IBERA WETLANDS
A NATURAL PARADISE
Iberá is the second largest wetland of South America, with an extension of 12.000 km2 that guards both great biodiversity and a rich cultural heritage. The region emerges as a combination of different landscapes: in the lowest areas, the rain deposits its water in the wetlands and ponds that gave it its name; while the higher areas
are characterized by small remnants of Paranaense jungles, palmar groves and never-ending grasslands briefly interrupted by small bundles of trees.
The Iberá Wetlands are home to more than 4.000 animals and plants species. It is an excellent location for bird watching, and visitors have the possibility of observing a wide array of native species like the yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) and the strange-tailed tyrant (Alectrurus risora), among others.
The life of the local gauchos differs from what’s considered the “traditional ways”; they have adapted their lifestyle to the constant contact with water, this is why the typical way of transportation from the wetlands emerges: on horse and by boat with the help of a four to five-meter-long pole.
REFERENCE MAP
The creation of protected areas is accompanied by a vision of local development in terms of sustainability: the production of nature as a commercial resource through tourism. This type of production aims to increase the health of ecosystems and the presence of wildlife in an area so that they result in a tourist attraction.
Iberá, like any system subjected to anthropic intervention, has experienced negative impacts and did not escape what we know as
“local extinctions of species”. In the second half of the 20th century (or even earlier), several species disappeared from the region, including the jaguar (Panthera onca), the choker wolf (Pteronura brasiliensis), the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), the peccary of collar (Pecari tajacu), tapir (Tapirus terrestris), scarlet macaw (Ara chloropterus) and muitú (Crax fasciolata).
Thus, with at least eight locally extinct species and an economy based on traditional productions (livestock, forestry and agriculture), conservation in Iberá faced an extra challenge: bringing back all the species that man eradicated.
Provincial and national government agencies, foundations, NGOs, researchers, wildlife rescue centers, zoos and citizens have been actively working for more than 30 years to reestablish the ecological balance in the region’s ecosystems. These actors carry out a project that has become the most ambitious “Fauna Restoration Program”
in the American continent. Right now the Iberá Reserve is presented as one of the best ecological restoration stories in the region.
VISION
A conservation work led by Douglas and Kristine Tompkins.
Invited by an Argentine conservationist in the ‘90s, Douglas Tompkins discovered Iberá by chance. He was impacted by the scope of Iberá’s pristine landscapes and by the ability to observe large mammals in their natural habitat. Through the Conservación Land Trust (CLT), he bought the first lands from private owners. After various visits, the possibility of acquiring more land that was inaccessible to agriculture and cattle ranching animals became a reality. These lands were full of wild animals and native species and increased the total land ownership considerably. He decided to dedicate to the conservation of Iberá, initiating Project Esteros del Iberá.
CLT has acquired 158,800 hectares of old cattle ranches that adjoin the public lands and that include habitats that are not present within the current Provincial Park - as is the case of the espinal, the weed or certain wooded areas - in order to achieve that these were converted into a National Park, thus creating a protected area of 700,000 hectares that constitutes what we call the Iberá Park.
Today the park has not only the highest legal protection in the nation in terms of public lands, but also the highest hierarchy that can be given to a nature tourism destination worldwide.
The Future Iberá National Park is CLT’s vision aimed at creating an area that conserves in perpetuity the natural ecosystems of Iberá in their maximum ecological diversity and integrity and that in turn serves as a large area for regional development through ecotourism.
THE CONSERVATION LAND TRUST
The reintroduction of fauna in Iberá is part of the world of nature conservation under the term of rewilding. It consists of recovering the integrity of an ecosystem by bringing back the species that originally inhabited it and that play fundamental roles. Thanks to the help of the Corrientes government, other provincial governments, the national government, NGOs, zoos and rescue centers, scientists, national and foreign donors, and dozens of citizens, there are currently more than 100 animals of three species - anthill , pampas deer and collared peccary - which are returning to inhabit areas where they had been extirpated for decades. Work is being done to reintroduce the red macaw in the northern part of Iberá. The first pair of jaguars is already in the province, ready to start the breeding program in Iberá. This Fauna Recovery Program has given Iberá “life” and will continue to do so. With the restoration of the natural balance, the benefits for the ecology and for the local economies will be noticed.
