Iberá hosts an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including over 350 bird species, making it a premier birdwatching destination. Notable species include the jabiru stork, southern screamer, and various herons and ibises. The wetlands are home to significant populations of caiman, capybara (the world's largest rodent), and marsh deer. Through successful rewilding efforts, previously extinct species have been reintroduced, including giant anteaters, pampas deer, and collared peccaries. The park also supports healthy populations of howler monkeys, maned wolves, and numerous fish species. Recent conservation efforts have focused on reintroducing jaguars to restore the ecosystem's apex predator.
The park's vegetation is incredibly diverse, featuring over 1,700 plant species adapted to the wetland environment. Floating meadows of water hyacinths, water lilies, and aquatic grasses create intricate patterns across the water's surface. The embalsados (floating islands) support a unique ecosystem of vegetation, including tall grasses, rushes, and even trees. Along the higher ground, visitors can find gallery forests with characteristic species like lapacho, timbó, and ceibo trees. The grasslands are dominated by various species of pampa grass, while palm savannas featuring the iconic caranday palm create distinctive landscapes throughout the park.
The Iberá Wetlands formed approximately 15,000 years ago when tectonic movements altered the course of the Paraná River, creating a vast depression that filled with water. The landscape consists of a complex mosaic of marshes, floating islands (embalsados), grasslands, and forests sitting atop ancient river beds. The wetlands are primarily fed by rainwater rather than rivers, creating a unique hydrological system. The soil is predominantly sandy and acidic, with some areas featuring rich organic matter from decomposed aquatic vegetation. This geological formation creates a self-contained water system that maintains consistent water levels throughout the year.
The Iberá Wetlands have been home to indigenous Guaraní people for thousands of years, with their name 'Iberá' meaning 'bright waters' in the Guaraní language. The area remained largely untouched until the 20th century when cattle ranching began to impact the landscape. In 1983, the region was declared a Natural Reserve, and in 2018, it was officially designated as a National Park through the efforts of Conservation Land Trust (now Rewilding Argentina). This initiative, led by Douglas and Kristine Tompkins, transformed former cattle ranches into protected areas, making it one of the largest conservation success stories in South America.
The park's most distinctive feature is its vast network of interconnected lagoons, marshes, and floating islands that create a unique wetland ecosystem covering over 1.3 million hectares. The Laguna Iberá, the largest water body within the park, offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and boat tours. The Carambola Canyon provides a rare elevated viewpoint over the wetlands. The park features several visitor centers, including the Centro de Interpretación in Carlos Pellegrini, which offers educational exhibits about the ecosystem. The extensive network of waterways allows for unique kayaking and boat tours, while elevated walkways provide access to otherwise inaccessible areas. The park is also known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets over the wetlands, creating spectacular photography opportunities.
Iberá National Park experiences a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in winter to 32°C (90°F) in summer. The region receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, with annual precipitation averaging 1,500mm (59 inches). The wettest months are typically March to May and October to December. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in summer. High humidity levels are common year-round, making spring (September-November) and fall (March-May) the most comfortable seasons for visiting.
Argentina
-28.5000°, -57.5000°
2018
1834
Iberá National Park protects one of South America's largest wetland ecosystems. The park features extensive marshlands, floating islands, and grasslands. It is home to diverse wildlife including capybaras, caimans, and numerous bird species, with ongoing species reintroduction programs.