The Iberá Marshlands
The Iberá (from a native guaraní word meaning ‘brilliant waters’) are wetlands that cover over a million hectares and are fed by the river Paraná and its tributaries. The water levels vary throughout the year, and the area is very rich in wildlife, particularly birds (over 350 species).
The main gateways are Posadas, Corrientes or Mercedes, and there are several charming estancias offering comfortable accommodation, a few of which also specialise in fishing (the main attraction is the golden dorado).
Our preferred accommodation
La Alondra-i
Country hotel - Northern IberáIn the small village of Concepción de Yaguareté Corá, this family home, originally a warehouse of leather-made items, has been carefully restored and refurbished. There is a dining room, barbecue area around an internal courtyard, and a cosy sitting room.
Pirá Lodge
Lodge/Hosteria - Corrientes province - SaturdayA small comfortable lodge with 5 air-conditioned rooms, a 4 hour drive from either Corrientes or Resistencia airports. The Iberá is characterised by lagoons and rivers linked by clear water creeks and lodge offers anglers excellent fishing for fresh water dorado.
Posada Aguapé
Lodge/Hosteria - Southern IberáA small, friendly lodge on the shore of the Iberá Lagoon with lovely gardens, a private pier and a swimming pool. The open-sided restaurant offers lovely views and good bird watching opportunties and there is a cozy sitting room with some lovely books on Argentina and the area. All meals are included.
Posada de la Laguna
Lodge/Hosteria - Southern IberáA lovely family-owned lodge set in 4 acres on the edge of the Iberá Lagoon. The main house has a dining room, living room with open fire and bar. There is a swimming pool at the back of the house, overlooking the lagoon. All meals are included.
Puerto Valle
Lodge/Hosteria - Northern IberáA comfortable, small lodge in the north-east corner of the Iberá Natural Reserve, on the banks of the Paraná river an hour's drive from Posadas. Set in 14 hectares of landscaped gardens the main lodge (casco) is a traditional Corrientes ranch house built in 1868, which has been fully refurbished. There is a library and a sitting room and the restaurant serves typical food, with many of the vegetables grown in the organic vegetable garden. Outside is a pool, a thatched relaxation area and a quincho (barbecue hut).
Rincon del Socorro
Estancia/Ranch - Southern IberáA wonderful estancia on the southern edge of the Iberá wetlands. The 12,000 hectare former cattle ranch was acquired by the ecologist Douglas Tompkins together with two other local estancias in the area (Batel and San Alonso) and converted into a private nature reserve. The main building features a comfortable lounge, with plenty of information on the surrounding wildlife and environmental issues, a well-stocked bar and dining room. Outside is a small pool and separate building for barbecues. Food is excellent, all organic and home grown in the impressive kitchen gardens. Access to the estancia is via a gravel road from either Posadas or Mercedes, or by private plane.
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