LINKS:
Corrientes Becomes Corrientes Again (Rewilding Foundation) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGber86lTwI
Last Wild Places: Iberá - Nat Geo Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2gH7hSeYf0&feature=emb_logo
REWILDING
Natural Monument of the Province of Corrientes
It is the largest feline in America. It was distributed throughout central and northern Argentina up to the Colorado River in Patagonia. Today there are only 200 specimens distributed in three separate populations in forested ecosystems in northern Argentina.
They all face the grave danger of disappearing. Jaguars stopped being seen in Corrientes in the middle of the last century. Research work showed that there is habitat availability for the species in Iberá and that there is a high level of support from Corrientes towards the return of the species. The “Yaguareté Project: breeding, education and tourism in the Iberá Natural Reserve” has been approved by the authorities of Corrientes and the authorities of the Secretary of the Environment of the Nation approved the operation of the Yaguareté Reintroduction Center (CRY) on the Island San Alonso.
The objective of the project is to generate the practical knowledge that allows to breed jaguars under controlled conditions in a remote area of Iberá (San Alonso Reserve).
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018, the first two jaguar cubs were born at the Center for the Reintroduction of this species, on the island of San Alonso, Iberá National Park.
Arami and Mbarete were born, the first jaguars of Corrientes origin after decades of absence in the region.
The objective of this reintroduction project is for these puppies to learn to live in freedom on the island, within an ecosystem that is part
of the Iberá National Park.
The jaguar is not only an essential species for maintaining the health and integrity of wild ecosystems, but it also has the potential to become a prime attraction for tourists visiting Corrientes in search of its wildlife and natural landscapes.
LINKS:
Jaguars on Rewilding Argentina Foundation breeding center:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvR0oE_00Wg
The Conservation Land Trust - Experimental center for breeding the Yaguareté:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv7tfAwgHLY
YAGUARETE CONSERVATION PROGRAM
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Given the vastness of the region, we focus on the main portals and lodgings, but check with our team for the different accesses and attractions in the wetland!
LOCATIONS MAP
Posadas Airport (From Buenos Aires: 830 km. Duration: 1h30m).
Corrientes airport (From Buenos Aires: 795 km. Duration: 1h).
Mercedes (From Buenos Aires: 679 km km. Duration: 8h10m).
From Posadas (207 km. Duration: 4h20m) Mostly gravel Road.
Recommendable 4x4 vehicle.
From Corrientes (359 km. Duration: 5h10m).
From Mercedes (117 km. Duration: 2h30m) Mostly gravel Road.
LAGUNA IBERA / UGUAY ACCESS
HEAD CITY: Carlos Pellegrini / Mercedes
Rincon del Socorro is built from a restored 1896 farmhouse and personally enlarged by Douglas Tompkins. Lands that were affected by livestock, hunting of native species and deforestation since the arrival of European settlers. Rincón del Socorro became a high- class place where it’s a luxury to have the possibility of being there, surrounded by natural wildlife that leisurely wanders around the park, and having the chance to explore an area that guarantees breath-taking sightings.
LOCATION
36 km from Colonia Carlos Pellegrini. 92 km From Mercedes.
The estancia has a landing track for private flights.
Coordinates: S 28º 37’ 00’’ - W 057º 25’ 00’’
THE LODGE
The buildings keep the classic European style, with big galleries that make the houses cooler during summertime. The gastronomy combines local recipes with Argentinean and international dishes which are made using the vegetables cultivated in our organic garden.
Main House: has 6 superior twin, matrimonial and triple rooms.
Independent Cabins: There are 3 small cabins, 2 standard rooms and 1 premium room. Matera: a house with a superior room and
a standard room - with a living room spacious. Leaving the guest buildings are the CLT staff houses, and a little school where the children of these workers are educated.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation with full board (4 meals with non alcoholic beverages) and 2 daily Guided Tours (Trekking, Horse back riding, Boat riding, kayak, 4x4 activities).
- Pool.
- Wifi in common areas.
- Bikes.
- Organic Garden.
RINCON DEL SOCORRO - 5*
Website: https://rincondelsocorro.com.ar/
Posada Uguay is the gateway to the Guazu-Cuaré reserve, which in Guaraní means “refuge of the deer”. The reserve is a private initiative dedicated to preserving 40 hectares of native forest, grassland and wetlands coast. From a high lookout you can see the horizon and see how the pirizal extends to bathe in the Laguna Fernández water, located in the Iberá Park.
LOCATION
46 km from Colonia Carlos Pellegrini. 93 km from Mercedes.
THE LODGE
Its capacity is for 12 guests in 4 rooms. Each room has its bathroom, with a shower. The rooms do not have bathtubs. Common areas include: living room with fireplace, roasting stove, barbecue area and spacious galleries with sitting corners.
The lodge is staffed by a marriage of the Uguay area which improve the experience and makes it more special.
Since 2018 this property joins the Rewilding Experience work area, being the guests true partners in the conservation projects carried out by the Rewilding Argentina foundation.
Through a 2 km long channel, the pastureland is crossed to access exclusively the big Fernández lagoon, with particularly clear waters, inhabited by Yacares Caiman, Capybaras and Neotropical Otters, along with countless water birds.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation with full board (4 meals with non alcoholic beverages) and 2 daily Guided Tours (Trekking, Horse back riding, Boat riding, kayak, 4x4 activities).
- Wi-Fi Internet in common areas.
- Ceiling fans.
- Library and games.
POSADA UGUAY - 4*
Website: http://www.posadauguay.com/
Aguapé is the pioneer inn in the region, since 1996. It was designed with the typical architecture of an old Estancia in every detail.
With the privilege of being located on the shores of the Iberá lagoon, it has an excellent view towards the estuaries and the lagoon.
LOCATION
It is located at Colonia Carlos Pellegrini. 120 km from Mercedes.
THE LODGE
The lodge has 12 suite rooms, distributed between the Main House and the Small House, both located a short distance from each other, within the park and overlooking the lagoon.
During the summer, you will be able to enjoy excellent regional gourmet cooking, alongside a great range of homemade delicacies on our restaurant garden near the river bank.
During the winter months the setting of the tables is distributed around a great fireplace witch a view of the lagoon. There is an Open Bar that overlooks to the lagoon as well with a special wine menu made up of argentine wines.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation with full board (4 meals) and 2 daily Guided Tours inside of the Iberá Natural Reserve. (Trekking, Boat Ride, Canoeing, 4x4 activities, Horseback riding, Visit to the interpretation Center).
- Wi Fi in all the halls and galleries and rooms of Casa Principal.
- Pool.
- Book “Guide to Birds - Fauna & Flora of Iberá” available to the guest during the stay. (Spanish and English version).
- Laundry (With additional charge).
- Bar (With additional charge).
- Heating & Ceiling fans.
AGUAPE LODGE - 4*
Website: http://www.iberaesteros.com.ar/
You can enjoy a privileged location in a 2-hectare garden with a spectacular view of palm groves and a lagoon with its own pier on the Ibera lagoon.
LOCATION
It is located at Colonia Carlos Pellegrini. 120 km from Mercedes.
THE LODGE
Posada de la Laguna was built in a 2-hectare garden populated by native trees that ends in the lagoon. 8 rooms with private
bathrooms and sommier beds, are in the typical Corrientes province style. The main house has the dining room, living room and bar.
The pool is located near the dining room, where drinks and lunches are served. Afternoon tea is served in its galleries overlooking the lagoon and palm groves.
The menu is based on the regional and the homemade. It can perfectly combine flavors and textures that vary according to the creativity, joy and energy that comes from fresh and simple ingredients brought together in a respectful and bold way, which gives it flavor of local cuisine in its natural state.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation with full board (4 meals without beverages) and 2 daily Guided Tours (Boat Ride, Visit to the Interpretation center, Trekking, Horseback Riding, Canoeing)
- Wi-Fi Internet - Pool
- Verbena from L’Occitane Amenities
POSADA DE LA LAGUNA - 4*
Website: http://www.esterosdelibera.com/#/
Peaceful as the environment that surrounds it, Irupé lodge offers comfortable and original rooms in a rustic style. Thanks to the elevated construction guests may enjoy an excellent view of the Iberá lagoon.
LOCATION
It is located at Colonia Carlos Pellegrini. 120 km from Mercedes.
