18 Feb
Misiones

Complete guide to get to the Iberá Wetlands and discover a unique fauna

How to get to the Iberá Wetlands and immerse yourself in the nature of the coast

The Iberá Wetlands are one of the best destinations to discover the unique fauna and flora in the country

There are few places in Argentina to get close to amazing nature like the Iberá Wetlands. In the province of Corrientes, alligators, capybaras, marsh deer, mule deer and monkeys await you, among many other animals. Also, if you like birds, here you will find 400 species of all kinds and colors. And all this with the best sunsets you can imagine.

The best part? Getting to the Iberá Wetlands is simple and you can visit them in 3 or 4 days. The town to base yourself and explore the Esteros is Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, a place where peace is the norm. Once there, all you have to do is rest and enjoy the trails, boat rides, kayaking and get closer to a culture full of traditions.

At Rentennials we want you to know the best destinations in Argentina, that’s why we tell you how to get to the Iberá Wetlands and everything there is to see and do in this unique natural destination in the country.

 What are the Iberá Wetlands, a natural treasure

The Iberá Wetlands are one of the largest wetlands in South America and the world. It is a unique ecosystem and a refuge for biodiversity that houses a variety of flora and fauna, such as alligators, deer, monkeys and even jaguars. When you visit this place, you will find huge bodies of water, grasslands and some areas with forests.

In the past, it was a site intended for hunting and livestock. But from the 1980s onwards, the natural ecosystem began to recover little by little. Today, it is a destination where thousands of tourists travel to disconnect and get closer to a natural paradise. In addition, the culture of the local communities preserves the traditions and beauty of the place.

The Iberá Provincial Park, belonging to Corrientes, and the Los Esteros del Iberá National Park protect part of the wetlands.

Where are the Iberá Wetlands?

The Iberá Wetlands are located in the center of the province of Corrientes. There are many “portals” to enter, that is, dirt roads to get to the lagoons. The best known and easiest to visit is Laguna Iberá, in Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, a quiet town that today is the tourist center for touring the lagoons and trails.

 How to get to the Iberá Wetlands

Colonia Carlos Pellegrini is the main town to visit to explore the best of the Iberá Wetlands. It has a wide range of accommodations, restaurants and is very well prepared to receive tourists.

To get to Carlos Pellegrini you must first go to Mercedes, one of the most important cities in Corrientes. From there it is 120 kilometers (40 km of asphalt and 80 km of dirt) along Provincial Route 40. It is a road where you will constantly encounter wildlife, so you must go slowly and respect the maximum speed limit.

Going by car is the ideal way to get to the Iberá Wetlands. Whether from Rosario, Córdoba, Buenos Aires or Mendoza, the car will allow you to go at your own pace and enjoy the entire journey.

A recommendation: arriving in Mercedes in the afternoon and spending the night there is ideal for waking up the next day and doing the last stretch of the day to Carlos Pellegrini. Driving at night on the road that connects these two towns is best avoided due to the wildlife on the route. If you do, drive slowly.

 How many kilometers away are the Iberá Wetlands?

The distance between the main urban centers of Argentina and Carlos Pellegrini are as follows:

  • From Buenos Aires – 800 km
  • From Rosario – 750 km
  • From Córdoba – 950 km
  • From Mendoza – 1,490 km

 What to do in the Iberá Wetlands

If you are looking for a place to connect with nature and relax, you are in the right place. Boat rides, kayaking or horseback riding, walking along trails and observing animals are the activities that you will definitely do in the Iberá Wetlands with a guide. And, of course, enjoy the sunsets.

Boat rides and getting up close to the local fauna

There are usually several boat rides around the lagoon that last approximately two hours each. Whichever of the options offered by the guides, with the boat ride you will see alligators, capybaras, marsh deer and countless birds. All you have to do is sit in the boat and enjoy a memorable ride.

Another complementary option is to go kayaking. They are rented at the municipal campsite and you have to book as soon as you arrive. It is also done with a guide.

 

Trails

There are several options for walking around the environment of Los Esteros. Within the Iberá Provincial Park, you can walk the trails that start from the Interpretation Center, such as the “Cerrito,” which crosses grasslands and borders the lagoon; the “De los Montes,” which crosses areas of forest and grasslands; and the “Carayá,” which allows you to observe carayá monkeys in their natural habitat.

