The Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve is a 350-hectare protected area facing Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, Argentina (lat -34.6167, lng -58.3500). What was meant to be a failed real estate project became the city's most important wildlife refuge: 340 registered bird species, coypus, turtles, lizards and native flora including ceibos, creole willows and rushes. The reserve has 8 km of walking trails through lagoons, grasslands, alder forests and the riverbank. A surreal contrast: wild nature 10 blocks from the most modern neighborhood's skyscrapers. Completely free admission.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 8500 km | 10 h 30 direct | — | — |
| Miami (MIA) | 7100 km | 9 h direct | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 10000 km | 12 h direct | — | — |
| São Paulo (GRU) | 1700 km | 2 h 50 | — | — |
| Santiago (SCL) | 1140 km | 2 h | 20 h | 14 h |
| Mendoza | 1050 km | 1 h 45 | 14 h | 11 h |
| Córdoba | 700 km | 1 h 15 | 10 h | 8 h |
| Iguazú (IGR) | 1300 km | 1 h 45 | 18 h | 15 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21° / 30°C | 120 mm | Hot summer | |
| Feb | 20° / 28°C | 125 mm | ||
| Mar | 18° / 26°C | 130 mm | Ideal fall start | |
| Apr | 14° / 22°C | 95 mm | ||
| May | 11° / 19°C | 75 mm | ||
| Jun | 8° / 15°C | 60 mm | ||
| Jul | 7° / 15°C | 60 mm | Winter break | |
| Aug | 9° / 17°C | 70 mm | ||
| Sep | 11° / 19°C | 80 mm | Ideal spring | |
| Oct | 13° / 22°C | 120 mm | ||
| Nov | 16° / 25°C | 125 mm | ||
| Dec | 19° / 28°C | 120 mm | Year-end holidays |
Typical prices by category
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel/night | USD 20–35 | USD 60–110 | USD 180–500 |
| Food/day | USD 15–22 | USD 30–55 | USD 80–200 |
| Tango show | USD 25–40 | USD 60–90 | USD 120–250 |
| Day tour | USD 30–50 | USD 60–90 | USD 150–300 |
Approximate ranges in USD as of April 2026. Subway & bus: flat ~ARS 500 fare.
How to Get There
On Foot from Puerto Madero
From the Puerto Madero docks, walk east toward the river. The main entrance is on Avenida Tristan Achaval Rodriguez, 10 minutes walk from the Puente de la Mujer.
By Bicycle
EcoBici stations in Puerto Madero. The bike lane on Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo connects directly to the reserve.
What to See and Do
Birdwatching
With 340 registered species, the reserve is an urban birdwatching paradise. Best times: dawn (6:00-9:00) and dusk (16:00-18:00). Bring binoculars and a bird guide.
Walking Trails
Three main trails: Camino de los Plumerillos (3.5 km), Camino de los Lagartos (1.5 km) and Camino de los Sauces (2 km). All flat, suitable for all ages. Full circuit: 2-3 hours.
Sunsets over the Rio de la Plata
Among the most spectacular in Buenos Aires: the sun sets over the river with Puerto Madero's skyline silhouetted in the background.
Practical Information
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00-18:00 (winter) or until 19:00 (summer). Completely free. No pets, bicycles or fire allowed inside. Free guided tours on weekends.
Budget
Admission: free. Transport: less than USD 1. Lunch in Puerto Madero: USD 12-25. One of the most affordable activities in Buenos Aires.