THE LODGE
Irupé Lodge offers 8 rooms and a family suite. All the rooms provide a unique view to the Iberá Lake.
4 Superior rooms with panoramic windows and an integrated living- room. They are located in separate cabins and hidden in the natural dense vegetation of our park.
4 Standard rooms with panoramic windows towards the Lake Iberá.
They are located in the main building and have direct access to a large living area, library and open-air veranda.
The family suite in the main building is the perfect solution for families with up to three children. One bedroom with balcony and an enormous bedroom.
Our swimming pool is nicely fitted into nature at 15m from the lake shore.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation with full board (3 meals without drinks) and 1 daily Guided Tours. (Trekking, Boat Ride, Visit to the Interpretation Center, 4x4 activities, Horseback riding, Ranch day).
- Air conditioning cold/hot.
- Biodegradable amenities.
- Wi Fi ZONE.
- Library.
- Laundry.
- Car Parking.
IRUPE LODGE - 3*
Website: http://www.ibera-argentina.com/es/
They are located a few meters from the Miriñay lagoon and Colonia Carlos Pellegrini. Estancia Iberá is managed by Rewilding Experience, part of The Conservation Land Trust. Lets enjoy being in the estuaries following their own rhythm and from the comfort of staying in a good house equipped. The houses are in a privileged place, just less than 1 km from the Iberá interpretation center and catwalks.
LOCATION
5 km from Colonia Carlos Pellegrini. 119 km from Mercedes.
THE LODGE
This residence area offers three fully equipped houses, where you can organise activities to suit you. CASA IBERÁ Capacity: Up to 8 people in 3 rooms. CASA YURUMI Capacity: Up to 4 people in a room and a bunk bed in the living room. CASA MIRIÑAY Capacity: They are two apartments with private bathrooms but share the kitchen. Maximum capacity of 6 people per wing.
Our team will advise you so that you can enjoy the activities that Colonia Carlos Pellegrini offers and the Iberá Wetlands from different perspectives, day and night, by water and by land.
INCLUSIONS
- Kitchen utensils, towels, and linens.
- Private parking.
- Limited Internet.
- Electric and wood heating.
ESTANCIA IBERA – RENTAL HOUSES
Website: http://www.estanciaibera.com/
LOCATIONS MAP
Posadas Airport (From Buenos Aires: 830 km. Duration: 1h30m).
Corrientes airport (From Buenos Aires: 795 km. Duration: 1h).
From Posadas to Ituzaingó (93 km. Duration: 1h20m).
From Corrientes to Ituzaingó (234 km. Duration: 2h50m).
CAMBYRETA ACCESS
HEAD CITY: Ituzaingo
Puerto Valle is located in the northeast end of the reserve. Its privileged location allows to have a point of private access to the estuaries and due to its proximity, it is possible to combine it with the Iguazu Falls. It is an authentic Argentinean estancia built in 1868 on the Paraná River bank, where nature meets tradition, high-end personalized service and superb regional cuisine to provide guests with a unique experience.
LOCATION
28 km from Ituzaingó.
THE LODGE
There are 13 exclusive rooms overlook the Paraná River and they are the result of an exquisite combination of architecture, comfort and attention to detail. Eight new 60 m2-rooms of modern layout and broad windows with exclusive views of the Paraná River, a private terrace and outdoor shower. In the main building there is a two-story apartment that is ideal for a family. In the old house there are four rooms, decorated with adobe walls, tall ceilings and ample spaces.
The estancia is surrounded by more than 14 hectares of park. In absolute complicity, a GARDEN organic takes center stage in surroundings of the historic house. Doors inside the hotel, there
are other environments that invite tranquility and enjoy. Thus the old kitchen of the stay was completely recycled to give place to the LIBRARY. The refined gastronomy and the views of which is enjoyed thanks to its large windows and terraces.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation with full board (4 meals without alcoholic drinks and snacks during tours).
- Activities: Expedition to Laguna Valle and safari in the Iberá National Park (Portal Cambyretá. Navigation on the Paraná River and its canals, kayak trips. Horseback riding, visit to the garden tour of the Path de la Ribera.
- Free access to the pool.
- Air conditioning.
- Living room: library with TV.