In the Esteros del Iberá National Park, 5 km from Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, there are two trails to explore the vegetation and fauna of this ecosystem. The “Monte de los Lapachos” and the “Lobo Cuá” are short and of low difficulty.

Many guides and accommodations offer you the possibility of walking the trails under the stars. The fauna changes at night, so if you are interested in having another experience, it is a good option to do the Night Safari.

Colonia Carlos Pellegrini

Carlos Pellegrini is the town to base yourself. From your accommodation you will walk or drive to the excursions that are usually in the morning and afternoon. Therefore, during the day you can rest in your accommodation or walk through the streets of the town and get closer to the traditions.

There are several restaurants to eat and shops to buy crafts and regional products.

A recommendation: enjoy the sunsets from the shores of the lagoon. You have to go to the municipal campsite that has a dock to sit and drink mate.

How to organize the visit to the Iberá Wetlands.

Getting to know the Iberá Wetlands is usually easier than many people think. Most accommodations have full board and organize excursions every day. This is important to keep in mind: all proposals must be made with a guide.

If you rent a cabin you will have to contact a local guide to accompany you on the trails, walks around the lagoon and everything you choose to get closer to the local fauna and flora.

Here you can find some guides for your excursions in the Iberá Wetlands.

 

Where to stay in the Iberá Wetlands

There are many options for all budgets. From internationally renowned accommodations to inns with innovative and affordable proposals. In general, all accommodations organize the itinerary of the excursions and have full board.

If you prefer to travel more independently, there are cabins for rent.

Here you can see all the accommodations in Colonia Carlos Pellegrini

When is the best time to go to the Iberá Wetlands

If you are one of those who suffer from the heat, avoid going from November to April. The best time to get to the Iberá Wetlands is the autumn and spring months. From August to November the flora is reborn and the colors are surprising.

Tips for visiting the Iberá Wetlands

Avoid going on long weekends or during winter vacations when there are usually a lot of people (and prices go up).

Book your accommodation in advance.

Respect nature and don’t go to unauthorised places.

Bring repellent and sunscreen.

If you go in the hot months, accommodation with a pool is ideal for spending the afternoon.

Rent a car with Rentennials to get to the Iberá Wetlands

If you are traveling with your partner, friends or family, going by car is much cheaper. Except for the last 80 km of dirt road (which are in good condition), the roads to get there are in good condition and there is not much traffic. Driving slowly and, if you can, taking turns at the wheel, in less than a day you are in Mercedes or Colonia Carlos Pellegrini.

If you still don’t know how to get there, renting a car with Rentennials may be the option you are looking for. Simple, easy to use and low cost.

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03 Feb
Misiones

Travel to the nature of Misiones beyond Iguazú

Travel to the Misiones jungle and discover the Moconá Falls

The province of Misiones is much more than Iguazú. Get to know the best of the Misiones jungle until you reach the Moconá Falls.

Traveling to Misiones is often synonymous with visiting the Iguazú Falls. Without a doubt, it is a unique experience and worth living, at least, once in the life of every traveler. But Misiones is much more than one of the natural wonders of the world. It is jungle, history, river, streams, incredible fauna and hotels that allow you to rest in unthinkable places. Imagine sleeping with all the comforts and, in the meantime, listening to the sounds of the jungle.

A different trip through the province of yerba mate is not difficult. The best way to start exploring Misiones is by car from the provincial capital. Renting a car in Posadas and embarking on the journey along the Misiones routes is an experience you won’t regret. Along the way, you’ll come across Jesuit ruins, little-visited provincial parks, and incredible jungle lodges to sleep in the middle of nature.

So that you can explore the must-see places in Misiones by car, at Rentennials we want to give you all the information you need to get there and enjoy the magic of the Misiones jungle.

Posadas, an unexpected city

Everything begins (and ends) in one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Posadas is characterized by having a beautiful waterfront to enjoy walking, cycling or driving. In addition, there are some beaches to cool off in the Paraná River if the temperature is too high, or you can also visit museums that cover part of the history of the region. And finally, you can cross over to Paraguay, to the city of Encarnación, to do some shopping.

