Ibera Marshlands

" Argentina"

The Amazon jungle reaches Argentina along the bank of the rivers Parana, Uruguay and Paraguay. As we head north from Buenos Aires, we enter a network of jungle-bordered rivers, constituting a biological corridor through which Amazonian wildlife abounds.
Further north, we find one of the most spectacular natural wonder of South America: the Ibera Marshlands. Twice the size of the Everglades, its waters making the area almost inaccessible, kept this region practically unknown and unexplored until only a few years ago. It became a veritable natural refuge for the abundant and varied wildlife, as well as renegade Indians and matreros (gauchos). During two centuries, Jesuits colonised this beautiful region still inhabited by the Guarani Indians and their descendants. At the end of the 18th Century, when it became evident the Jesuits had practically building a parallel empire and became a potential threat to the Spanish crown, Spain expelled them.

The Itinerary

DAY 1: POSADAS - IBERA.
We meet you at the airport of Posadas and drive to San Juan Poriahu, a comfortable and exclusive Estancia in the heart of the Ibera subtropical Marshlands once property of the Jesuits. San Juan Poriahu is located 170 km from Posadas (about two hour's drive). Upon arrival, we explore the shores of the ponds, covered by aquatic vegetation and inhabited by capybaras, South American black cayman and spectacular waterfowls, jabiru storks, Southern screamers, wattled jacanas, bare-faced ibis, etc. In the afternoon, we go horse riding in the lowlands around the marshes and later we go for a night walk or navigate into the marshes (weather permitting), which provides us excellent opportunities to photograph wood foxes, local raccoons, large cururu toads, tropical screech owls and many other animals (L D).

DAY 2: IBERA MARSHES.
Full day to explore these fascinating marshes and navigate a traditional boat poled by local gauchos. Excellent opportunities to photograph the multicoloured flowers of aquatic plants and the varied fauna: black cayman, which despite its antediluvian appearance are inoffensive to humans, roseate spoonbills, maguari storks, whistling herons, anhigas, marsh eagles, painted turtles..... If we are lucky, we might spot the rare manned wolf, in danger of extinction (B L D).

DAY 3: POSADAS.
Transfer to the airport or continuation of your journey (B).

Extension

This journey is a natural extension of the visit of the mighty Iguazu Falls

General Information

The area is worth visiting almost all year round, alltough the best season is from mid-August to Novembre, the coolest season, when animals are plentiful. January and February, the hotest months, are not recommended.

Rated: Easy

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	1	2	3	4
USD	$ 379	$ 238	$ 206	$ 191
EUR	€ 315	€ 197	€ 171	€ 158
GBP	£ 212	£ 133	£ 115	£ 107

(*) Price last updated on 09 February 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .


Included: Accommodation in double rooms (most of them with private facilities) in a first class Estancia (ranch), meals as specified, all transport and transfers from Posadas in private vehicle, experienced local guides, activities (riding, wildlife observation, canoeing...)

Not included: Other meals, non local drinks

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