Discover the Iberia Marshes and Wetlands of Argentina

The Ibera Lake and Marshes are among the last paradises on earth where visitors can get face to face with caimans, capybaras, swamp deer, howler monkeys and hundreds of birds. Over 350 species of birds live in this virgin landscape. In the heart of Corrientes province you will find the Ibera marshes. The nature reserve , founded in the year 1983, covers over 13,000 km² of marsh with over 60 lakes – an area where wild animals are still the protagonists.

In the heart of Corrientes province and 1,000 kilometres north of Buenos Aires you will find Esteros del Ibera , the great Marshes of Argentina . In 2002 Esteros del Ibera was put on the list of reserves of fresh water systems by the Ramsar convention, especially because of the area's unique biodiversity and the multitude of endangered plants, birds and wildlife. Aboriginals lived, fished and hunted on the islands before the Europeans settled in the lake area. In later days it was the “mariscadores” who took up these old practices; today some of these men work as park rangers.

One of the over sixty lakes is Laguna Ibera , which in Guaraní – the language of the natives – means sparkling waters. It's a unique starting-point for excursions through the reserve. For any lover of wildlife Ibera is just as overwhelming as for photographers and natural scientists. The untouched environment is home and paradise to hundreds of species of birds , caimans, capybaras, marsh deer, otters, maned wolves, wild cats, howling monkeys, skunks, anacondas, piranhas and many other animals. If you've dreamt of escaping civilization, getting in contact with untouched nature and being face to face with wild animals – Ibera will make your dreams come true.

Irupé Lodge offers package stays including meals and activities into the Ibera marshes. Full board and activities. Rates per person double base. Valid until March 2012.Not valid for holidays

The Irupé Lodge is located on the shore of the Ibera Lake in the village of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini , province of Corrientes, Argentina. The concept at Irupé Lodge is to be respectful to nature as we are all part of it. We cannot make irreversible what mankind has destroyed but we must make an effort to protect the many beauties that are still to be found on planet Earth.

At Irupé Lodge, ecology and environment are the everyday guidelines and the owner's and guides' personal challenges. Our specialized local wildlife guides bring you face to face with savage animals without disturbing them, moving the safari boats with long bamboo sticks and only using silent and non polluting motors to cross the lake. To establish a high standard and a unique experience, we keep the excursion groups very small; usually between 2 and 6 persons, 8 persons at the max.At the lodge we provide biodegradable amenities and practise rubbish separation. Half of our park along the lake shore is a natural wetland fed by rain water. It offers a paradise to birds and animals that can be watched while enjoying the pool, hammocks, benches or simply an open air breakfast. This little paradise grants an unforgettable experience for all our guest's senses.

Let's discover the North East : By small aircraft, 4x4 or boat, on foot, horseback or mountain bike.

Iguazú Falls: At your feet, the water falls seventy meters down into the “Devil's Throat”. The shiver down your back isn't only the spray in the air. The 275 falls leave a great impression on every visitor as a unique demonstration of nature’s beauty and force. Once you're there, you know why the UNESCO declared it to become a world heritage. The surrounding Iguazú National Park consists of still untouched jungle and awaits adventurers.

Moconá Fall: Uruguay River awaits you with a spectacular surprise: After crossing the hip deep water on foot, you will get right to the edge of one of the largest waterfalls on earth. Due to tectonic movement, the water falls over a three kilometre long step. Adrenaline won't be missing either when you take the boat ride on Uruguay River exploring the immense biosphere reserve of Yabotí and getting to the falls from the other side.

Cattle farms: Corrientes and Misiones provinces are dominated by big rivers and fertile pastures. It's the area of horse and cattle breeding estancias , as the large farms are called. When you see the huge herds and watch the gauchos (Argentine cowboys) work, you notice that reality is much better than any Wild West movie. Now it's up to you to have a go at riding one of the powerful horses.

Relax program: Enjoy a stroll through the generous estancia parks, practise your fishing skills in the Uruguay or Paraná River or canoeing along the estancia intern creeks.

Mate Tea Plantations: The true Argentino needs two things to survive: Beef and Mate. Jesuits and later the European settlers adopted the Mate tea from the natives and industrialised its production. You can follow the process of how a simple plant becomes the national drink. After having tried the hot (Mate) or the cold (Tereré) drink, there's hardly ever a tourist leaving the country without Mate in his luggage.San Ignacio Miní and Santa Maria La Mayor: Here you can experience a part of the settler's history and learn where the Province's name “Misiones” comes from. In 30 large villages the natives were taught Spanish language, agriculture and Christian religion. On the other hand, the missionary took over certain aboriginal customs such as Mate tea and working with medicinal plants. Today the rebuilt ruins of San Ignacio and Santa Maria have been declared world heritage by the UNESCO.

Wanda: In the north of Misiones we can show you several mines where semi-precious stones are found. The mines are still active and you will see how the raw amethysts are brought to daylight and turned into fantastic jewellery – all by hand.

Alto Paraná River: In majestic calm, the Paraná River forms the Argentine – Paraguayan border. Its banks were and are a fertile home to the aboriginals as much as to the European settlers, which allows for a special mixture of cultures. Romantic islands and beaches complement the endless green of the jungle.

Corrientes, Uruguay and Aguapey River: The south western end of Ibera leads into Corrientes River, the only outlet of the Marshes. It is well known for its wealth of fish so that even less talented fishermen will end up with a heavy fishing rod, too. Fishing on the Uruguay River is a special experience as there is hardly any boating movement on the pretty shallow river. We recommend combining fly-fishing with a stay on an estancia (farm)

The Irupé Lodge is located on the shore of the Ibera Lake in the village of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini , province of Corrientes, Argentina .By airplane: Domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Posadas , province of Misiones , and from there by our private four wheel drive service to Carlos Pellegrini.

By small aircraft: From the international airport of Iguazú , province of Misiones, by our private aircraft to Carlos Pellegrini; with scenic flight over the Iguazú falls. This flight takes 2 hours approximately. Or from the national airport of Posadas to Carlos Pellegrini, overflying the Ibera marshes. This flight takes 40 minutes approximately.

By bus: By overland (night) bus from Buenos Aires to Mercedes , province of Corrientes, and from there by our private four wheel drive service to Carlos Pellegrini . There are other buses bringing you from Salta, Tucuman, Rosario , Corrientes or Iguazú to Posadas or Mercedes.

By private car: From Mercedes, province of Corrientes, there are 120 km of gravel road (Ruta 40) in good condition. Four wheel drives are hardly ever necessary. From Posadas , province of Misiones, there are 120 km of pavement and 120 km of gravel road that in wet conditions can only be made by four wheel drives. In Carlos Pellegrini there is no fuel station, please fill up your tank in Mercedes or Gobernador Virasoro.