 What to visit in Posadas, Misiones

Sometimes, spending a few days on a trip to a capital city seems like a lot, but Posadas is an unexpected surprise. Book one or two nights in some accommodation and enjoy what the capital of Misiones has to offer.

The Posadas waterfront

The Posadas waterfront is about 10 kilometers along the Paraná River. A good place to start the tour is at the Monument to Andresito Guacurarí, an emblem of the history of the province. It is located very close to the Bajada Vieja, a very representative place of the city’s culture.

El Muelle is another place to enjoy a sunset in the peace of the river.

The beaches of Posadas

Posadas has two beaches: El Brete and Costa Sur. The first is located in the city center, between Urquiza and Costanera avenues. There, in addition to sand and river, there are various sports activities to enjoy the day, such as volleyball and soccer. Just 200 meters away is the Itá Stream Urban Reserve, an excellent place to enjoy nature in the heart of the city.

Costa Sur beach is at the southern entrance to the city. It is a proposal that combines sun, beach, water activities and the tranquility of being on the banks of the Paraná River. Currently, it is one of the most sought-after places in the city.

Both beaches have an excellent gastronomic offer to taste local flavors. A recommendation: choose dishes made with cassava.

Culture and history

Posadas is full of culture everywhere. In the Old Train Station, today a cultural center, there are usually artistic expressions and exhibits to enjoy with the family. Another site of interest is the Costanera Mural. This is one of the largest murals in the world that combines the history of the region and that brought together more than 50 artists from various Latin American countries.

The Cathedral, the Aníbal Cambas Regional Museum and the Andrés Guacurarí Historical Museum are other places you can visit to soak up the history of the region.

 Crossing to Encarnación

Paraguay is just a bridge away. Via the San Roque González de Santa Cruz International Bridge you quickly reach Encarnación, a city located on the other side of the Paraná. In this city there are many shops to shop, from appliances to clothing and everything you need.

Perhaps crossing by car is not the best option. It can take many hours due to customs procedures. To make your trip easier, you can book a tour or, directly, use the modern international train Posadas-Encarnación.

San Ignacio and the Guaraní Jesuit Ruins.

Along National Route 12, just one hour north of Posadas, is the town of San Ignacio, famous for housing the Jesuit Reductions of San Ignacio Miní, a World Heritage Site. From the time of the conquest until 1776, the year of the expulsion of the Jesuits, there was an evangelizing task towards the Guaraní in these lands that can be thoroughly seen by visiting the site.

If you are in a hurry, visiting only these ruins is a good option, but if you have time and peace of mind, San Ignacio has a lot to see.

Guaraní Jesuit Mission Our Lady of Santa Ana

An oasis of peace and history in the jungle. Smaller than those of San Ignacio, but no less impressive, the ruins of Santa Ana offer you a tour with fewer people and with history. The jungle completely took over this site, something that makes it unique.

Like many of the Jesuit buildings, you can see the remains of the central chapel, the plaza, the work places and the places where both the Jesuits and the indigenous people rested.

Open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you go in the summer, avoid midday and afternoon hours, as the heat can be scorching.

To get there you have to go to the town of Santa Ana on National Route 12. Once you cross the bridge, turn right and follow a dirt road parallel to the road. Access is not clear, so it is often better to ask the locals.

The Jesuit Ruins of San Ignacio

perhaps the most famous in the world and the ones that everyone wants to visit. Its perfectly preserved buildings transform this place into something incredible to see. The plaza, the old church, the workplaces and the buildings that survived the passage of time are worth visiting.

At night, and with prior reservation, a beautiful light show is performed on the Jesuit buildings that traces the history of the region.

Open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In summer, try to go in the morning.

Teyú Cuaré Provincial Park and Horacio Quiroga’s house

It is strange that Teyú Cuaré Provincial Park is not visited by hundreds of people. But it is for the best, since the jungle is for you. Through self-guided trails of low difficulty you will travel through this portion of the Misiones jungle without any noise other than that of nature. Open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Very close to the Park is Horacio Quiroga’s house. It consists of two buildings, one made for a film and the other restored, where the famous Uruguayan writer lived. Before going, we recommend that you read some short stories to immerse yourself in the stories of the jungle that he knew how to write and the environment where he did it.