PUERTO VALLE – 5*
Website: https://www.hotelpuertovalle.com/
LOCATIONS MAP
Posadas Airport (From Buenos Aires: 830 km. Duration: 1h30m).
Corrientes airport (From Buenos Aires: 795 km. Duration: 1h).
Mercedes (From Buenos Aires: 679 km km. Duration: 8h10m).
From Corrientes to Mercedes (245 km. Duration: 3h20m).
From Posadas to Mercedes (437 km. Duration: 5h50m).
CAPIVARI ACCESS
HEAD CITY: Mercedes
Pirá Lodge is the first and most detail oriented fishing lodge specifically built for one of the most exciting gamefish in the world: the freshwater dorado. Uniquely positioned and supremely comfortable lodge with direct access to the Iberá Marshlands – nearly three million acres of largely unexplored marshland, including creeks, rivers, lagoons and freshwater flats, all teeming with fish.
LOCATION
68 km from Mercedes.
THE LODGE
Built with exquisite Corrientes style and pride, Pirá Lodge enjoys a spectacular panoramic view of the vast wetlands. It accommodates up to 10 guests in five deluxe rooms, each with a private entrance, private bath, two double beds, ceiling fans and air conditioning.
A separate building, attached by covered walkways and open-air patios, accommodates the spacious living room, bar, and dining room areas. Relax and enjoy a cocktail at any hour, and cool off in the outdoor swimming pool after a rewarding day of fishing. A top- notch team of experienced national and international chefs, trained in both classic and avant-garde culinary techniques, execute the food. With an artisan’s touch, chefs prepare every dish by scratch to be served at a minute’s notice. In addition, the inspired lunch
and dinner menus are paired with some of Argentina’s—and the world’s—best wines, Bodega Catena Zapata.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation with full board (3 meals with alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages).
- 2 Fly Fishing activities per day.
- Professional guide services & loaner fishing equipment (Rods, reels & Lines) Fishing license not included.
- Air conditioning.
- 20 Meter Pool.
- Telephone and internet Access.
PIRA LODGE
Website: https://www.piralodge.com/
Iberá Lodge is located in the heart of the Esteros del Ibera
surrounded by native forests and its own dock a few meters away of the main house.
They look for to make a contribution to sustainability and the reasonable use of resources.
LOCATION
65 km from Mercedes.
THE LODGE
The unique architectural design follows the lines of the Corrientes field construction and takes advantage of the natural resources of the area, giving rise to a space entirely built with local materials.
Ibera Lodge has 4 rooms and 1 cabin with two rooms and a living area. They have Air-conditioning, garden views and checkered floors. The private bathrooms have a bathtub.
This property serves a gourmet breakfast with regional and
international cuisine, which can be enjoyed in a shaded outdoor area with red tiled floors.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation with full board (4 meals without alcoholic drinks).
- Activities: Boat Ride & Boat Ride at night, Horseback riding and trekking. (Ask for Fly Fishing programs).
- Wi-fi in common areas.
- Free access to the pool.
- Games Area.
IBERA LODGE – 4*
Website: https://www.iberalodge.org/
WEATHER
The climate of Iberá is subtropical and it is possible to visit all year around, although it can get very hot in the summer (December to March with an average of 18°C to 35°C). Spring (September through November, with temperatures from 11°C to 24°C) is a particularly good time to visit with moderate temperatures. It is important to be prepared for both sunshine and rain all year round. The warmer months (November to March) have higher rainfalls averaging 600-700 mm. The winter months
tend to have the higher pressures and the summer months the lower ones. The variation of solar radiation during the year is very small. On average the solar radiation oscillates between 650 calories/cm2/day to 220 calories/cm2/day.
USEFUL TIPS
- Ideal is to dress in layers and long sleeves, to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitos.
Bug repellent is usually needed in the evening.
- Rain coat, gore-tex is recommended 1 Fleece vest or light jacket (just in case of colder weather but only necessary for September/October or April/May) - Polarized sun glasses.
- Camera Hats, baseball cap & Sun gloves.
- Quick dry pants.
- Personal toiletries.
- Medication that may need.
- Snickers or boating light shoes.
- Sun screen, ideally 50 block and Chap Stick with sunscreen.