The Ibera Wetlands
In 2008, during one of our many exploratory trips in search of people to help us create our trips, we arrived in the Ibera Wetlands. The Ibera is the second largest wetlands in the world, covering an area the size of Belgium and is a mixture of marshlands, lakes and savannah grasslands. The region boasts a wide variety of wildlife, including: jaguars, ant-bears, tapirs, giant otters, howler monkeys, marsh deer, wolves, alligators, capybaras (like giant hamsters) and around 350 species of birds. Here we had the great fortune to meet Leslie Cook. Leslie is an extraordinary person who, when we first met him, was heading up one of the first operations of the inspirational NGO Rewilding Argentina that works to create new national parks in Argentina and to improve and enlarge the existing ones. In the Ibera they made a superhuman effort to turn the whole wetlands into a wildlife sanctuary and slowly reintroduce the species the region had lost due to human encroachment as well as preserving the gaucho and Guaraní cultures who’s symbiotic relationship with their home makes them an integral part of the land. We have worked with Leslie ever since our first meeting and he has become a firm friend of Macdermotts and we are tremendously grateful for all he has taught us.
Where to go & What to do
- Learn about the Rewilding efforts of the region, where amongst others they have reintroduced the jaguar, tapir, and giant ant bear.
- Birdwatching with a local expert.
- Exploring the cultures of the Guarani peoples and Northeastern Gauchos.
- Experience some of the best bird watching on the continent.
- Nighttime wildlife safaris in 4×4.
- Daytime safaris on horseback, in kayaks and on foot
- Parts of the wetlands have very clear water and there are some great chances to snorkel.
- Work with the gauchos at one of the cattle ranches of the grasslands of Corrientes, the province in which the wetlands are situated.
Travel logistics
- Summers throughout the wetlands and Corrientes can be hot and humid. Thunderstorms are common, and are often accompanied by lots of lightning and strong winds. The further south you go the colder it gets, the northern region remaining mild throughout the year while several frosts a year are expected in the south. Rainfall is higher in the Autumn and late Spring, but remains high throughout the Summer with a short dryer spell midwinter.
- Spring (October & November) or Autumn (March & April) are great times to visit, though it is possible to enjoy the region all year round.
- Corrientes can be tricky to get around, particularly if you’d like to combine the southern and northern regions. There are options to do a brief visit with less travel time though, for a more in depth look, be advised there’ll be some 5 hr plus long drives.
Things to keep in mind
- The region is hot, verdant and steamy, so a good bug spray and strong sunscreen are important.
Example Itineraries
Some examples of our favourite trips that we’ve organised over the years:
