds of species of birds.
Enjoy unique landscapes by kayaking on the Parana River
If you already have a lot of information about the wetlands and want to explore them on your own, you can always have a memorable independent kayak adventure. Though you won’t have a guide to show you around, this experience promises to stay with you forever.
In case water is not your cup of tea, you can explore the rich forests and swamps of the park during a relaxed horse riding tour with a well-informed guide.
Yacaré caiman 🐊 in its natural habitat
Travelers who are looking for an adrenaline rush, however, can also jump in a light aircraft and enjoy a fantastic flight over the wetlands.
After sunset, take into a nocturnal safari drive in 4WD vehicles on the lookout for the typical wildlife activity of the wetlands.
When traveling to Ibera Wetlands, Argentina, make sure you enjoy the rides, pay attention to your surroundings, and do your best to spot the capybara, the world’s largest rodent.
Where to Stay
We suggest staying at one of the charming ranches in Argentina’s Wetlands to make the most of your visit.
To help you choose excellent accommodation, we have two estancias (country lodge) suggestions, Puerto Valle – Hotel de Esteros and Rincon del Socorro. Expect a unique blend of wildlife experiences and authentic hospitality at these estancias in Argentina.
Iberá Wetlands National Park Wildlife
This is WILD Love At First Sight 💚
“As they say, landscape without wildlife is just scenery” Douglas Tompkins
Capybaras, or Carpinchos as we call them in Spanish, are the world’s most giant water-dwelling rodents.
An ideal place to view these semi-aquatic animals is the marshlands of the Iberà wetlands in North-East Argentina.
Iberà Wetlands National park is Certainly one of Argentina’s most beautiful national parks, home to more than 4,000 plant and animal species, is the best place in Argentina for sighting wildlife, and one of the best locations in the world for birdwatching.
As keen wildlife fans, we can’t love more Esteros del Iberà!
Exploring by boat, horse or trekking in search of the sociable capybara, often spotted in large groups, is a superb wildlife experience…
Caimans, the South-American cousin of crocodiles, can be found bathing in the sun or lurking on the surface of swamps.
In some areas, you can also observe families of howler monkeys with other mammals such as deer and crab-eating foxes.
Iberà National Park in Argentina is also a paradise for birdwatching….even if you are not a bird lover, you will have a wonderful time observing them in their natural habitat.
Iberà National Park Travel with a Purpose
There’s a new approach in many places in South America to travel Responsibly, sustainably, eco-friendly manner. Places working not only to conserve the natural environment but also to give back to local communities.
Iberà National Park is one of those places.
⁉️ But, Why is Iberà wetlands important? and Why is important to travel to Ibera Wetlands now?
As one of the largest bodies of water left on the planet, this region has supported all forms of life for thousands of years…
Two decades ago, Iberà was threatened; Many species were once hunted to extinction.
So, it’s essential to travel to Iberà Wetland now…
Not because it is a superb experience … it is a unique opportunity to help develop the wildlife conservation projects held there that can help preserve species like these cute Capybaras…
Read more about Iberà National Park Argentina and why It is important to travel to the Wetlands now.
Iberá Rewilding Project
Since 2007 The rewilding Iberá National Park project has been working to reintroduce species such as the giant anteater, pampas deer, collared peccary, guacamayo Rojo, and the jaguar, hopping to return Argentina’s wetlands to their former glory.
In 2001, Douglas Tompkins, a philanthropist, and conservationist acquired the farm Rinconvdel Socorro to create a 74,131- acre natural reserve that would be handled by his foundation, The Conservation Land Trust (CLT).
He had a simple but ambitious aim: to create the greatest natural park in Argentina, return the locally extinct fauna and foster an economy based on ecotourism….
Since late 2018, largely thanks to the efforts of Tompkins Conservation, the wetlands became a National Park, so helping to protect this South American wildlife wonderland for long into the future.
Today, the release of the female jaguar Mariua and her two captive-born marks the first reintroduction of jaguars in a place where they have gone extinct. It is part of an effort known as “rewilding” – restoring the missing species, biodiversity, and natural processes to areas affected by human activity….
So, traveling to Iberà Wetlands is not only about taking a vacation, it is a unique opportunity to help the development of these conservation projects….
Doesn’t it feel awesome that while traveling we can become agents of positive change in the world?
Iberà Wetlands Tours: Our Suggested Trip to Visit Iberà Wetlands
Now that you have a general idea of what to expect from Iberà Wetlands, let’s get into one of our suggested tours to visit the Iberà Wetlands.
Click the video above to virtual travel to these magical destinations…
Our Two Weeks Itinerary to Argentina for Nature Lovers: Iberà Wetlands, Iguazu Falls & The Northwest.
This trip is Perfect for nature and culture lovers who want to explore Argentina off the beaten path in 2 weeks.
In trip you visit Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Salta and Cafayate in the Northwest of Argentina in 16 days.
For this trip you will need to fly into Buenos Aires International Airport (Ministro Pistarini, Ezeiza international airport ).
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive in Buenos Aires
Day 2 Fly to Posadas and travel by land to Iberà Wetlands. Stay at Rincon del Socorro Eco lodge.
Day 3 – 5 Enjoy 4 days at Rincon del Socorro ranch. Visit the iberà reserve and enjoy long walks, horse-back riding sessions, boat rides, nocturnal safaris, delicious meals, and many relaxing moments.
Day 6 – Land transfer from Iberà Wetlands to fascinating Iguazu. On your way, stop to visit the Ruins of San Ignacio Miní,
Day 7 – Visit the Argentine side of the falls and take boat ride to see the fall from above.
Day 8 – Visit the Brazilian side of the falls and parque Das Aves Park to admire the colorful tropical birds of this region. Fly from Iguazu to Salta, Northwest of Argentina.
Day 9 Travel through the Quebrada. Overnight in Purmamarca.
Day 10 Travel around the Humahuaca Gorge, Visiting the lovely Tilcara and Humahuaca. Overnight Iruya.
Day 11 y 12 Visit the Calchaquies Valley and Cafayate wine region
Day 13 Fly from Salta to Buenos Aires
Day 14 y 15 Tour the Lively and Colorful Buenos Aires: Enjoy Buenos Aires history, culture, and cuisine.
Day 16 Fly back home.
Read the detailed itinerary : Two Weeks Itinerary to Argentina for Nature Lovers: Iberà Wetlands, Iguazu Falls & The Northwest Tradition
As you may know, we are local experts in South America and all our trips are craft from the ground up.
This sample itinerary is here to inspire you, but this is not a fixed itinerary and is designed to be customized around you. Contact us here and we can taylor made this trip for you.
Iberà National Park is one of Argentina’s most beautiful experiences for nature and wildlife lovers. But if you are a wildlife lover, there are many other places in Argentina where you can see Whales, Penguins, Pumas, lots of bird species, and more that will also amaze you!
Maria Barciela ❣️Co-Founder Across South America
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