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The Ibera Wetlands

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In 2008, during one of our many journeys of investigation in search of people to help us create our trips, we arrived in the Ibera Wetlands. The Ibera is the second largest wetlands in the world, covering an area the size of Belgium and is a mixture of marshlands, lakes and savannah grasslands. The region boasts a wide variety of wildlife, including: jaguars, ant-bears, tapirs, giant otters, howler monkeys, marsh deer, wolves, alligators, capybaras (like giant hamsters) and around 350 species of birds. Here we had the great fortune to meet Leslie Cook. Leslie is an extraordinary person who, when we first met him, was heading up one of the first operations of the inspirational NGO Rewilding Argentina that works to create new national parks in Argentina and to improve and enlarge the existing ones. In the Ibera they made a superhuman effort to turn the whole wetlands into a wildlife sanctuary and slowly reintroduce the species the region had lost due to human encroachment as well as preserving the gaucho and Guaraní cultures who’s symbiotic relationship with their home makes them an integral part of the land. We have worked with Leslie ever since our first meeting and he has become firm friend of Macdermotts and we are tremendously grateful for all he has taught us.

Where to go & What to do

  • Learn about the Rewilding efforts of the region, where amongst others they have reintroduced the jaguar, tapir, and giant ant bear.
  • Birdwatching with a local expert.
  • Exploring the cultures of the Guarani peoples and Northeastern Gauchos.
  • Experience some of the best bird watching on the continent.
  • Nighttime wildlife safaris in 4×4.
  • Daytime safaris on horseback, in kayaks and on foot
  • Parts of the wetlands have very clear water and there are some great chances to snorkel.
  • Work with the gauchos at one of the cattle ranches of the grasslands of Corrientes, the province in which the wetlands are situated. 

Travel logistics

Summers throughout the wetlands and Corrientes can be hot and humid. Thunderstorms are common, and are often accompanied by lots of lightning and strong winds. The further south you go the colder it gets, the northern region remaining mild throughout the year while several frosts a year are expected in the south. Rainfall is higher in the Autumn and late Spring, but remains high throughout the Summer with a short dryer spell midwinter.

Spring (October & November) or Autumn (March & April) are great times to visit,  though it is possible to enjoy the region all year round.

Corrientes can be tricky to get around, particularly if you’d like to combine the southern and northern regions, there are options to do a brief visit with less travel time though, for a more in depth look, be advised there’ll be some 5 hr plus long drives.

Things to keep in mind

  • The region is hot, verdant and steamy, so a good bug spray and strong sunscreen are important.

Example Itineraries

Some examples of our favourite trips that we’ve organised over the years:

