Colonia Carlos Pellegrini is a tiny settlement of just 800 inhabitants that serves as the main gateway to the Ibera Wetlands (lat -28.5333, lng -57.1667). Sitting on the edge of the Ibera lagoon, this remote village offers the most accessible and developed ecotourism infrastructure in the wetland system. From here, boat tours navigate among floating islands where capybaras, caimans, marsh deer and over 350 bird species are seen daily. The village has a handful of eco-lodges ranging from rustic to comfortable, all offering guided activities. The famous Monkey Trail boardwalk provides close encounters with howler monkeys. At night, caiman-spotting boat tours reveal hundreds of glowing red eyes in the darkness.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires (EZE) | 1100 km | — | 14 h | 12 h |
| Mercedes (Corrientes) | 120 km | — | 3 h | 2 h 30 |
| Corrientes (CNQ) | 330 km | 1 h 30 to CNQ | 6 h | 5 h |
| Posadas (PSS) | 340 km | 1 h 35 to PSS | 6 h | 5 h |
| Iguazú | 680 km | — | 12 h | 10 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22° / 33°C | 160 mm | Extreme heat + mosquitoes | |
| Feb | 22° / 32°C | 140 mm | ||
| Mar | 20° / 30°C | 160 mm | ||
| Apr | 17° / 27°C | 170 mm | Ideal season | |
| May | 13° / 23°C | 120 mm | ||
| Jun | 10° / 20°C | 70 mm | ||
| Jul | 10° / 21°C | 60 mm | Wildlife more visible | |
| Aug | 11° / 23°C | 70 mm | ||
| Sep | 14° / 25°C | 120 mm | Ideal season | |
| Oct | 16° / 27°C | 160 mm | ||
| Nov | 18° / 30°C | 170 mm | ||
| Dec | 20° / 32°C | 160 mm |
How to Get There
120 km from Mercedes on a dirt/gravel road (RP 40). Takes 2-3 hours depending on road conditions (worse after rain). 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle recommended. Many eco-lodges offer transfers from Mercedes. Mercedes is 270 km from Corrientes capital (3.5 hours on paved road).
What to See and Do
Boat Tours
The essential Ibera experience. Navigate the lagoon system among floating islands (embalsados) rich with wildlife. Capybaras graze on floating vegetation, caimans sun themselves, and birds are everywhere: jabiru storks, roseate spoonbills, snail kites, kingfishers. Tours last 2-3 hours, best at dawn and dusk. Most lodges include boat tours in their packages.
Monkey Trail (Sendero de los Monos)
A boardwalk trail through gallery forest where howler monkey troops live in the canopy. Their deep roars carry for kilometres. Other species visible: toucans, capuchins, and countless birds. Free access, 1-hour walk.
Night Safari
After dark, boat tours use spotlights to find caimans -- their eyes glow red in the torchlight. Seeing hundreds of caiman eyes reflecting across the dark water is an extraordinary experience. Also possible: owls, nightjars and nocturnal mammals.
Sunrise at the Lagoon
Watching sunrise over the Ibera lagoon from a boat, with mist rising from the water and wildlife awakening, is one of Argentina's most magical natural spectacles.
Best Time to Visit
- April-May & September-October: Ideal. 20-28 degree temperatures, minimal mosquitoes, active wildlife.
- Winter (June-August): Cool and dry (10-22 degrees). Best caiman visibility. Fewer mosquitoes. Cold mornings on the water.
- Summer (December-February): Very hot and humid. Mosquitoes intense. Wildlife most active at dawn/dusk.
