The Iberá Wetlands, in the province of Corrientes in north-eastern Argentina, are one of the largest freshwater wetlands in South America. Once overhunted and grazed by cattle, the area has become a flagship of rewilding: since the early 2000s, the conservation organisation Tompkins Conservation (and later Fundación Rewilding Argentina) bought land, donated it to create a national park, and brought back species that had disappeared, including jaguars.
At a glance
| Best time | March to November (cooler months) |
| Getting there | Fly to Posadas or Corrientes, then drive to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini |
| Time needed | 3 to 4 nights |
| Big draws | Capybaras, caimans, marsh deer, rewilded species, birds |
| Good for | Families, photographers, people interested in rewilding |
Rewilding Iberá
- Giant anteaters were the first species reintroduced, from 2007. See our giant anteater profile.
- Pampas deer, collared peccaries, red-and-green macaws and ocelots have followed.
- Jaguars: extinct in the region for about 70 years, jaguars were reintroduced from 2021, with animals released onto San Alonso island and then into the wider wetland. They are now breeding in the wild. See our jaguar profile.
- Giant otters have also been released, a first for Argentina in decades.
Wildlife you will see
- Capybaras: the world’s largest rodent, in huge numbers and very relaxed. See our capybara profile.
- Yacaré caimans: basking on banks everywhere.
- Marsh deer: the largest deer in South America, standing in the water.
- Birds: over 350 species, including jabirus, southern screamers, rheas and many herons.
- Howler monkeys and foxes near the villages.
How to explore
- Boat trips on Laguna Iberá, among floating islands (embalsados).
- Walks on trails through forest and marsh.
- Horseback rides with local gauchos.
- Night drives where allowed.
Getting there
The main village, Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, is about 5 hours by road from Posadas and a similar distance from Corrientes, partly on gravel. Other park entrances, such as Portal Cambyretá and San Nicolás, offer different areas.
When to go
- March to May and September to November: pleasant temperatures, good wildlife.
- June to August: cooler, clear days.
- December to February: very hot and humid.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see jaguars in Iberá? Jaguars have been reintroduced and are breeding, but sightings are still rare. For reliable jaguar sightings, visit the Pantanal.
Is Iberá good for families? Yes. Wildlife is easy to see, and boat trips are gentle.
How is Iberá different from the Pantanal? Both are huge wetlands. The Pantanal has more jaguars; Iberá is a rewilding story with very easy wildlife viewing and fewer visitors.
How do I get to Iberá? Fly to Posadas or Corrientes and drive, or arrange a transfer with your lodge.
Related guides
- Pantanal jaguar safari guide
- Where to see jaguars in the wild
- Rewilding Europe
- Animal profiles: Jaguar, Capybara, Giant anteater
Cover photo: Evelyn Proimos, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons