Esteros del Iberá

Esteros del Iberá is an enormous wetlands area, that occupies no less than 14% of the Corrientes province in the north-east of Argentina. Most parts of is not really accessible for plain tourists, but from the small colony of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini you can catch a glimpse of this area with its abundant wild-life.

I arrived Monday evening, and left Thursday morning, and had two really great days. In terms of natural experience I have had better, but blame that on the weather: grey skies, temperature around15°C and occasional rain. But rarely have I had a better stay, than I had Hostería Ñandé Retá. When I arrived on the first night, there was a note in my room that the next day I would have my first boat trip, and the note was signed by Estrella. Estrella is the one who arranges all trips and excursions, books your transfers in and out of Carlos Pellegrini. And when you are back from the excursions, she asks how you liked it, and she really cares that you had a good time. And you certainly cannot complain on the cooking.

If you go to Argentina, you should definitely consider Esteros del Iberá, and if you do, stay at Ñande Retá. (There is also another place, Posada Aguapé, that I believe is more up-scale. But they don't have Estrella.)  But it has to be said, that going to Carlos Pellegrini is not straightforward. The closest city is Mercedes, which you can reach by bus. From Mercedes there is another 120 km an unpaved road to Carlos Pellegrini. Unless you have your own vehicle, you will need a transfer. Ñandé Retá can book this for you, but of course a driver that goes 120 km forth and back, has quite a price tag. (Check their web site for prices and details.) In any case, you should book advance by telephone or e-mail. You don't go to this place out in the middle of nowhere relying on chance. Don't worry about the language - Estrella speaks excellent English.

1. The Road from Mercedes	2. Hostería Ñandé Retá	3. Water Hyacinths	4. Yacaré I
5. Trees by the Water	6. Trees in Water	7. Birds and Trees	8. Birds in Tree Tops
9. Birds in Tree Tops II	10. Yacaré Kid	11. Yacaré II	12. Carpincho I
13. Under-Water Yacaré	14. Garza Mora	15. Carpincho II	16. Estancia
17. Grape Fruit	18. Cows	19. The Tree where I Fell off the Horse	20. Horse Ride
21. Palm Trees	22. Palm Trunks in Water	23. Buffalos	24. Palm Forest
25. Edge of Wetlands	26. Termite Field	27. Ground	28. Hostería Flowers
29. Next Boat Trip	30. Carpincho Sex	31. Water View	32. Marsh Deer
33. Floating Island	34. Floating Island, II	35. Yacaré III	36. Another Water View
37. Graveyard	38. The Local Jungle	39. Jungle Flowers	40. Blue and White Flowers
41. Cactus Star	42. Termite Home with Basement	43. Carpinchos and Birds	44. Wattled Jacana
45. Vizcacha I	46. Vizcacha II	47. Violet Flowers	48. Horse in Water
49. Night Forest	50. Cactus Fruits	51. Estrella	52. The Road to Posadas