Long Adventures

Over 7 days

Short Breaks

Up to 7 days

What our guests say

May K
May K
Lovely vacation Argentina and Chile. Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company: Perfect trip, it was lovely experience working with Paulo and his team very helpful in all ways and responsive for any questions or concerns he created WhatsApp group for fast respond that was very helpful, all the accommodation, he suggested it was perfect as far as location service kind from desk assistance very nice breakfast, and all the transportation was perfect on time and very professional. It was lovely, working with Paulo and his team and definitely we recommend his business for future traveler, thank you Paulo, and everyone for a wonderful trip we had an amazing time sending you our best regards from Los Angeles What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip? Everything was top-notch from beginning to end If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently? Actually everything was perfect. I wouldnt change anything Thank you so much for everything
Terry Tower
Terry Tower
My experience with MacDermott's was wonderful. They set up all the ground transportation, hotels, and excursions for three locations in Argentina. I had different people meet me at airports with my name on signs for easy identification. The link to my own portal outlining my trip in detail was extremely helpful and comforting to my family since I was traveling alone. I was even met at my first hotel and given a booklet with artist sketches and maps for walking tours around Buenos Aires, and he wanted to make sure I was comfortable with my itinerary and to answer any questions. Thanks to MacDermott's my excursions were easy to join and I felt very safe. I went kayaking in El Chalten and ice trekking in El Calafate. The hotels were lovely and in good areas, so I never felt unsafe walking around. When I go back to Argentina, I will definitely be using this agency again to help organize my trip. I highly recommend them to all travelers.
Karen Mielke
Karen Mielke
We found MacDermotts through Zicasso and they planned our fabulous anniversary trip to Argentina. They listened to what we were looking for and found us unique experiences and awesome boutique accommodations. Highly recommended.
Alan L
Alan L
Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company: Our trip to Argentina was absolutely phenomenal in a huge part due to MacDermotts and their careful selection of local experts! What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip? The hike down the mountain from Estancia Christina and the boat trip (captained by the boat brothers) from Llao Llao to Las Balsas were incredible, but truthfully, every single excursion was simply fantastic.
David Sprows
David Sprows
We spent a month in Argentina & Chile and it was a perfect trip !!! Hugh was a great partner helping us plan the best bespoke trip based on our personal preferences. They made all of our complex logistics completely stress free and arranged many unique experiences that we never would have found on our own. The hotels were all luxury and each one was unique which made the trip extra special. We would especially recommend all 3 Awasi resorts, Eolo and Jasmine (near Salta). We normally do our own travel planning but I am so glad we connected with MacDermott's to plan this amazing month. We will be going back and will definitely reach out to Hugh and his team again.
Lauren Marlais
Lauren Marlais
My friend and I decided to plan a trip to Argentina. Argentina is a huge country with many sights to see, and we wanted to see as much as possible in the two weeks that we had alotted ourselves. We knew that our adventure would involve many hotels and airplane trips. We wanted our trip to be safe and comfortable and as efficient as possible. I spoke with several travel planners, but I felt most comfortable with Adriano from MacDermott's. He really listened to what my friend and I wanted from the trip. I could not be more pleased with how our trip worked out. We felt completely taken care of the whole time. We were promptly met at each airport ( we saw 5 cities all the way from the very north to the very south of the country) and brought to our accommodations. Each night we would get a text to let us know the itinerary for the next day and when we would be picked up. If we had a question, we would get a response from someone at MacDermott's within a few minutes. Each staff member went out of their way to make sure that we were completely comfortable. If I go back to Argentina again in the future, I will definitely contact Adriano, and I will definitely try to encourage anyone I know to use MacDermott's!
Jennifer Kidd
Jennifer Kidd
Mariana and her team at MacDermott's Argentina helped my family plan the perfect itinerary to Argentina! This was our first international trip as a family and we had two weeks to see and do as much as we could. Other than our flights to and from Buenos Aires, everything was taken care of by the Mariana. She coordinated our flights between Iguazu Falls, Bueno Aires and El Calafate with all the necessary transfers and hotel bookings. She selected the perfect tours and guides for all our excursions. She made certain we had excellent service every step of the way and was responsive and accessible for help or questions at any time during our stay. We never had to worry about anything while we were there and everything went so smoothly during our 2 week stay. There was clear and appropriate communication all throughout the planning stages leading up to the departure and throughout our trip. I can't say enough great things about this agency and how wonderful they made our experience. I would highly recommend MacDermott's Argentina to anyone looking for excellent service from a travel agency!
Claire Schoen
Claire Schoen
Cannot say enough good things about McDermott’s - Paulo organized a fantastic trip that took us to remote areas in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. Fabulous overnight in the salt flats! They did an excellent job working in a variety of experiences for us, based on our own interests. Highly recommended!
Tommy Heydinger
Tommy Heydinger
We could not have had a better honeymoon. From the day we arrived in Buenos Aires, to the trips to Mendoza and Bariloche, everything went so smoothly. Hugh planned out an incredible itinerary for us that was exactly what we were looking for. We had days where we had activities and were able to learn more about the culture and cuisine in Argentina, but we also had days where we could rest and relax. It was truly one of the most memorable trips we will ever take. Hugh and his team were also incredibly responsive whenever we had a question about any activity we were doing. I can't recommend him enough! The most enjoyable part of the trips for us was staying at Peuma Hue and Las Balsas. They were both beautiful properties and had no shortage of things to do. We loved having the opportunity to relax at both of these places. But, it was great to be able to hike at Peuma Hue and the meals we had there were unbelievable. We also loved the day we spent out on the boat. Our guides were amazing, especially with how accommodating they were for my wife. I am also so happy we were able to experience a Tango show. Although that is something we normally wouldn't do, it was great to experience the arts culture in Buenos Aires. In Mendoza, the property was absolutely beautiful and hanging out by the pool with a glass of wine was tough to beat. My favorite part of that was the cooking class! There is not much that I would change. Every domestic flight we took was so easy, with transportation to and from each airport, it really helped us feel comfortable in a place where we had never been. Every bite of food we had was exceptional. There truly is nothing I would change. I hope we are able to get to Argentina again, because there are so many other areas we would love to explore! We cannot thank Hugh, and everyone else, enough for making this a trip of a lifetime.
Gay Gasser
Gay Gasser
These guys managed to put together a memorable trip for 4 very different personalities! We gave them many challenges and were given just as many viable solutions. I can not imagine using anyone else when traveling to Argentina.

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