Iberá National Park Is One of Argentina’s Greatest Natural Attractions

Domingo cuts the boat engine and we begin to float along the grassy marsh lands of the Laguna Iberá in Northern Argentina’s Iberá National Park, watching the clouds reflect off the mirror-like water. The unusual morning fog has burned off leaving a deep blue sky, and we sit for a few minutes just taking in the view. Eventually Domingo speaks up. “When I was a kid, I would swim in here all the time.”

He had just told us the lagoon was full of piranhas, so I ask the obvious question: “Did it scare you?”

“Not when I was a kid, but a few years ago I saw a piranha bite a chunk of skin out of my friend’s foot when he was getting out of the boat. Their teeth cut through the skin like a knife. Now I have a little more fear than I used to.”

We float by a caiman sitting on a tiny sandbank. His leathery snout is wide open to allow the breeze to pass through his mouth, cooling him down. At one point these crocodile-like reptiles were over hunted and left on the verge of extinction by local hunters who killed them for their skin. Today it is hard to imagine the caimán almost disappearing because they are everywhere. In the mid-1980s, residents of the Laguna Iberá region observed a troubling trend: caimanes were becoming increasingly scarce. Realizing the potential risk of extinction for these reptiles, the local community transitioned from hunters to protectors. They outlawed the hunting of caimans and transformed the former hunting grounds into an ecological reserve. This transformation in their relationship with the environment marked the beginning of a significant conservation movement that has since swept across the entire region, making a profound impact on the preservation of local biodiversity.

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The Lagoon Iberá is part of the Greater Iberá National Park. Created in 2018, the 1.76 million hectare park full of grasslands, forests, floating islands and marshes is on its way to become one of Argentina’s greatest natural attractions. The park encompasses much of Iberá Wetlands, which is one of the most significant fresh water reservoirs in South America and the second-largest wetland system in the world after Brazil’s Pantanal. The massive freshwater basin is home to some 4,000 species of flora and fauna. In addition to the biodiversity of the land, a small group of conservationists have started a groundbreaking rewilding initiative to reintroduce endangered species like the jaguar, green-tipped macaw and giant river otter.

Laguna Iberá can be found at the park’s southeast entrance. The nearby town of Carlos Pellegrini is a perfect jumping off point to explore the park. As tourism has grown in the area, so has the town. In 1997, three small hotels opened providing a total of about 25 rooms. Today the town of 1,000 inhabitants has accommodations from quaint guest houses to traditional luxurious estancias to accommodate 1,000 guests.

“This town used to be a ghost town,” Domingo said. “There was only one main road and there was nothing to do. People who left and came back a few decades later say it is a completely different town.”

Carlos Pellegrini serves as a refreshing contrast to the overtly touristy destinations that often fall prey to the relentless waves of outside investment. Local residents own a majority of the area’s restaurants and hotels which helps ensure that visitors experience a connection to the community’s traditions. Many of the families have turned their front rooms or large outdoor porches into a restaurant to serve regional classics like Sopa Paraguaya (a dense cornbread style dish) or Mbaipu (a typical polenta-style dish popular in the Argentina countryside).

Local guides like Domingo take visitors on the nautical safari in Laguna Iberá by boat or kayak. It is a great opportunity for a close up view of the region’s rich wildlife, from playful capybaras frolicking on the banks to sunbathing caimanes on sandy islets. For those who like nighttime adventures the night safaris provide an opportunity to witness the area’s nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat offering a different perspective on the region’s biodiversity. Stargazing is also a popular activity on moonless nights. More active travelers can book an afternoon of horseback riding for an authentic gaucho experience, trotting along trails that wind through the lush vegetation, offering spectacular views of the area’s flora and fauna.

For tourists who want to combine luxury and conservation, the nearby Ríncon del Socorro emerges as a standout destination for wildlife lovers and advocates for rewilding. Once a cattle ranch, this 30,000-acre conservation project has been transformed into a sophisticated eco-resort drawing nature enthusiasts from across the globe. Tranquil, unspoiled, and brimming with biodiversity, this is the place to unwind while wrapped in the raw beauty of Argentina’s stunning landscapes. Stroll along nature trails punctuated by the sights and sounds of exotic wildlife or explore the labyrinthine waterways by kayak, keeping an eye out for capybaras, marsh deer, and the crowning jewel of the region: the reintroduced giant anteater. After the sun sets, enjoy farm-to-table gourmet meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

How to Get There:

Because of its remote location, getting to Argentina’s Iberá National Park is an adventure in itself. Many tourists take an overnight bus from Buenos Aires to the nearby cities of Mercedes or Posadas. The nearest airports to the park are located in Posadas, Mercedes and Corrientes. From these cities, visitors can opt for rental cars or local taxis for the remainder of the journey, which usually takes around three to four hours. Keep in mind, however, that the last stretch of the route consists of gravel roads, underscoring the remoteness of the destination. Various tour companies offer transport services included in their packages for those seeking an organized experience. For more information, check out the park’s tourism page.

When To Visit:

Argentina’s Iberá National Park can be visited year-round as each season brings a different aspect of the park to life. Summer (December to February) is very hot but lively with vibrant activity from the park’s diverse wildlife. If you prefer milder weather, spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are ideal, allowing for comfortable exploration of the park’s outdoor beauty. August stands out for wildlife enthusiasts because the cooler, drier weather encourages more animal sightings. For a less crowded visit, consider the shoulder months when tourist footfall is relatively low.

Jennifer Simonson is a travel writer by trade and a lover of the world’s food, cultures, drinks and outdoor spaces by nature.