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The Iberá Wetlands are a magnificent natural destination in Argentina’s Mesopotamia region, and they can be perfectly combined with a visit to Iguazu Falls. This vast wetland system offers exceptional wildlife viewing, beautiful landscapes, and one of the most ambitious conservation and rewilding projects in South America. Let me introduce you to this remarkable natural attraction and show you why it is worth adding to your itinerary in the region.
The Iberá Wetlands are one of the largest freshwater wetland systems in South America. The Iberá Nature Reserve covers approximately 1.3 million hectares, or 13,000 square kilometers, in the province of Corrientes. The broader Esteros del Iberá ecoregion extends across approximately 3.9 million hectares. The landscape combines lagoons, marshes, flooded grasslands, floating vegetation islands, streams, and native forests, creating an extraordinary mosaic of habitats.
These wetlands are renowned for their biodiversity, with more than 350 recorded bird species as well as caimans, capybaras, marsh deer, maned wolves, monkeys, giant anteaters, and many other native species. Visitors can explore the area by boat, kayak, canoe, on foot, on horseback, or through guided wildlife and photographic safaris.
The approximate center of the wetland system is located around 28°36′00″S 57°49′00″W. It is important to distinguish between the different protected areas within Iberá. The Iberá Nature Reserve covers approximately 1.3 million hectares, while Iberá National Park, created in 2018, protects 195,094 hectares within this much larger system.
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The Iberá Wetlands are located entirely within the province of Corrientes, in northeastern Argentina. Contrary to some older descriptions, they do not extend into Entre Ríos Province. The wetlands occupy a large area in central and northern Corrientes and can be accessed through several different gateways, known locally as portales.
Because Iberá is so extensive, distances vary considerably depending on the portal you choose. Colonia Carlos Pellegrini and Portal Laguna Iberá are among the most established bases for visitors, so the following distances use Carlos Pellegrini as a reference point:
From Colonia Carlos Pellegrini to Posadas: Approximately 200 to 260 kilometers (125 to 160 miles), depending on the route. Travel time can vary considerably because some roads are unpaved.
From Colonia Carlos Pellegrini to Iguazu Falls: Approximately 490 kilometers (305 miles) by road. Current driving estimates are around 10 hours, although actual travel time depends heavily on road conditions and the selected route.
From Colonia Carlos Pellegrini to Corrientes: Approximately 360 kilometers (224 miles), with a driving time of around 6 to 7 hours.
From Colonia Carlos Pellegrini to Resistencia: Approximately 380 kilometers (236 miles), with a driving time of around 6.5 to 7 hours.
These distances and travel times should always be considered approximate. Several access roads within Iberá include gravel, sand, or dirt sections, and conditions may change after heavy rainfall. Checking road conditions before traveling is strongly recommended.
Among the largest native mammals are the marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus, known as guazú puku in Guaraní) and the Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus). The marsh deer is an excellent swimmer and is particularly adapted to flooded environments, while the smaller Pampas deer prefers higher and drier grasslands. Both species are included in CITES Appendix I and are important conservation priorities in Argentina.
More elusive inhabitants include the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), the neotropical river otter (Lontra longicaudis), and Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi). In contrast, the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is one of the easiest mammals to observe in Iberá. This semi-aquatic herbivorous rodent, the largest living rodent in the world, can weigh more than 70 kg. It has a robust body, short legs, partially webbed feet, small ears, and coarse grayish-brown fur, all well adapted to life around water.
Yacaré in the Iberá Wetlands.
Reptiles are another important part of Iberá’s wildlife. The two most characteristic crocodilians are the yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) and the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris). Their populations have recovered significantly following decades of protection and the reduction of hunting pressure, and both are now commonly observed in many parts of the wetlands.
Several snake species also inhabit the region, including venomous species such as the yarará or crossed pit viper (Bothrops alternatus), the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus), and coral snakes (Micrurus spp.). Other species include the false water cobra (Hydrodynastes gigas) and the yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus), together with a wide variety of amphibians.
Giant Anteater.
The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) disappeared from Corrientes decades ago. A reintroduction program began in Iberá in 2007, and it has become one of the region’s major conservation successes. Today, giant anteaters have established populations in several sectors of Iberá and have even expanded into surrounding areas of Corrientes.
The collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) has also been successfully reintroduced, with several established population nuclei and reproduction occurring in the wild. A reintroduction project for the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) began in 2016, but animals were later removed from the wild after cases of Trypanosoma evansi were detected, and that particular field program was suspended.
The return of the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) reached an important milestone in July 2025, when a family group was released into the Gran Parque Iberá. It was the first reintroduction of the species in Argentina after the disappearance of reproductive populations approximately four decades earlier. Additional releases are planned as part of the restoration program.
The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) has also become part of Iberá’s restoration efforts. After a rare wild individual was photographed in the region in 2015, a formal reintroduction project began in 2021 and remains part of the area’s ongoing rewilding program.
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Jaguar or “American Tiger” (Yaguareté)
One of Iberá’s most remarkable conservation stories is the return of the jaguar (Panthera onca), known in Argentina as the yaguareté. The species disappeared from Corrientes during the 20th century after decades of persecution and habitat pressure.
A breeding and reintroduction program was developed in Iberá, but the first jaguars were not released into the wild until January 2021. Since then, released animals have reproduced successfully, and several generations of cubs have been born in freedom. By early 2026, the free-ranging population in Corrientes had grown to more than 40 jaguars, transforming Iberá into one of the most important examples of large-carnivore restoration in the region.
The area’s ornithological richness is equally impressive. More than 350 bird species have been recorded in Iberá, including threatened or emblematic grassland species such as the greater rhea (Rhea americana), black-and-white monjita (Xolmis dominicanus), yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata), strange-tailed tyrant (Alectrurus risora), and many others.
The red-and-green macaw (Ara chloropterus) is another major rewilding success. After disappearing from Argentina for more than a century, the species was reintroduced in Iberá. Free-ranging populations now reproduce in the wild, and additional birds continue to be monitored and released. The bare-faced curassow (Crax fasciolata) has also been reintroduced as part of the restoration of Iberá’s native wildlife.
If you’ve chosen to explore the Iberá Wetlands, you’re probably a nature enthusiast. Covering approximately 1.3 million hectares, this remarkable landscape combines marshes, lagoons, floating islands, grasslands, and native forests filled with wildlife. Caimans, marsh deer, capybaras, howler monkeys, giant anteaters, and hundreds of bird species are among the animals visitors may encounter.
Boat navigation is one of the best ways to experience Iberá. Guided boat excursions allow visitors to move through lagoons and channels while observing wildlife at close range. Capybaras, caimans, marsh deer, otters, and numerous aquatic birds can often be seen from the water. Tour duration varies according to the portal and local operator.
Kayaking and canoeing are also available at several portals. However, it is important to note that nautical activities within the Iberá Provincial Park must be booked with authorized guides or excursion providers. Independent hiking and cycling are possible on designated trails within Iberá National Park, although hiring a guide can greatly enrich the experience.
Another captivating option is horseback riding through grasslands, forests, and wetland landscapes. Horseback excursions are offered by local providers at several gateways and are suitable for different experience levels. Sunset rides can be particularly scenic.
Birdwatching enthusiasts will find Iberá one of Argentina’s most rewarding destinations. More than 350 species have been recorded in the park, and birdwatching is possible throughout the year. Different seasons bring changes in bird behavior, vegetation, temperature, and wildlife activity, rather than a strict September-to-April birdwatching season.
Hiking trails offer another way to discover Iberá’s landscapes. Depending on the portal, visitors can explore grasslands, native forests, lagoon shores, and elevated walkways while looking for wildlife and learning about the ecosystem.
Early morning and late afternoon are generally excellent times for wildlife observation, particularly during warmer months. During winter, animals can often be seen basking in the sun from mid-morning through the afternoon.
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There are several entrances to the Iberá Wetlands, locally known as portales. The tourism network currently recognizes 10 main access portals, each offering different landscapes, wildlife, activities, and levels of infrastructure.
The Uguay Gate:
Located 82 km from Mercedes and 32 km from Colonia Carlos Pellegrini via Provincial Route 40, Portal Uguay provides access to a remote rural area where around 20 families live within the Iberá Nature Reserve. Visitors can navigate Laguna Fernández, observe wildlife, walk nature trails, go horseback riding, and meet local artisans. Accommodation is available at a local inn, and a small country store sells basic supplies.
