The Wetlands: the heart of Argentine biodiversity
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Loading... - Ulrich Scholz
- 18 May 2023
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Argentina's Wetlands, encompassing waterfalls, marshes, swamps, rivers, and islands, form a vast and biodiverse ecosystem located in the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes, and Entre Ríos. This region is a haven for iconic wildlife such as the yaguareté (the largest feline in the Americas), the broad-snouted caiman, capybaras (the world's largest rodent), the coatí, the marsh deer (the largest in South America), and the giant toucan. Visitors can have the opportunity to observe these animals through photo safaris.
Misiones is home to the mesmerizing Iguazú Waterfalls, a magnificent spectacle consisting of 250 waterfalls that collectively generate 1.5 million liters of water per second. These falls, recognized as one of the new seven natural wonders of the world since 2011, are located within the Iguazú National Park. Here, visitors can take a tourist train to reach the scenic platform of Garganta del Diablo (the Devil's Throat), a mesmerizing vantage point offering ever-changing views of the waterfalls. The park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Exploring the park, you'll encounter vibrant butterflies, colorful birds, coatis, monkeys, and toucans amidst the wooden vines. For an immersive experience, a nocturnal sailing tour to the base of the waterfalls, especially during full moon nights, is highly recommended.
Essential information for visitors:
- Iguazú National Park: The park's opening hours, available circuits, and ticket prices vary depending on the season. For more details, visit www.iguazuargentina.com.
-Nautical tour of the waterfalls: This tour includes an exhilarating ride in a large rubber boat to Salto San Martín, followed by a thrilling circuit through the rapids. Bookings can be made at www.iguazujungle.com.
- Night visit to Garganta del Diablo on a full moon night: Only three shifts per day are available for small groups on full moon nights, and reservations are required. Please note that the tour is subject to weather conditions. More information is available at www.iguazuturismo.com.
Corrientes is renowned for its Iberá Wetlands, the second largest wetland system in the world and a significant biodiversity reserve in Latin America. Once severely affected by livestock farming, deforestation, and poaching, the Iberá Wetlands are now a thriving tourist destination and an inspiring rewilding success story. Spanning 1.3 million hectares, the Iberá Natural Reserve encompasses wetlands, grasslands, weeds, forests, and thorn trees, harboring approximately 4,000 species of flora and fauna, accounting for nearly 30% of all known species in Argentina. Noteworthy reintroduction efforts have brought back species like the yaguareté, anteater, tapir, green-winged macaw, and Pampas deer. Visitors can embark on a serene canoe ride through hyacinth-filled waters at dawn, observing the harmonious coexistence of broad-snouted caimans, marsh deer, and capybaras. At dusk, a horse ride along the wetland shores offers the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing flight of cocoi herons against an orange-hued horizon, as well as the elusive presence of the maned wolf, a legendary South American fox revered as a deity by Indigenous communities.