Open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Salto Encantado Provincial Park in Aristóbulo del Valle

After traveling the impressive scenic route that connects Aristóbulo del Valle with National Route 12, Provincial Route 7, you will reach the Cuña Pirú Valley. Here, the Salto Encantado Provincial Park awaits you, a site with an impressive 64-meter-high waterfall. In addition, you can explore trails that go deep into the jungle, offering you a unique experience in the middle of nature.

If you are looking to sleep in direct contact with the environment, there are some jungle lodges nearby. These private reserves have trails and all the amenities so that you can enjoy the magic of the jungle. The sounds of nature during the day and, especially, at night, will surprise you.

El Soberbio

It is time to continue the trip to El Soberbio, the closest town to the impressive Moconá Falls. This city offers basic services, but it is not the ideal place to stay overnight.

The best thing is to get as close as possible to the Moconá Falls and stay in one of the many options you will find near Provincial Route 2. There are alternatives for all tastes, but we suggest you choose a place surrounded by jungle and with walking trails. In this way, the experience of living connected to nature will be much more authentic.

The Moconá Falls

The Moconá Falls are located within the Yabotí Biosphere Reserve. Its particular shape is due to the fact that it is a geological fault existing on the Uruguay River. This made the waterfalls longitudinal, something that is not seen in other parts of the world.

The trip already begins even before arriving. The road from El Soberbio to the Falls is an experience in itself. The views of the jungle and the Uruguay River accompany you during the journey with unforgettable postcards. A tip: drive slowly because you will encounter local fauna and the road becomes winding.

Once there, the adventure continues with the boat ride that takes you to the base of the falls. If you dare, the boat will get so close that you will get soaked by the waterfalls falling on you, an exciting experience (and refreshing if the temperatures are very high). This trip lasts about 45 minutes, so afterward you will be able to explore the trails of the reserve.

The tranquility of the place and the few people make it common to come across black howler monkeys and other species of the local fauna. It is a unique opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy an environment full of life.

For the boat ride it is not necessary to book and they leave every 30 minutes approximately

 Tips for visiting the Moconá Falls

The peculiarity of the Moconá Falls is that if there is a significant increase in the river flow, the waterfalls disappear. This can happen if it rains a lot in the north, in Brazil. Therefore, we recommend that you enter the social networks of the Moconá Tourism Cooperative, who carry out the boat trips. A few days, or even a week before, you will be able to find out if the boats carry out the excursion.

 How to get to the Moconá Falls from Posadas

The best way to get to the Moconá Falls from Posadas is to take National Route 12, then Provincial Route 7 towards Aristóbulo del Valle. From there you have to go along National Route 14 to San Vicente and finally, take Provincial Route 13 to El Soberbio.

To help you, we leave you the map with the suggested route here.

 Jungle lodges in Misiones

These jungle hotels are excellent options to enjoy nature with all the comforts. Some have more features than others, but in general, being far from the Iguazu Falls, they usually have more affordable prices.

Here are some for you to keep in mind:

Tips for traveling to Misiones

The best time to travel to Misiones is between April and October. Although you can visit the province all year round, in summer the temperatures can be very high.

In high season, book your accommodations in advance so you can be sure to sleep in beautiful places.

The roads in Misiones are generally in good condition. However, there are usually a lot of trucks, so it is best to go slowly and pay attention.

A week is the ideal time to make this trip. However, if you have fewer days, you can organize your itinerary to get to the Moconá Falls.

 Explore Misiones with Rentennials

The Misiones Jungle is a paradise waiting to be discovered. Getting off the beaten track has its rewards. If you already know Iguazú, all you have to do is drive from Posadas to the interior of the province of Misiones and be amazed by the magic of its nature.

Renting a car in Posadas with Rentennials is the best option. Economical, sustainable, and with an easy process to have your car from the beginning to the end of your trip.

[:es]

We are Rentennials

Rentennials is the new way to rent cars from local hosts in your city, quickly, easily, and affordably. It's also your new path to starting your own car rental business and making money every month.
Discover more.

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Download our App

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