The Río Corriente Gate:
Portal Río Corriente is located near Chavarría, on the southern side of Iberá. Unlike portals dominated by lagoons and marshes, this area focuses on the Río Corriente, the main natural drainage system of the wetlands. Activities include boat trips, snorkeling, catch-and-release fishing, and historical circuits. There is no store at the portal, but services, restaurants, and accommodation can be found in Chavarría.
The Carambola Gate:
Located approximately 190 km from Corrientes, Portal Carambola is reached via RN12, RN118, and RP6 to Concepción del Yaguareté Corá, followed by 27 km of gravel and dirt road. The portal has a free campground with barbecue areas, bathrooms, hot showers, and other basic facilities, although there is no potable water. Activities include wildlife walks, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, boat trips, cycling, astrotourism, and other nature experiences.
The San Nicolás Gate:
Portal San Nicolás is located 163 km from Corrientes, reached via RP5 to San Miguel followed by approximately 27 km of sand and dirt roads. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. The portal offers camping facilities, barbecue areas, bathrooms, and hot showers, but visitors should bring drinking water and supplies. Activities include canoeing, kayaking, birdwatching, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and cultural experiences in nearby San Miguel.
The Cambyretá Gate:
Portal Cambyretá lies in the northern sector of Iberá, with access from National Route 12 approximately 15 km from Ituzaingó or 8 km from Villa Olivari. From there, visitors travel around 23 km on gravel and dirt roads. Cambyretá is particularly known for easy wildlife observation, abundant aquatic birds, caimans, capybaras, marsh deer, and free-ranging red-and-green macaws. Camping and walking trails are available inside Iberá National Park.
The Galarza Gate:
Located approximately 318 km from Corrientes, 120 km from Posadas, and 100 km from Ituzaingó, Portal Galarza is reached via Provincial Route 41, which is unpaved. Activities include navigation through lagoons and wetlands, birdwatching, wildlife observation, walks through grasslands and native forests, night excursions, visits to yerba mate establishments, and 4×4 excursions. Ecotourism accommodation is available in the area.
The Laguna Iberá Gate:
Located in Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, Portal Laguna Iberá is one of the most developed gateways for tourism in the region. The town offers a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, guides, and excursion providers. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, photographic safaris, astrotourism, and night safaris. From Mercedes, Carlos Pellegrini is reached via Provincial Route 40, approximately 120 km away, with both paved and gravel sections.
The San Antonio Gate:
Portal San Antonio is located near the towns of Loreto, San Miguel, and Caá Catí. Access includes approximately 16 km of gravel road to Puerto San Antonio. The portal has a camping area but no store, so visitors should bring their own supplies. Activities include bird and wildlife watching, kayaking, boat trips, hiking, photographic safaris, and astrotourism.
The Mburucuyá Gate:
Portal Mburucuyá is associated with Mburucuyá National Park, a protected area of more than 17,000 hectares within the greater Iberá natural system. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, wildlife observation, cycling, and nearby horseback riding and canoeing experiences. The park protects wetlands, native forests, grasslands, and palm groves and has more than 300 recorded bird species.
The Capivarí Gate:
Portal Capivarí is one of the more remote and adventurous accesses to the Gran Parque Iberá. Located in the Mercedes area, it provides access to extensive marshes, floating vegetation, and natural channels in a relatively isolated sector of the wetland. It is particularly suited to travelers looking for a more immersive nature experience.
These gateways offer very different ways to experience Iberá, from well-developed tourism centers such as Colonia Carlos Pellegrini to much more remote portals with limited infrastructure. Road conditions should always be checked before traveling, especially after heavy rain.
Absolutely. Iguazu Falls and the Iberá Wetlands make an excellent combination, especially for travelers interested in nature and wildlife. The two destinations offer very different environments: Iguazu is dominated by subtropical rainforest and monumental waterfalls, while Iberá offers open wetlands, lagoons, grasslands, and exceptional wildlife viewing.
However, the combination requires careful planning. From Iguazu Falls to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, the road distance is approximately 490 km, and driving can take around 10 hours depending on road and weather conditions. Other Iberá portals, particularly those in the north, may offer different routing options.
We’re ready to arrange a program combining both destinations. Check our suggested tour below to experience Iguazu Falls and the Iberá Wetlands in one journey through northeastern Argentina.
Click on the image below to check our suggested program. It also includes Buenos Aires in a wonderful 9-night itinerary, but we can arrange a shorter program combining only Iguazu Falls and Iberá. Just let us know!
