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Ibera National Park - The restored wetlands of Argentina

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Iberá National Park, created in 2018, is destined to rank among Argentina's top tourist destinations. The word "Iberá" means "shining water," in the Guaraní language and it is also the name for Argentina's biggest wetland. A portion of the Iberá wetlands, together with the nearby grassland, savanna, and forest, are protected by the Iberá National Park. These reclaimed wetlands offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the nation as well as authentic criollo customs from its distinct Spanish and Guaran heritage. 

This reserve in the northern Corrientes province of Argentina wasn't a park twenty years ago; rather, it was a collection of sparsely populated wilderness areas. The Rewilding Argentina organisation and Tompkins Conservation came forward and started purchasing multiple properties. Presently, Iberá Park is one of Argentina's largest parks, with more than 2 million square acres of preserved meadows, lagoons, islands, and marshes. It serves as a haven for an huge wildlife population.

Location of the Ibera National Park

Ibera National Park, one of the most impressive places to witness Argentina's national flora and fauna, is situated in the geographic center of Corrientes Province. Positioned in a wise region, that supports the province's sustained development and economic expansion. 

Ibera Park, Argentina, has a latitude of -28° 36' 0.00" and a longitude of -101.551697. It covers an area of 158,000 hectares (390,000 acres). 

How to get to Ibera National Park

The distance between the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, and Ibera National Park is about 703 km (436 miles). Now, about the ways to get there. The national park has eight gates, each with its own set of services. You can get to the park by taking an overnight bus from Buenos Aires to Mercedes which costs about $1 to $11 and with a travel time of 3h 42m or by a train which costs around $1 to $2 and travel time is 2h 30m.

The driving distance between these two places is approximately 105 km (64 miles). You can then board the subsequent two-hour route from Mercedes to Carlos Pellegrini, the main entry point for exploring Ibera.  

Best time to visit

The wonderful thing is that you may go to the stunning Ibera Wetlands any time of year. However, the summer (from January to March) might be uncomfortable due to the intense heat. The autumn months of April and May are cooler, making them ideal for a visit.

September to January gives the most rain, yet the wetlands are the most colourful at this time of year. Numerous species are in their breeding season during these months, making for excellent wildlife viewing. June, July, and August are considered Argentina's "low season" because of the cooler temperatures they bring.

If you're interested in observing the bird migration he best time to go is between September and April, this is a terrific time to go bird-watching 

Bird Watching Ibera National Park

Where to stay

Your journey in South America, and all of your exciting adventures, can be enhanced by a fantastic stay. Here is a list of some of the top hotels for you: 

Rincón del Socorro. This sustainable lodge is situated on a 30,000-acre reserve that borders the considerably larger Iberá Park. It is a beautiful property and they serve an amazing organic breakfast. The most convenient way to arrive here is by car or bus from Buenos Aires to nearby Mercedes. The costs at Rincón del Socorro may change depending on your stay (e.g., dates, hotel policy, etc.).
Puerto Valle. Located on the banks of the Paraná River, is an excellent base for exploring Argentina's wildlife-rich Ibera wetlands. 13 contemporary rooms in the hotel, all with outstanding views of the river, are housed in a classic 19th-century ranch.
Aguapé Lodge. This one-of-a-kind lodge is located on the beaches of Argentina's Iberá Lake in a national park. It can accommodate families and has extra beds for children. The expeditions are the true draw at this lodge; you can plan a variety of activities to explore the national park, from canoeing on the lake to horseback riding and trekking.   

Ibera Wetlands National Park is without a doubt one of Argentina's most beautiful national parks, home to over 4,000 plant and animal species, and is the top destination in Argentina for wildlife sightings. To view a magnificent selection of animals - caymans, capybara, fish, birds, and many more - and to have an unforgettable experience, is well worth the effort to get there.

This article was last updated on July 17, 2024.